We wanted a smallish dog but not a small dog and bought a Basset Fauve de Bretagne.

Dougal

He ticks the boxes He's gorgeous!!

he's got the 'grumpy old man look' perfected

I approve

First things first, whilst looks play a part, and obviously you want something that appeals to you, temperament is the most important factor in choosing a dog, especially if it is to live with children. The next most important factor is health. Every breed was bred for a specific purpose, some of those purposes will have undesirable traits in a pet dog, making certain breeds unsuitable to certain people.

Say, you like the look of the husky for instance, and decide that is what you want. But huskies are designed to be able to pull heavy loads across snow and ice for up to 60 miles a day, as part of a pack with other dogs. So, you would have a dog that fits in with you appearance wise, but personality wise not so much. The average pet home cannot provide the physical exercise they need, so they develop behavioural issues, and as working pack dog, they howl like wolves. Not easy to live with and not easy to live next to either!

Don't go after a dog for looks alone, the most stunningly beautiful pedigree could have a whole plague of health issues. The perfect looking puppy could turn into heartache when it ends up with completely the wrong disposition for the home it's in. What's on the inside is more important than what you see on the outside, you don't get huge vet bills because the fur isn't long enough, and you don't get serious behavioural problems because it's the wrong colour.

To help you out:

Generally speaking, a medium or larger dog is better suited to children, they can withstand the rough treatment more, are usually more docile and tolerable, and aren't highly strung or snappy like the smaller breeds can be. Toy breeds can be far too delicate, and terriers have a typical terrier temperament. The only toy breed I would recommend is the cavalier King Charles spaniel, their superb little dogs for family life, however they are plagued by health problems, so you would have to do some serious, careful research for a breeder.

Dogs with longer hair require more grooming, either professionally ( which can cost a bit) or yourself ( which will take your time doing so), so ask yourself how much time/ money would you be willing to put into grooming? You'll have a better idea then of whether to go for long or short coat.

There was a time when a mongrel was considered the healthier option. Not any more. Thanks to all these 'designer dogs' you can now get problems in mongrels like you can in pedigrees, as back yard breeders have been churning them out any old how to make a fast buck after seeing how popular they are. You now need to do as much research into the background of a cross or mongrel as a purebred, or find a breeder who health checks their crossbreeds. A crossbreed is no healthier than a purebreed, in fact if care isn't taken in the breeding, it can end up with the worst traits off each side, both in health and temperament! It wouldn't be any cheaper either, a lot of crosses now cost more than a pedigree, a Labrador could cost around £400-500, a poodle £300-400, but a Labradoodle could be £800+! There is also the fact that with a pedigree dog, you have a very good idea of how it will turn out, with a cross or mongrel you won't. If next door bought a poodle x cocker, and you liked the look of it, there is no guarantee at all that you would get a dog that looked the same if you bought one. Even two crossbreed puppies from the same litter could grow up nothing alike.

As a general rule, bitches are smaller and lighter than dogs. So a good compromise if you want a bigger dog and your wife wants a smaller one is to get a bitch, and for the opposite, a dog. Likewise, generally, a dog will have a fuller, heavier coat, so again for someone who wants a big dog with a shorter coat , whist the other wants the opposite, a bitch is a good compromise and again a dog for the opposite. Other general rules, though of course you can get exceptions, is that a bitch is usually more loving, wants to be with you and stays with you, compared to a dog, who is more inclined to wander. Bitches tend to learn faster but forget faster, while dogs remember better but take longer to learn. Dogs mark their territory, hump, get into scrapes with other dogs, wander off, and behave like a sex crazed teen. Bitches have seasons twice a year which they have to be kept away from all other dogs for at least a fortnight, they can have mood swings due to the hormones, phantom pregnancies and pyometra (a dangerous infection of the womb). All these can be cured in either sex however by neutering, so its not the be all and end all, but certainly something else to take into consideration.

There is a lot more to choosing a dog than what you like the look of, the right breed will be a wonderful addition to the family, the wrong one however, could wreck it completely. I would borrow or buy a dog breed book and look at what the breeds were intended for. A good idea also is to visit a dog show where you can see virtually all the different breeds, Discover Dogs in Earls Court, or Crufts is a fantastic way to see and meet all the breeds. I hope this has been of some help to you, and good luck picking your perfect pup - take your time and choose right, it's a long relationship

Brilliant post; thanks. What's your background, purely out of nosey interest?!

I've been thinking about my next dog: I currently have two elderly standard poodles and prior to that had a border collie. I know a fair bit about dogs and have been thinking about a standard schnauzer next time around. I want a dog of medium size, no huge health issues (unlike my poodles!), able to be very much MY dog but still friendly towards a wide mix of people. I'm used to doing three walks a day.

Would really appreciate the thoughts of anyone who knows the breed.

I'm assuming ( sorry if its wrong!) your post is aimed at me due to it being the longest one on the page. If so, thank you. My background is I'm a dog groomer, I've also done some training and I've had a general borderline obsession with all things canine since I was old enough to know what a dog was, studying book after book after book on every aspect you can think of to do with them since the second I could read! As I got older I also put a lot of it into practice, showing, training, agility, some canine confectionary etc.

I've actually got a border collie and a poodle ( though personally I think something else is in there too), so I know exactly where your coming from with those! As you are happy to do 3 walks a day and want a 'one person dog' , the first breed I'd have said is a Collie, but as you've already had one there no point suggesting that. Health wise, any pedigree breed is going to have genetic conditions to look out for, its the price that's paid for breeding for looks of certain breeds. A good breeder will do health checks and tests on the parents, not breed from dogs with a high score, and do their utmost to ensure healthy puppies. So once you've settled on a breed, look up what genetic health problems that breed is prone to, and look for a breeder who does all the tests, has as lowest history of their dogs having the condition as possible and is trying to better the breed. Your not going to get a dog with no health issues ( unless your very very lucky), but you can reduce the likelihood of anything developing and the severity by searching for the right breeder.

There are 3 sizes of Schnauzer, I'm thinking you mean the middle sized one, but all are prone to hereditary eye complaints, so eye testing is a must. They also need regular grooming, though if your used to poodles anything else is a piece of cake, you cant get more high maintenance coat wise than a poodle!

Have you got any specific requirements for a breed? Long/ short hair, gets on with other pets, train-ability etc?

Really is there a perfect breed?
Don't you choose a dog (or in my case they chose me) that suits you?
I've always had non pedigree dogs, mostly collies and jrs,
they've always had a very long and happy life, but am having probs with one now,
but over all, I'll choose a border collie and a jack Russell, and they get on soo well!

Thanks CW; I did mean you, so thanks for the comprehensive reply.

I suppose my 'ideal' dog would look like this:
medium size
not much shedding
intelligent and responsive to training
a one-woman dog, but very friendly with children et al **

**This is why I would go for a specific breed and a puppy, rather than a rescue (although my collie was a rescue and he was close to perfect).

Oh, and I'm pretty sure I want a dog, rather than a bitch; less complicated plumbing and more affectionate, in my experience.

I love looking at dog breeds so I did a check for you. I came up with a few suggestions.

Irish Water Spaniel: Low shedding. Medium sized. Very friendly. Highly Intelligent. Needs lots of exercise. Regular grooming required. Unusual looking but attractive. Not a common Breed. Health Issues

Lagotto Romagnolo: Low Shedding. But needs yo be kept up on grooming. Small to Medium Sized. Friendly. Watch Dog. Needs plenty of exercise. Extremely intelligent. Rare Breed. Need to check breed history as some inherited health issues.

Bouvier Des Falndres: Sheds little. Lots of Grooming though. Large but not massive. Very energetic. Easy to Train. Friendly. Calm. Great Watchdog. Needs lots of training at an early age. Very smart. Can be Dominant. Hard to diagnose for health issues

Xoloitzcuintle: Hairless. Various sizes including medium. Little to no Shedding(depending on hairless or hair variety)
Grooming minimal in both types. Bonds with owner. Likes Children if well socialised. Needs plenty of exercise. Highly intelligent. Very Healthy. But needs consideration for hot and cold weather.

Tibetan Terrier: Medium size. Reasonably low shedding. Extensive grooming. Intelligent. Kind and loving. But fun. Good watchdog. But barks a lot. Needs early socialising and training. Some health issues.

That's so kind of you CBF! I considered the Irish Water Spaniel before going for the poodles. Also, although I hadn't ever thought about a Tibetan before I've met a few recently and they are really bouncy, fun dogs. The Lagotto is entirely new to me; off to have a Google! Again, thanks so much.

Vote for Labradors here.So soft,loyal,loving,kind,beautiful etc.We had a choc,Wallace and now a gorgeous black boy,Teddy,couldnt ask for a better dog

I personally wouldn't suggest a Lab. Far too boisterous for young kids and has a ton of health issues. And from excessive breeding Labs are starting to develop temperant issues.

Labs,too boisterous? all pups are boisterous.We had a staff as a kid and he was boisterous too,literally knocked us off our feet but its all good fun,the kids get used to it and form a lovely close bond and the dogs grow out of it.Yes I do agree about health issues with pure breed dogs,ive heard mongrels are the most hardy dogs and there are plenty of them in rescue needing forever homes.I haven't heard of labs with temperament issues either.Ive been very lucky with my 2 superstars then

Dougal the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is gorgeous and he has a super name

Those are some very good suggestions CB. Can I just point out though, that both the lagotto, and Xolo are extremely new breeds, so would be quite difficult to find a genuine one, let alone have a wide enough gene pool to have had health tests. I also suspect, that owing to their rareness, not very much will yet be known about what their susceptible to health wise.

Hairless breeds, whilst easy to manage in one sense, can be quite a consideration, in other ways. They don't tolerate high levels of heat and cold well, and you have to regularly rub lotion ( like a baby oil) into their skin on a very regular basis to keep it healthy and soft. Hairless breeds can actually be more difficult than a standard furry breed.

Tibetans are wonderful little dogs, and don't shed much at all, certainly not daily like most breeds. Their coat is very similar to the wool coat of the poodle, and whilst as a show dog the coat would be long and flowing to the feet, a pet dog can be neatly clipped into a more practical style. My aunt has these and swears by them, their lively, fun and excellent with people and kids. They are good natured and affectionate, they don't have the typical terrier temperament as their not actually a terrier at all despite their name! They were bred by Tibetan monks as companion dogs, and have Tibetan spaniel, Shi-Tzu and Lhasa Apso in their background. The Lhasa itself might also be one to consider as that also sheds very little, and can be clipped into a more manageable coat.

Other good choices if you want a low shedding breed are the 'doodle' dogs, Labradoodle/ goldendoodle/Cockerpoo/Springerpoo, however you'd really need to look for a genuine breeder and not just someon selling 'in' designer breeds at ridiculous prices to make a quick buck. These need to be health tested, just like the pedigrees, and whilst they generally don't tend to shed much, there is absolutely no guarantee they won't shed at all, so don't let any breeder or anyone else try and fob you off with that. The idea these poodle crosses don't shed is 100% false and a myth. The labs and goldens are quite big, especially the dogs, but the spaniel crosses are a nice medium size, if the poodle is a toy or miniature. I know you've said you want a specific breed, but the doodle crosses are now so popular, there are genuine breeders of them out there, breeding them in exactly the same way you would a KC registered pedigree litter.

Looking at what you want in a dog though, I would be inclined to suggest the Tibetan terrier or Lhasa Apso, which are both very similar in type and looks, and as both are originally bred to be companion dogs, they love company and curling up with you!

I would bot touch a staffie always.went 4 cockers until realized very inbred, now own sprocker, best dog.I ever had great with kids 2 grandsons 7 & 5 loves em

<sigh>

Not been my experience. Our staffies have always attracted loads of fans, affection, attention and special other staffie owner stories, over the years... Our bull terrier, though got SO much attention, we actually got to the point of not being able to walk her in town at all as you got stopped every metre with people wanting to talk to her/admire her.

Must admit I will always stop and talk to staffs or bullies - but wouldn't go near an unknown labrador in a month of Sundays. (And I used to work in kennels so got to meet lots of different breeds of dog).

Absolutely massive Staffie fan here,having 2 in the past myself.But like any dog they can "turn" and you can never trust any dog 100%.Staffs are so powerful and once they lock on you cannot get it off.Id have more chance getting my Labrador off my child than a staff.My old staff loved kids but hated other dogs and im ashamed to say he killed one dog,it was horrific and I couldn't do anything to separate them.Not a chance id take with children although they are my favourite dog

Has no one mentioned the marvellous miniature schnauzer? Not too tiny, minimal shedding, very playful etc.

Very grateful for all the input.

CBF, I looked at the Lagotto but they look a bit like a 'before the groomer called' picture of a poodle So, I think I would really rather have another poodle!

I do love the temperament of the Tibetan, CW, but they are just a bit small.

OB, do you know about schnauzers please? I'm still drawn to the standard as I prefer a slightly larger dog. My daughter's godmother had a miniature salt and pepper called Max - he was gorgeous, and such a softy.

Standards are great too, also playful but very protective too. They are really good guard dogs but are noisy because of this. They are good family dogs but you MUST put in the time and effort with training. They're too smart to be bored and will become destructive and noisy. HTH?

Well just back from our walk and saw at least 4 people picking up their dogs and hurrying away as the staffie people walked around the lake. No idea how friendly it is as we hurry the other way just cannot take a chance with Mollie again after the attack earlier this year. Saw a couple of labs lovely dogs took no notice of anyone as they were intent on getting in the lake and chasing their ball.

Mostly small terriers and spaniels today, all friendly and in control.

Only dog we had a real problem with was a chow who seemed to believe he should be allowed to mount any female he saw soon found he couldn't when he got to my two, because I had my stick and pushed him away but did feel sorry for the old lady with the little KCS who was having a terrible time with the it.

I completely agree about all those ridiculous designer breeds. My Mum and I know somebody who got a Maltipoo (Maltese x Poodle) and these are the extremes she went to get him. Her daughter had fallen in love with them and there aren't too many breeders about. They absolutely had to have a Maltipoo! She ended up travelling from central Scotland to Wales to get a puppy. This was a round trip of more than 700 miles and the puppy cost £500+! A few months ago we learned that the dog developed aggressive tendencies after he was neutered. He was handed into the Dogs Trust for rehoming!

I simply cannot believe the mentality of this woman. There are thousands of dogs in Scottish shelters and she went all the way to Wales to get a designer mutt! A dog they only had about a year-and-a-half before being dumped in a rescue centre. As far as I am aware the dog was rehomed, so that's at least something.

My best advice is to go to a shelter with an open mind and remember that not every dog conforms to breed standards.

I don't understand why the cost and travelling are a problem we went from here in Surrey to Birmingham to get a rescue who also turned out to be a DA dog very nervous aggressive and had huge medical costs his entire life. Only difference is we loved him despite it all and cared for him for the rest of his life. It's the family that's the problem not the travelling or cost imo.