English cocker spaniel or poodle

[Roxymumoftwokids]

Looking for recommendations on the best breed to fit out household. It will be our first dog. We've got a 1year old cat and 2 kids age 5 and 8. We have a big house and live near a playing field. My dh and I are quite busy and I have hip problems, so will be able to do an hour and a half walk every day max. Puppy will go for training classes and will will try to get him from a reputable breeder. I can't decide between show type cocker spaniel or poodle or any other breed small/medium size, not toy size. Thanks.

Cavalier ?

Miniature schnauzer?

I’m told border terriers are ideal for first time owners - they don’t generally have typical terrier characteristics and are usually brilliant with children. Our friends have one as their first dog, having done a mass of research, and he’s been brilliant.

You might want to think about whether realistically you have time for a dog - it’s not the walking, an hour and a half is fine, not unrealistically low or anything.

But they eat into other time too, especially puppies... a puppy is kind of like having a toddler around.

The only trouble I have is keeping up with her grooming bills as she's hand stripped which is expensive but worth it in my opinion
Ah yes.
Another reason why I’m not fond of the breed.
Most people have them shaved/clipped instead of hand stripped and as a result most cockers (and springers) have that overwhelmingly awful, old musty dog smell that clings to everything it touches 🤢

My show cocker doesn't like children. We keep him separate from kids who are visiting.