Does a dog like this exist?

[Ohdoleavemealone]

DH and kids are nagging for a dog and I don't think we can find a good fit for our family and that it wouldn't be fair on the dog.
We need a dog that will be happy to be home for a good stretch of time (5-6) hours 2/3 times a week.
Good with kids
Easy to train
Medium in size
One that won't shed too much as I have allergies.

DH found a breed but they are rare and good breeders are hard to find.
Anyone recommend a breed that will fit? I don't want to agree to a dog and then regret it.

That seems a long time for a dog to be left alone- are you thinking of a puppy or an older dog?

100% poodle but you need to maintain it’s coat daily and keep it trim frequently

That's a long time to leave a dog alone, even breeds which are not known for separation anxiety might be miserable on that, particularly when young. You will need a back up plan, whatever breed you get, for long absences, as ability to cope is often down to individual temperament.

On the other points you are after, try a poodle or a soft coated wheaten terrier. Terriers can be stubborn to train, but they are excellent family dogs. Double coats shed very little and are lower maintenance than a poodle coat

The only one I can think of is a cat.

Don't get a dog. It's not fair to leave them home alone for that length of time.

Looking for a puppy. We would be able to build up to that sort of time but by September time we are hoping to have our business open which will be at least 2 days a week where we will be out of the house of 5/6 hours.

I would say a miniature schnauzer.
I really dislikes dogs but I would own one of those.

No dog should be left for that length of time :(

Oh yeah, poodle do not do well all by themselves but if you say 5-6 hours 2 or 3 x a week, he probably be ok but it is better to take him to a doggy daycare. Most people work 5-6 hours

Thanks everyone. I am listening to what people say about dogs being alone. It's my main concern with having a dog as next doors barks all day when they are out.

You'll need doggy daycare then - you can't leave a young puppy within earshot of a barking and probably unhappy dog next door.

Please don't.

You may get lucky and find a dog who, with time, would be happy to be left for that long. But you'd need a lot of luck, and a fair amount of time, and you certainly won't guarantee it by breed.

Dogs need company, not just toilet breaks.

We have 2 frenchies who are fine at being left that long, we rarely do it but they basically sleep constantly when we are out. We got 2 so they keep each other company, they have a good walk and play outside before they are left.

During the pandemic it had become apparent as we are spending a lot more time at home that they basically nap the majority of the time and have regular bursts of energy when they go for a wee outside which is generally 4-6 hours (they tell us when they want the loo)

Singular frenchies need company and do not like to be left long time though.

Grey hounds sleep a lot and Bassett hounds?

That’s too long to leave a dog alone, I really hope you take this on board.

If it’s your own business can’t you take it to work ?

And dogs that sleep when left that long do it because there is nothing else to do.

Sounds like you want a Staffordshire Bull Terrier to me. I’ve always had them, and they are the best dogs.

That is too long to leave a dog of ANY breed or age. You would need day care.

@Floralnomad

If it’s your own business can’t you take it to work ?

No it's a children's play centre.

My issue with the dog was being out at work all day, then going to pick the kids up, going to a club or swimming or something an d the 4-5 hrs wld begin to stretch to another two or three putting a stop to any spontaneity like popping to the cafe cos we had to get home cos the dog was alone. The guilt was terrible.

@tadpole39

My issue with the dog was being out at work all day, then going to pick the kids up, going to a club or swimming or something an d the 4-5 hrs wld begin to stretch to another two or three putting a stop to any spontaneity like popping to the cafe cos we had to get home cos the dog was alone. The guilt was terrible.

Yes this was my point too. I said to DH I don't want to be cutting a meal short with friends because the dog needed us home etc. He seems to think that specific breeds will be okay being left home for big chunks.

A lonely Bassett will howl constantly. An SBT will eat the sofa and be miserable without its family.

There is no such thing as a dog that's easy to train. You can have more intelligent ones, but that also comes with the ability to get themselves in more spectacular levels of trouble whilst left alone - and often, are far more distressed when left.

There is no magic breed. They all need work, company, rather than being left alone for hours, and stimulation.

We have a cockapoo, he is fine on his own for 6 hrs. He is great with the kids and never leaves a hair anywhere, they get a lot of stick on here but they are amazing dogs.

Seriously - 5-6 hours three days a week is completely reasonable for an adult dog! Even for an older puppy. And you can always hire a dog walker, especially while the dog is young.
In terms of breed standard schnauzer is another good idea. Miniature schnauzers are barky so would not go this route. I love the look of wheaten terriers too but never met one. And of course you have poodles and all the popular poodle crosses.