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????

[CherryRoulade]

I suspect cockers that are snappy are not exercised or trained enough for their very good brains.
Two half hour walks isn’t a huge amount and is going to restrict your choices, if you want to be fair to the dog.
Certainly traditional working dogs need more if boredom and health problems are to be avoided. Big dogs generally need more exercise. For that reason I’d rule out retrievers, labradors, collies, pointers, spaniels and setters. Dalmatians and also need a lot of exercise to prevent destructive behaviour.

Poodles are meant to be very good family pets. They don’t shred, have lower exercise needs and are gentle usually. A few young families I know have dachshunds, which seem very popular at the moment.

[AlwaysLatte]

My CKC came from an excellent breeder with both parents' health checks clear. So that is worth considering. She's 7 now and no issues whatsoever.

[Spidey66]

What about a staffie? Lovely dogs and generally good with kids.

[MabelMoo23]

Some really good options thank you.

I love Whippets and they’ve been high on my list, but i do worry about going to my parents house (in non Covid time’s) and they have 3 cats! I would never forgive myself if we had a whippet and they hurt one of their cats or worse!

A PP said I’m overthinking it. Truthfully I probably am. But one thing I’ve seen on here is where people clearly haven’t researched and come unstuck and with such a huge commitment it is so important to get it right.

Re the 2 x 30 mins walks on weekdays that’s purely only because of working from home during day, my husband and I do different days at home - but actually that said there’s no reason why a dog walker can’t come to us even though we are working at home

I just want to make sure we get it right

[MabelMoo23]

@CherryRoulade

I suspect cockers that are snappy are not exercised or trained enough for their very good brains.
Two half hour walks isn’t a huge amount and is going to restrict your choices, if you want to be fair to the dog.
Certainly traditional working dogs need more if boredom and health problems are to be avoided. Big dogs generally need more exercise. For that reason I’d rule out retrievers, labradors, collies, pointers, spaniels and setters. Dalmatians and also need a lot of exercise to prevent destructive behaviour.

Poodles are meant to be very good family pets. They don’t shred, have lower exercise needs and are gentle usually. A few young families I know have dachshunds, which seem very popular at the moment.

I do love daschunds as well - although I do know you must be careful of their spines so not always suitable with children for that reason. But with any dog children need to respect it

[Gooseygoosey12345]

Breed just isn't a representation of personality or character. We've had many dogs who have the reputation of being calm and non-aggressive and they've been nightmares, we've also had dogs who people cross the road from and they couldn't have been softer.
Instead of looking for a dog that fits your needs, look for a dog who's needs you can fulfil, training and family integration will shape their personality more.
From your OP, I wouldn't get any kind of working breed as 2 walks a day at 30 mins just isn't enough, and I'd never recommend them to first time dog owners. The same goes for terriers IMO.
Any puppy is going to be a bit bolshy and mouthy at first, I'd probably wait til the DC are a little older, like you've said. It can be a bit overwhelming if they've not been around dogs.
And I'd also wait til DCat had passed on personally

[Gooseygoosey12345]

Also, the whole Staffy jaw thing is a load of rubbish. A staffs jaw pressure (psi) is 150-200 approx, a Labrador is around 230

[PoleToPole]

instead of looking for a dog that fits your needs, look for a dog who's needs you can fulfil

I would say look at both as they are equally important. It sounds like you are being very sensible and thorough @MabelMoo23

For what its worth I have fostered many, many dogs, and had both working and pet dogs of my own since childhood (my parents trained working dogs) and I would never have a Staffy, or any of the "bully" breeds for that matter.

I would say from your list that mini poodles are a good option, as a PP said, they are definitely medium sized dogs and not small dogs.

They do need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation (there are loads of great fun diy games that are easy and fun to make, and great for getting DC involved) but they learn fast, are very easy to train as they are such people pleasers. They are wonderful with children and other pets and generally very intuitive.
They tend to be very calm but very confident, and extremely brave and loyal. They are not shrinking violets by any stretch of the imagination.

They can be very aloof with anyone outside the family, current PolePup is a bold, fierce chap, but completely disinterested in any other people or dogs, if people go to make a fuss of him he calmly shrugs them off and ignores them. Not part of the family = not of interest.
He is extremely well mannered with other dogs, but would much prefer to ignore them too. From all the mini poodles I have fostered previously that is very typical of the breed.

Here (not UK) they are used as guide and assistance dogs, they are extremely focused on their family, other pets included, and go out of their way to build harmonious relationships with other pets.

They make fantastic agility dogs as they are so fast and responsive, and they take instruction/direction from children very well, not all breeds do. They are such characters too, and very expressive and easy to read.

They do need daily brushing, and grooming, but I have always groomed my dogs myself, there are loads of good YouTube tutorials, and the equipment isn`t expensive on Amazon.

Can you tell I love the breed? Of course those are just general breed traits, and every individual is different, but you have to take breed characteristics into account.

[PoleToPole]

Also, my working dogs (Great Pyrs) have jaw pressure of around 500 psi, I still wouldn`t have a Staffy.

[userxx]

Also, the whole Staffy jaw thing is a load of rubbish. A staffs jaw pressure (psi) is 150-200 approx, a Labrador is around 230

It’s always worth remembering that you are sharing your home with an animal that could potentially rip your face off if it wanted to.

[raspberrysundaes]

I do love daschunds as well - although I do know you must be careful of their spines so not always suitable with children for that reason. But with any dog children need to respect it

Dachshunds still need a fair amount of exercise. Don't make the mistake of thinking small dog = low exercise needs. Dachshunds are, again, working dogs and can go for hours. I walk an 18m old who will walk for hours quite happily. Anything less than a good 1-2 hours a day and her behaviour deteriorates.

It sounds like you'd be better looking at a companion-type dog - although you get show lines of working breeds, they still need decent levels of exercise. However, you mention a dog walker - that's absolutely an option for older dogs. If you can do 30 minutes x 2 and get a walker in at lunchtime 5 days a week, you're increasing your options massively.

However you'll need to make sure you can afford it - and make sure your walker has insurance etc, as not all of them do as it's sadly not a regulated industry.

[BananaSqueezer]

Get a rescue. Anything else is so indulgent.

[Jaffapaffa]

I have a Shih Tzu. Loving, small, friendly, and happy with 2 short walks a day. God's with children and happy to be stroked /picked up /cuddled.
Downside is the grooming, and he also barks at the postman every single day.

[rainingdogs1977]

A border terrier ?

[MabelMoo23]

@BananaSqueezer

Get a rescue. Anything else is so indulgent.

Thank you very helpful comment

As I explained I have two young children, and rescues will simply not rehome to families with young children. I’m not prepared to use an overseas rescue because often those dogs are traumatised and going into a family with young children is not right for it.

Therefore if any family wants a dog, then have to go to for puppies. Or are you saying that families shouldn’t have a dog because it’s just indulgent?

I’d love a rescue, but we’ve got no chance, and I completely understand the reasons why. It’s not about us, it’s about the right home for the dog

[Lellochip]

I’d love a rescue, but we’ve got no chance, and I completely understand the reasons why.

I'd like to rescue too, my cat is a rescue and she is literally the sweetest cat I've ever met, and that was obvious from the start, it's why I adopted her despite her being a scruffy/scabby half-bald hot mess at the time

But now I have a cat, finding a rescue dog I could trust with her seems impossible. The RSPCA currently have ONE cat-safe dog available, and he's not suitable for me for a number of reasons. So when I get a dog, I will more than likely buy a puppy from a breeder, because there's no other option for some people.

[IsabellaMozzarella]

I contacted a rescue centre recently to ask that if having young children are we likely to be able to rehome a dog and they said yes! You can also go on the waiting list for a rescue puppy.

[IsabellaMozzarella]

No harm is contacting some rescue centres and see what they have. They might have a lovely more mature dog who's owner has become unwell or worse. Not a stretch sadly at the moment. Then maybe you could have a lovely calm dog that has been used to grandchildren, and give you time and experience to know what type of dog to get in the future. Worth a phonecall?

[userxx]

A border terrier

Agree. Little dogs with big personalities. I've got one and he's ace, was never a fan of small dogs but he's changed my opinion.

[grannycake]

I also have a Border Terrier and she would meet your requirements. Loves people, children and other dogs. Eager to please (and train), no real health issues and would be happy with two walks per day as described in your OP

[Pomelos]

Why don’t you consider rehoming from an assistance charity like Hearing Dogs or Guide Dogs? They will generally be well socialised, they know the full history and will be looking to match the right dog to the right home. One that doesn’t make the grade won’t be that old and you won’t have to worry about house training or obedience’s. A friend rehomed one that was withdrawn as it liked swimming, which they can’t do as a working dog but is fine as a pet dog.

[PrinceRogersNelson]

We have a miniature schnauzer. Can cope well with longer walks (came on a 5k run with me this morning), but is fine if we only have time for a couple of short walks.

Great with children and with our elderly cat. A really wonderful family pet, she is loved by us all.

[tellthem]

Border terrier would get my vote.

[MrsBennettsSecretSon]

Pomells, people always recommend rejoining on MN and shelters, but reality is it’s nigh on impossible to get any kind of rescue or rehousing dog if you have young kids and are not at home full time

Sadly

[LooseMooseHoose]

I came on to say the same as @Pomelos. My parents have a guide dog reject. They got him at 18months old and his behaviour was impeccable. They did have to teach him how to play though.

He has always only wanted two walks a day of 30-40 minutes, plus a few trips into the garden, as they are bred to be low energy. He can do a longer 2-3 hr walk at the weekend, but is tired afterwards, even though he is now much fitter than he was when they adopted him. He is a velcro dog though, and would hate being left alone. Again, this is part of their breeding.