Breed recommendations

There are some cavalier breeders screening for EVERYTHING if you know where to look. If you were thinking of the cavalier type line…papillon (or the drop eared version, phalane - which I love and are very cav type) or Tibetan spaniel? Possibly a German spitz may work for you? Really bright and sociable, mid sized dogs.

We looked heavily into whippets this year. I do really like them, BUT I found there was a lot of inconsistency in temperament and personality from breeder to breeder/line to line. Some seemed exceptionally nervy and tetchy and I didn’t think it would work for me as one of my dogs is quite a bully/brash. I think they may be another breed where a rise in popularity has brought its own problems.
 
I would agree with whippet or cavalier... Although mine is 6 months & a bit of a dick who is trying to subtly bully the cat, has discovered the joy of barking at random noises, likes to chase things. Unfortunately although streetwise the cat is far too nice
 
Im another who would suggest a whippet or small lurcher (beddington whippet type). My pair can handle playing with plenty of dogs twice their size, my girls favourites over the years have been boxers, goldens and a mastive cross bit they will equally play gently and quietly with smaller dogs.

My boy has never lived with cats and I wouldn't introduce one now but my girl lived with them as well as rabbits, guinea pigs and rats, they were 'hers' so she was perfect with them and the cats ruled the roost but cats on a walk are fair game.

Mine are working line so have more drive and energy but while we've had covid they have been totally fine with sleeping all day, a few brain games and toilet breaks. They terrier x has been a pain but I'm not surprised at all. Friends have show lines and they're equally trainable but with less prey drive and without the need for a job that mine have.
 
Today was a very insightful day and I met loads of dogs and had a lengthy chat with my sister's behaviourist friend and I have come to a decision.

She told me that I was describing a Golden retriever if we ignore size.

She thinks I should compromise on size and get a good show bred golden and after meeting lots of different breeds I agree with her.

So I have chosen the golden retriever
 
RagamuffinTheo said:
Hi , looking for advice on which breed is suited to me as I'm struggling to pick as I love dogs so much I can't pick which breed and I don't want to get the wrong one for me.

I live alone , have no kids and have 1 cat a ragamuffin called Theo and I have wanted a dog for awhile but living in an apartment meant I could not and am now ready after moving into my own house before Christmas.

I thought if I describe what I do and don't want that you may be able to point me in the right direction.

• The main thing that is most important to me is that he is not overly barky as I'm autistic and loud noises can make me anxious but only after being exposed to them for awhile , as an example I was brought up around flat coat retrievers and they only barked for a reason and soon settled down when told to stop were my friends Pomeranian never shuts up so I need a more quiet breed but I can handle some barking

• he needs to be good with cats and able to live with one but I'm not bothered about outside cats only my own who is an indoor cat

• size wise I want anything from small so shih tzu up to medium Springer spaniel size , labs or flat coat size would be too big for me to handle

• I would like an easy to train dog not necessarily as easy as a retriever but I don't want him to be difficult either

• Im not looking for a very biddable or obedient dog but I would like a dog who listens to me most of the time

• I want a calm, laid back dog who is medium energy , I don't want lively or bouncy dog (I'm out referring to an adult dog I know all pups are livley) like my mom's flat coats but I also don't want a couch potato dog like my brothers bulldog who is the laziest dog I've ever known , I'm looking for something in-between energy wise

• I can do no more than 1hr and 30mins exercise during the week longer at weekend , I work from home so am home all day

• coat care I don't mind what type but I'd prefer to stick to what I know and not deal with a coat that's more difficult than a flat coat so I can do a coat that is the same length and grooming need as a flat coats

• I would like a fairly healthy breed without issues , I was recommended the cavalier by my mom and I was smitten but the health issues are serious in the breed and that put me off , even the high cancer in flat coats would be a deal breaker ( even though I don't suit flat coats ) so a fairly healthy breed.

I want a puppy and am not interested in an adult , sorry it's just for my first dog I'd like a puppy

If theirs anything else you need to know please ask
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From what you have said I would recommend a Cavalier. I had one who lived to 12 and my Grandmothers Cavs lived to 11 and nearly 14. Just make sure you go to a good breeder who does all the health tests. They are lovely little dogs. My one could walk for hours but was also happy to have a shorter walk and then sit on the sofa with the cat for the rest of the day. Bear in mind that all dogs are different no matter the breed. My Cav was fine with cats as he grew up in them but my friend has a Cav who would happily chase and possibly try to kill a cat as she didn’t grow up with them and was never taught not to chase them. My grandmothers oldest Cav could be grumpy with other dogs because he was attacked when he was younger. It’s mostly down to the dogs training and any positive / negative experiences it has had.

- Oops :D Just seen your latest comment about your chosen breed. Good choice! Wish you all the best
 
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