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.

Golden Retriever.

I really wanted a Vizsla but DS4 was desperate for a Golden Retriever and I'm so glad we went with his choice.

I am not biased in any way at all but my girl is the best dog in the entire universe She is so affectionate, intuitive and funny and has added to much to our family. Everyone loves her - family, friends, neighbours, complete strangers, teenage boys. She is fantastic with children and very gentle.

She loves her walks but is entirely flexible - sometimes 30 mins lead walk, sometimes 2 hours in the woods and everything in between.

Tibetan terrier every time. They're a nice medium size, lovely calm, cuddly dogs, don't shed (but therefore do need grooming and/or clipping) and are happy to miss a walk so long as they've got plenty of time out wombling around a good sized garden.

I have a Shichon (cross between a Shitzu and Bichon Frise). I did my research before I got her … she is low maintenance, hypoallergenic, doesn’t shed at all so no hairs everywhere, some people keep them as house dogs and don’t even walk - we tend to give ours one short walk a day. We’ve had her 7 years now and she’s still fully adored by me, my partner and the kids. Such a cuddly loving dog. With a right little character to her. She’s mega cute, good with the kids and loves to play.

I don't have dogs yet but have learned from reading these threads how lovely greyhounds are and when I eventually can get one they will be top of my list!

Everyone needs a greyhound. I evangelise too much about them probably.
yes they’re not small and cute but mine doesn’t shed, doesn’t bark, doesn’t jump up and just needs love (and a sofa)

Staffordshire Bull Terrier, wonderful dogs. We had a Staffie as a first dog, she was a dream, great will kids, loved everyone in fact. Loved her walks, but wasn't bothered it it was an hour or twenty mins, no shedding, loved nothing better that cuddling on the sofa.
I lost her earlier this year, starting to imagine getting another dog, but it would be a Staffie, everytime.

I think a beagle is a possibility but don't expect to get an obedient dog that does what it's told! Its like having another child and depends on your parenting style- if you're into gentle parenting and letting the dog/ child take the lead you'll be ok.
The puppy and adolescent stage is hard but after 2 years you'll have a snuggly dog who sleeps 18 hours and just seems to have natural empathy for kids, elderly people, or anyone who's feeling poorly.
They don't need masses of exercise but do need to sniff. Can never be reliably off lead though !

So many people have nothing but good things to say about greyhounds! I would have loved one but always worried about the chase instinct and whether I'd ever be able to have them off lead. Is a solid recall possible, especially with an off track rescue?

Mini Poodle or Cairn Terrier would be my recommendations.

Both small, don't need tons of exercise and would be perfectly happy with an hour of exercise plus plenty of company, especially if you have a garden for them to run around in.

They do need regular grooming though, so that's something to factor in to your budget if you're not able to do it yourself.

Every single greyhound I know has to stay on the lead, even ones that owners have had from puppies. They're also quite aloof dogs in my experience - I certainly wouldn't recommend one for a family with a small child who wants to play with her puppy.

I know some people have their greyhounds off lead without problems, but it depends on the dog, your relationship with them and their training. If walking off lead is very important for you, then you probably shouldn't get a greyhound.

My greyhound hasn't shown much inclination to want to chase - her ears will prick if she hears a bird in a bush or sees a cat, but she just watches and listens. I imagine if I had her off lead she'd probably but plod about near me and sniff stuff. But she's quite scared of German Shepherds because the one that lives round the corner keeps barking at her, and there's a risk she would bolt if one got too close, so she's not likely to be let off lead any time soon.

My cross-breed terrier, on the other hand, has a very strong chase drive and would happily run into a busy road if there was a cat/rabbit/squirrel on the other side

I second this.

Havanese are small, playful dogs. They are known as a 'circus dog' because they love doing tricks. They are also intelligent and will learn things fast. And I have never known a better 'lap dog' - they love sitting on a lap (bit like a cat). They are small as they are technically toy breed size so don't need as long walks as other breeds who are bigger. Mine loves puzzles and brain workout toys.

The down side to this breed is that they do need grooming to keep in the teddy bear hair cut, so you would need to be able to afford this. We take ours every 7-8 weeks and it costs £45 for a full groom. They can also be a bit cunning and can sometimes try and train you, rather than you train them.

Just sent my daughter's beagle home after dog sitting. She's getting on a bit now and has slowed down but has always been a cuddly nester and gets on well with our dogs. Never been the most playful of dogs with children though (but happy to be hugged) and of course there's this:

We've just got a cockapoo as our first dog. Our kids are older (9 & 11) but never been around dogs. He's absolutely fab. He has a lovely personality and is very sociable.

I'd second a border. Ours is 11 now. So loving and so lazy.

Miniature poodle! They are fabulous dogs. ❤️🐾

Miniature Schnauzers make lovely family dogs. They are generally friendly, calm and easy to train.

Avoid any poodle crosses. You have no idea what you’re getting and many come from puppy farms.

Collie cross or lab cross... rescue puppy... would be my pick

I will always say show cocker because I love my boy so much he's so easy and very cuddly. Easiest dog I've had to jigsaw train too.

But my second choice of breed was border terrier. Aldi delightful and very easy little dogs.

@margotrose, we have a Cairn Terrier and he is lovely, rather like a teddy bear. He thinks everyone is his friend and is a happy little dog. The reason I didn't mention a Cairn as a first dog is that they can be very stubborn and strong willed, making you very aware as to which direction they want to go on a walk. They are also super talented escape artists and if the front door is accidentally left open they are off. For these reasons, they are not easy to train.

Get a nice shih tzu or lhasa apso, stay away from spaniel breeds and labrador esque breeds and cockerpoo/doodle breeds, they're very friendly but also very full on and often have an intelligent working dog mixed into them. My childhood dog was a shih tzu and he was lovely, was happy with 45 mins - an hr exercise a day, lovely to live with, and lived 15 years! Cavaliers are lovely but have alot of health issues, and the risk isn't worth how heart breaking it can be.

I'd def go for a larger dog if you have a small child. Bigger brains and better personalities usually.

This isn't always the case. Our cockapoo came from a breeder registered with the local council. Both parents are kennel club registered and their history can be traced back to the 70s

Jack Russell. Small, but hardy and able to walk long distances (but also happy with a shorter walk). Fun, friendly and despite popular opinion, very trainable. Also my two are very cuddly.