Which breed is right for me?

[AmyD54321]

Hi everyone,
My husband and I have decided we’d like a dog.

We’re both early 30s, 1 of us works from home always, small house with small garden. We’re active, and enjoy running/walking/hiking often. Live in a town, no car, easy walking access to country parks and woodland. No children yet, but this may change.

We both had a dog as children, so some experience, but never owned one together. We’re aware of the financial commitment, and feel we’re ready to welcome a dog into our home!

We’re trying to decide on a breed that would work best for us. Small is essential, and must be happy walking in the park during the week and on a day hike on the weekend. Ideally hypoallergenic, and doesn’t malt too much.

Something along the lines of a border terrier, which I love, but possibly not the right breed for us.

Any advice?

A Border terrier could be a good choice. Also look at the Norfolk and the Norwich terriers - also small and a good 'first terrier'.

Otherwise, from a low allergen POV, what about a poodle?

Discover Dogs is set to happen this year in November - t might be worth investing in a trip to see lots of breeds in one place and talk to their owners and breed club representatives

www.discoverdogs.org.uk

Miniature Schnauzer - small and allergy friendly. They don't moult although that does mean they need to go to the groomers once every 12 weeks or so.

They're big characters and very loving. They are prone to barking but are trainable, especially if you socialise them from the start. You'll probably need to commit to taking them to Puppy classes and out and about among other dogs at the park etc to teach them doggy etiquette and good manners!

They're very friendly and love people. Will happily laze the day away by your side while you're working, or go for long walks/hikes with great enthusiasm.

Whatever breed you're interested in, I'd recommend looking at the Kennel Club site and going through a KC recommended breeder.

www.champdogs.co.uk

Gives breed characteristics, history, potential health problems. Lots of pictures! Also has breeders details so you could ring and ask questions.

Also look at breed clubs of any breeds you are interested in where you would be able to see other information.

It's worth considering a rescue too. I know there's a reputation that rescue centres aren't interested in anyone in cities or who work but you seem capable potential owners. Be open on the size too because that alone doesn't indicate exercise needs necessarily, an older dog can be fine with 2 short lead walks during the week and a longer walk at weekends, mine is as lazy as it comes at 10 despite being an active breed

My Havanese would suit you very well. She is loving, well behaved, doesn't shed and loves to go everywhere with us. She will run and walk for miles but I get the impression that some Havanese, the mini ones with short legs, will not go very far. I'm not sure if that's because she's always been walked long distances and gets a lot of rowdy play with children or just personality. She has longer legs, is slim, with good back and hips so she's super athletic. Some are like fat, hairy sausages with short legs (adorable but not sporty) though so check out mum and dad before buying.

Don't be put off by the pics online of full coated specimens! You can keep them nice and short, they matt horribly without brushing most days but once you get the hang of it it's just nice bonding time. I bought clippers and taught myself dog hairdressing.

They are very territorial and love to climb furniture to look out of windows and conduct constant risk assessments. They bark a lot but you could probably train that out. I never bothered because we are detached and frankly I like to know if someone's approaching the house.

They are really loving ❤ I probably already mentioned that!

I was fussing a Tibetan Terrier today, it was gorgeous. Don't know much about them but it was a lovely size, bit bigger than the Havi, similar looks. I'd be looking at those if I was suddenly buying another dog.

Good luck!! So exciting for you

I have a Border Terrier - she's lovely. She has two walsk a day - a short one on lead in the morning (30 mins) and about an hour off lead at lunch time. She's very friendly with other dogs and loves people as well.

Not really very barky but will react tp loud noises outside - otherwise she's really easy now she's out of the mad puppy stage. She's 15 months

What about a miniature poodle? They don't moult, love company, are very intelligent, trainable and love a good walk.

Personally, I would consider paying for a dog walker once or twice a week to give them a longer walk/run about while you're working. Not many dogs would be happy with just a short walk in the park during the week if you're also expecting them to cope with long hikes at the weekend.

No dog is hypoallergenic. There are dogs that don't shed but it makes allergies less likely but certainly not hypoallergenic.

I have two mini poodles. They are great dogs. Poodles come in three sizes, but also height can differ massively within the three main sizes.

They are very clever, very people focused dogs and are very willing to please. And so training is fun and pretty easy usually.

Obviously within breeds character etc can vary hugely so make sure you get one that has been bred for health and temperament if you are getting a puppy, and not just for cuteness.