Recommend your breed to me

[HouseOfEssex]

I'm in the very early stages of thinking about a new dog. Backstory is after waiting years for my first dog we bought an aggressive, resource guarding, anxiety riddled groodle pup. For his safety and ours heartbreakingly we had to rehome to an experienced adult only home last year.

I'm in zero rush but we'd love another dog some time next year. I was criticised roundly on here for having bought a "mongrel" when I posted about the issues we were having. How I should have bought a "pure breed" So, requirements are

• as non shedding as possible (allergies)
• temperament second to none with children
• small to medium sized
• good for a "novice" owner

Any suggestions for breeds I should look at? So far I have minature Schnauzer and Lakeland terriers on my list and would love any advice?

Hi OP have you got any further with choosing a dog? I have a similar list to yours so interested to hear what you go for!

How about a whippet? We love our girl, she’s almost 2 and has been a dream. Calm, affectionate, good with kids and other dogs, no shedding, very non-smelly, an hour’s walk in the morning featuring an off-lead zoom and she snoozes for the rest of the day. Not a great barker although HATES cats, so that’s probably her only negative. Good luck!

You’re the second person to say whippets are non shedding.... they’re not, whippets shed.

They’re single coated so there’s not loads to shed, but they do shed.

I have a border terrier, he sheds a lot! I have to have him stripped every two months or so his hair grows really fast. However my cousin who is allergic to a lot of dogs isn't bothered by mine. Possibly ticks your other boxes, when he was a pup he was nicknamed the land shark, but he did grow out of it, will still nip my son's feet when he wants to play football with him now and again though! He is great with kids, doesn't matter if he knows them or not. He is a bit of a chewer though, but I bought this bitter apple spray for the table legs and that sorted that out - the wallpaper took a hit when he was a puppy as well! I don't know if they are 'easy' for novices, terriers can all be stubborn gits at times. Sounds like you have been through the mill with your first dog so you wouldn't be a novice in my eyes!

Hi OP,

Although a bit bigger I think Greyhounds are fantastic pets. Placid, quiet, will walk miles but also happy to lie on the sofa, minimal grooming. So loving and hilarious at times too.

Perhaps not suitable if you want something that can go off lead but I'm saying that as someone with 2 ex racing hounds who I haven't had since puppyhood.

And to be completely transparent one of mine does not like other dogs. This manifests as trying to hide (behind my legs like a shy toddler) and if a cheeky dog gets in her space she will bark at them. We can however quite happily stand and talk to another dog owner, she just doesn't want them in her space. She had a rough start in life so I wouldn't say that is indicative of the breed. She does however ADORE people, and my other girl loves other dogs and people.

Pictures attached because I love to show them off 😁

I wouldn't get a poodle or poodle cross in your situation - although great, intelligent dogs in the right home they can be prone to resource guarding. Miniature schnauzer's typically have a lovely temperament but are often very vocal! Have you thought about a (well bred) cavalier king charles spaniel? They tend to be quite dopey, laid back, nice natured little dogs. Whatever you decide to get - please find a well regarded trainer near you and do puppy training from the beginning - you can tackle any issues before they become a problem and give yourself the best chance of success as no breed will be the perfect dog without any training or effort on your part xx

Get a rescue - stop giving dog breeders money - thousands of dogs need homes already without more being bred just because someone wants a particular breed.

samsam123
Get a rescue - stop giving dog breeders money - thousands of dogs need homes already without more being bred just because someone wants a particular breed.
I don’t know that a rescue will suit someone who had to give their dog back

I would have had a rescue dog but wasn't eligible as I don't have a secure garden. I have access to a ridiculous amount of communal gardens but that didn't count.
However, once I got my dog the charities were happy for me to have a rescue. I've had many dogs in the past and yet a charity didn't deem me worthy.

So you saying get a rescue isn't possible for a lot of people. I currently have 2 dogs and I'm home with them all day unless we are around one of our local country parks.