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

How can you recommend a dog breed you've not experienced owning ?! 😂

Most dogs will need two walks a day ( initially very short when bones are growing ) and a puppy will need playtime / like garden play or trip to the park just to explore rather than a walk. I think you have to decide if you can do this with the kids and school runs / tiredness levels in the rain and dark.

I have a working cocker spaniel, I've previously had Labrador's and a labradoodle. I wouldn't suggest a working cocker for a family but a standard / show cocker spaniel would be fine. Obviously needs brushing. Both labs and cockers are good family dogs, spaniels more anxious, but if you are home all day the separation anxiety would be such an issue, they are smaller than a lab.

Having said that I would go for a Labrador, but they can be very strong pullers and stubborn, but I see you have had a dog before. They train well, just always be consistent and firm they are lovely family dogs.

@LondonPupMum

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

Lovely, but I wouldn't have a short nosed dog due to the potential breathing issues. I did really want one instead dog getting another working cocker, the size is good, but having researched it I didn't. Same with the ever popular French bull dogs, they look gorgeous but it would be a big worry.

Border terriers make good family dogs. My vet said he would always recommend them to first time dog owners.

Healthy and happy, and not as 'terrier-ish' as some other terrier breeds.

We have an 18 month old JRT. He's super friendly, very easy and good with the kids. He has bursts of energy but he's happy with whatever walks and playtime he has which varies day to day. He sheds terribly though! He's curled up on my 7 year old's lap right now.

Don’t get a lab. And I say that as a lab owner with three young children. Even as experienced dog owners, having a cannonball of destruction who outweighs my children is a lot to take on and you don’t want a bouncy dog. I can see the fine dog he will settle into at 3 or 4, but at 15 months, it is a long way off.

Bearded collie.
Very friendly with everyone, great character, calm personality. Our DS has ASD and frequent meltdowns and our Beardie doesn't flinch. Love him to bits. He's happy with one walk a day plus playtime in the house or garden.
Lots of grooming and hair everywhere though 😂

They're on the Crufts vulnerable breeds list so may be difficult to find but definitely worth it.

We have a health tested cavalier and she is just the best. With any breed I’d personally wait until your youngest is a couple of years older but I’m sure lots of people have managed.
I was won over to cavaliers by looking after someone else’s first and have never known dogs as sweet . Ours is very sporty but undemanding and no breathing issues mentioned higher in the thread . We chose her breeder very very carefully who was lovely and gave us lots of paperwork from her parents and grandparents ‘ health checks too eg cardiologist report . They were dna tested before chose to breed to rule out some of the problems the breed can be prone too etc.

I would say greyhound.

Kind Charles spaniel would meet your the calm temperament, not bouncy requirement but they have so many health problems and all the ones I know are very yappy.

I adore retrievers and labradors but don’t think they’d be right for you.

St Bernard. Calm dogs, great with families, and just really lazy😂 they will keep you company around the home. Especially if you are always around.

Bearded collie. Fabulous dogs. Soft as butter. Mud magnets. Rough Collie - very gentle and kind. Bit brighter than beardies.

Thank you. Lots to think about. I adore Greyhounds and their soulful looks, will keep thinking but these are definitely high up on my list

Border terrier