Smallish dog

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My children are now 9 and 7. 7 year old has diagnosed adhd and likely autism. He loves dogs. My eldest also likes them and is a sensitive boy.
We live in a 4 bed semi, okish garden. Currently I work from home and my parents live a few streets down ans they own a sprocker rescue since he was a pup. Lovely friendly boy.
We are considering a dog. I have looked at labs and gr but i think they're too big.
As 1st timers we need a biddable dog easy to train, medium amount of exercise, maybe an hour a day. I have considered a cav but I worry about their health. I'm in touch with breeders who do all the tests but still concerned.
Have also thought of border terriers but not keen on them either really.
Dog may occasionally be left alone for an hour or two if I have to run errands.
Any other breeds to consider please? I've watched so many YouTube videos which all contradict each other

"Go for dogs bred for show - ones that come from a line that is all about being calm in a ring and relaxed when required. Obviously not overbred for show but I mean show type lines. Parsons Jack Russel for example over Jack Russel."

We had a Parson Jack Russell to age 15 and absolutely adored him but he certainly wasn't calm until he reached his senior years. They can be a real battle of the wills and can snap if pushed.

Second Miniature Schnauzer. Lovely little dogs with great characters.
If you would consider a rescue Many Tears Rescue has lots of MS looking for a loving home. They have a great reputation.

Not true if you socialise them neutral properly. I have 2. One was attacked quite severely and it took some further training but she is still dog neutral.

I have a DSS who has autism and my SBTs are incredible with him.

A breed standard SBT is a medium dog (my girl is 14" to the withers and my boy 16" to the withers). They can and will take a lot of exercise but are also happy mooching at home. They sleep a lot. The girl is food motivated, the boy not so much. The girl is more independent, the boy velcro dog.

Have you considered a whippet? Amazing dogs!

I have a rescued maltipoo, 1 year old. He's exactly like you described - doesn't bark, really chilled, loves to be around us and follows me everywhere, can walk for hours or minutes, very cuddly and quick to learn. He has a great coat and he'd be lovely for soothing sensory needs!

Yes I follow them. Many of the dogs need a resident dog though

Maltipoos are gorgeous

Bichons are really sweet, happy little dogs

I'd say a border terrier but you've turned your nose up at them. Not offended in the slightest 😠

Seriously though, they are fantastic smallish dogs with HUGE personalities.

I have a son with Autism and we have a cocker spaniel. From the day we bought him home at 9 weeks he has automatically gone and sat on my son when he is having a meltdown, never been trained to do this he just seems to know what to do to help him. They are the best of friends and are always together. He gets 1 decent off lead run in the mornings of about an hour and then another longish lead walk in the afternoon and a short lead walk in the evening we do lots of enrichment play and training throughout the day to keep his mind busy but he is really easy going and if its a particularly busy day is happy laying on the back of the sofa watching the world go by out the window

I absolutely agree but they are utterly foul as puppies 🤣... Good job they are so damn cute. They are baby velociraptors on speed for a few months !

Friend had one as a child and it was awful amd went for me. Silly I know but that's all I think when I see one

Funnily enough my parents sprocker does this too when my son cries. He goes to him amd puts his head on his chest .

I've got 3 Biewer terriers ( they are the same as yorkies except they are all different colours ) and a Golden retriever.

I have two sons aged 10 and 14 and they have been with them a few years - they are both brilliant family dogs, the Biewers especially are fantastic characters and amazing with children, super outgoing and take up less space than my cats!

Ah, I would say whippet too. If there's a sofa and someone in need of a cuddle, the whippet has your back (or your lap!)

I have a lab. But hairy, an hour a day isn’t enough exercise but I just came onto day my MIL has a bichon and he absolutely hates my DD she is 6. Just the sight of her is enough to set him off, and he will and has nipped. (They don’t see each other anymore!)
Aside from that he has separation anxiety and yaps constantly and needs constant grooming.

My friend has a lovely Havainese cross who is a very easy and affectionate boy and good with her kids since they have been little.

I have an autistic young teen and a border collie 😝haha, teen loves that dog and the dog will comfort her when she is stressed but no way would I recommend the BC, she is a handful. Best of luck!

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. Still lots of research to do. Had looked at rescue greyhound but I'm not sure iow cuddly they are?

I have a rescue greyhound. Her favourite things are sofas and cuddles. I asked for a small quiet female and that's what I got.
She has a walk at lunchtime, on and off lead, the rest of the time she goes in the garden.
She's calm and friendly and brilliant with ASD DS.

I would recommend a Cavapoo, from a trustworthy breeder who has proof of health testing.

My cavapoo pup’s mum is a cavalier King Charles and his dad is a toy poodle. He is such a well natured dog who loves people and is great around children.

He has been so easy to train. I’d recommend a cavapoo to anyone

I did consider them but I worry I'll get rhe worst traits of both breeds amd plus they're still being sold near me for 3k

They could well get the worst of each breed and I think you’ll find a breeder of crosses who is trustworthy about as common as hen’s teeth.

If you’re anywhere near the Scottish Borders I would recommend the breeder I used for my cavapoo. Nowhere near 3k either.

Another option is Lhasa apso. MIL has one and she’s a lovely cuddly dog

Golden doodle, cavapoo or cockapoo - all the poodle mixes are (if mixed with a smaller poodle): not too big, very affectionate, easy to train, lovely to cuddle, don't shed.

These poodle-mix dogs are hugely popular. I know many people with one, and own one myself. I have never met one that didn't have the traits 'promised' - very affectionate, love to cuddle, easy to train, don't shed, intelligent