Breed recommendations?

[sammysnake]

Hi, we have young DC and a couple of cats but would like to add a dog to the family. Due to ages of DC (primary school age) rehoming doesn't seem to be viable. Also think a puppy would be better growing up around the cats. Can anyone recommend any suitable breeds? One person would always be home with the dog and we'd want one we can take for long walks once grown but not a complete ball of energy. We like retrievers but think they may be too large for the house. Thanks!

A poodle needs more exercise.

Yappy, not happy! Although he was a happy chap, but only when he had your full attention!

The OP said they could do more exercise?

Not initially. Very few dogs would be happy with half an hour at a time.
Definitely not a poodle.

Well obviously, but I’m going from the later post when the OP said they would do more and they want a dog that won’t run out of puff

You need to start with what you can offer.
Training
Exercise
Grooming
Mental stimulation.
Space.
Etc.
Then consider breeds.
But people also need to be realistic if they simply don’t have an hour or two every single day to spend on a dog.
They aren’t the easiest pet

Can I vote miniature schnauzer? Conflict of Interest declaration: I have one.

Big dog personality in a small dog’s body. Gorgeous “old man” face, sturdier than most small/toy breeds, so far doing surprisingly well with 4 & 7 year old DC even though he’s only a puppy himself. Brilliant dog all round. Love him.

Admittedly I have zero experience of other breeds and I do not have a cat but he’s just ace basically so please consider one for you shortlist😁

I do not have a cat but he’s just ace

My brother has a schnauzer. Loves his “own” cat, they sleep in the same bed, play etc.

He’s terrified of anyone else's cat and will turn his back so the cat can’t see him (if he can’t see it..) and pretend he isn’t there.

Wolfiefan fair enough.
Same as any dog though

I’d bet on the cat if it came to it - the yorkie is fierce but the cat has size, weight and sharp claws

Mind i had a yorkie who used to be worried by the sheep. The sheep loved him (my sheep on my land) but whenever I saw them in a circle I’d have to go and rescue the dog from the middle.

@bluebluezoo “If I turn my back you don’t exist”- love it😂

I have owned a couple of Labrador Retrievers over the years, the first one was a crossbreed with a Staffie, but she was the most Loyal gentlest Dog you could ever wish for, but the downside is the amount of shedding they do when they Moult. I prefare female Bitch Dogs to Males, they are often a bit smaller, and more faithful IMHO.

We have also had a Boxer girl, a real Clown, she landed herself in all kinds of trouble by always ‘Acting first, Thinking afterwards’ resulting in some very expensive vets Bills!

We have also had Spaniels and a Border Terrier in the family, but both quite expensive for regular Grooming costs, and the Spaniels were really Manic, especially as youngsters.

All time favourites though, and the one l would choose in a Heartbeat would be another Labrador Girl!

Very few dogs would be happy with half an hour at a time.

I've met very few dogs who wouldn't