Help finding the right breed for us, please help.

[Moobli]

Firstly, well done on doing your research so thoroughly into what breed of dog might suit your lifestyle now and in the future

I am a volunteer for GSD Rescue but considering the criteria you have specified (particularly the small/medium size wanted, exercise able to provide and non-shedding specifications), don't feel a GSD would be the right choice for you

Have you considered a Border Terrier? My sister has one and she is a fab little dog. She is attractive, robust, healthy, friendly and reliable with children. Obviously any children you may have would need to be taught to respect the dog and vice versa. Her only real downside is that she is a bit of a hunter off lead, and so a good recall needs to be taught at an early age.

There are a few Border owners on here if you require more in-depth info (Borderdawn in particular).

[smokeybear]

Quick question, if you are this undecided why not go to a rescue shelter which have THOUSANDS of older dogs (I know you do not want a puppy) which will fulfil all the above criteria?

Of course they may be crossbreeds..........

[DavidC]

Originally Posted by smokeybear

Quick question, if you are this undecided why not go to a rescue shelter which have THOUSANDS of older dogs (I know you do not want a puppy) which will fulfil all the above criteria?

Of course they may be crossbreeds..........

Because it's already hard enough trying to find one based on semi-reliable information I read on breeds, let alone trying to find a match from a multi-rescue centre. I feel that by finding a breed rather than a random rescue, I'm increasing our chances of finding a dog that will be suitable for us and vice versa. Then we will approach the appropriate 'rescue' for that breed.

Edit: Hope no one takes offence to this; But any of the rescues I've seen seem to be dominated by SBT's and similar, which we do not want.

[Hazels]

miniature poodle? Don't be put of by their reputation, they are very intelligent! and can be brilliant at agility.

[Wyrd]

Have a look on Many Tears, they are a rescue center but they have lots of dogs and one that might suit your requirements.

I wouldn't get too caught up on 'breeds' there are plenty of crossbreeds that would suit your requirements, you can match yourself to a dog then and not a breed.

[greyhoundk]

Lurchers make good family pets and don't need excessive exercise and are generally quite placid, and some are cat friendly and if you go for a smooth coated one they don't shed much or smell.

I would have suggested a greyhound but they may be a bit on the big side for you but they equally make good pets too. Of course i am biased as i have one of each and have two children and have never had any issues with them.

There are lurcher/greyhounds rescuesthat would cover your area too.

[labradork]

Show type Cocker Spaniel?

Yorkshire Terrier?

Cairn Terrier?

Dachshund?

Whippet?

Norfolk/Norwich Terrier?

Westie?

Most of the above match the majority of your needs.

[Loki's mum]

if you want a dog with low grooming needs, don't get a TT!

I agree with your choice of a Beagle.

Also consider Border Terriers, Jack Russells, Whippets and small lurchers.

There are breed specific rescues for most breeds. Don't be put off by terriers. They don't have to be yappy horrid things. Mine is a sweetheart!

[DavidC]

Originally Posted by Hazels

miniature poodle? Don't be put of by their reputation, they are very intelligent! and can be brilliant at agility.

When we went to visit the Mini Schnauzers, the chap had 1 Miniture Poodle which he'd ended up with temporarily, and my OH loved him. I must admit, I was quite taken by it too. It seemed a good match, but for some reason we never really took it any further looking into the Poodle. I suspect down to us assuming it's very high maintenance grooming-wise?

Originally Posted by Wyrd

Have a look on Many Tears, they are a rescue center but they have lots of dogs and one that might suit your requirements.

I wouldn't get too caught up on 'breeds' there are plenty of crossbreeds that would suit your requirements, you can match yourself to a dog then and not a breed.

I have had a little look on there, but am I right in thinking a lot of them are ex-breeding bitches? I thought I remembered reading that they needed a 'particular' type of home due to this and the life they would've been used to?

Originally Posted by greyhoundk

Lurchers make good family pets and don't need excessive exercise and are generally quite placid, and some are cat friendly and if you go for a smooth coated one they don't shed much or smell.

I would have suggested a greyhound but they may be a bit on the big side for you but they equally make good pets too. Of course i am biased as i have one of each and have two children and have never had any issues with them.

There are lurcher/greyhounds rescuesthat would cover your area too.

I can't quantify why, but we haven't been keen on Greyhounds. Although that hasn't stopped me from contacting a place for ex-racing greyhounds (and those who didn't make it). Trying to keep an open mind, as a few dogs have surprised our preconceptions.

Originally Posted by labradork

Show type Cocker Spaniel?

Yorkshire Terrier?

Cairn Terrier?

Dachshund?

Whippet?

Norfolk/Norwich Terrier?

Westie?

Most of the above match the majority of your needs.

I haven't looked at Terriers much at all really. But I understand Daschsund chase small animals? (and we have 2 cats!)
I know very little of the whippet, I just thought it was similar to a Greyhound.

Originally Posted by Loki's mum

if you want a dog with low grooming needs, don't get a TT!

Yes, I think it was one of those I loved to be around, but probably couldn't keep. Very friendly and loving, and fluffy! but not right for us.

I agree with your choice of a Beagle.

Also consider Border Terriers, Jack Russells, Whippets and small lurchers.

There are breed specific rescues for most breeds.

Originally Posted by Loki's mum

Don't be put off by terriers. They don't have to be yappy horrid things. Mine is a sweetheart!

I must admit, we've not really looked at terriers, OH hasn't swayed towards them. But I suspect yappyness might be one of the preconceived reasons.

My OH also particularly liked the Basset Hound, I don't though - mostly just based on appearance, and I understand they have a few health issues.

Thank you everyone for your help so far, it is very much appreciated.