First time family dog, what breed might we be missing?

[IesuGrist1975]

We are finally in a position to get a dog within the next year due to my father-in-law moving into our granny(dad) annexe meaning a pet dog will be a companion for him on my 2 work days. Our youngest children are 6 years old and 10 years old and we have a medium sized garden and live in an urban area but have access to a good few large parks and spend the weekends at kids sports, usually in muddy fields with loads of other dogs so a dog being happy around other dogs is important.

It will be our first family dog, we have a 9 year old cat and while my parents occasionally bred my father’s working springer spaniels when I was growing up, they lived in kennels rather than indoors so this is a first indoor pet dog. Another thing to mention is that this dog is going to be a bit of emotional support me (my mum is terminally ill) so a dog that is happy to be loved by me would be excellent.

Having done quite a lot of research on here and other online resources I’v got a shortlist of,

• Miniature (or standard) poodle,
• Rough collie
• Border terrier.

These have made it onto the list for being either side of medium. Intelligent, happy with a couple of 30- 60 min walks a day, being good family dogs, happy to relax after a good walk. I’m wondering if we’ve missed any other obvious breeds off the list? Or if any of those don’t really fit the bill? We’ve been in contact with a couple smooth collie breeders and they’re currently what we’re leaning towards but happy to be swayed.

Labradors got our first when oldest was 2 then had another baby 5 yr later lab was fab and so loyal and looked after him lost him after 9 yr got another and he's now nearly 13 and still loyal to the boys ,collies are a bit risky with kids

I would go to the pound and have a look. Or check in with your preferred purebred rescue. There are zillions of homeless dogs to choose from and very often purebreds, if that's your thing. I've had about 60 ish different dogs, counting all the ones from my childhood up (currently have 7, plucked off the streets, or found starving out along country roads) I can say unequivocally that the purebreds (Labradors, German Shepherds, Chesapeake Bay retrievers, Chihuahuas, Poodles, English Setters) were no better as far as being lovable/good companions/eager to please than the many mixes. I would advise avoiding pitbulls--not because there aren't lovely pitties out there, but I've heard too many (not good) stories about them to be willing to risk it with kids. But I do have to agree with the person who said labradors are wonderful all-around dogs, as are golden retrievers. And having a short-haired breed, as opposed to a poodle (love them, but be ready for time-consuming grooming) is something to keep in mind.

I'd get a havanese. They really are the most perfect dogs - friendly, playful, fun, loving. Love dogs and people...

As long as you're not paying a backyard breeder for the dog. They aren't even a breed, they are mutts. (and I love mutts!) But paying someone for these dogs, just encourages more people to breed 'designer' (eyeroll) dogs, and leave more wonderful dogs sitting in the pound waiting to be euthanized. I have no respect for for people breeding and selling these mixed designer breeds. (not the fault of the dogs, at all!)

Miniature schnauzer! They’re amazing with kids, super friendly and funny, they do not shed hair AT ALL and are hypoallergenic so can be around those who are allergic to dogs.

The nicest dog I ever knew was a bichon frise.

I'm strangely drawn to this breed ❤ That is a gorgeous face.

We are very much pastoral breed people and if we decide we need to size down from our current giant breed, I think the Smooth Collie would be my first choice.

Teddy the Miniature Schnauzer 🐾

My daughter and family have just got a cockapoo

Agreed! See pics of our boy above 🐾

I lived in a 2 bed tower block flat until my eldest of 4 was 12.

I had always wanted a dog, I had one growing up and to me a dog makes a home. They’re just the best. So I done years and years and years of research to different breeds. And it always came back to either a Labrador or a cocker spaniel.
collies are extremely active, they also have the tendency to be a bit snappy. Very Intelligent any loyal though. Poodles- big fat nope! Again, tendency to be snappy, need lots of maintenance for their coat. Terriers are a no for me, personally I’m not a fan of the smaller dogs. Every single one I’ve ever met is yappy and snappy 😂
I went for a cocker spaniel. Everyone said to me ‘ohhhh you’re going to have your work cut out with him’
He is the most lazy, softest, clever, loyal and loving dog I could ever want. Yes it’s partly to do with how they’re bought up, but my house is manic. 4 kids says it all.
I wanted- intelligent, loyal, low maintenance, mid sized. I’m in a 3 bed house now with a huge garden- roughly 30ftx70ft the house is pretty small as far as 3 bed houses go- and I think I would struggle with anything much bigger. Think of things like- if you’re going to crate train- how big the breed will be and what size crate you’ll need to find space for, how much food you’ll need and can afford/store. I have bad health, which sometimes means I can’t get out of bed (just got out of bed yesterday after 5 days in bed) and my eldest (almost 16) is able to manage walking him round the block etc if needs be. Could your dad handle a larger dog ie the collie or poodle on the days you’re at work etc? It’s silly things like this that I put years of thought into. Lab, cocker or greyhound- greyhounds are actually really lazy! So don’t need to run 6 hours a day like most think too! Good luck 😉 I’m sure whatever you choose will be amazing & above all else, will be loved ❤️

Agree! And additionally, if you get a rescue dog, you can get an adult and maybe find one that has a history of living with cats. It's so much easier, imo, to get a dog 1-2 years old (or older) rather than a puppy. And you can see their adult personality as well.

Golden retriever. They are amazing with kids, very gentle.

They are the best little dogs! I've never had one, but have known many, and I just love them!

Border terriers can be a bit snappy . We had a Norfolk terrier when our children were little and they are the most adorable dogs . Like teddy bears!

You need a Labrador, showline bred

A Labrador. Do not get a collie, lovely dogs yes but honestly labradors are easy family pets. Do your research on breeders, get a reputable one where you can meet the puppy parents

I know there not everyones cup of tea but German Shepherds (Alsations) are brilliant family dogs,we have had 4, protective with children will play for hours with them.Love being part of a family,very loyal, no problems with cats but do need 2 long walks a day,and according to a well known pet insurance Labradors bit more people than any other breed last year, GSD did not make did not make the top ten, they are very easy to train and will love you to death.

ugh. no more designer dogs, please!

We have a cavachon. He doesn’t moult at all. And short legs so less walking. Cavapoo or cavapoochon are similar.

I have a lovely female border terrier, she can be lazy or nuts, she loves a cuddle, great with kids very little hair (she’s a blue rather than grizzle) my friends have a grizzle and he is so clever! Downside is you have to put a huge amount of effort into recall training if you want to let them off in public places as their prey drive will kick in (think squirrels , rabbits etc) I’ve never got to the point of trusting mine with recall! Good luck! 😊

Me too! My 9 year old girl is just the best. They do shed though and the hair gets everywhere OP!

Shih tzu, as a family we all pretty much have one, they are the best little doggos, great with the many kids in the family and our 2 cats, they also come with the added bonus of no dog hair everywhere!

Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier, ours is the best boy. He can be stubborn but he's very adaptable, loyal, friendly, non-shedding.

Labradors are the easiest family dogs in my opinion! They shed a lot but other than that, so easy and loving. Absolutely wouldn’t get another border collie, far too smart for their own good and need a lot of attention/exercise because of it. (Don’t get me wrong, still beautiful loving family dogs and easy to train)