What dog should my friend get?

[ArklePig]

I told my friend I'd help her research! I am bedbound atm with nothing else to do.

My friend is looking for a dog, first dog of her own though she grew up with a doberman who she adored. She has no preference atm but would like to avoid anything that makes other people avoid her.

Family make up is mum, dad and 5 year old. Parents have sensible approach to dogs and definitely not the type to force dog and child into uncomfortable situations and claim they're 'besties'.

Wants something trainable, affectionate, gentle, and can give up to 1.5/ 2 hrs of exercise a day. Someone will be home the majority of the time but would be ideal if the dog could be left with training for a few hours for the odd school event etc. Live in a busy suburban area.

I have suggested a bichon as I don't think they can be beat tbh. Friend open to that but I think she would prefer something a bit bigger.

Any suggestions?

 

[Errin Paddywack]

Border terrier.

 

[ArklePig]

Border terrier.

Excellent suggestion! Never met one who wasn't a great person.

 

[BallyRoanBaubles]

Golden retriever or a lab

 

[Penguin_Toes]

A whippet?

 

[BallyJ]

I'm team lab!

 

[Supercalifragilistic]

I second the border terrier but then I’m biased!! Ours is only 1 but is absolutely amazing with children (they will find that the problem is not their child, it’s the visiting children…).

 

[ArklePig]

Lab is nearly always the answer isn't it love the whippet suggestion too, I literally never think of them but they're class. Not to be too shallow but they rock a jumper like no other dog does as well.

Agree re visiting children but they're sensible people hopefully will keep him away from any uncivilised little people.

 

[Bellasophia]

Standard poodle.
This would fill all your criteria..
They love their familyare athletic,yet calm in the house,love company,usually social.
If this is a busy household the dog can be clipped short but will require a daily brush and comb to be knot free.
Ive had three to date..my German dog was very serious and was a one man dog.
The other from Swedish /USA lines is a social butterfly,loves to please and very gentle,with everyone.( my current male)
My Uk dog was wired to hunt,but otherwise social,athletic and easily trained.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Lab, of course!

They really are great dogs to have around children, so long as the parents are sensible, as with any other dog.

 

[TheOldTrout]

I'd say a Jack Russell, but I'm not impartial!

 

[HeresHoping]

Labrabugger. All the way. Just note that some (not all), and particularly boys, can be a bit boisterous until they are 2. However, exercise and activities are the answer.

 

[gallopingby]

Border terrier nearly always comes out top. Small few health problems and easy if you like terriers. A labrador also a popular choice but needs a bit more raining in the first 18 months. Whippets are lower maintenance and settle in the house, mainly good with children but fast outsise and l’m told a little more fragile in can ‘break’

 

[BallyJ]

I'd say a Jack Russell, but I'm not impartial!

I have one of these and she's not children friendly

Just about survives the afternoon with them

 

[JBM]

I love my sammy cuddliest dog you’ll ever meet they’re great with kids and can be taught to be alone
They are vocal but have a great need to please as very people oriented so very easy trained
Super gentle
not as high energy as people think as my boy is sleeping most times I look at him in the weirdest positions

 

[Jenko109]

Depends what they mean by trainable.

If they just want an average family pet, then a whippet ticks all the boxes.

If they want something that they can climb up the obedience ladder etc, then I would go for a poodle; miniature or standard.

 

[Goldenstar]

A Labrador if you think they will up for the weight monitoring .

 

[Prancerpoos]

Another one for a lab. You just can’t beat them as an all round pet dog.

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

I hate to say it, but I’m also team labrador or (oh god!) labradoodle. Apparently very trainable but check lines/parents’ temperaments.

 

[ArklePig]

Depends what they mean by trainable.

If they just want an average family pet, then a whippet ticks all the boxes.

If they want something that they can climb up the obedience ladder etc, then I would go for a poodle; miniature or standard.

Yes she just means good family pet, can take it out and about will walk on a lead, come back when called etc.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions I will let her read this thread!

 

[ArklePig]

I hate to say it, but I’m also team labrador or (oh god!) labradoodle. Apparently very trainable but check lines/parents’ temperaments.

Yes I must admit I did tell her she probably doesn't want a spaniel... Or god forbid, a springer x pointer interesting to see you not recommend your own breed

 

[Goldenstar]

Pearl is 22 kilos as an adult she’s a smaller Labrador it is a lovely size I think a Pearl aka the pocket Labrador would be ideal .
Dram is eleven kilos heavier and much bigger .

 

[Merry neddy man]

A whippet, or two.

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

Yes I must admit I did tell her she probably doesn't want a spaniel... Or god forbid, a springer x pointer interesting to see you not recommend your own breed

I would always recommend a springer but the enthusiastic tail wagging may bowl over a 5 year old!

 

[KittenInTheTree]

I'm very a bit cynical, and I suspect that they like most other would-be new owners won't actually be up to providing the full 1.5 to 2 hours of exercise per day every day. So I think that a big active type such as a Labrador is a bad idea. Also, with a small child in the mix, I wouldn't opt for a large breed. I think something like a Bichon or a Maltese type would be a better idea, and ideally an older rescue or rehome so that they don't have the puppy related living Hell aspect to deal with.

 

[J&T]

Because I'm biased Golden retriever to me there the best with kids along with labs but I'd recommend a havanese pretty easy to train , great with kids and have an easy going personality like Goldens. I've met a few in the Golden community and there really lovely dogs.

 

[Clodagh]

I always assume people overstate the amount they walk. Mine are pretty fit and most days only get an hours walk, although if there’s no training and they are just ‘walks’ I’ll pay for it later.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Our JRTs have all been great with kids. The more the merrier.

I still remember the nightmare of mixing primary school age children, Lego and a new puppy, though

 

[DiNozzo]

You can't go wrong with a terrier type. My parents have had Yorkies all my life (I'm in my 60s now...) so I have to suggest them!

 

[skinnydipper]

Yes she just means good family pet, can take it out and about will walk on a lead, come back when called etc.

A Staffie or EBT.

I had an EBTx that would fit the bill, she was everyone's friend.