Help me find a breed for my parents?

[NewKidOnTheBloch]

My parents are experienced dog owners, having owned various breeds from goldens to a spaniel mix to a mini schnauzer, but they haven't had a dog for a few years. They would now like a pup, and I'm trying to think about which breed would suit them best.

This has come up now because they are falling in love with a newborn working cocker litter. I don't think this is the right breed for them now but I'm struggling for other suggestions - hopefully you lovely doghouse people can help me with some ideas!?

Details:

Them...
-Parents fit early 70s.
-They live in a residential area in a large town. -There are a few decent green spaces accessible on foot (parks & playing fields) , and other more "interesting" walks/areas within a short drive (woods and rivers).
-Garden which isn't tiny but not big either.
-Both retired obvs and able to afford insurance/training/whatever.
-Young grandchildren, with various attitudes towards dogs from v nervous to loves every beast they come across 😆 No childcare, just visiting.
-Able and willing to give a decent amount of exercise, but i think they would struggle with the sheer amount and variety needed for a working cocker given their ages and where they live.
-Rescues have been discussed, but they have decided they don't want to risk a dog of unknown background now, and see this as their last opportunity to have a pup.

Dog...
-We all loved the mini schnauzer but he was neurotic and barky so wouldn't risk another.
-Not a tiny toy breed or a large breed, or one of the poor buggers with their nose between their eyebrows.
-Not a westie.
-They want something loving and trainable.
-Mum does have a soft spot for spaniels I think (hence paying attention to this litter), and they seem to be either highly intelligent or daft as a brush, is that fair?

My dog knowledge is not up to scratch here, so I'd be grateful if anyone has any suggestions!

The answer is border terrier (and there’s been a recent thread about them extolling their virtues). This is the photo I always wheel out on MN of my lovely happy girl making herself at home in DC’s bed.

As they've been dogless for a few years do they dogsit for family/friends currently? If not it would be a good idea for them to try get a current idea of workload involved before they leap fully in with a puppy and could give them a clearer idea of their requirements. It's a common reason for many pups/youngsters are given up to rescue as the owner was shocked by the work/energy involved and couldn't cope, maybe as waited till retirement to get a dog or have got as replacement for a old dog lost and been long time since experienced having a puppy so forgotten their bodies had also aged in that time. 70s not old but is probably akin to dealing with young kids and pup can be like 18-36m of youngster fun till start to mature into more sensible.

There are more rescues that make use of foster homes now so the dogs are able to assessed in more typical home environment and some fosterers have children of their own or visiting, so will know how comfortable a dog is around children. It's often assumed rescue dogs are all there as have issues but are commonly relinquished when their owners circumstances have changed especially now with housing/COL crisis. There was dog who within a year both the adopting couple had passed away and they weren't old, luckily the the rescue contract to return so they took care of finding a new home. There are also a lot of puppies going into rescues since demand for them has tailed off.

Greyhounds are good shout if they don't mind having a large dog that's more like a lazy, cat. They tend to be calm inside and while enjoy longer walks it's fairly easy to meet their needs if owners restricted for a while with illness etc without climbing the walls. However they may need to stay on lead in public park which is no problem seeing as they get knackered just being upright, but doesn't always fit with some peoples idea of dog to run around and play fetch etc

A family member has a wcs and he NEVER stops. Constantly pinching things, all day long. Huge prey drive, so can't be let off lead. He is gorgeous though, very loving and very handsome and very good with their baby.

Another cavalier lover here..we have had 4 now and only one has had heart problems - he died aged 11 of this.
Ours are/have been all ruby coloured ones and all have been bigger than expected, 'sturdy' built and very robust characters
Not sure if it is the colouring or maybe the treats they get , though 3 out of four have been taller than breed standard and the same size as friends small wcs.

they are such lovely dogs and perfectly fit the description you give of what your parents need.

A neighbour of ours has a Lagotto Romagnolo and it's a fantastic dog. Would be ideal for your parents.
Show cockers also super and please don't discount poodle crossbreeds. We have a cockapoo and she is utterly wonderful. Affectionate, easy to train, lovely nature, non shedding and great with humans and dogs alike. For all she looks like a sweet wee teddy bear though, she has a high prey drive and no bird, squirrel or rabbit is safe!

I know someone who has two of those and they look like teddy bears but they dug up her roses and were halfway to Australia when left unattended in the garden for ten minutes!

They are never left unattended now!

If your mum wants a spaniel go for a Clumber , absolutely gorgeous . Although I also agree with Tibetan terriers - they seem to be dog of choice for many of the retired dog owners in my area .

@FabFitFifties all behaviours which are easily trained 😊 I would bet that they chase him when he has pinched something so it then becomes a game.

Another vote for a rescue greyhound ❤️

Another vote for a clumber spaniel. I don't know the breed well but I sometimes meet a couple of them on walks and they are just lovely. I have earmarked them for when I am older and a working lab might feel like too much.

Or if your parents are not going to be up for regular big walks what about a Shih Tzu. Very sweet natured dogs.

Rescue greyhound. Bloody lovely dogs.

Whippet if the insist on a puppy.

Nothing guarantees a dog won't have issues they need to work on.