What breed do we need?

[Version4needsabitofwork]

We’re a family of four, two hybrid working adults (so someone is usually home most days) and two teens. We’ve got a decent sized garden and access to lots to of open space. We like walking, but like most people, we’re time poor. Could manage two half hour walks every day plus a couple of extra 2 hour walks in the week and at weekends. We go away a lot (mostly camping so not a problem) and will hire good doggy daycare if necessary.

We have a cat and we’re after a breed that can be pretty low maintenance. I’ve grown up with springer spaniels and jack Russell Terriers, gorgous dogs but I think we’re probably after something more chilled.

Is there a breed that might suit us? I think we could offer the right dog lots of love and country walks, but they need to be able to relax and not chase the cat.

What would you suggest?

I’d say if you are time poor then don’t get a dog - especially a puppy. They need a lot of input. They’re a way of life.

Re. The cat then any breed needs training around them. My last dog was a terrier sighthound cross who lived with cats with no issues. I’ve currently got a working terrier pup who is slowly calming down around our dog savvy cat. It’s less about the breed and more about management, training and socialisation to a point. My sisters ex racing greyhound lives with chickens.

Taking your post at face value that you can do at least what you've said and will hire help when needed ... I will bang my usual drum. 😆

The Smooth Collie is a vulnerable native breed that needs more owners, and sounds as if it would you suit well. Very similar to the more common Rough Collie, obviously - perhaps a little more energetic than some - but very biddable and trainable.

Two half hour walks a day is going to be too little for most dogs. If getting a puppy, initially, you'll need to dedicate far more time than that daily with any breed.

Maybe consider a cat savy greyhound, or look at toy breeds, in general they will be happy with less exercise.

Of as above look at Smooth Collies (not smooth coated boarder collies, farm collies or Welsh collies, they are very different and need much, much more exercise!).

@UnusedUsername

Actually I disagree about the exercise for a border collie but they do need a lot of interaction, or perhaps I just have a particularly lazy one. He has got used to work from home though, lies under the desk (though seems annoyed if you talk on the phone, shattering his peace and quiet!

A cavalier king charles spaniel? Show-type cocker spaniel? I think if you are prepared that the puppy stage will require a bit more time/work (but less actual walking), then many dogs will be happy with a couple of 30 min walks a day and more at weekends/when time allows once they are in a routine. Depends what sort of breed you like -size, amount of grooming, appearance. Something like a Great Dane needs pretty limited exercise (especially when growing)! Just avoid anything with a working background (and I would include cockapoos in this!), and ideally speak to breeders before you decide.

We have a cat and rescued a lurcher who is the perfect addition to our family at home (me; DH, and DD-21) and sounds like might be for you too. We kept them apart from each other using a stairgate at first to make sure our cat had her own space but they're fine together now.

We have cats and everyone told us do not get lurchers or greyhounds if you have cats because they properly chase them We were told that by rescues and so many people but then there’s people above saying theirs don’t so then I don’t know that there’s necessarily a cat friendly breed- it can be a personality thing- the dogs and cats next door get on great together but they said their dog hated their old cat and my dog gets on great with one cat and him and the other cat DETEST each other and life is all about ensuring they’re not left alone (and is a nightmare to be honest!)

Ps could you stretch the half hour walk in the evening to an hour? Half an hour is very very short- I’d think you’d have to go with a very small dog breed

Have you considered a whippet? in my experience they are okay with cats, provided they are introduced as a puppy. Ours shares food with the cats and grooms them as well.

Whippets sleep most of the day, and can be happy with just one or two off lead sessions a day, ideally in an open space. Ours is knackered after 20-30 minutes of dog / ball chasing.

He's excellent for WFH, rarely barks, loves a cuddle, zero aggression, makes a useless guard dog.

(P.S. Don't get a pet squirrel as well)

I think it would help to narrow it down a bit.

Size? What level of grooming could you manage? Any preference on temperament?
What can you offer in terms of training/stimulation?

IMO with that exercise requirement you’re looking at either a giant or toy breed or perhaps something like a greyhound/whippet. Any of the working breeds (collies, labs. spaniels, GSD etc) would need more to avoid problems.

If you’re time poor then IMO you don’t want a puppy - that’s like having a toddler to look after for the first 6-12 months.

Thanks so much for all your messages. Im
just going out, so can’t answer individually at the moment but thank you for all the great suggestions. We’ve been thinking about getting a dog for about 10 years, but we want to make sure that we’re doing the right thing. I’ve no appetite for a puppy (although I will potentially have 3 months off work next year and could go for it then) and would prefer a rescue, so I’m really happy to hear greyhounds being recommended. Such gorgeous animals. Some rescues cat test, but I’m very nervous about that for obvious reasons.

In terms of narrowing things down - we’re after the right temperament and energy levels (happy to loll for hours but then good for a two hour romp when someone gets time to take them out (we’re pretty energetic as a family!).

Having said that; I’m not up for a giant breed or something with tricky health needs, so we’ve ruled out labs already (can’t be doing with not walking them when they’re little!).

Of course, it could be that getting a dog might not be right for us - we came to that conclusion when the kids were little and we both worked outside the home more.

Thanks again everyone - if we’re going to take on such an enormous commitment, we need to get it right!

we’ve ruled out labs already (can’t be doing with not walking them when they’re little!)

Obviously not important information if you get an adult, but NO breed should be walked extensively until mature, whether they have inherent breed issues such as hip/elbow dysplasia or not.

Honestly lots of people will tell you they needs lot of exercise but I would consider a labrador so I didn't totally understand the not walking them when they are little comment. If it is to do with potential hip issues, just choose a decent breeder and do your homework. Any puppy you have to be careful of not over walking in the early days. Ours have walked from the point they have had their jabs and been fine.

We have two - happy to go on a long walk, but equally as happy with two 30 minute walks a day. They love family life so are more than content to just be around you and stimulation can be anything from playing in the garden through to a full on day at the beach. I have had a lot of breeds and they are by far one of the nicest.

I love greyhounds, lurchers, whippets etc but they are harder to guarantee with cats.

What about a cocker spaniel? Smart, eager to please and very trainable, good for walks and camping etc but not quite the same energy levels and size of a springer? Coats can be kept long if you're willing to groom regularly or shaved short. Most will do ok with cats that are already established in the home.

would prefer a rescue
we’re after the right temperament and energy levels (happy to loll for hours but then good for a two hour romp when someone gets time to take them out (we’re pretty energetic as a family!).
Many rescued dogs will not be pure bred, and might have behavioural issues.

It reads like you want a dog that is healthy and already trained. I'd stick to just having a cat.

Please do not get a working cocker spaniel, ours needs constant movement and stimulation to be happy, same with a collie or sheltie.

Look at what the breed is meant to do, what it is bred to do....or you could end up with a stressed unhappy dog. so working breeds need to be ruled out. None of these for example;

GSD
Pointer
Weimaraner
Working Cocker spaniel
Flat coat retriever
Hungarian vizla
Dachshund
Terrier
Some will tell you theirs will be fine and sleeps all day but l see so many unhappy dogs left alone for hours without the correct exercise, it is very sad.

Show cocker spaniels have less energy, but like company a lot, again greyhounds are great.

Could you manage a dog walker for an hour a day?
30 minute walks twice a day is very little, what about off lead runs?

My Labrador is very easy going, some days she only gets half an hour, other days much longer, though she is always walked off-lead in the forest. If it’s raining she won’t go out and is a complete sofa hound. We were careful with walking her up until she was around 12 months old but as others have said, this is usual for all breeds. The standard guidance for all puppies is 5 minutes walk per month of age for a maximum of twice a day.

Our dog gets on great with our 2 cats.

A schnauzer- either miniature or standard size.
Low to no shedding, love cuddles, love a long hike or a couple of brisk lead walks (with sniff times) very adaptable. Easy to train- very individual cheeky/ quirky characters

The thing is, most ‘chilled’ dogs are only that way because they get the right stimulation and plenty of it! My terrier is chilled in the house and happy to laze around but we attend two training classes a week and she has daily games and training as well as controlled hunting on walks.

If you want a chilled dog you have to put the time in. There are some exceptions - some lurchers (depending on what breed mix they are), some toy breeds but very few are this way with little input.

Im not saying don’t do it but adjust your expectations on input. You will need to put a fair bit in, especially as youngsters. We both work full time, one hybrid. I enjoy training so don’t find it a chore (most days) but do be realistic if you don’t enjoy doing it.

Cat friendly greyhound would be perfect for you!! A greyhound will be perfectly content with two half hour walks a day as standard. When there's nothing going on they are perfectly happy to chill and sleep around the house for hours, they are amazing wfh companions. You might have to wait a little while for a cat friendly one to become available (you may need one that was deemed not chasey enough to race) but if you register your interest with local greyhound rescues I'm sure you'll have luck before too long :)

Was about to say the same. Our dog is now one and had been full on for the last year. A puppy is like having a baby crossed with a toddler crossed with the Duracell bunny.

Maybe look at an older rescue? Greyhounds usually get good reports on mn and will suit your needs.

I agree, I think a cat friendly greyhound is the dog for you. Toy dogs that can get by with equally short walks will likely want a lot of attention in the home. A greyhound will happily snooze. Lovely dogs that are mostly placid and easy ime.

We have a lab also! Not sure about the walking comment either. For all dogs they recommend five minutes per month age, not just labs. We did get cabin fever when he was a young puppy though.

Now we probably do two 30-60 minute walks a day (depends on weather and who’s taking him). Sometimes we try and do some mental stimulus as well, as that will tire out them more than a walk.