What breed of dog?

[notasillysausage]

Hi, I’m hoping for some advice. We have been researching for ages and can’t decide on which breed of dog for our much loved family pet. Any suggestions gratefully received?

We are family of 5, with 3 children aged 1-9. I am out of the house 1 or 2 days a week for work but otherwise home, DH can take dog with him to work on those days or we have two reputable doggy day cares locally we can use. We would ideally like a family friendly, “hypoallergenic” (for my asthmatic sis who visits often) and low shedding dog. We can typically fit in 1-2 hours exercise a day and more at weekend and playing at home too. The breed that stands out to me at the moment is a Lagotto Romagnolo, but are there others that fit the bill? Thank you 😊

If probably wait a year or 2 as have had a puppy at the same time as a toddler and you can never ever let your guard down. You need eyes on the back of your head and it takes the fun of of it a bit.

Breedwise I'd suggest the usual suggestions, everybody seems to want a hypoallergenic family dog, of a mini poodle or a bison frise.

All the lagottos I’ve known have been nuts and not dogs I’d want around a toddler or that would be happy with 1 hour a day, or that would quietly sit in a doggy friendly office!

A poodle would be better

Should also add my mum has a lot of “gun dog friends” some of whom have lagottos, they are much happier with a “job” which would be hard to do with a toddler and a couple have been really reactive.

Thanks - to clarify DH doesn’t have an office job and the dog wouldn’t be expected to sit quietly in an office. Also exercise a day would be closer to two hours than one, but take the point about the dog being a bit crazy. I used to own a Dalmatian in my youth so have an affinity to crazy dogs but appreciate maybe not a good combo with a toddler!
Poodles were also on our list, particularly the miniature poodle, so will have a look at those.

We have a cockapoo, she is amazing. Mad as a box of frogs but in a fun way - as a puppy she had so much energy but now at almost 2 years old she loves two decent walks with plenty ball chasing a day, then sleeps on my feet the rest of the day while I work. We got her when my youngest was just coming up to 2, and they adore each other - yes we had to watch them but the now 3.5 year old learned quickly to be gentle and not to annoy her, and she in turn is the gentlest soul (not once in the entire time have we heard even the smallest growl - obviously you can never be 100% but she's very very calm and happy around all children). Easy to train, doesn't shed... can you tell we love her? Our breeder was top notch too, we are very lucky.

A miniature poodle would definitely fit your bill, we have one and he’s amazing!

Nothing at all until your youngest is school age.

Then I would look at something like a mini poodle.