Help finding the right breed for us, please help. Which breed for me?

Firstly I have no idea which forum section this ought to go in, I think I've chosen the right one. Secondly, I've no idea if you get an annoying amount of these threads or not, if you do then I'm sorry. We're after help narrowing down a breed of dog that would be well suited to us and vice versa.

My partner and I have been searching for a suitable pet dog to join our family, looking through many breeds. We have no children yet, but in the future it is likely, we have 2 cats currently. It's a medium size house with a back garden, in a small town.

I have been looking at characteristics and temperament as much as the primary thing, to try to match it to our circumstances. But at the same time we wouldn't want a dog that we do not like the look of. We have been looking into this over the last few weeks, and neither are we in any hurry to get one, I expect it's something we'll try to decide on over the next couple of months, we'd rather make the best choice than rush it.

Although we both work full time, my partner only works 5 minutes walk from home, and I also work from home approximately 1 in 5 days. So my partner is home most lunchtimes for her 1 hour lunch break. So likely we wouldn't be around for 9:00-12 and 1:00-3:30 usually. Except for the days when I work from home obviously, when I'll be around all day. I'm wondering whether that is enough, i.e. not too long a break? If that is too long, is there anything we can do that would make it possible? If not, would a dog walker be enough to make the difference?

We are a young active couple who are up early and exercise regularly, taking a walk ourselves after dinner most nights. Walking a dog once in the morning and once in the evening would be what we intend, above obviously spending plenty of other time with him.

One thing I feel we have worked out, although maybe obvious to anyone experienced, is that a puppy is not the way to go for us. So ideally we're going to look to a breed rescue for a yearling or slightly older.

I've tried a few dog breed quizzes, but non have seemed to give decent results when I've looked into the results further.

Needs summary (Mostly in priority)

1. Get on with Cats - I realise this could be down to individual dog, not just breed.
2. Get on with young children (We don't have any kids yet, but will do in a few years)
3. Small/Med or Med size
4. Approx 1 hour per day exercise
5. Would like to be able to walk off lead
6. As little health issues as possible, but I guess everyone wants that!
7. One of the breeds that emit less odour
8. Not high grooming needs
9. Not excessive shedder

• 
  I've never looked into something like agility or other competitions, but it sounds enjoyable for dog and I, so I'd like to be able to try something like that.

So far ones we've seen/liked:

• Mini Schnauzer: OH wasn't keen.
• Tibetan terrier: I loved them when I met some, but was warned they'll howl all day when we aren't there.
• Weimaraner: Both of us loved them; But ruled out as I think they would need more exercise than we can reliably give, thus would tear the house apart.
• Harrier: Again told they are designed to work all day, so they would need more exercise than we can reliably give.
• Beagle: In contact with Beagle Rescue about possible suitability.
• Brittany: Still looking into, everything I read sounds good, but I'm yet to meet some owners.
• GreyhoundWe're not keen, despite it seeming a reasonable match.
• Many others: Which have been dismissed immediately due to being even more unsuitable.

I've tried to provide as much information as I can, which has probably put many people off reading this altogether. lol But hopefully it'll help us 'find our breed'.

Many thanks,
David

Firstly, well done on doing your research so thoroughly into what breed of dog might suit your lifestyle now and in the future

I am a volunteer for GSD Rescue but considering the criteria you have specified (particularly the small/medium size wanted, exercise able to provide and non-shedding specifications), don't feel a GSD would be the right choice for you ;-)

Have you considered a Border Terrier? My sister has one and she is a fab little dog. She is attractive, robust, healthy, friendly and reliable with children. Obviously any children you may have would need to be taught to respect the dog and vice versa. Her only real downside is that she is a bit of a hunter off lead, and so a good recall needs to be taught at an early age.

There are a few Border owners on here if you require more in-depth info (Borderdawn in particular).

Quick question, if you are this undecided why not go to a rescue shelter which have THOUSANDS of older dogs (I know you do not want a puppy) which will fulfil all the above criteria?

Of course they may be crossbreeds..........

Because it's already hard enough trying to find one based on semi-reliable information I read on breeds, let alone trying to find a match from a multi-rescue centre. I feel that by finding a breed rather than a random rescue, I'm increasing our chances of finding a dog that will be suitable for us and vice versa. Then we will approach the appropriate 'rescue' for that breed.

Edit: Hope no one takes offence to this; But any of the rescues I've seen seem to be dominated by SBT's and similar, which we do not want.

miniature poodle? Don't be put of by their reputation, they are very intelligent! and can be brilliant at agility.

Have a look on Many Tears, they are a rescue center but they have lots of dogs and one that might suit your requirements.

I wouldn't get too caught up on 'breeds' there are plenty of crossbreeds that would suit your requirements, you can match yourself to a dog then and not a breed.

Lurchers make good family pets and don't need excessive exercise and are generally quite placid, and some are cat friendly and if you go for a smooth coated one they don't shed much or smell.

I would have suggested a greyhound but they may be a bit on the big side for you but they equally make good pets too. Of course i am biased as i have one of each and have two children and have never had any issues with them.

There are lurcher/greyhounds rescuesthat would cover your area too.

Show type Cocker Spaniel?

Yorkshire Terrier?

Cairn Terrier?

Dachshund?

Whippet?

Norfolk/Norwich Terrier?

Westie?

Most of the above match the majority of your needs.

if you want a dog with low grooming needs, don't get a TT!

I agree with your choice of a Beagle.

Also consider Border Terriers, Jack Russells, Whippets and small lurchers.

There are breed specific rescues for most breeds. Don't be put off by terriers. They don't have to be yappy horrid things. Mine is a sweetheart!

When we went to visit the Mini Schnauzers, the chap had 1 Miniture Poodle which he'd ended up with temporarily, and my OH loved him. I must admit, I was quite taken by it too. It seemed a good match, but for some reason we never really took it any further looking into the Poodle. I suspect down to us assuming it's very high maintenance grooming-wise?

I have had a little look on there, but am I right in thinking a lot of them are ex-breeding bitches? I thought I remembered reading that they needed a 'particular' type of home due to this and the life they would've been used to?

I can't quantify why, but we haven't been keen on Greyhounds. Although that hasn't stopped me from contacting a place for ex-racing greyhounds (and those who didn't make it). Trying to keep an open mind, as a few dogs have surprised our preconceptions.

I haven't looked at Terriers much at all really. But I understand Daschsund chase small animals? (and we have 2 cats!)
I know very little of the whippet, I just thought it was similar to a Greyhound.

Yes, I think it was one of those I loved to be around, but probably couldn't keep. Very friendly and loving, and fluffy! but not right for us.

I agree with your choice of a Beagle.

Also consider Border Terriers, Jack Russells, Whippets and small lurchers.

There are breed specific rescues for most breeds.

I must admit, we've not really looked at terriers, OH hasn't swayed towards them. But I suspect yappyness might be one of the preconceived reasons.

My OH also particularly liked the Basset Hound, I don't though - mostly just based on appearance, and I understand they have a few health issues.

Thank you everyone for your help so far, it is very much appreciated.

I have a labrador and a pug x. Both live with 3 children, one of whom is 5. They are both brilliant family dogs and are both handsome boys!!

However the lab is very hair and sheds a lot, but is settled and peaceful in the house. The pug x is a feisty little creature who is amazing with kids but wary of adult strangers. He does need a lot of exercise and can get destructive if not given the stimulation he needs. We have started agility with him and he loves it and is picking it up very quickly. He is a low shedder and doesn't smell from his body, his bum is pretty wiffy but that is probably a food issue!!

We are both in and out a lot and both dogs are happy to spend a few hours by themselves.

Good luck with whatever you choose and remember to post some piccies!!

Jo

Short haired Border Collie? Whippet sounds ideal also.

Hi

Well done for giving this lots of thought - always a very good first step

My advice would be to buy the wonderful little book by Gwen Bailey called "Choosing the right dog for you" it's the only book I've seen that gives pretty accurate characteristics of a breed along with the negative side of things. Loads of breeds to check out.

Also look at things like how good the dog may be to recall (yes I know this is taught, but some breeds are easier than others, some of the more houndy/independent breeds can be a bit less easy and dogs like terriers may get lost down a rabbit hole if you tend to walk anywhere near rabbit holes!)

Also look at what the breed was originally bred for as this often still has an impact on the individual dog even now.

I'd also like to suggest going to good training classes, e.g those run by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, because these will help you to bond and perhaps even take up a new hobby time with your dog.

Good luck!;-)

Wys
x

I don't why you haven't looked into terriers, either. Considering that many of the terrier breeds nearly perfectly match your needs.

The cat thing shouldn't be an issue. All good rescues will temperament test with cats.

Yappiness is just a perception some have of terriers and is not really an issue. "Terrier spirit" is a better way of putting it. Most terrier breeds are pretty feisty little dogs with HUGE characters.

I first thought of border terrier too

I never thought much of poodles till i met a couple at agility and they are amazing little dogs

same with cairn terriers and papillions
what about a king charles spaniel - i think there are some good breeders of them and they can be great dogs with kids

Some of them are ex breeding bitches, but there are plenty that are not.

I also intend to speak to these about their suitability. http://trailhoundwelfare.org.uk/

If you have a poodle clipped short every 6 weeks, then it's no more work than most dogs.

Trail hounds do what it says on the tin........................

I wouldn't have thought these would make good off lead dogs...