This thread is timely as we're thinking of getting a dog. I'll be perfectly honest, I'm not a dog person at all and this is why we've never had one before, but both my wife and son would love us to have a dog and I'm prepared to compromise, especially as the human child will be leaving the nest soon so we need a replacement.
I've been doing a bit of online research to look for suitable breeds but would appreciate some suggestions based on real-life experience.
• Daily walks are no problem
• Not too vigorous, though I don't mind the idea of taking it with me occasionally when I go for a run
• Wouldn't mind a breed that likes chasing rabbits and rats (we get a lot of these in our garden, though I don't want dead bodies brought into the house), but not one that will go after other dogs when out in public
• Companionable, sociable, easy-going - we have one adult son in the house and no plans to have more children, so it's generally fairly quiet
• Small to medium size
• Minimal moulting
• Happy to be mollycoddled/treated as substitute child
• Won't eat the furniture
• We have a large house with a big but unsecure garden - and we're on a busy main road, so nothing that would be likely to escape and run out into the path of a lorry (though I appreciate responsible ownership is the only way to be sure).
So far, the one that is coming out looking like the favourite is the Parson/Jack Russell or Wire Fox Terrier. I like the look of a Border Terrier or Cairn Terrier too but my wife isn't so keen ('too brown'). I also like the Glen of Imaal Terrier but the breed notes suggest it doesn't get on with other dogs. Norwich Terrier looks interesting too.
Cockapoo is a non-starter. Like TPMB12, I have an irrational dislike of the things, even though they look ideal on paper. Could be partly because they're so fashionable, partly because I really hate the name.
Staffies are a no-no too.
Any suggestions for other breeds worth looking at very welcome.