Best breed of dog for first time owner

[puppyplans]

I'm finally going to be in a position to have a dog next year! I haven't had a dog before so concerned that a rescue would be too much.
I also have cats so no terriers or sighthounds.
I was thinking of a small poodle - are they a good first dog or would you recommend a different breed?

I think a toy or miniature poodle sounds great for you - they do need a lot of brushing as well as regular grooming, but otherwise they're fairly low maintenance. I walk a fantastic mini poodle - he's 11 now and loves his walks, but is equally happy curled up on the sofa with a blanket and some company.

He's really, really not a fan of the rain though and sometimes has to be shoved out the door to go for a wee

Rescues can also be a good option if you've checked thoroughly with the place you're adopting from that they have the right temperament for you. I've only ever had rescues and was able to work with the charities I adopted from to make sure that the dogs I've adopted have been suitable for the lifestyle I can give them, good with cats and kids, the kind of temperament that works for our household etc. I also chose to adopt older dogs (the youngest was 7) and so they were already house trained, lead trained etc which was a big bonus for me. I have two different family members who got small pedigree dogs - the first was very sweet and gentle etc and inspired the second family member to get the same breed. The second one is absolutely bonkers and not relaxed/chilled at all, although they are both lovely dogs. To me a puppy of any kind is a gamble whereas you can actually have a much better idea of what you're getting with an older rescue. So it might be worth considering before you rule it out for good. I hope whatever you decide you have lots of fun with your new dog!

I’m surprised no one has mentioned French bulldogs. They are happy and lazy.

Based on your update I'd suggest a Border Terrier. Small, affectionate, playful, very good family dogs. Easy to train. They do have a bit of a prey drive but much less so than a cocker spaniel for example. They adapt really well to either city or country living.

I think a Border terrier, though generally suitable for first time owners, might not be what OP is after. If you were going to break her ‘no terrier’ stipulation, then it would be one of the toy terriers (have a look at Maltese and Havanese) and of the main terrier group Norfolk (at watch) or Norwich (vulnerable native breed).

Tibetan terriers aren’t really terriers so might also be worth a look.

But toy poodle (maybe miniature poodle) sound suitable for you, so perhaps look no further. I’d recommend paying attention to teaching them to be relaxed when left alone - they can be a bit nervy ‘Velcro’ dogs.

They're the unhealthiest breed in the UK with a life expectancy of 4 - I'm incredibly glad nobody has recommended them!

I am a first time dog owner and had our miniature poodle for just over a year - he is absolutely gorgeous and we all love him dearly.. He needs more grooming than I anticipated and it's taken me quite a while to get to grips with it & there's a few things we still need to work on training wise (reactivity to the cat being one I hadn't expected!) but he is still quite young & it's really just training we need to commit to.

Happy to answer any questions

@coffeesaveslives your comment about mini poodles and rain cracked me up as I have literally just had to hoof mine outside in the rain for a wee. Hates it and has known to sit down in protest on our drive & dig his heels in

@Doodledangle the one I walk is so dramatic about it - he won't walk through deep puddles either, I have to carry him 😂

Seconded!

And they are insanely expensive (to buy and to own).

For me, a healthy pet is the most important thing, so I wouldn't consider a pug or a French bulldog.

My sister has a terrier cross who goes completely nuts around cats. I adore him but it has totally put me off any terrier!

Thank you everyone for all your suggestions and advice.
Hopefully I will be on the puppy threads at some point in the future 🤞

Hmm, well, my purebred spanner has just looked me in the eye and pooed on the doormat rather than going out in the freezing rain, so it's not just poodles.

I think she has shares in carpet cleaner.

I'm sorry but that really made me laugh

Bichon frise. Horizontal happy dogs

Terriers are terrible with cats. Awful. Especially young working borders.

All puppies need separating from cats until they grow up. Most pups brought in with cats are fine as long as you don’t let them bother them. This requires work and management. I’ve had a terrier hound with cats and now a working line border.

Terriers are working dogs so do need an outlet. Mine is very clever but loves learning and is flying up the training levels. Her recall is also good and she’s calm and chilled in the house.

All dogs have downsides. You need to work out your deal breakers.

... but they can't breath enough not to be.

Definitely get a poodle! Would highly recommend

Yes, there is that!

Good luck OP. One word of caution. Pedigree doesn’t mean well bred. It’s well worth contacting the breed club to try and avoid puppy farmers. It’s very much buyer beware.

A Japanese Chin

I've seen somebody on these threads mention that Papillon are generally nice little dogs.
But please don't rule out all rescue dogs in the basis that they will be too difficult (puppies are insanely hard work at times))
I got my first dog from dog's trust. She was a six year old black lab cross. The easiest dog in the world. Never gave me a minute's bother and was a complete joy.

It's definitely worth contacting reputable rescues in your area and having a chat.

So what I learned is that you shouldn't rely on a dog's breed to know what its personality will be. I got a Cavalier spaniel and he is, as his granny who works in a vets says, a very energetic and vocal dog. Not what the internet would tell you!
Be prepared for any eventuality!

Yes I'm bitter.

As shit as it is for you, this is a really important point that people woefully ignore!

Dogs have traits, yes. But they are individuals and so you cannot rely on the breed.

I 100% feel your pain though. My old girl cocker is a show (so meant to be less energetic) but she’s 11 now and keeps up in the fields with my parents Border Collies…hate to think what she’d be like if they couldn’t work her a few times a week or if she’d gone to a family which didn’t have the capacity to exercise her like she’s the doggy Usain Bolt.

It does depend on you, your lifestyle and your priorities. I'd say think carefully about those, including what you want in terms of energy inside (the few miniature poodles I've met have been adoreable, very manegable size, highly trainable and loving but with a frenetic energy). Think carefully about how much exercise you do currently (not how much you hope to do, which is a mistake I made) and try to choose a breed whose needs will be met by that. Size matters too. As do traits like sociability and prey drive, tendency to bark and seperation anxiety. So research breeds well. Try to make a short list which appear to meet your needs. Then the next part is just as important if not more so. Find good breeders who raise pups fully in home environment and who socialises them well. Meet a few litters. For example, some bark more than others. Some are bushier, friendlier, cuddliest, more michevous than others. Try to meet them more than once. See the parents and ensure you'd like a dog just like them. When you've gotten that far and have found your litter, follow your heart. Chose a pup you 'fall in love with' and ideally one who chooses you. I did some but not all of that when I chose my pup around a year ago. If there is a next time, I'll try to do it all! Good luck.