Suggestions for first family dog

[Flubadubba]

Just that, really. Looking at dogs for a small family- DH, DD (4) and me. Would be first time owners, open to suggestions.

We have a large garden and plenty of space. There is usually someone at home at all times as we WFH a lot.

Probably couldn't cope with a breed that needs a insane amount of walking, so ideally a breed that is calm and good with children.

If you want a dog that's easy to train and look after, I'd suggest a greyhound. They're already trained to hold their bladder, so toilet training is just teaching them where the toilet is. They're also trained to walk on a lead and not jump up at people.

They're generally a very calm and gentle breed too. Mine will have very short bursts of playfulness and always wants to be involved if something's happening, but then she'll sleep for hours if there's nothing going on.

Depends which breeder you go for. There are breeders out there working to undo the horrible mess created by back yard breeders.
As with any breed, if you go with a reputable breeder that health tests and has a programme aimed at bettering the development of the breed you should have very little issues

If you like beagles have you considered basset hounds? Amazing family dogs, complete softies and love to sleep. Rarely see them but they’re amazing. Can be trained despite misconceptions, ours can be off lead and has recall.

We have a miniature poodle. He's knee high and happy to walk miles with me in the woods or spend time inside with his family. Loves swimming, is happy at motorsports. He's very adaptable and loves people. Can be very vocal with barking, chatting and gruffing.
He needs regular coat clipping and his ears kept clear otherwise he has problems.
He's a brilliant all rounder. He treats us all differently and we love him dearly.
He was a terror to my child when a pup. I needed eyes on constantly.

Poodle rescue is an option.

@Daveismyhero sadly because all KCC are descended from just 6 dogs, the health issues can't be bred out. It doesn't matter whether the dog is from a backyard breeder or reputable one. Their skulls are too small for their brains, so over 70% of them live with headaches. 50% of them develop heart failure by the age of 5 which leaves them breathless and in pain.

One of my neighbours is a KCS breeder, and we considered buying one from her as she was a regulated Kennel Club breeder. When I did some research into the breed I was horrified.

Sorry OP, don't want to derail the thread!

I would say a garden is crucial if you also have small children - when my daughter had to live live in a flat for a short time with a toddler and a dog she sent the dog to us to look after until she could move - it is very difficult on a day to day basis doing late night walks particularly when the child is too young to be left alone in the flat while you walk it.

@EmmaGrundyForPM all useful info to have! We are taking this all seriously, as we want to have them as a happy, healthy part of our family!

I think poodle too. Loving, loyal and intelligent, don't shed. Also with so many poodle crosses around these days, you don't often see purebred poodles anymore which is a shame as they're lovely dogs.

If you look at a rescue they’ll be much calmer than a puppy and some training would hopefully have been done depending on background. Some dogs are handed back in due to relationship breakdown, illness or owner death. With children around knowing the background is necessary imo, as I wouldn’t want to to take on a dog with ‘issues.’

What about a staffie? My friend had a few, all lovely dogs, ran free (she had fields) she also had rabbits and cats, children in and out.

We have a Labrador, but they are harder in terms of cleaning, hair, puppies are terrorists, teeth are sharp. I had a lovely JRT as a child, can’t recall any biting, he did develop dementia and behavioural issues when he was about 16/17.

There’s one breed that’s always mentioned - Bedlington Terrier- always seem to get rave family dog reviews.

Golden retrievers come out on top for the breed best for children. It depends on how much maintenance you are prepared to give. A lot of breeds require regular grooming which can be costly. I would avoid daschunds as they have a lot of health problems, mainly their backs. I had a CKC spaniel and he was bombproof with children, adults and other dogs. Yes they have breathing difficulties due to their noses but my rescue lived to the age of 11 and it was only at the end that his breathing became bad. French bulldogs, cavs and pugs are being phased out now. Border Collies need a lot of stimulation as they are very intelligent and easily bored. They need a lot of exercise. People slate Jack Russell terriers. I have one and although their reputation is they are yappy little things that snap at everything and everyone, mine does not. If trained correctly they don't do this.

It is a two way thing mixing a dog with children in the household. Children need to be taught how to be around a dog and to respect the dog, and vice versa. Good Luck with your search.

My thoughts too.
One walk a day, access to a garden
Calm, docile, brilliant with children
Great recall, not difficult to train
I asked the rescue for a small quiet female.
I'd recommend a non-racer so you don't have to deal with the prey drive
She's amazing!

My golden retriever was an absolute twat as a puppy and adolescent.

Same

My parents had a poodle when I was born, he was indeed a lovely dog. I can’t recall too much as he passed when I was about 6 (old/kidney disease).

Mine is fine off lead as no prey drive. She gets a little anxious around groups of dogs, but the anxiety works in our favour as she won't leave us. She 💯 always comes back

We always had labradors growing up. Lovely friendly family dogs but still need a good walk every day. I know cockapoos are quite popular now. Steer clear of working cockers if you don't want lots of waking x

@Flubadubba I would also suggest you try to get a bitch as they are generally more biddable and eager to please - I have had some gorgeous male retrievers - flat coats and goldens - over the years but they can require a stronger hand (which I am just not willing to do) to keep them in line. Very intelligent, friendly and brilliant at obedience and recall until they decide they are not going to recall as something/some dog over there is more interesting than you! Never had a bitch who wasn't 100% sound at recall etc.

In your situation I would look at getting a miniature Scnautzer.

www.akc.org/dog-breeds/miniature-schnauzer/#:~:text=The%20Miniature%20Schnauzer%20is%20a,oriented%2C%20they%20make%20great%20watchdogs.

IMO if looking for a particular breed you need to consider what the dog was bred for-beagles and spaniels were bred to have lots of stamina for being out in the field for hours so their energy needs are high. Same with labs although they are lazier- but obsessed with food. Also have a double coat so moult a lot.
Bedlington Terriers mentioned before are a good shout-and they look like lambs so adorable. Terriers in general need lots of boundaries when young so good raised from puppies-less reliable if you don’t know the background. But in general, terriers are great family dogs and very loyal.
I had a greyhound who was a super dog-loved to be with people, wonderful with other dogs but a nightmare if he saw a cat or squirrel. He was very well trained but had a huge prey drive which overrode everything. He had never raced so his training wasn’t to blame. But a very easy dog-I miss him still. Growing up, we had a couple of mongrels who lived to ripe old ages. Easy to train, living and hadn’t had health issues bred into them. A great choice if you have access to pups. Good luck!

Mine would be ok off lead if he wasn’t so nervous I reckon, it I don’t trust him not to bolt if he gets scared .

He is absolutely brilliant with children, I’d completely trust him with a 4 year old. The neighbour’s cat - not so much! But I was worried about prey drive and he certainly has a strong one but he’s fine on the lead now as he’s so good, he’d never pull and he responds to my voice when I tell him to leave it (On the lead !). Stands there quivering and whining but not pulling!

They just have the best temperaments.

I would NOT get a greyhound puppy! They are not known as land sharks for nothing !!

Flatcoat retriver! Really family orientated, brilliant with children but the puppy stage can be hard when they turn into velociraptors! We used child gates when he was young to create boundaries for everyone. Boys can get quite large, our boy Walter is 35kg but bitches are smaller. Good luck!

I forgot to add that if you go for a spaniel they are notorious for being greedy and will eat anything in sight. It can be hard to control their weight. They will anything and not just food! You can't leave anything lying about.

Cavachons are a mix of kc cavaliers and bichon frises. Both breeds are companion dogs so that’s what they want to do. Non shedding and don’t need much walking.

mine is friendly and non threatening with other dogs.

been a great family dog and fitted in with our lives perfectly.

Are you joking? These are totally unsuitable first time family dogs!!