Another breed help one

[Wonderdog5]

Firstly, I apologise, I know this has been done to death on here… I’ve read them all. But I’d like advice on which breed to get.
Just to confirm, I’m not rushing into this. It’s something that’s been carefully thought about since before lockdowns and covid.

So, for background, 2 kids 9 and 16. I work part time, Mum lives locally and willing to help out when I’m at work.

What I find hard, is imagining how much walking I’ll be able to commit to. I don’t want a breed that can’t handle walking more than half an hour as we do like to go to woods, long walks around parks, ect but these are obviously not every day, and are usually quite slow paced walks with rests rather than active hikes! I’m also aware my youngest may not want to do this with me in a few years and I’ll still have the dog to walk so also don’t want to commit to years of exercising a border collie or the likes!

On working days, it’ll be lead walks and an off lead at the local park which is 10 mins away. Maybe an hour a day split in 2? Plus an afternoon quick one from my mum or Walker once dog is older obviously.

Any breed known for being particularly yappy or barking a lot unnecessarily is a no no too.

My choices..

1. Shih tzu (friendly, non shedding, not too high needs on the exercise front, but maybe not able to keep up with us on longer walks and run around with my youngest for too long?)

1. Cavalier (health issues main problem but I’ve found a good breeder. Mixed opinions on their exercise needs but super kid friendly, not yappy)

1. Border terrier (highly recommended by others, but not sure I can meet exercise needs? But sound like a great playmate for ds. Are they barkers? And I’ve been warned off terriers by websites)

1. Cocker spaniel- show (slightly scared of energy levels and resource guarding)

1. Poodles (sound pretty perfect but also high energy, high grooming needs and also heard they are highly strung and can be sensitive and not the easiest for first time owners. Need quite a robust dog, sensitive would probably be unhappy in our home with 2 kids)

1. Cavapoo/cockapoo ect

Sorry it’s long. I’ve looked at all breeds and these are definitely what I’ve narrowed it down to so just looking for real life experiences of these breeds and what they’re like with exercise and kids.
Thanks

It does sound as if you have given this some thought, which is a great start.

1. Shih Tzu - no experience of them.
2. Very, very sweet dogs, but it's incredibly hard to find a line that is free of both heart problems and syringomyelia.
3. Border terrier. We had a terrier when our DC were young (scrappy working-bred little thing) and she was a really good dog. Terriers can be yappy, but if you keep them away from passers-by they are usually fine - we banned ours from the front windowsill. Some borders are great dogs, but I have a come across a few who are not 100% reliable, so in your shoes I'd carefully check out the temperaments of sire and dam. Our terrier was fine on the kind of of exercise regime you suggest, though she got more at weekends and had the space to run around at home.
4. Poodle - no experience.
5. Poodle crosses - very hard to find one that has been well-bred by someone who isn't in it entirely for the money. A poodle x working cocker will run you off your feet - working cockers are insanely active.

In your shoes I'd go for a border from lines with solid temperaments, but then I like terriers.

I never see a bad word about borders on these boards and I’ve recently met two who seemed lovely and really well trained. I’m just scared of a terrier, with me being inexperienced.
Can borders be unfriendly towards other dogs?
They do sound like they’d be great for running around with ds and the lay times indoors though. As long as they don’t need over an hour of running around a ark every day.

The safe option feels like shih tzu, definitely easier for me on the exercise front from a long term point of view but I’ve read half hour is enough for them and that really sounds quite restrictive for us as a family right now. Although great for cold winter days

I have a shih tzu x bichon who is equally happy with half an hour walk then cuddle on the sofa or a much longer few hours walk at the weekends. I presume a shih tzu would be the same.

1, I have no idea
2, even with good breeding these can often still develop heart murmers relatively young. Can be great with kids. Sometimes can be jealous of kids. O wouldn't t trust a breeder who insists all their dogs are murder free.
3, Again, I have no experience.
4, I have had spaniels forever. Including show spaniels. Reputation for resource guarding, imo, isn't incredibly well deserved and often down to poor ownership. All breeds can resource guarding. They can be high energy. Can work for ages. But, contrary to popular belief they don't need hours a day. A spaniel needs lots of brain games. If you walk them for hours you end up with a fit dog that's still under stimulated and can have behavioural problems. I wouldn't recommend them for inexperienced owners. Also remember that some 'show cockers' are also worked. Also, tend to be terrible with the puppy biting. You need to be confident you can manage that.
5, I think your fairly accurate with your assement. Though they do make great dogs. When I was young a friends parents bred standard poodles and my aunty had a mixture. All cracking dogs. Non of the nervousness and sensitivity. All in busy family homes.
6, I have just adopted a cavapoo, through a rescue. Honestly, I adore her she is great. But I would got with a poodle or the spaniel. You will struggle to find a decent breeder of cocka/cava poos. They often lie or at least mislead. They take a lot of grooming and ours would rather not go for a walk. You could also end up with the worst of both breeds. You would be better getting a spaniel or poodle and spend alot of time investing in your own knowledge so you can train them well AND nip any behavioural issues in the bud.

As much as I love out girl, I wouldn't have chosen to buy her from a breeder.

I have a border terrier - she's great with children and other dogs, very friendly. Quick to train. I nirmally take her out for a quick 25 mins in the morning (on lead) and a longer run lunchtime. However, she's happy for this to be either shortened to two quick walks or one long walk on weekends

In the past we have had spaniels or Jack Russels - the border terrier has been the easiest by far to train

I've just realised that I missed cocker spaniel off my list. I've only got experience of the working lines and agree with PP, v active, need mental stimulation.

As for border terriers, maybe I've been unlucky in the ones I have met. Most of them have been lovely, but there is one locally who barks like crazy at other dogs and is never off-lead. I don't know if it's on-lead due to dog aggression, or on-lead due to poor training and therefore barking out of frustration. I knew another who would get insanely over-excited in some situations and nip. It was definitely the dog not the training as the owners had had other dogs previously who were fine.

On the whole, though, they are great little dogs. They need stripping (having the dead hair removed) a few times a year, but you can easily do that yourself.

I wouldn't go for a cocker spaniel - even show line ones need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation.

The issue I have with shih-tzus is that they're brachycephalic and are prone to eye problems as well as breathing difficulties. I know their issues aren't as extreme as say, a Pug or Frenchie but I don't really agree with breeding dogs who are prone to breathing difficulties - it seems very unfair on the dog to me.

If you're not up for a terrier have you thought about something like a Bichon Frisé? Intelligent but they don't need tons of exercise either. They're also pretty healthy though they do need regular grooming.

Terriers are fantastic dogs- full of character and very loyal! We have always had Jack russells and they have always been loving family pets. Our current one loves meeting people and dogs and has never barked at other dogs or shown any aggression even when other dogs bark or show it to him- he wags his tail and moves on. As someone else posted find yourself a good breeder who is willing for you to meet the parents and provide you with family history.

Re. Terriers - I think they can be great dogs but they're not for everyone. I've walked several since starting my dog walking business and as lovely as they all are, they are 100% not the breed type for me! I feel the same about border collies and other herding breeds.

My type (hounds and spaniels) also isn't for everyone - if you don't feel like you "get" terriers then go for something you do like - there's no harm in saying that a certain type of dog isn't for you

Papillon? Not a lot of health issues with them, not needing long walks. They aren't as popular as cockapoo types so may be easier to find a responsible breeder. I am currently making enquiries about this myself.

I have a shih tzu. They can do long walks, but happy with short walk, don't shed, very loving, like to be with you, mine is calm on the lead (still only a puppy). I recommend them!

I have a 5 month old Border Terrier . She is amazing . She was easy to train,
Slept through the night from day 3 . We give her two walks a day, about 45 mins x 2 .

We went through the kennel club and found a breeder , so I knew her parents had good personalities and all Health tests done .

She doesn't bark , and is very friendly towards other dogs and my children 9 and 10 adore her.

Grooming wise , twice a year . We haven't yet as she needs her coat to grow in .

She's our first dog and I'm so pleased we waited a year for her .

I know someone with a cavapoo. She is high energy and quite highly strung. Doesn't seem to have an off switch but she is still under a year.

A friend had cavaliers which were really sweet dogs. Very placid and loving. Unfortunately they both died due to their hearts.

My parents have two Shih Tzu's. When they were young, one was like the tasmanian devil, while the other was very chilled. Now they've grown up a bit, they are lovely little dogs. They enjoy sitting in the park and people watching, as much as they do going for walks. One is a real sniffer, and will stop at every lamp post, tree, bush, street sign etc to sniff, and then do a phantom wee lol.

I will say, having the two together, they have been great company for each other. I'm not sure how I'd feel about leaving one home alone for long periods of time.

We have a family member who lives 5 mins away who has a shih tzu and they are already the best of friends.

My sister owns a border . He's a lovely affectionate dog , very loyal to his family and soppy. I'm a regular to the house so loves me also. Not good with other dogs, very happy and would fight if given opportunity.
If chasing something , no re call at all . Will chase birds , cats ( rabbits if in country )
Some borders can have skin allergies ( he has ) They can also be fingers , so if you love your garden , hopefully you don't get a digger. He also tried to dig the carpet !
As I said he had a wonderful personality and is a great little chap .

Not fingers diggers !

vet nurse here -border terrier out of all your suggestions.
Happy , hardy -don't see many health problems in our practice with these and not what i would consider to be a yappy dog .
My favourite out of your choices would be a cavalier for nature /personality alone but i would never buy one as every vets see so many with heart /health problems sadly .

I had a Shihtzu years ago - a very well bred dog which I rehomed after his owner died. His only fault was being very short/squashed in the face, almost on a par with a french bulldog. I believe there are different types of Shihtzu, with different features (this was years ago before the days of Internet research). Anyway, it did affect his breathing and he ended up with heart trouble. He also had very bulgy eyes. As for grooming for him, if his coat was long it needed brushing thoroughly every day. In the summer I used to clip it off. His coat was definitely high maintenance compared to a toy poodle, which I currently have. She goes to the groomers every six weeks, and just needs the odd brush between times. She has a puppy cut, so the same length all over - no clipped face, feet or pompoms in sight. Does not moult one little bit. She is a lovely dog - calm and quiet (most of the time!) quick to pick up on training, obedient. Rather quiet and reserved, but that's her character rather than a breed characteristic. She will walk as far as you want and loves water. I have also got a Yorkie (puppy), but I have had quite a few of them over the years. They are dear dogs, but probably not robust enough for you.
My other favourite breed is the jack russell, especially the Parson jack russell. Wonderful game, active dogs and very intelligent. The smooth coated ones moult like there's no tomorrow though!

I think, realistically, I need to discount poodles and cocker spaniels. Poodles do appeal, but I just don’t know if I’ll be able to meet their needs for exercise and mental stimulation. It’s so hard to imagine what it would be like or feel like but I don’t want to get it wrong.

Border terriers sound good so I’ll look for some breeders.

I still think shih tzus sound like a pretty good match, I just don’t know how much they can walk or they’d keep up with us. Although we don’t do tons of exercise or anything.

Cavalier I’m torn about as I have found a breeder who will very likely contact me next time she has a litter as I’ve been on the list. But I’m worried about health problems.

I also really keep thinking, it’s all well and good now choosing a dog with high enough energy level to come on long park/forest walks and run around with youngest ds (9) but by the time the pup is old enough to do that ds will be 10 and probably within a couple of years won’t want to come with me so much as will be a bit more independent and in secondary school.

Really need to think long term too…

Just got back from an hour's walk with my shih tzu, she and dd are now running races in the garden!

If you do get a shih tzu, be prepared for the grooming bill!!!

Our shih tzu really is lovely. Much calmer than some other breeds I think. Normal puppy challenges at the moment but is so affectionate and soft like a cuddly toy!

How about a Lhasa Apso? Similar to shihtzu but not as many breathing difficulties I think. Ours is lovely & happy with a short or long walk. Likes to sniff a lot. Is quite stubborn, independent but very affectionate. She’s a rescue & we’ve had no problem settling her or with separation anxiety. But grooming every 4 -6 weeks.

Cavalier but you need a good breeder. What do you think makes your breeder a decent breeder?