Advice please on a family dog

[Lostmyself86]

I'm looking for some advice. I'm not new to dog ownership and it won't be for another year or so but we are looking for a family dog and want your suggestions on breeds based on our lifestyle and what we can offer to a dog. Please be as realistic as possible and don't just suggest your breed because you love them.

We have 3 kids, pre school child, primary school child and secondary age.Someone is at home all day and even when covid isn't around we are home bodies that rarely go out. We do go out for daily walks for 30-60 minutes but aren't overly active. We have an average size house and garden. We need a dog that isn't too bouncy as kids don't like bouncy breeds by nature (I know a lot is training), the kids aren't bothered about playing with the dog but like to stroke and help walk dogs. I don't like yappy dogs if I can help it but would comprise if dog fits. I would like a calm breed that is affectionate and loyal as I have anxiety. Any ideas? Thanks

Also worth thinking about how much grooming you would be prepared to do.
No puppy is calm if that’s the route you’re thinking of though!

We would prefer rescue but accept it may not be possible due to my youngest age. Grooming isn't an issue as our last dog was a poodle x terrier and had a poodle coat.

Smaller rescues that place animals in foster are probably a better bet.
I asked about grooming as some need a lot of brushing, some to go to a groomers etc. It was a factor for me.
But you won’t want what I’ve got so I will go away.

I'm suggesting a Chinese Crested Powdwepuff.
They are sweet little dogs that fit your requirements.
I'd go with a puppy, would wait until youngest DC is in school. Puppies are hard work and need a lot of time and commitment.
No to rescue dogs because of the age of your youngest child and the fact that you really don't know what you'll get.

Retired greyhound or galgo

We have a cavalier King Charles puppy and they're meant to be lovely tempered family dogs. Can run and be happy, can walk round the block and be happy. They can have bad health issues if bred badly so a reputable breeder and lots of research is a must

Greyhound would fit into your lifestyle perfectly! They're calm, loyal, happy to just fit in with family life, don't need shedloads of exercise.

Greyhounds rock! 😍😍

Unfortunately it’s not just the badly bred ones @LondonPupMum.

We’ve got a lab x cocker she’s looks like a smaller skinny Labrador. Needs two walks a day normally min 30-40mins, loves off lead rambles. Absolute dream with my 9yr old, nearly a year old now. But the the first 4/6mths of puppy life is really hard work it’s like having another baby/toddler in the house. And we got a really easy puppy whose very trainable compared to some of my friends experiences. I’d seriously wait until your youngest is at school if you have a choice. She sheds so I sweep up / hoover 1-2x a day but doesn’t need much grooming. But she’s also been an amazing addition to our family wouldn’t change her for the world.

@Wolfiefan

Unfortunately it’s not just the badly bred ones *@LondonPupMum*.

No but you do reduce the risk dramatically and can live a king happy life

Miniature Schnauzer?

I've come on to recommend what I've got! A Tibetan terrier. Very sweet dogs, usually very affectionate (although mine isn't). Small enough for kids to walk without pulling them over. Non-shedding (but high grooming requirements). Downside is they don't like to be left and are fairly 'bonkers' when puppies. A bit stubborn and occasionally yappy (mine isn't). I would wait until your youngest is a bit older (ideally 6 or 7 but depends on the kid) because it will all be easier.

Bernese Mountain Dog - brilliant with kids, affectionate. But be prepared for hair

Cavalier's have got lovely temperaments but some pretty big health issues. But you might consider a cross. I've met some lovely Cavalier/Bichon frise crosses.

LondonPupMum - an estimated 95% of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have Chiari-like malformation and something in the region of 50% of those will have Syringomyelia. Difficult to 'breed out' something that affects such a large proportion of the breed, and then there are the heart problems, though they tend not to be affected until they are old.

Very gentle dogs, yours is a cutey.

Greyhound because of laziness or Staffordshire bull terrier because of all the kids

One of them would be my choice.

I'd suggest a small dog breed that was specifically bred to be a companion like a shitzu, Maltese, bichon etc.

We have a Cavalier King Charles, she's 8 this year and very healthy. Imperative to get from a very good breeder with all the testing.

Definitely don't get a cavalier. They are utterly gorgeous but the health issues are heartbreaking and it's almost impossible to avoid them now. They're also a puppy farmers wet dream!

I would suggest something like a bichon, a cairn terrier, a shih-tzu, Maltese or Lhasa Apso. They all need grooming but if you're used to a poodle coat it won't be a problem. All lovely dogs who would cope fine with your lifestyle 😊

Retired greyhound. Utterly gorgeous dogs, calm, gentle, loving and quite lazy.

Another vote for a retired greyhound. Loving, affectionate, good with people (including little ones) and other dogs. Lazy bones.

My poochon was adopted from a rescue centre - The Blue Cross. I adopted her 2 years ago when she was 1 year 7 months old - the best decision I ever made. You just need to choose the right dog for you. Blue Cross are brilliant and very supportive. 🤗

Poochons are loving gentle dogs they adore children. Love to be stroked and cuddled and sit close to you. Great therapy dogs when you are in need of a hug.
They are fun like to play and enjoy short walks.
Will be adopting another one when I have moved house. Can’t recommend the x breed more highly.

Another one for a cav here. Great family dogs. I wanted a dog I could physically restrain if they went for another dog. I'm not very big so it needed to be a smaller breed. I never want to be in a position where my dog attacks a person or another dog and there's nothing I can do about it so size was a huge consideration for me and the amount of exercise I can realistically commit to.

The worst advice I've seen is "your dog will get used to your lifestyle" for dogs that are known to require lots of physical and mental stimuation. It won't, it will become destructive out of boredom and you'll get annoyed. All things to consider when looking at breed.

The only thing I'd say about a cross is its difficult to understand their temperaments. I've known lots of people come unstuck with this too. Read everything and you'll be able to narrow down your choices according to what is and isn't acceptable to you.

One of the smaller, friendlier terriers.

Yes they can be a bit stubborn, but you seem clued up to the importance of early and ongoing training. The ones I suggest have strong reputations for being good with families, friendly to people and other dogs, not full-on terrier stubbornness, and as working breeds they can go all day, but the smaller ones would be OK on a couple of shorter walks and plenty of playing. Double coated dogs don't shed much, and are fairly low maintenance for grooming (and are low allergenic)

Look at Norfolks (or if you can find one, their endangered cousin the Norwich), Maltese, Havanese, Cairns or Border

Don't rule out Jack Russell or Parsons Russell, though IME temperament can be a bit variable