I just can’t choose a breed

[Pumpkin5piced]

I’m so excited that I’m finally ready to get a puppy but I just can’t choose a breed. I’m so scared of making the wrong choice.

A cavalier: I’ve read they’re pretty much perfect but have health issues. I’ve found a good breeder that health tests extensively but the pups are expensive and of course still run the risk of health problems. Plus cavaliers shed a lot I believe. No a major issue though.

Cavapoos: love the sound of them, have considered a poodle bit like the idea of the cav being in the mix. A struggle to find a good breeder.

Border terrier: I don’t know what it’s like to have a terrier and lots of things online say they’re not great for first time owners. I also need a dog that doesn’t bark a lot, I’m not sure if BT’s meet that? Some days I may only be able to do an hours walk.

The only other one id considered was shih tzu.

I would like a dog that can keep up with longer walks at weekends but that doesn’t need excessive exercise every day which is why I’ve ruled out cockers and poodles.

I think I’m going to get a cavapoo. I want a cavalier but am so scared of the health risks. I’ve found a cavapoo breeder (2 actually) that has healthy and fully tested cavaliers and the cross breeding should hopefully slightly lower the risk. Plus I like poodles too, so hopefully get a nice mix of both breeds although I’m prepared for the fact it doesn’t always work out like that

I've got a Cairn Terrier, manages shorter walks through the week,longer at weekends, very sociable and loving and rarely ever barks. I dread to think what they cost now but our was pedigree pet registered from kc parents and £400 (5 years ago)

I have considered cairns and borders but I think generally terriers are known to be barkers, more so than other dogs. I love westies but that’s what put me off.

Shih Tzu all the way for me. Had stitch 4 years and he very rarely barks.

Breed is so laid back friendly

Not all terriers are barkers as that would alert the pray.
Dandies dont bark

First time owner of a border terrier . Doesn't bark at all really . So friendly , easy to train. Best decision we ever made getting her .

The only dog I can think of that would be happy with 2-3 20 minutes walks a day is a retired greyhound. They don't shed, don't bark much, are ideal for first time owners and can walk longer if required.

@islaviolent ah stop, people keep saying this and I keep going back to them but then I read stuff online that puts me off again. My son actually loves them. I just keep getting put off by stuff about them barking and howling and also terriers being difficult in general.

We rehomed a Lhasa Apso a couple of years ago. She can walk for up to a couple of hours a day no problem or just do a a shorter walk & play if I’m not a 100%. She doesn’t moult & has such a great personality.

No way would I go for a cross. Don’t know what you’ll end up getting. I Wouldn’t trust a cross breeder anyway.

[quote Pumpkin5piced]@islaviolent ah stop, people keep saying this and I keep going back to them but then I read stuff online that puts me off again. My son actually loves them. I just keep getting put off by stuff about them barking and howling and also terriers being difficult in general.[/quote]
I went through a kennel club breeder ,
I knew the personalities of both parents . I was on a waiting list a year . We didn't get charged ££££ for her either . She was well worth the wait .

She's never chewed anything , sleeps through the night from day 3 , house trained within a week and absolutely adores the kids . So friendly with humans and other dogs , and is absolute joy . I'm so pleased we got her .

Don't believe everything you read online . All dogs are different . But I'd really do your research into the parents .

My gorgeous boy is a terrier cross (cairn and Norfolk) and he is pretty perfect. He's now 9 months old and it's all been plain sailing so far - lots of work, but not difficult iyswim. I'm a first time dog owner so have nothing to compare him with but he:-
house trained easily
slept through from the 3rd night
has a good appetite (and no upset tummy incidents)
has been a dream at being out and about (including day trips to London on trains and tubes)
is good with politely meeting other dogs

I'm Team Terrier all the way!

Don’t get a Border Terrier. I’ve just lost mine after 14 years, and two years in I said I’d never have another. Not barky at all, lovely in the house and with all people/kids, but shit recall despite hundreds of £s and hours spent on training and dog aggressive, especially small white dogs.
I’ve now got a Hungarian Vizsla, they are supposed to be high maintenance, and I find her an absolute doddle compared to the terrier.

Just to throw this into the mix - I'm in the process of getting a little mixed breed rescue puppy. He has been fostered in a home since birth as the mum dog was found wandering when pregnant. He will be health tested, vaccinated, chipped etc before he comes to me. Adoption fee is only about £300. I was going to buy a purebred pup but this seems like a better idea to me.