Really struggling to decide on a breed

[MabelMoo23]

I know there have been several posts but I’m genuinely struggling with choosing a breed.

We would love a dog for our family, but as we have two young DC’s it’s going to have to be a puppy. I’m not prepared to take the risk with an overseas rescue and totally understand why rescues won’t rehome to families with children.

I’ve been researching and researching and for some reasons all the breeds I thought I’d love, aren’t going to be right for us.

We’ve got 2 young DC’s so needs to be good with children
Doesn’t need tonnes of exercise, we’d obviously take for longer walks at weekend, but during weekdays, truthfully it’s going to be a 2 x 30 - 45 mins job a day . I completely appreciate there are breeds that need a couple of hours every day
Not too big. As much as I think Great Danes are wonderful, they are too big. Hungarian Vizsla is also on my wish list but definitely not right due to amount of exercise needed every single day

Those really are the main criteria. I’m also trying really hard to avoid any type of backyard breeder and puppy farming obviously so understand I’m going to have to go on a waiting list, which actually works for us as my youngest dc is probably a bit too young at the moment.

I’ve ruled some out - labs and GR, as probably just too big and bouncy (especially the lab) also worried about resource guarding with the GR. my sis in law has a 4 month old lab puppy and was so bouncy when we went for a walk it really freaked my DC out

Love Whippets and Geyhounds but we have 2 cats who admittedly are very much in their senior years so may not last until new pup arrives. But my parents have cats and I don’t want to have to leave DDog at home!

Staffys. I know they are supposed to be good with children, but I won’t lie, their jaws, and the potential, really make me uneasy

CKC - avoiding due to heart problems

Cockers - heard they can be snappy and I’ve heard of a few instances of Cocker rage. But maybe that’s wrong?

I’m wondering if a Maltese or a miniature poodle might suit us?

But does anyone have any ideas or recommendations that might suit us? I’m really struggling and I’m trying so hard to research as much as I can.

Moon on stick????

[mrsjoyfulprizeforraffiawork]

PS One of my staffies (current one) is a rescue and the most obedient dog I've had.

[mrsjoyfulprizeforraffiawork]

A word or two in defence of Staffies. I've had 2 staffies and a large collie cross. The collie had the strongest jaws of all 3 dogs. The staffies were/are both happy for me to open their mouths, clean their teeth, stick pills down their throats and do whatever I would (collie cross let me do that too but if she accidentally shut her jaws on my finger, I feared she might fracture it by mistake). A properly socialised and trained staffie is a complete teddy bear and an absolute joy to live with - their one fault is that they are always coming up for a cuddle when you are supposed to be getting on with some work.

[ReggieKrait]

If you are able to wait a bit, what about considering a vulnerable British breed?
Clumber spaniel, Sussex spaniel, dandie dinmont, smooth collie? This is what I’m considering a few years down the line when the kids are older. I think you would still need to get a dog walker during the day as two 30 min walks probably isn’t enough.

Definitely agree that breed does not guarantee temperament in any way. I’ve known two snappy aggressive cockers and two very dog-reactive and resource-guardy golden retrievers (all raised from puppies in a family home). You just have to be sensible with the choosing the breeder and socialise the puppy as well as you can.

[2catsand2kids]

We had very similar criteria to you, we have DC aged 8 and 10 and two cats. I spent an inordinate amount of time researching which breed would best suit us as a family and narrowed it down to miniature poodle, Tibetan terrier or whippet. In the end we decided a miniature poodle was the best option in terms of size, temperament, exercise needs, and as first time owners we felt they were probably a bit easier to train than Tibetan Terriers.

I spent a lot of time to find our puppy, there are definitely lots of dodgy people selling puppies out there but there are also lots of really good breeders, and you can usually distinguish the two fairly easily by asking lots of questions (about health tests, seeing the mother, whether KC registered etc.). It's still relatively early days so far for us (he's just 14 weeks old) but so far I'm so glad we got him and that we chose the breed we did.

[mumto2teenagers]

I think you should consider a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. We have 2, one is 8 and we have had her 4 years, she was a rescue and the other is a 10 month old puppy, purchased from a breeder in June. I think as others have said it is generally worth considering a rescue dog, the reason we got a puppy was because after doing research we believed it would be easier for our older dog to accept a puppy. She has and they are the best of friends.

They genuinely are really good with children and I think they would suit your requirements. The kennel club recommend 1 hours walk a day, we tend to take ours for 2 walks a day during the week of about 30-45 mins each walk. I work from home and during the day they are generally happy to laze on the sofa, but they have great personalities and are very affectionate. Our dd's were teenagers when we rescued, our dog came from Battersea and could not have gone to a family with children under 10, although when we spoke to them they said the reason was she had a tendency to jump up at people and could knock a small child over. In reality she acted differently around my nephew who was 4 at the time, she would jump up at adults a bit but didn't jump up at him once, she was very affectionate towards him.

[BalladOfBarryAndFreda]

FWIW, I have a lab. He is lovely and calm 90% of the time, despite being young and intact (unneutered). I was careful to select a puppy from a calm dam (mother). It doesn’t guarantee a calm temperament in any litters she has but it improves your chances (alongside the environment you raise them in and training you do with them).

The poor breeding and resulting health issues have ruined ckcs, it’s an absolute crime .

I think you are right to avoid doodle type crosses. Mini poodles are excellent little dogs if you want that sort of look and size and you are much more likely to find a reliable, ethical breeder.

I agree with @GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman though, it’s good you have some boundaries and understand what it is you can and can’t offer a dog.

[VitreousHumour]

@MabelMoo23 I completely understand your worries - but in fact we found it really easy to tell the difference between puppy farms, experienced breeders, and 'let's let our pet have one litter' amateur breeders when we were looking.

Whether or not you're prepared to go with the latter is a different question - we decided we were, in the end, and haven't regretted it. She has such a lovely temperament and we are considering having a litter and keeping another pup for that reason.

[AttackOfTheFloppyKnob]

Shitzus are a fab breed. Plenty of energy but not too over the top.

[GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman]

IME border terriers are very variable in personality, from the barky and dog aggressive to the sweet natured. Terriers have a very deserved rep for barking (ours did, as did her brother, as do the ones over the road) so that's something else to think about.

That said, Irish terriers can be very nice dogs - our local example is very chilled, not an epic Barker, has minimal prey drive compared to any of the dogs I have ever owned (which have all been working type, either terrier or gundog) and is a generally nice dog. He would join a scrap if one started, but he won't start one himself, and he'll enjoy a decent walk but has never expected miles and miles on a daily basis. They're middling sized and their coats need stripping now and again - you can do this yourself.

And OP, ignore the people bitching about your specifications. It's so much better to understand youri limits and find a dog to fit than to think, 'Ooh, vizslas are so pretty! I'll have one of those!' and then be entirely overwhelmed by the need for physical exercise, mental stimulation, thorough training and company that 90%+ of the breed will require.

[tellthem]

its a real shame that thread was deleted as it was a perfect example of what to avoid

[bluebluezoo]

As much I think the doodle and poo crosses are wonderful, I do worry that they are very much a product of puppy farming and unscrupulous breeders and I’m trying really hard to avoid that

Interesting thread last night, where people somehow appeared to defend a certain breeder of doodles. Was clearly a puppy farm, but apparently living in outdoor kennels, having 4 litters in less than 4 years before being “rehomed” is “commercial breeding”

Thread now deleted. I did wonder if it was a poorly disguised advert which went pear shaped when people saw through their attempts to sell their “wonderful” puppies...

[MabelMoo23]

@VitreousHumour

A miniature goldendoodle (GR x miniature poodle) would be perfect. Ours is much calmer than the mini poodles we know. I do one x 1 - 1.5 hour walk a day but I think she’s be just as happy with two shorter ones.

As much I think the doodle and poo crosses are wonderful, I do worry that they are very much a product of puppy farming and unscrupulous breeders and I’m trying really hard to avoid that.

I admit I’m very taken with the thought of W miniature poodle

[raspberrysundaes]

@SprogletsMum

What is the health issue with cavs? Mine is just over 10 and fit as a fiddle, maybe slightly achy on his back legs at times but can walk miles quite happily.

Sadly, they're suffering from an increasing number of pretty bad health conditions - syringomyelia, heart murmers, mitral valve disease, hip problems (dysplasia), dry eye conditions and ear infections such as glue ear.

It's such a shame as they're lovely little dogs with fantastic personalities but the health conditions just seem to be getting more and more prevalent

[VitreousHumour]

A miniature goldendoodle (GR x miniature poodle) would be perfect. Ours is much calmer than the mini poodles we know. I do one x 1 - 1.5 hour walk a day but I think she’s be just as happy with two shorter ones.

[Savoury]

What about a Maltese? My friend has one and he's absolutely adorable. Very easy to train, likes to spend lots of time sleeping, playful.. She walks him twice a day but not long walks except when it suits them, e.g. walk to pub over fields.

If he has a downside it's that he's obsessed with the family. He just wants to be with them lots so if you like independent dogs, this is not the breed for you. They always know where he is - usually at their feet.

Oh and he doesn't moult but you have to pay for grooming which can be £££.

[Lellochip]

@SprogletsMum

What is the health issue with cavs? Mine is just over 10 and fit as a fiddle, maybe slightly achy on his back legs at times but can walk miles quite happily.

I believe the two main problems are heart issues, murmers caused by mitral valve disease which effects nearly all of them eventually. And syringomyelia (definitely had to Google that one!) which is problems with fluid pressing on the spinal cord due to the breed's head shape, causes pain and damage.

As far as I know there's no genetic testing for either of these, so they're now very common, and hard to weed out the breed.

[SprogletsMum]

What is the health issue with cavs? Mine is just over 10 and fit as a fiddle, maybe slightly achy on his back legs at times but can walk miles quite happily.

[VanellopeVonSchweetz99]

PS: DH is a novice, I have some experience (family & extended family had dogs when I was a teenager). We have both read a lot & had training sessions at home with a pro just before current lockdown - worth every penny.

[VanellopeVonSchweetz99]

Miniature poodle here, he is amazing, so clever and balanced at 4 months, and no shedding - yay! 100% would recommend. DH had concerns pup might be a tad dinky for him but it's totally fine, pup is 'all dog'. A great thing about a smaller dog is he can't reach so high. They are into absolutely everything and puppy proofing/removing all small toys & choky bits is essential.
It's like having a newborn for a while, it really is. Our kids are nearly 10 and 12 and I'm so happy we didn't get a dog when they were any younger. We've had to 'neglect' them quite a bit and they've had to be very unselfish, ie no cuddling pup when he needs a nap, and taking it on the chin when he's got his crazy hour (over tired) and isn't, frankly, pleasant at all. For successful house training you really need a designated adult watcher all the time.

[moosemama]

@BoobyBetty22, I think that nicely demonstrates what others have been saying in this thread -that you can’t rely 100% on breed type and reputation and assume that’s what you’ll get, after all, every dog is an individual.

Mine wasn’t very typical compared to the others I met, but that could have been my influence and training or could just have been the way she was. Same with the one you know I suppose, he could just be naturally more chilled than most Wheatens.

Fwiw, all the ones I’ve met have been absolutely bonkers with bags of energy and then more to spare. The one consistent thing I’ve found with them though is that they’ve all been extremely loving and friendly.

[BoobyBetty22]

[quote moosemama]@BoobyBetty22 my Wheaten wasn’t content with 2 x 30 minute walks a day. She needed a lot of exercise as well as brain work. We spent a lot of time training every day (agility, obedience and heelwork to music) in addition to long walks and attended training classes regularly.

Coat care can also be an issue with them for novice owners. I learned how to trim my girl’s coat myself via the breed club and a friend who is a groomer, but if you’re not confident or able to do it yourself they need regular, professional grooming, on top of daily brushing/combing at home.

We had her pre-dc and I’m not sure I would have been able to manage everything if I had had young children at the time, although admittedly I did have three dogs back then, so more dog-related activity in general.

If you have the time for them, they are amazing dogs, but if you expect them to fit around a household and be a lazy family dog, you will most likely end up with unwanted behaviours borne out of boredom and frustration.

Mine wasn’t very terrier-y, especially compared to others I’ve met, but I wonder how much of her self-control and good behaviour was down to the amount of work we put into her, especially as a pup and youngster. At the heart of it, they are still terriers and they will dig, bark and do all the other things intelligent, active terriers will get up to if they’re bored.

OP, I would have a look at the Bichon Frise, fantastic little dogs.[/quote]
Thanks for letting me know this. The one I know is pretty chilled out but maybe he was an exception!

[Shmithecat2]

Lurcher? I know they're not a 'breed' as such, but some pointy dogs can indeed live with cats happily, especially if the cats are older and you get a puppy. DM has two lurchers and two cats. The cats were approx 6/7 years old when she got the dogs as puppied, and the dogs have a healthy fear/uncontrollable love for the cats. They're also absolutely fine off lead and have great recall.

[moosemama]

@BoobyBetty22 my Wheaten wasn’t content with 2 x 30 minute walks a day. She needed a lot of exercise as well as brain work. We spent a lot of time training every day (agility, obedience and heelwork to music) in addition to long walks and attended training classes regularly.

Coat care can also be an issue with them for novice owners. I learned how to trim my girl’s coat myself via the breed club and a friend who is a groomer, but if you’re not confident or able to do it yourself they need regular, professional grooming, on top of daily brushing/combing at home.

We had her pre-dc and I’m not sure I would have been able to manage everything if I had had young children at the time, although admittedly I did have three dogs back then, so more dog-related activity in general.

If you have the time for them, they are amazing dogs, but if you expect them to fit around a household and be a lazy family dog, you will most likely end up with unwanted behaviours borne out of boredom and frustration.

Mine wasn’t very terrier-y, especially compared to others I’ve met, but I wonder how much of her self-control and good behaviour was down to the amount of work we put into her, especially as a pup and youngster. At the heart of it, they are still terriers and they will dig, bark and do all the other things intelligent, active terriers will get up to if they’re bored.

OP, I would have a look at the Bichon Frise, fantastic little dogs.

[Donutsandjam]

Shih tzh
I got mine when my youngest ws 3
She is amazing
Can cope well with just one short walk a day round the block then we take her to parks on weekends

[savvy7]

I would definitely avoid the cross breeds - cockapoos etc - and any other trendy breeds such as French bulldogs. There are too many unscrupulous breeders.

I'd go for a pedigree small dog and invest in puppy training and be prepared to be firm with puppy around cats - and be firm with children around puppy.

Having a puppy is like having a child, lots of effort and clear boundaries. But.it.does pay off.