Looking for some advice about which breed of dog would suit our family. We have three children 12, 9, 5 and a fairly decent sized garden. Wife doesn't work so it won't be left alone.

The problem is, the wife and I cannot agree on the type of dog we like. I grew up with (and prefer) medium size dogs (Labrador size), she grew up with (and prefers) smaller dogs (Shih-Tzu size). She likes "hairy" dogs, I like dogs with shorter hair. I like dogs with pedigree, she likes mongrels with "character". She prefers bitches, I prefer males. It seems like we have looked at every breed, and there's always something that one of us doesn't like about it.

Any advice would be welcome.

When two people chose to get a dog and have set ideas there is always some compromise, way we worked it out was who ever was going to walk the dogs and feed them and be with them all day gets the last say in what we have.

My husband loves retrievers and labs I am more of a Chihuahua fan. So as I am walking the dog everyday and he only comes along at weekends we have what I am happy to walk.

Yep, that's one of her arguments and I totally get that she is the one who will be walking it the majority of the time, but I want/need to connect with it as well, and I don't want to resent it as its not my type of dog.

I guess I'm looking for a "compromise dog" that ticks enough boxes for both of us, that we are both happy with what we choose, rather than one of us just conceding.

Thing is once the dog is in your home particularly if you are looking at getting a pup I am confident you will connect, it's really hard not to, when he is home my husband always has Betty on his shoulder or lap as he surfs the internet or watches TV and he loves her so much it's hard to believe he wanted a different dog.

My ex really didn't was Chinese Crested dogs - until he first saw Buffy. Left to me I wouldn't have had her as I wasn't happy with the breeder but he (and child) were already smitten

But, how about a spaniel of some sort (or mix). Fur not too long, medium-small - though the Clumber is a hefty beast but the gentle giant of the Spaniel world.

They do need a bit more care than some dogs as the working instinct is pretty strong - especially Springers and especially if you get the 'working' type rather than the 'show' type.

I'm not counting the Cavalier King Charles, though they are sweet dogs but they are a toy breed and often have health problems. The King Charles or American Cocker are perhaps the ideal compromise? Apart form the hair on the American

If you think you might like a solid coloured Cocker, make sure you check the lines as there have been serious issues with temperament in the past. If from rescue, play safe and go for a mixed colour.

Talking of rescues, there are a few around specifically for Springers (Both English and Welsh), Cockers & SpringerxCocker mixed (Sprocker)


That said, with the kids you might want to look at a Staffie. They are generally excellent with kids.

You are right to be giving this careful thought as ideally any pup you get will be part of the family for 12+ years

Hope you find the right pup

why not have a visit to the local shelter and see if any dogs catch your eye.
I grew up with both large and small dogs, short haired and hairy dogs, we had a staffy cross pitball who was the softest thing ever and a pedigree yorkie who would have your ankles in a second given half a chance
i dont think there is a perfect breed but there will be a perfect dog for your family.

Thinking along these lines, there is a dog show in November that we are going to go to. It will give us a chance to speak to breeders and owners and see if we can agree on something we all like.

As molliepops says, I'm sure we'll all fall in love with whatever we get, and we'll wonder why we spent so long arguing about it!

If you get a chance to go to discover dogs you get to see so many dogs in one place that you can interact with it's really worth seeing what really catches your eye http://www.discoverdogs.org.uk/ticke...FZMdtAodNXYAnw

Yep! That's where we are going.

I envy you, we went years ago it was where I fell in love with Chihuahuas !

Schnauzers come in different sizes.

Mollipops is right. Once you have your pup in the house, it won't matter what breed it is, you will both adore him/her.

Have fun, whatever you decide.

And nothing stopping you having two dogs eventually, one small and one bigger you get best of both worlds doing that

Get a staffy. From a rescue, obviously.

I think this is excellent advice!

I actually help in rescue but don't feel pressurised to get a rescue OP, make sure you get the right dog for your family, especially as you have children. And many rescues won't rehome to homes with children anyway. So relax go to discover dogs and have a fun day out. Take your time to make the right decision for all of you.

I love schnauzers

http://www.allpetbreeds.com/Dogs/ima...Schnauzer2.jpg

They are indeed lovely but do need a fair bit of grooming.

A great compromise is a labradoodle, a lab crossed with a miniature poodle gives you a nice size. You get a labrador she gets a poodle, sorted

Ah yes crossbreeds, have had a few myself and loved them all, always exciting how big will they get, what will they look like and what will they inherit behaviour wise from their parents !

A Border Terrier. It is small enough to be, well erm, small. But it is a real dog that can go as far as any lab. Also strip the hair twice a yeat and you have a smooth coated dog but it will grow during that time and you have a hairy dog. They also have plenty of character.

Great personalities too in the ones I know !

Greyhounds are fantastic dogs, so many need homes after their racing years are behind them.

I agree with the Greyhound^^^
Low maintenance, lazy and easy going.
They are also Pedigree dogs, and can be rescued from a Greyhound charity fairly cheap too, £70-100.

Never had one so curious - what are they like with children ?