Which breed to choose?

[sarahlondon37382]

Grateful for any advice here. I had dogs when I was growing up but that was 20 years ago, so very 'out of practice!' My kids are 4&6 and we'd love to expand our family with a puppy. Initial stages of considering which breed and I'm quite ignorant of personality types etc.

Looking for :
Non-shedding
Family friendly, good with little kids
Small / mid size, say spaniel sized
Not a yappy dog
Easy to train
Generally easy going
I work from home so will be around
Couple of short walks a day, say 40 mins
A big cuddler

What are the options?
Thanks so much for any info.

Poodle or a whippet maybe.

Miniature poodle would fit the bill perfectly.

I have a shihpoo (Shih tzu crossed with a miniature poodle) and she’s an absolute dream and would fit the bill! All she wants in life is a tummy rub, she’s so affectionate and clever, easy to train and just fits in with whatever we’re doing. And they’re adorable

Miniature Schnauzer (with the proviso that you’re very on top of controlling any tendency to yap).

Mini poodle or mini schauzer ( none of our families have been barky but some are)

Schnauzer !

My mutt from the dogs home sounds perfect for you! You’re not having him though….

Best guess would be he’s a shih tzu /miniature poodle cross.

(OP, do please bear in mind that most ‘perfect family dogs’ are very attractive commercially, so lots of care needed where you buy!)

Sounds like a cockerpoo would fit. Very loveable with a low sheding coat.

I think Shih Tzus are non shedding
Everyone round here has one and they are lovely

Whatever you do don't get a cockerpoo. People think they Are ideal family dog. As a vet I can tell you we are seeing so many with real issues. They need loads of exercise even if they look really cuddly. Maybe go for something llasa or shih tzu like. They tend to be more relaxed type breed

@Amicompletelyinsane sorry to jump on the thread but since you've mentioned your a vet can I ask you a quick question?

I know they are not popular on Mumsnet, but I have a maltipoo (Maltese and Poodle) cross. We have adopted him.

He is lying on my lap right now being cuddly and very loving.

He is smart, loves kids, doesn't need hours of exercise, and doesn't shed. Not to mention cute. He has many friends in our condo building, all of whom he greets enthusiastically.

The downside is he doesn't like to be left alone, which is the main reason we have him, he is very attached to DH and I.

See, I would say a whippet based on your wish-list.

Silent, mid-size, non-shedding, easy to train, easy going, happy with a short walk or long, likes kids, likes a cuddle. BUT I am describing my whippet.

I have known whippets who are enormous, who are barkers and those who aren't comfortable around kids.

What I mean is, people can recommend 'breeds most likely to...' but there's no guarantee.

Plus, puppies are bitey, crazy, messy, exhausting whirlwinds!

So it's a bit of a slog getting to the nice dog. How do you feel about the journey - or are you just thinking about the destination?!

Border terrier

I have a Lhasa and she is perfect, exactly like this

How much grooming are you prepared to do?

Poodles obviously are non-shedding and a good family dog but they have curly/thick coats that matt up easily so need regular, thorough brushing. I'm a Dog Groomer and we see more matted than not and I hate it as they have such nice coats but a lot of people think a quick brush once a week is fine.

Shih tzu's may fit everything you're looking for but they were bred as watch dogs and so can be 'barky'. Not yappy but such as my MIL's two - they bark at everything that goes past the window and every noise/slight sound they hear.
Again, they also need regular brushing.

A whippet May fit in perfectly with your family!

Poodle.

Poodles can be really yappy ime.

Not sure about non shedding but I agree with border terriers.

I have a Lhasa apso

Whippets are great family dogs but do shed especially parti-coloured. Be prepared to give up your couch though! Cockapoos are crazy and really need experience owners. Cute though!

A Cavalier King Charles? Or a CavaPoo?

Miniature poodle.

Non shedding, clever, want to please so easy to train (but can out wit you sometimes).

We have two. And two kids. They are very much family dogs. They don't need to look floofy (though some look great like that).

My two are cut short all over. They don't need brushing ever. They have a trip to the groomers every 6 weeks ish which is £30 for each of them. I am able to clip them myself so it's not like you have to pay out for grooming. I just prefer to let someone else get wet.

Some poodles can be yappy and needy. But no more than other dogs. It's about breeding for health and character, and training.

They definitely are more like people than dogs in the way they think.

And not a hair shed!

[quote frenchiemummy92]@Amicompletelyinsane sorry to jump on the thread but since you've mentioned your a vet can I ask you a quick question? [/quote]
Sorry only just seen this

You are describing my whippet puppy