Help! How do you choose a breed?!

[MoiraRoseIsMyQueen]

We’re starting to think about getting a dog, but I’m totally bamboozled by choosing!

We’ve always had rescues in the past, but now with two young children this isn’t an option for us unfortunately. I’m really struggling to find a breed that might work for us. I think we need something that’s not too big - I’d love a retriever but I think they’d just knock my kids over (and I’m not sure I could cope with the hair!) I met a lovely working cocker the other day, but the others I’ve met have been utterly mad 😂

We’d also love a dog that’s quite affectionate/people-oriented - our lurcher was the best dog in the world but she was a bit aloof and I’m not sure that will work with the kids (my son is unbothered and I think he needs a dog that will love him). Other than that, I’m not a massive fan of small fluffy/toy breeds, but equally I wonder if we’re up to managing the full-on energy of a working/retriever type. Having said that, we’re an active family with a garden and living next to a massive field/woodlands, so we’d definitely be up for something with a bit of energy!

Any suggestions or recommendations? Much appreciated 🙏

Have you considered a border terrier? We have a couple of friends with them and although I’m more of a big dog fan, they are lovely little characters.

How old are your children OP?
I will caveat this by saying I’m no expert and currently raising my first puppy, an 8 month old working Lab, I had him from 8 weeks and I have an 8 year old DS. Ultimately, you’ll get lots of people recommending their favourite breed to you which is essentially what I am going to do - it was a rocky start between puppy and DS but they get on beautifully now and my dog absolutely adores my son. He’s very affectionate and people orientated and so easy to train. I started by making a list of wants, what I could compromise on and what I wouldn’t. At first, I didn’t want a dog that shed either but it’s easily managed and it helps that he is black and so are most of my clothes and my house is very dark so you can’t see it 😂

There are a lot of experts on this forum so hopefully you’ll get some more helpful answers than this one!

We had border terriers all through my childhood! Brilliant little characters, I love them, and they’re on our list 😊

That’s so helpful, thank you! Children are 9 & 4, so not babies and both are very used to dogs and sensible. I’d considered a lab, but I’ve been nervous about their boisterous energy, and whether a bigger dog might be a bit much for them. But that’s so great to hear your experience, thank you 😊

There is a similar thread running at the moment so I’ll give the same advice I gave on there. Go to Crufts in March, preferably on the Thursday or Friday when it’s quieter and spend a decent amount of time in the “meet the dogs” section. I totally fell for the Lancashire Heelers last year.

We've only ever had labs for the simple fact that they are so easily trained, brilliant with kids and not jumping about 24/7.

Oh wow, great idea! Thank you. Could you link the other thread? Sorry to duplicate, I couldn’t find anything when I searched.

You've just described a staffordshire bull terrier.
French Bulldog's also fit the bill.

I won’t lie, my Lab IS boisterous, he is already 24kgs so on the larger side for a lab. He does still sometimes forget himself and jump up at people but DS is old enough and sensible enough to know how to handle him now. They used to wind each other up something rotten so you do need to ‘manage’ them around each other. The main thing that makes him so great is how biddable he is - you just have to be consistent with them.

Think about what you don't want and go from there. And also think about life you want a dog to live and it's quality of life (not just what you can give it).

People will always tell you the positives of their breed, but they won't ever really talk about the negatives (unless you speak to me - I can tell you about my breeds negatives all day). Ultimately it's the negatives of a breed that are what you have to really think about because, in a worst case scenario, you could end up with a dog that has all the negatives associated with the breed but none of the positives.

Absolutely no need to worry about duplication but if you do want a look the thread should be here

If you do like Border Terriers have you looked at Norfolk or Norwich Terriers?

My DFriend had a Border Terrier and now had a Griffon Vendéen. Very different dogs but both adorable.

This

Please consider an Irish Terrier. Wonderful spirit, clever and gentle too. We got ours when the kids were tiny and they all grew up together. It was wonderful!

www.champdogs.co.uk

Gives an overall view of each breed. Lists registered breeders, those with puppies & owners.

Although tall, Irish Wolfhounds are lovely gentle family dogs.

There’s an amazing wee border terrier up the road from us.

But the only dog for me will always be a schnauzer! Ours is an old boy now and is slowing a bit but loved a good walk and a play but was equally fine with less. Very affectionate and cuddly but not under your feet and great fun. Maybe smaller than you had in mind though?

A Tibetan Terrier is worth looking at. Small to medium sized, friendly and not to energetic. Clever, funny and easy to train if you know about dogs.

Downside is the regular grooming.
Please ignore the tread about Barky Tibetans. It really isn't a representation of the breed

I have a giant breed and they need an enormous amount of commitment. Yes, they are Gentle Giants, but only if you put the work in when they're puppies. They need space and freedom, you need a big roomy car but when they're puppies you have to lift them in and out. Again as puppies they can't be allowed to leap around or run up and down the stairs. Food bills are big, vets bills are big. It does sound romantic to have a giant dog, but the reality is that it takes a lot of work and I truly never recommend my breed on these threads, because, exactly as @TheHungryHungryLandsharks says, the negatives need to be considered. And unless you've grown up around giants, with young children to consider, it isn't the most sensible option. Sorry.

I’m a Jack Russell fan- had one when my children were growing up and he was amazing

Miniature Schnauzer! Absolute stunners.

They're not actually that small, kind of a big small dog iyswim!

Super loyal and friendly, great with kids, will walk for miles if you want or short walks if you're pushed that day. They're not bitey dogs at all some say can be barky although ours isn't at all.

They're v bright, he is 7 months, was toilet trained in 3 days and other than in traffic we always walk off lead as his recall is amazing as he wants to be with us.

They also don't shed or drool so won't wreck the house.

Just a dream doggo.

@CoubousAndTourmaIet
All dogs need a lot of commitment. A friend had 2 Irish Wolfhounds which were brilliant with kids. Hence the suggestion. My Saint Bernard was a fantastic family dog. She adored children but could be clumsy so I wouldn't recommend for a really young family. All were far easier to live with & train than some smaller breeds I knew well. I comment from experience, not a daydream fantasy.

Thinking ahead to my next dog, i would probably go for a small/ medium golden doodle (with a rough coat, not full curly), so lower shedding but with a lot of the retriever personality traits. However, I'd be concerned about the amount of research/ searching need to ensure i got one that wasn't from someone 'fronting' for a puppy farm.

We have a working Sprocker from someone we knew, kids were the same age as yours and we are an active family so she fits in. Keeps up with us out all day but also happy to sleep on the sofa most of the day. Loves older sensible kids, isn’t so keen on our toddler sometimes but neither am I 😂.
She trained like a dream. She does need to go out for at least an hour a day off lead come rain, snow, storms or shine.

You've got me looking at miniature Schnauzer crosses now...

Schnocker - i want one now!!

Exactly what I thought, although I wouldn't get a Frenchie myself because of their breathing problems.

They're all puppy farms.

And no good Golden Retriever breeder, with a healthy dog and the right pedigree, is breeding these travesties.