Help choosing dog breed

[Sycamore123]

Hello

I’m sure there are millions of threads like this- but I wondered if anyone could give me some advise for the best dog breed for my situation?
My first choice would always be to rescue, and I have lots of rescue pets, however I do feel like for my first dog it might be nice to start with a puppy, and then get rescue dog/s in future!

I work full time, from home, and am able to walk a dog for around 3-4 hours a week day, split over 3 walks, and we have quite a big garden, so unrestricted exercise whilst I’m working. I have quite an active life, and enjoy running, obviously riding, and hiking at the weekends. I’d like my dog to eventually be able to hike, sometimes 8+ miles with me (obviously when fully grown) at the weekends.
The main problem is the size of our house- it’s tiny! We do plan to move in the next four years, but for now, I think anything bigger than a small springer spaniel is the limit, even though I prefer bigger dogs. I’m happy to groom the dog daily, and spend lots of time training, although as above, this will be my first dog. I have two house cats, and I have Guinea pigs outside, so preferably not a terrier.
Any suggestions? Thank you!

 

[twiggy2]

With that amount of excersising your dog won't care that the house is small.
What breeds do you like/would you choose if you could have anything?

 

[DabDab]

Um...maybe something Spitz-y?

 

[Sycamore123]

Thank you birth- ideally id like a German shepherd or a golden retriever, but I feel like I would fall over it all the time with the lack of space! I also worry it’s a bit unfair on the dog, especially overnight.

 

[Sycamore123]

Both not birth!

 

[blackcob]

With that amount of excersising your dog won't care that the house is small.

This! I have a teeny tiny house and two large breed dogs, if their physical and emotional needs are met with training and exercise then all they need the house for is to sleep.

That said, I did decide against a third biggun on grounds of space and looked for a smaller alternative - for me that was a schipperke, which depending on who you speak to can be considered a miniaturised Belgian shepherd. Some of the other less full-on spitzes might also fit the bill?

 

[Stiff Knees]

You really can't go wrong with a Labrador. Our three year old gets three hours exercise each weekday, hikes at least 12 miles with us each day at the weekend and is a very accomplished couch potato in between times.

 

[Stiff Knees]

Come on, let's go !!??

 

[Sycamore123]

Come on, let's go !!??View attachment 58546

Your Labrador is beautiful!!! I maybe need to borrow a Labrador from a friend and see how it copes with the space

 

[Sycamore123]

This! I have a teeny tiny house and two large breed dogs, if their physical and emotional needs are met with training and exercise then all they need the house for is to sleep.

That said, I did decide against a third biggun on grounds of space and looked for a smaller alternative - for me that was a schipperke, which depending on who you speak to can be considered a miniaturised Belgian shepherd. Some of the other less full-on spitzes might also fit the bill?

Thank you- do you not fall over them when they are sleeping? I worry about space for dog beds!

 

[ApolloStorm]

Shepherd pups can be true terrors, and really need quite restricted exercise in the early days. But as mature dogs they’re wonderful, trainable, loyal, beautiful dogs. My two are happy to sleep all day or go out hiking. You really don’t need extensive indoor space, provided they get exercise both physical and mental. They can be great cuddle buddies or complete bulldozers! In terms of dog beds I beleive you mean “sofa”
As for rescues I wouldn’t recommend a lot of shepherds to first time owners if they’re in rescue. If you did go to a breed specific one who can really assess the dog properly.

 

[blackcob]

Thank you- do you not fall over them when they are sleeping? I worry about space for dog beds!

You have to be careful where you tread if you get up in the night for a wee, especially as dog #3 is jet black! In all seriousness though it really doesn't feel obtrusive, one labrador sized dog would be a doddle.

 

[Thistle]

Labradors don't have to be huge, they vary from small bitches 20/22kg right up to hulking great dogs at 40kg++

You will need a working type rather than show bred to cope with the exercise requirement. They also tend to be more streamlined. Bitches tend to be quite a bit smaller than dogs. Expect to pay 2.5k nowadays though.

Make sure you get something from fully health tested parents with a minimum of hips, elbows and eyes tested. Some will do a DNA test too for heridatary diseases.

 

[CorvusCorax]

I live in a small rented bungalow and have 3 GSDs. They don't use the house to exercise!
Oldest male is 60.5cm at withers and 30kg, which is small for a male but fairly average for a female. They're not meant to be a giant breed
He's still putting in the miles and climbing mountains at almost ten years old, hardly a day sick or sorry.
Sometimes the bigger they are, the quicker they break.

Can help with pedigree/health test info.

If I was going for a small breed I'd think of a Swedish Vallhund, Corgi or working/well bred standard wire Dachshund.

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

You should get an Otterhound - good old english breed.

Easy to train, has the stamina to go out and about with you, very friendly and absolutely gorgeous!

 

[Annette4]

I will always recommend a whippet. Both of mine would happily go for miles but equally curl up on a comfy bed (or the sofa) in the house. Dobby isn't fussed about the cold or wet, Fizz is more so but as long as she has a coat she's happy.

 

[emilylou]

We have a lab x GSD and he is the best thing ever. Our house is tiny but with enough excercise he just takes himself to bed in the evening. He takes up much less ‘space’ than my mums very busy spaniel.

 

[Starzaan]

I lived in a mobile home for three years with three Great Danes. You’ll be fine with a GSD or golden ?

 

[Moobli]

I live in a small 3 bed Shepherd’s cottage all on one level and have two GSDs and a border collie inside. As others have said, inside space isn’t an issue as long as the dog has had plenty of exercise and training. Mine sometimes play inside but more often than not they just sleep when there’s nothing more interesting going on.
It sounds like you have an active lifestyle and as you work from home your dog will have plenty of companionship. If you’re up for a challenge then I’d recommend a working line GSD from health tested parents of excellent temperament. The workers tend to be smaller/more compact and make excellent watch dogs as well. They thrive on training and exercise. You just have to be careful not to overdo exercise when they’re pups to protect growing joints. An older, run-on pup from a breeder might suit your requirements too (and with WL GSDs the first year is the most challenging).

 

[Moobli]

 

[P3LH]

I say this in utter seriousness, as do most that meet her, I would strongly suggest a well bred Pembrokeshire corgi. Not the crap available on pet sales website that look like a cross between a JRT and a sheltie, but one from a quality breeder. I had the breed described multiple times by breeders as german shepherds sawn off at the knee, and since owning one I couldn’t agree more. Super intelligent, super bright, will take as much or as little life as you can take, but dog in small package, loves a good long walk but will happily snore on the sofa, as a breed relatively healthy and long lived provided you don’t allow too much jumping on and off things when young. A well bred one will have a super bombproof temperament, they like to interact with people, only negative is a bit stubborn and are so bright they pick bad habits up as quickly as the good if you aren’t careful. They are a super super breed though.

In a similar vein but slightly more driven and full on, Swedish vallhunds. Again same size and similar personality traits.

 

[BallyRoanBaubles]

Another vote for a Labrador, mine is from working lines and fully health tested parents. He is so much fun and it’s impossible not to be happy when he’s about!

Edited to add I live in a small terraced house and it’s plenty big enough for him, he just chills as long as he’s had enough exercise.

 

[palo1]

Well for a charming, affectionate, clever and medium sized dog that won't shed of course I would advise an Irish terrier. https://www.countrylife.co.uk/out-a...ursuits/irish-terrier-the-gentlemans-dog-9247. My chap is a bit scruffy in this photo but they can look super smart, or, as here a bit more lurchery/wiry dog'ish!! I have never had a better dog tbh.

 

[Sycamore123]

Thank you all so much for your help. Unfortunately Covid has hit my partners job, so we will have to put off our dog search for a bit. I’ll be back soon though to ask for more advise I’m sure!!!

 

[{97702}]

Sorry to hear your update, but probably a wise decision in sad circumstances. I lived for 4 years in a mobile home with 4 greyhounds, they weren’t bothered in the least about space ?

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

That's pity but understandable atm.