What breed?

[guardiansofthegalaxychocs]

We are considered getting a dog next year.

Our circumstances are:
I work out of the house about 2 school length days per week, usually my husband is home then. I only work in term time so would be looking to get at the start of the summer hols, to settle them in. They need to be okay with being left for short periods (couple of hours) eventually but mostly we will be around (this is a pre covid working pattern so very unlikely to change, I feel I should add!). Weekends we usually go for walks anyway, so dog can come too.

We live in a city with a big house and medium sized garden.

We have two school aged young children kids.

We would value a loving pet, who enjoys lots of affection and doesn’t need too much mental stimulation.

I grew up with dogs in the countryside, but the breed I grew up with needs a lot of exercise, lots of mental stimulation and is quite large. So looking for a breed that be happy in a more urban environment.

Any suggestions?

Dizzy we have a saluki cross. Not half as affectionate as our Lurchers... No shedding just long legs that seem to be everywhere! And her bark is so deep-only ever when the front door opens. !! My Lurchers only bark on command!!
Ndn say they never ever hear the ddogs.
Train your ddog to speak and they stay quiet the rest of the time. Ime anyway..

Forgot the best bit of Lurchers.. They fold up small. These beds were for our dcats!

“ I only work in term time so would be looking to get at the start of the summer hols, to settle them in.”

It doesn’t really work like that... bitches are fertile around about once a year. That’s like trying fir a baby but wanting it to be born on a Monday afternoon.

I’m happy to wait until the timing aligns. I’m not in a rush. If it’s a couple of year waiting, that’s fine. I’d rather know I had a good chunk of time to dedicate to initial training (obviously ongoing training is needed but hopefully putting in the time early on will help!)

@dustofneptune

From what you’ve said, I definitely think a companion breed (especially Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu), or a small, low-medium energy adult rescue, would suit you best. Obviously avoid anything high energy and high intelligence, like Spaniels, Border Collies, etc.

A Dachshund could be another option, especially since the short-haired ones don’t need much grooming. I walk a few of them, and they are so damn sweet (especially the males). They can be a bit stubborn though, and damn do they love to dart into corners for chicken bones and other city street trash. They might be a bit too sparky and energetic for what you’re looking for though.

I’ve heard dachshunds arent generally considered to be good with kids, although I do know one who is lovely and friendly. So perhaps it’s not accurate?

Definitely will look at lurchers.

I’d ruled out a rescue because of assuming they wouldn’t be suitable for children but perhaps I need to think again.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I’m at the early stages of thinking so appreciate all the comments.

@Santahatesbraisedcabbage

Lurchers are very underestimated family pets ime. Love a zoomie. Love snoozing more!! Love a jumper. Love a blanket.. And bloody love dc.. Very loyal and loving. Ours are great off lead. And we have dcats.

Too cute!

How about a lab or golden retriever? Yes they need a good amount of exercise but most dogs do.. and they make the most loving family pets and are usually great with children. Also easy to train.

I’d ruled out a rescue because of assuming they wouldn’t be suitable for children but perhaps I need to think again

Rescues assess dogs so if they say they are suitable to live with children, they'll have been assessed thoroughly. It's likely to be a longer wait but they sometimes have puppies too, or already house trained adults which could be a bonus!
Dogs Trust is an obvious big one, but smaller ones like Pro Dogs Direct are great too. Or a breed-specific rescue, if you decide on one.

We got one of our Lurchers when she was about 9.. Previously a working ddog. She is my ds7 bff!! She is a perfect girl tbh. And has never had issues with recall or furry things. Her diet has been transformed also. From a very basic dry food to one varied with veg in!! They are low maintenance as far as vet trips go. Ime.

Most people who want a dog that isn’t “too much dog” have a cockapoo here

Pretty much 50% of people here have them

They must be popular for a reason?

I like lurchers myself, but they are big dogs and don’t like to be left alone for too long

@MarleneDietrichsSmile

Most people who want a dog that isn’t “too much dog” have a cockapoo here

Pretty much 50% of people here have them

They must be popular for a reason?

I like lurchers myself, but they are big dogs and don’t like to be left alone for too long

A lot of cockerpoos have ended up in rescue for acting like cocker spaniels unfortunately. I really don't recommend a mix of two intelligent energetic breeds if you don't want a lot of dog.

An Italian greyhound? A friend of mine has one, he's very cute. Not hugely demanding in terms of exercise (nothing like a springer), very affectionate and good with kids.

@MarleneDietrichsSmile

Most people who want a dog that isn’t “too much dog” have a cockapoo here

Pretty much 50% of people here have them

They must be popular for a reason?

I like lurchers myself, but they are big dogs and don’t like to be left alone for too long

A cockapoo is a high-energy cross of two working breeds - really not a good idea for someone who doesn't want to do long walks or give lots of mental stimulation.

I have never once met a calm cockapoo!

My childhood dog was a Lhasa Apso, OP. If you like the sound of them, but is put off by their fur, don't forget that as a single coated breed they can be trimmed at any length you want, making maintenance much easier. Mine never had more than three fingers of fur. The picture is her at her hairiest, walking near a lake so rather overdue a good combing.

Lurched, greyhound, whippet, cavalier

Whippets!

They do need a run off lead every day. If I walk mine for an hour around noon he’ll sleep until 4pm. He can cope with shorter walks the odd day.

Happy to sleep and laze around most of the day. Loves snuggling on the sofa or in bed. Mine doesn’t bark in the house. Grooming isn’t really needed. Quick wash of the paws after muddy walks. Mine was house trained quickly and can do the basic tricks. Great recall considering he’s a sighthound.

Cons: doesn’t like being left alone. At all. He goes to daycare if we can’t be at home but gets upset waiting to be picked up and after drop off. Saying that, he gets dropped off at 5pm and sleeps right through to the next morning other than a bathroom trip at 10pm 😂

We have a shihtzu, he's the best thing ever. We have young dc and he adores them. He has bursts of playing, either with us or the kids, or by himself with his toys, and then he comes for cuddles. He loves a walk but doesn't rely on one. He was really easy to house train, and he's only just turned one but when we go out we leave him the full run of the house and he sits in the window and waits for us to come home! We dunt actually leave him for long ever though tbh, a few hrs max. He's the perfect addition to our family I wouldn't be without him.

Bichon frise?

Greyhound rescues will def consider families with kids, my friend recently got one snd has two young kids. He's been amazing and would definitely tick all your boxes.