Choosing a dog breed

[skinnyman]

Some background:

The wife & I both grew up with dogs, her parents had toy dogs (king Charles spaniels and such) and my parents had what I would class as proper dogs, Border Collies. We're yet to get a dog, but we're considering getting one next year. We have a 3yr old now, and the wife is currently pregnant with our 2nd, so by the time we get a dog we'll have 2 small children. In addition, I seem to be allergic to some breeds. Border Collies I'm fine with, but was allergic to her parents on spaniels, but I'm ok with their current laso apso's (sp?), so we'll have to be careful with my allergies. Also, I don't fancy a dog that sheds constantly. My uncle used to have an awesome German Shephard, but ever time it flinched it was like an explosion of hair, I can't deal with that tbh.

So:
Good with small children
Low shedding
Hypoallergenic

Everything seems to point me in the direction of Labradoodles, is there anything else to consider? I like the look of hounds, but seems sadly they're not ideal.

[technodup]

Golden Retriever is always the right answer. Whatever the question.

[rigga]

Been actively looking into this, as I've finally agreed to the wife's nagging for a dog, been influenced by a mates pooch who is pretty much what your after, good with kids, low shedding coat and not that allergic I believe, she's off to look at one Saturday

Mini Schnauzer

[MYOB]

Cockapoo. Generally don't moult etc. Cocker spaniel and poodle cross. Research properly though, as with all mongrels, you can never be certain with what you get.

[skinnyman]

MYOB said:

Cockapoo. Generally don't moult etc. Cocker spaniel and poodle cross. Research properly though, as with all mongrels, you can never be certain with what you get.

This is also a concern, images of said dogs varies massively, as it depends on the makeup of its bloodline, and inherited potential problems. With them not being a registered breed its all a bit hit & hope.

[dave_s13]

Bedlington terrier.

That's Mabel, she's 9 weeks old.
They don't lose any hair, are hypoallergenic and very affectionate.

[selwonk]

I am extremely allergic to dogs, but we have one. He's a Havanese:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havanese

No undercoat, therefore no dander, and a soft, silky coat. I have never found a single hair in the house either. Extremely family orientated, great with kids and ours is just the best companion I could ever have imagined.

They are fairly rare in this country, but popular in the States as they originate from Cuba. I'll pass on some breeder details if it's of interest.

[selwonk]

Oh, and the Havanese is a pure breed with no major health issues to speak of.

[Clio200pat]

I know you said a hound wasn't ideal, but how about a Bavarian Mountain Hound!?

Great with kids, lovely temperament, and barely sheds!

[clarkmagpie]

Hungarian visla?
Some sort of bulldog or boxer?

[fttm]

Short haired GS , just be careful with the breeders (no KC sloping back rubbish )

[AB]

Don't get an Irish terrier, she's currently inches away from me about to pounce on my bacon sandwich, she's a PITA.

We still love her for some reason!

[tankplanker]

They are unfairly looked down as council but Staffies are short haired and amazing with children, they weren't called the nanny dog for nothing. They also do not require a huge amount of exercise, a huge bonus if you are busy as a couple of quick walks are more than enough for them.

[FW18]

Standard poodle is great for allergy suffers, also great with kids.

[CoolC]

Go to your local rescue kennel(s) and when you meet the one that has decided you can be their new owner, they will let you know

We have a staffie cross. great big stupid lump of a thing, but great with children (well everyone) and loves nothing more than a slouch on the sofa.

We first met when he was a puppy from a rejected litter in the rescue kennel, all 14 of the litter were being hand raised. As soon as we met him, we knew he was coming home with us

[227bhp]

Doesn't everyone get bored of typing out the same answers every day? I know I get fed up with reading them.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[wilfandrowlf]

Don't get a Patterdale terrier......
They are incredibly head strong and prey focused.
They need loads of exercise and IMHO are virtually impossible to tire out!

This is Bob and we fell in love with him at the dogs home a few years ago.
He's brilliant with children and very resilient, but very hard work!

[superpp]

technodup said:

Golden Retriever is always the right answer. Whatever the question.

Why is everyone still posting when the OP was answered in the first reply :-)

[phil-sti]

I've got 2 weeks to wait until I can pick up this bad boy

[MarshPhantom]

Pug.

Had ours a month and is no trouble. We also have 4 cats and they all get on great with her too.