Help me chose a breed

[CheersBoris]

I’m hoping to be able to get a puppy in the near future. I’ve spent well over a year learning about breeds and breeders and what a dog will need so I’m not after advice about that.

So the breeds id love to hear of peoples experiences with are;
Shih tzus (maybe not able to handle longer walks?)

Westies (barkers?)

Mini poodles (need a lot of stimulation and sensitive?)

Cavaliers (health)

Cockers (resource guarding?)

Frenchies (health)

And possibly some of the poodle crosses (I know,I know, bad breeders..)

I’m aware of health issues within a couple of these breeds being significant. I’ve also put a lot of consideration about what we could offer the dog in terms of exercise ect.
So the main things I’m wondering about and prioritising are..
Exercise requirements, I’m willing to put in what’s needed but ideally not a dog that absolutely needs more than an hours walk every single day but is physically able do stroll around a park for a couple of hours or more

A dog that isn’t too vocal (neighbours)

My kids are 8 and 16 so able to respect the dog and be involved in training. A playful dog would be good, my youngest has adhd and likes to play outside.

A small-medium dog.

We have a pug. I think they are better than Frenchies He is lovely, very trainable (as food-motivated), great with kids and very playful. Doesn't need a lot of exercise.

It’s the health and breathing issues that would put me off, same with frenchies. But I know a couple of frenchies and they’re super friendly and good with kids.

A Spanish Water Dog (or Portuguese) fits your criteria.

I have a small mini poodle. She's great with kids and definitely can cope with your exercise requirements. She's does get destructive if she's bored but if I walk her once a day that takes care of that.

Soft coated wheaten terrier.
Coats are high maintenance. Otherwise they are perfect.

Schauzer!

I am one week into miniature Schnauzer puppy ownership.

Apart from the usual puppy issues it's all good. He's smart, loving, willing to learn and doesn't come with health issues regarding his appearance.

Don’t get any brachycephalic breed- the popularity of them has done nothing for their health-just made it worse by every Tom,Dick and Harry breeding them for ridiculous amounts of money.
Poodles are v intelligent- the ones I’ve met have been lovely-
Cocker spaniels I love but I’ve met calm ones and wild ones 😂
Shitzus-so far all the ones I’ve met have been very friendly and sweet-quite a few are companion dogs near me for elderly neighbours (3 I can think of!) also knew a lady that had 4 and they were all lovely and very biddable

Bichon or Maltese Bichon cross (Maltichon).

Whippet or a Staffordshire bull terrier

We have a mini poodle. He is extremely loyal and good with our children (7 and 10). Loves playing and is v clever. Training was relatively easy. Very sweet natured dogs.
I would say an hour a day exercise is fine, as long as you do a longer walk once or twice a week. Ours is only 1 years old and has a lot of energy. He’s fine being left at home for a few hours by himself (not as needy as some breeds), but loves company if possible.
Amazing agility - loves going to the local dog park and the children take him through the tunnels and over obstacles.
I find him a very manageable size. Big enough for decent walks and a decent cuddle. Small enough to pick up if necessary.

We have recently got our first ever family dog , shes is just lovely. Good with kids , really calm. Loving . She's the best thing that ever happened to our family . She's a border terrier .

Very easy to house train and we are working on the recall .

I wouldn’t have any on your list.
Australian shepherd mum has 2 - lovely friendly dogs.
I have a golden retriever big though, but clever, loyal and friendly
Labrador?

Poodles are vocal.
Any dog will prefer the walk split into two, not just one big one.

Labrador or retrievers make good family dogs.

Please please consider adopting a stray from a shelter rather than bringing another dog into this world. There are animals literally dying for a home all over Europe. We adopted the sweetest, most gentle, loving dog from a shelter in Romania where he spent months languishing in a cage. The situation for these animals in certain countries is dire. There are charities which can organise everything for you. The dog we adopted is not a pure breed but thanks us every day for giving him a life and we could not imagine getting a better dog from a breeder.

A vote for spaniels here. I've a springer spaniel, but any type of spaniel wins my heart. She's the sweetest girl, never barks, was easy to train. Very energetic on walks, but totally lazy at home. I'd recommend either a rescue dog, so you will know the pups temperament or go to a breaded who temperament tests their dogs.

I know you've done your research but would you not consider adopting a dog from a rescue centre? It can sometimes be tricky with children but there are so many dogs in kennels needing homes.

There seems to be a bit of a boom at the moment with lockdown pets being given up. Not only do you save the dog you rescue but it also gives another dog a rescue space. Please consider it ❤.

How about a Norfolk terrier.

Out your list I’d say either a poodle or a westie. Poodles can be prone to separation anxiety though..

I have a Cavapoo, cross between a toy poodle and cavalier King Charles. Very friendly, don't shed, small, very lovable and cuddly, I walk her twice a day but they don't need to go too far. They're like fluffy teddy bears. They've become quite expensive though, mine is five and was half the price they are now. Lovely dog though and she's always receiving compliments.

Additional cost would be the grooming which you should take into consideration. Mine is groomed every eight weeks to tidy her up and prevent matting.

I did look at schnauzers but they’re known as being barkers so that’s a deal breaker.

Labradors are out as they’re much bigger than I’d like, I don’t have the space.

I do like the sound of ooodles, and the walks would definitely be split into 2. I’m just worried about them being sensitive, as I said, my ds has adhd so can be a bit loud and impulsive at times.

I had looked at border terriers too. But for reasons I can’t remember settled on westies out of the terrier group. Although none of them are very easy to come by so it’s unlikely this isn’t her pure ill go down.

I don’t want to rescue. It’s my first dog and id much prefer to chose a puppy from a good breeder, get the puppy experience, and also know what I’m getting. I don’t want a dog with potential problems with the kids. I’m also pretty certain I’d struggle to get a rescue to home a dog with us.

One other criterion I would add to your list is moulter or non-moulter. Having dog hair everywhere may not bother you of course, but some breeds moult like mad, pugs being one of them. I have had dogs that moult in the past, I now have a toy poodle and a Yorkie, and not having hair all over everything is a bonus. On the other hand they do need regular grooming/visits to the groomer.
Can certainly recommend poodles, so quick to learn and fun to train.

That was meant to say poodles, not oodles

Not sure about Shizhus but all the others can be quite vocal breeds and I'd never have a frenchie because of the general slurping and snuffling they do all the time.
Having said that, I have a beagle and they are supposedly 'vocal' but other than barking when someone is at the door she is pretty quiet. You can never guarantee what traits of the breed your dog will have.

Just seen the Cyprus rescue my mum got a dog from.have had an influx of puppies and I'd have a nice healthy mongrel from them.in a heartbeat if I had the space...just to offer a cheaper, out of the box suggestion 😊

@Brownlongearedbat yes that’s true. Ok so ideally I’d rather not have hair everywhere but it’s not a priority. It’s a sacrifice I can live with. Same with grooming, easier the better really, but again, not a priority. I know with poodles for example grooming and costs is a big consideration. Also is dirt and bits more likely to get stuck in their coats on walks?

Iv had a frenchie- worst dog Iv ever had. Their very needy, hard to train to!
Also had a staffy growing up, my mum has one now and my brother and he is the bestest dog ever, genuinely love that dog to bits he's so snuggly. Playful and gentle ! My kids get in his bed and everything an he loves it!
I also have a miniature dauchound and she's amazing. Very very gentle and delicate, loves to play and cuddle. She's been a great dog so far to! X