Hi all, in the early stages of looking at potential dog breeds.  Nothing too big, good temperament around kids, intelligent and easy to train, and decent life expectancy.  We have a reasonable sized uk semi detached family home and an enclosed 75ft garden.  We are very interested in miniature poodles as a first choice but interested in any second choice or other breeds we could consider.
Trevor

My automatic choice would be a lovely Cocker Spaniel (I'm bias as I have a male Cocker) our family has also a border terrier smashing dog,bags of personality has been great with children. It was a choice for us either Cocker or Border Terrier.

Standerd dashund.cocker .pointer they are all fab breeds esp round children

I wouldn't recommend a dachshund because of back problems also I do know several that are quite snappy.

Cocker and border are excellent recommendations though. I always recommend border terriers to people who want a small, hardy family pet.

You might consider a Whippet which is a very low-maintenance breed.  However, like all hounds, they don't do well spending long hours alone.   And they must have a fully contained, sizeable area outside for a daily 'blast'.   Or the ability to run when out off their property although not all can be safely let off their leads.    I switched a while ago now, wanting something lighter in weight and taller.   I did know a bit about the breed, via my neighbour at the time, who had a number of them over the years.    She doesn't eat much these days, doesn't smell at all, and her coat needs minimal attention to keep it looking shiney.   They aren't as fragile as they might appear much as care should be taken through the puppy stages.   Certain they are much tougher than It Greyhounds.

If you are really undecided, why not go to your local Shelter?   There are always dogs in there, some quite young, waiting for a second chance of a permanent loving home.

Terriers - yes, much as they are very energetic and need training!

I don't think of whippets as small though?

Silken Windhounds too is the OP is willing to consider something slightly bigger, same good points as whippets - lazy in house, loyal and loving but more trainable and hardier - can be off lead all the time in busy parks etc and can also run thorugh woods without being torn apart

I would say the coton de tulear would be a great first dog - the only thing would be whether or not you are at home a lot as I believe the breed likes company and very little time alone (if you look them up don't be put off by the big white coat - puppy cuts or cuts half way are easier to keep and if you look up the breed  with a puppy cut or whatever it is called they look a lot different). BUT then I am biased since I love the breed, want to have one and am always upset that they aren't better known.

Not sure if you have thought of the westie but mine are fantastic with kids and were right from the minute I got them - I've heard that others think they are snappy but I haven't had that issue with either of mine so I guess its all about how you bring them up and socialise them.

P.s. - small black or chocolate Labrador also a lovely first time family dog I would think

Grooming, dp you want to self groom a quick brush or have to go to the groomers or learn to groom a poodle coat or if long coats are you prepared to spend time grooming the knots out each time, be it daily or weekly?
Do you want lively in and out of the home.
Do you want a biddable dog who is easy to train and wont be willful against this?
Size, not too big. That's a question, my not too big is a Lab, but yours might be Collie size.
Do you want to be able to have reliable recall when offlead?
Dp you want a dog breed which is known to be a sociable breed with other dogs and animals?
Noise, some breed are very vocal in and out of the home, that is a question to consider.
Exercise once adult, how much realistically are you able to do on a daily basis.
How often once past baby puppyhood is the dog likely to be left alone each day generally, some breeds are quite needy and don't tolerate being left very well.
There are quite a few small.breeds which are notorious for being hard to toilet train, does this matter

I would recommend a show type cocker spaniel. We have a female and she is brilliant. So adaptable to any situation. We also live in a 3 bed semi in quite a rural area, with a big garden. However, she often goes to work with my partner in Manchester city centre. We now have a 1 year old baby visiting and she is great with him. So gentle and calm. He actually takes her ball from her mouth and she does not react in the slightest. They are NEVER left alone together but many have commented on how great they are together. Even on walks when children run up to her and stroke her (a pet hate of mine, if they don't ask) she is great. Rolls over for a tummy rub off everyone, wagging her tail. Really lovely breed of dog.

Min poodles are great little dogs, I know loads that do rally obedience and so on, so very quick and easy to train. Cavaliers if you buy from a breeder who has done all the health testing can live to 12 or 14 years, sometimes more, and again are very good with kids and very trainable.