Hello, we are looking to have a dog member of the family in the coming year but want to consider the best options for breed choice and give ourselves time to really get to understand the breed if we choose one we don't know that well yet.  We would love to have a human centred dog with breed typical low aggression toward humans and other animals.  Not a guarding or herding breed and not with a strong prey or chase drive.  We need them to be trustworthy with children, including special needs children (we will of course thoroughly supervise interaction) and ideally calm, friendly and very trainable. We like good countryside walks everyday of 1-2 hours, grooming 2 or 3 times a week. We know what we need to do in terms of training and socialising and have a clear idea of what we're looking for in the breeder of our new family member but would really appreciate hearing some thoughts on breeds that might best suit us, from those who know those breeds well, so we can narrow our choices down. Thanks very much for your help:-).

For me it's a no brainer, Golden Retriever. However there will be lots of other equally suitable breeds that people will recommend shortly. Just make sure you use a responsible breeder who has done all the health checks. Good luck in your search.

I agree, golden retriever/labrador

for me it is pointer.standerd dashound  i grow up with both breds my little boy hows 5yrs growing up with my.two show pointers
pointers are great family and show dogs
my standerd long haired dashound truidi i grow up with was childs best friend
mother got truidi when i was 3yr .truidi and i were never apart we slept ate played together she was one in million i.really miss my truidi

i wish you luck on your search and choice of bred

Labrador is first on the list and the Golden comes in a near second. Wouldn't think of anything else would match what you're looking for any closer than those 2 breeds.

Pointers aren't easy first time dog, they need a form of training which isn't akin to many others other than the other hunt, point, retrieve breeds. Some can be quite highly strung and wouldn't suggest as a first time biddable family pet

I would suggest a Cocker Spaniel (not working breed but show Cocker) very affectionate and not to big. I have had a Labrador when my two boys growing up and worked well with our family.  We just wanted smaller breed this time.
We have family members who have young children and have a Border Terrier so would also suggest this breed too Happy days I hope for you all once you decide on breed.

Again I think you can only really be looking at the Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever, both used for many years by Guide Dogs For The Blind and as you require a breed that will be mixing with special needs children they will be ideal.

It's certainly not to early to be looking as this is the time you should be getting on a good breeders waiting list for a pup from a litter in the new year spring.

it's more important to choose the right breeders and breed.

A good breeder will steer you toward the most suitable pup in a litter.

My breed (Norwegian Elkhound) ticks all the boxes other than being an independent minded hunting breed, this consists of following scent not bringing down prey, so they can pull a deaf un, but mostly are pretty good off lead in suitable off lead areas, that allow for some ranging ahead safely.

It's interesting that generally the Scent Hound and retrieving gundog breeds seem to be the most easy going.

Then of course there are the companion breeds in Toy and Utility groups.

My own preference is for the Spitz breeds, that are not sled dog breeds (due to the exercise requirements and high prey drive).

If any of these tick boxes then the unique opportunity to meet all Spitz types in one place (normally doesn't happen as they are in many different groups) is on 21st November at the Sports Conexxion, Ryton on Dunsmore near Coventy.

To see other breeds the Ladies Kennel Association show is on 12th and 13th December at the NEC but this will cost in parking.

Sporting breeds, (which are the Hound, Gundog and Terrier groups) on Sunday 13th December, and Non Sporting (Toys, Utility, Pastoral and Working) on Saturday 12th December.

Judging at both shows is at 9 or 10am I believe.

if pointers where so so hard to.train how come my late mother and mine are all trained care dogs for disabled

cockers are lovely dogs my mother had two .both would sit in her wheel.chair

I'm another flying the flag for the Golden Retriever, my kids have been reared with them and it has been the perfect choice for us.  Just a wee point to note though, the pup would not be able to have the 1-2 hour walk until it is 1 year old.

Another vote for a golden too, having difficulty typing this as I'm being smothered by my current Goldie.
I got our first one when our children were 5 and 7 and she was a marvellous dog, very sweet natured.
Just make sure you find a breeder who is breeding and testing for temperament as well as health.

goldies are lovely their was one at stables we use to be at my little boy with supervison played with goldie and cuddle him.he was such gentle dog lovely nature

Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply - this has been really useful and narrows things down for us a lot:-)