Best breed?

[Violetandpurple]

We have 4 children ages 2-13.
i do not work, partner does.
live opposite beautiful canals and walks etc.
do have 2 cats.
want a breed not too large but not too small.
evenings can be hectic with clubs etc, daytime im usually always in or if i go out its just to baby groups, shops etc.
what would you reccomend?

Gently I don’t cocker spaniels would not be a good idea. As with retrievers, they’re often touted as being an excellent family pet which is just poor advertising.

They are high energy and high prey - even show lines - IME. They are prone to serious behavioural issues if not properly trained (resource guarding, extreme SA, biting, neurotic behaviour and severe reactivity). And tbh they aren’t particularly good with children (just look at spaniel aid and see how many are being re-homed as ‘unsuitable with children’.

Even show lines need about 90 minutes a day - any less and you’re setting yourself up for a lifetime of misery - and they need mental stimulation. I have two show cockers ATM (one is 11 and one is 5 and a foster who had never been walked before coming to me) and both need constant stimulation all day and at least 90 minutes. The younger one would go for more walks if she could, but after never being walked before I’m being careful about building up her tolerance to avoid joint damage. Could she have less? Yes. But would she be happy? No.

To get a well rounded cocker (as with any dog) you need to go to a good breeder - if you don’t, you’re more likely to find a dog with poor breeding making the above behaviour issues more likely. Unfortunately, with four kids, a good breeder won’t sell to you which means that you are far more likely to end up with a dodgy backyard breeder (and KC registered does not mean they are a good breeder)

You’d be better off with something like a poodle or a Maltese etc. but there are people with more experience of those breeds who may so no. But as someone who does a lot of spaniel fostering, I’d strong avoid you to reconsider a spaniel of any sort.

Miniature pinscher?
Whippet?
Corgi?
Nova Scotia Duck-tolling retriever? Nominally they are working dogs but the ones I have met have been insanely chilled and nothing like my dogs (actual workers with OTT prey drive).

Slightly offended by the Border Terrier comment! (Lighthearted!)

I was going to suggest a BT, my little lad is 10 months old and is the sweetest natured boy. Very quick to house train, literally a couple of weeks, slept all night in his crate from around 12/13 weeks old. Super intelligent and quick to learn - the caveat to that is he is now an adolescent, he is testing some boundaries with recall..... but I have every faith we'll get through it.
We are shift workers so come in and out at all hours, daughter has clubs etc, we can reliably leave him for 2/3 hours (this only happens once a week) but for short hops out a few times a day he's all good on his own.
He's great in the car too.
Never chewed anything he shouldn't. He does have a penchant for rogue socks though.
And his coat is soft! He does shed a little, he's had his first hand strip in August and fine with that.
All in all, intelligent, biddable (mostly!) and gentle. He brings me so much joy.

Aw he is beautiful, nothing against the breed. Partner had two when i met him and they were lovely!

Toy poodle is also high on our list - any advice re those?

I would personally go for a mini poodle rather than a toy - they're a bit more robust for family life. You do need to keep on top of their grooming but they are excellent family dogs imo.

How old is yours now?

@Cavalierchaos he's 13 months and a month post chemical castration.