Just out of interest....

I see posts here and elsewhere fairly often of people looking for a puppy at a certain time (usually several months away). Mostly a specific breed puppy, but sometimes not (think I've seen a few looking for a type, like gundog or sighthound and a few looking for "spaniel" or "terrier" but not specifying what sort).

When I was planning to get a dog I picked a breed then looked for a breeder i liked with parent dogs i liked of that breed, and then basically accepted the wait for the next available puppy (which ended up being both pretty lengthy and well worth it!). I think I'd have felt really rushed trying to get to know the parent dogs and breeder with the pups ready to go in 4 or even 6 weeks from first enquiring about an ad.

Did I do it back to front?

When you look for a puppy what is most important to you:
- The specific breeder?
- The specific breed?
- The timing of the litter?

Are French bulldog is 5 months old ,we picked her first because both parents are health tested ,the sire to gold standard ,both are dm and hc clear .

I'm in the "I want a puppy in the future and I'm doing research" phase right now. In terms of timing, I want to wait at least a year (got lots of stuff going on until next summer and it would be much easier for us and fairer for the pup if we waited until things get back to normal.

I'm about 90% sure of the breed I like (pending actually meeting some which should happen soonish). Mind you I've been very specific in terms of picking out breeds on my shortlist because I have other pets and want a very trainable dog with no major health problems in the breed, so that's been a longer process than if I'd just seen a dog I like the look of in the park or something.

I've had that breed in mind for a few years so I've been looking into breeders for a while, but as I know pretty much nothing about breeding or showing or anything like that it's very difficult to know whether someone is good or what individual dogs I prefer as parents. So when I make my decision about who my breeder will (hopefully) be I'm going to have to look at other things - obviously health testing results, how the pups have been brought up/trained/fed/socialised, and what work they do with their dogs, temperament of parents, etc., as well as my gut feeling about them.

I'm sort of expecting to have a shortlist of breeders that I'd be be happy to get a dog from and I'll wait until one of them has a puppy they think would be right for us (and that we'd be right for). I agree that 4 weeks does sound way too short a time to prepare (I met my previous dog at 5 weeks then took her home at 10, but I'm older and more cautious now!)

You didn't ask about it but distance is also a factor for me. Not because I'm not willing to travel (I absolutely am) but because I'd prefer that such a young pup not have to make a really long car journey. It's not critical enough that I'd pass up the right pup that was far away, but it is something I'd weigh up.

with no major health problems in the breed,

Quite right to, but, if it's not a toy breed, I suggest you lo look at mainland European dogs of the same breed, maybe by starting with the relevant mainland countries breed registration club & going from there.
Reason, most breed registration clubs have mandatory 'fit for breeding' tests which one or both parents (depending on breed) must pass before they get a 'fit to breed' license from the breed registration club. Take into account this has been going on in mainland Europe for very many decades and as hereditary disorders are taken into account your decreasing the risk of hereditary disorders manifesting in later life.
Link 1 (1 hour) is to what was a BBC exposure of the state of health of UK pedigree dogs, in UK, unlike Europe, 'The Kennel Club' has the sole monopoly on dog breed registrations and no mandatory 'fit to breed' tests whatsoever for all but about 2 breeds, just a case of ''Pay yer registration fee & we'll give ya a bit of paper called a pedigree'', you got the ££££'s they got the paper.

1. UK specific Kennel Club breeding standards exposed
https://vimeo.com/17558275
.

> Quite right to, but, if it's not a toy breed, I suggest you lo look at mainland European dogs of the same breed, maybe by starting with the relevant mainland countries breed registration club & going from there.

I'm looking at Papillons, which seem pretty healthy in general.

poodlennoodle you certainly done the right way, in my opinion. With some they seem to think 'ok its the school holidays I want a puppy end of july & it has to fit into this criteria'!

Far better to find a breeder, get to know them, their dogs what they expect from you as a owner & wait for a puppy. Some just seem to want a puppy & it's got to a buy it now society :(

For me, when I finally was faced with a buy-in situation, it was breed and then breeder.  Not specifically timing although I didn't want to have to wait for ages!!

You did it the right way.  The 'I want it NOW' culture is not the right way at all, but it seems to be invading every aspect of our lives.  People have no patience.

I spent 14 years looking for the right breeder for when I'm in the position to get a dobe pup and although I've now found her, it's still a few years away as I need to save the money up and I'm not in a position to just yet.  But it will be well worth the wait.

For me then it was breed, then breeder, and when it comes to it, timing will then be a factor - I want a spring or early summer pup to take advantage of warmer weather for housetraining.  Dobes are not fans of the cold and wet and socialisation is easier with more daylight hours, too.

> The 'I want it NOW' culture is not the right way at all, but it seems to be invading every aspect of our lives.  People have no patience.

Quite normal though, given the busy lives people have nowadays as opposed to how it used to be in the past.

When I was looking for a puppy, it was the time when I completed my studies, got a job, got a house, and felt I was finally in a position to welcome a little one into our family. I was certainly thinking of a suitable breed before, but not to any great depth simply because I was too busy. It was only when things settled in life, that me and my partner sat, thought, decided on a breed, and started looking for a breeder. And of course, as is natural, we were as eager as any to have the puppy with us as soon as possible - we were ready!

Because of that I don't think anything bad about people who want the puppy "NOW", I think it is very natural to want a loving puppy asap and the only thing I advise to such people is to try their best to resist the temptation to jump on the first puppy available, in order to choose the best breeder and therefore the best puppy.

For me it was very definitely breed then breeder but my first GSD was a chance purchase as my selected breeder kept "my" puppy and an aquaintance happened to have a whole litter that had been removed from the breeders on welfare grounds so I had the choice of 9 and she turned out to be fantastic. I do think that a lot of people decide to have a puppy and then want it now so they won't wait and go on the internet searching for their desired breed or cross, the sometimes limited availability of carefully bred puppies pushes the impatient buyers towards getting one without doing any research. I was talking to someone who couldn't find a "mutt" (his words) and didn't want to pay loads for a "mongrel" so he has a Romanian street rescue, very sweet but with issues.

Off topic, I met a lady yesterday with 2 standard poodles one of which was a parti-colour, the first time I have seen one in the flesh and very striking he was too.

I'm looking at Papillons, which seem pretty healthy in general.

OK, I don't anything about them here or there 'cept they are good looking sweet little dogs
.

Very interesting thoughts.

The "gold standard" health testing was just a minimum for me (although gold standard seems to be a matter of opinion). My breeder does all the recommended tests for the breed/size, plus DNA. What I was more interested in was beyond that what sort of dogs were the parents. As I have a disabled child and plenty of service-type work here I was more interested in temperaments, and in exactly how the breeder would go about socialising pups - a breeder who can borrow a child once or twice to play with the pups is nice but a breeder who has both older and younger kids around the house most days is better, for our situation.

I also wanted a breeder who I could be in touch with in a continuing way. She has given me so much advice over the years, on grooming, on training, she really is wonderful. And I've loved keeping up with the others in her dog family too. I know some friends think I'm bonkers and for them buying a puppy was more like any other large purchase - over and above ill health or some other problem they simply didn't want to hear from the breeder again.

It's the breed first for us, then finding a reputable breeder. We're hopefully on the point of finding our next American cocker puppy after a 2 year wait since we lost our George. We went back to his breeder first, but she didn't have any litters with the colour we wanted (hubby very specific lol) so we now have our names down with another lady and fingers crossed it won't be too long!

I researched breeds first and picked Buhund knowing there would be a long wait. Luckily the breed club Sec knew of a pup left from a litter and we got Finn.
for the second breed I considered a Papillon but decided they were not quite robust enough as puppies to play with the then 2yo Bu, so we got the Sheltie. A local breeder had more puppies than were forecast so I was able to  have one. In fact one breeder considered they were not robust enough either but she was fine. Oddly Finn will not play with Stella even though he plays with other dogs, hard chasing games. It is as if he is mindful of her size. she bites him on the neck all the time but he never engages with her.

> I suggest you lo look at mainland European dogs of the same breed, maybe by starting with the relevant mainland countries breed registration club & going from there. <br />Reason, most breed registration clubs have mandatory 'fit for breeding' tests which one or both parents (depending on breed) must pass before they get a 'fit to breed' license from the breed registration club.

You fail to say that most UK breed clubs have codes of ethics for their members including mandatory health testing club members adhere too, so it does niot matter that the Kennel Club does not insist on these if the breeder your dealing with does.

Much easier to negotiate and check out a UK based breeder.

Apart from the fact that breeding these days among good breeders is very international.

> in UK, unlike Europe, 'The Kennel Club' has the sole monopoly on dog breed registrations and no mandatory 'fit to breed' tests whatsoever

That is not the case al countries have one or at most two Official Kennel registries, the way they deal with and devolve power to bred clubs is what differs.  Our Kennel club is the central official register of pedigrees dogs thught there are quite a n8mber of mickey muse registries, they do not have a monopoly.

That is not the case al countries have one or at most two Official Kennel registries, the way they deal with and devolve power to bred clubs is what differs.  Our Kennel club is the central official register of pedigrees dogs thught there are quite a n8mber of mickey muse registries, they do not have a monopoly.

Can you reword all that because I don't 'clearly' understand it, some things you said I 'think I might' understand your meaning but not sure. It is the UK kennel club which creates the prefix (pedigree name) and they OWN that prefix.
.

> Can you reword all that because I don't 'clearly' understand it, some things you said I 'think I might' understand your meaning but not sure. It is the UK kennel club which creates the prefix (pedigree name) and they OWN that prefix.

Sorry some typos left in as too late to edit when I got distracted.

What I mean to say is the standard of health dogs are bred to is down to their breeders (of course genetics have the final say).

As you say the Registration database in the UK is open to most dogs whose parents are registered, and that do not have breeding restrictions on parents records.

The kennel Club has few mandatory health rules, though does have welfare ones that apply to all breeds, such as age and number of litters a bitch can have.

Then you have breed clubs who determine  what codes of breeding and ethics it expects of it's members.

Breeders who are serious about their breed voluntarily adhere to these, here is an example of what is expected from my own breed. https://whittimerewill9.wixsite.com/necgb/rules-and-code-of-ethics

In many European countries the breed clubs have a lot more clout, and their Kennel Clubs allow them to run the breed register for their breeds.

This does not mean that good breeders and their breed clubs in the UK do not adhere to health and breed standard.

I know that in many European countries just as in the UK there are many dogs bred outside any form of regulation without papers, or under mickey mouse organisations as here, as well as less good and casual breeders simply registering a dogs parentage under the UK system.

Between serious breeders all over the world there is a constant exchange of bloodlines, and a good breeder is a good breeder no matter where they are and utilises all available tools to produce the best dogs they can..

Decided on the breed and then looked at breeders and then went on a waiting list.

Good breeders will usually have a waiting list I was on a list for 2 years to get 2 fancy rats from a very good breeder. I could have walked into P@H and got one the next day

OK thanks Brainless I understand that now, I thought the angels had finally taken me in the night when I first read version one.
.

Earlier this year, I had to make the awful decision to let my 14 year old springer spaniel go.  She looked so much younger, beautiful inside and out and physically quite fit for her age...passed all her blood tests with good results.   But apart from being quite deaf and having arthritis, she had senile dementia and it got progressively worse. I ended up hand feeding her because she lost interest in eating, even so she lost 4kgs, and she got very anxious. I am crying as I write this, I so miss her.
Sorry, i will get to the point.   My husband and I really want another dog  (can't bear being without one) later this year and he leaves the choice of breed up to me as i am retired (he is not yet) and do the walking etc.  And i just cannot make my mind up.  I need to be sensible about this because i am 14 years older than when I got my springer (a pensioner now) and, although I am pretty active & love walking, i would not cope with too demanding a dog in this respect. It would need to be a puppy as I have a toddler grandchild coming around twice a week and I also have bantams (from experience, much easier to accustom a dog to chickens when they are puppies) Perhaps I could get some suggestions from this forum?  Considerations are....
Size:   small (not toy lapdog)-medium (no terriers- re chickens)
Coat:  medium length. Twice weekly grooming fine but preferably no clipping.
Exercise:   1.5hrs daily (max)  Good sized secure garden.  Must be breed I can let off lead.
Health:   A breed with few health problems (no heart problems (cavaliers), flat faces (pugs, bulldogs); no designer mixes.
Temperament:  Not too mad and bouncy!
Will not be left alone for long periods
Breeds I have considered:  PBGV, tibetan terrier, tibetan spaniel, shetland sheepdog.
Any suggestions very welcome!  I will only get a kc registered/ health tested dog from a good breeder.
Many thanks. Sorry for waffling on.

Sorry for your loss. We have a 14 year old who at the moment is fine but realise that time is all too short.
Anyway my recommendation would be a cardigan corgi obviously I am biased having owned the breed for 40years. I feel that they meet all your criteria. Regarding the Tibetan Spaniel we lost ours due to cancer a month ago and though we were able to let her off the lead the majority of owners don’t as they are very independent and can take off on a whim.
I am sure that you will get many replies which hopefully will help you.

Tibetan terriers are a heavy coated breed that needs daily grooming if not clipped shorter on a regular basis.

Thank you very much for replying...I will definately look into the corgi as I had not thought about one. They seem to be quite a rare breed these days.
. 
The TS (I know it is not a spaniel) seems to be a good all round breed but I do not know anyone who owns one so it would be great if you as an owner could let me know your experience. I once had 2 dachshunds and they are a very independent breed (being hounds) but mine were just so obedient off the lead. If I said "wait" they would instantly stop but I did train them. However i never managed to completely house train them! I have a friend who has a westie youngster (always has this breed) and she never lets him off . She says she is too frightened he will run off. I think that is very sad...for the dog i mean.
Hope you can give me your opinion on the tibetan spaniel.

I have no idea of the nature of the breed but we see a Vallhund on our walks most days and he is an absolute gem. May be worth looking into the breed.
Edited to say that my friend has a TT and he is strong willed and very independent, she only lets him off lead in safe places and he will run off to be nosey if he sees another dog.

Thank you...I had read that they only needed grooming regularly but if the coat is that heavy then they would need clipping. 25 years ago we owned a beardie and a rough collie...wonderful dogs which i wish i could own again but sadly we must be practical!  So TT off my shortlist.

Tibetan Spaniels are wonderful dogs.  I know someone who used to breed them, and only gave up concentrating on her second breed, as in her words "the problem was they live forever".

She was of course speaking tongue in cheek, what she meant as an exhibitor and breeder it was very easy to end up with too many dogs all being beyond breeding age, because living well into late teens was not unusual.

Don't know if they would be quite active enough for you.

Would a less goey Spaniel not suit, Field Spaniels are a lovely breed, as are Welsh Springers.

Vallhunds are great little dogs up for anything, and I am biased as they are like my breed but with little legs (but not so short as a Corgi).

Funnily enough I had rough Collies for many years but like you don’t want to cope with the coat now!
Regarding Tibetan Spaniels they are gorgeous dogs, breed standard describes them as aloof but ours adored everybody including strangers.
We did the KCbronze training with her. However she was never completely reliable so was only off lead in places she knew. We live in the New Forest and she would try to round up the cattle but ignored the ponies. Being small she also used to squeeze through railings etc. Her favourite occupation was sitting on the top of the sofa to check whether there was anyone about to warn us by barking.
We have had many discussions about having another one but feel at our age it might be too much, though we will definitely get another cardi.
Any more questions please let me know.

I would have thought like most hounds the PBGV would also be a concern letting off lead in many places. Scent hound and off they go.
I thought the TS was classed as a brachycephalic breed so therefore a consideration if you weren't interested in the pugs and frenchies or cavvies.

If the Vallund appeals you also have the Norwegian Buhund too.

I know you are looking at smaller breeds but some of the larger ones dont necessarily mean they need more exercise and could be calmer in the home like more show bred Labs and also the Golden Retriever, very biddable and easy to train. Recall shouldn't be an issue if trained.

As for true Spaniels I've not come across many which are very calm dogs unless they get the mental outlet they need

Thank you so much for info about tibbies.  I met one for the first time about 3 years ago as my brother (who lives in N Cyprus, poor man/lira crash) had a tibetan spaniel living next door.  Lucky was such a character, a really lovely little dog but sadly not so lucky when he met two kangols. I would definately consider the breed from what you have told me. i do not want to ask you your age but it concerns me that you would not have another one because of it. If I got one this year, i could be about 82 when it passes. If I am so lucky!! Its a bit of a dilemma getting a pup when you are a senior but I cannot consider an older dog with the grandchild or the hens. But the answer is, I suppose, to have an arrangement in place before the worst were to happen. And that is what i will do.
They seem to be quite a scarce breed but I will cross that bridge when i finally decide..but definately near top of the list!  My only concern is that I will be more active than the dog as i do like fairly long walks and it is something I have so missed since my springer speckle got older. I need to get fit again! Can they manage a decent walk?

Hi
I guess that we are about the same age.....Although I said we wouldn’t have another one ,really the main reason is that she was SO special we are happy just to remember her and not have another one. Unfortunately she only lived till 10 years but the majority live well into their teens.
Whilst we were researching the breed we were told by every breeder not to let them off the lead. However having had shelties,Collies and cardis I have always been able to let them off so just did the same with her. She was quite capable of going for long walks , equally she was happy to miss a walk if circumstances prevailed.
We visited Discover Dogs which is where Ifirst saw them and fell in love with the breed.

I am definately leaning towards the tibetan spaniel from what you and others have said. But actually my one concern was that they are not active enough although my neighbour who has a llasa apsos, which is similar, said her dog will walk miles.  After mostly owning medium sized dogs, my problem is in choosing a small one. I love spaniels but a field spaniel or welsh springer...or english springer...or cocker...show or working...a definate "no".  My opinion is that it would be very irresponsible of me to have one of these breeds at my age.  I know my capabilities!
But thank you for your advice which is welcomed!

You said not a toy breed but why not consider the Cavalier if you want a smaller spaniel. They aren't just fat lapdogs for the housebound, they can do a 9 mile walk, but if you can only do 10 minutes round the block they are fine with that too. Very trainable, mine all do obedience / rally / agility / HTM and so on, but happy to curl up on your lap if it's wet outside! Grooming isn't too bad, certainly nothing on the order of the Tibs. You have to do your research and be willing to wait and find a breeder who does all the specialist health testing, but many well bred Cavaliers live active lives into their teens. I'd advise trying to get down to Discover Dogs in October and have a good browse around the various breeds.

Thank you so much for your help/advice...I think I am nearly there with choosing the breed. It has been difficult because, apart from once owning two dachshunds, I have always gone for medium sized breeds. I would really love another rough collie (wonderful calm intelligent breed) or a beardie (not so calm maybe but wonderful character!) but a smaller breed is more practical. I owned both at the same time and had no problem with their coats then but maybe not now. And I have to think about exercise needs. Actually the daxis were harder work as i never did get them to be fully house trained! And thinking about them, even being miniatures ,they did walk a lot further than i expected.
Nearly there.... !

Thank you, I had not thought of the tibetan spaniel as flat faced but it does of course. However it seems it is very healthy in comparison to many other breeds. I think the face is not as squashed as pug or bulldog breeds, certainly not as exaggerated.  And if you read the history, they have been owned by tibetan monks for many years. They are also a very long lived breed which goes against the reasoning that they have serious health problems. As for spaniels, the lovely cavaliers are calm and easy to keep (according to a friend) but they can come with a lot of health problems and i would not consider one because of that risk.  Sadly I am not an an age when i would consider a golden retriever or a labrador! If I was able to cope with one then i would be rushing out to buy another lovely english springer spaniel. Definately.

> I had not thought of the tibetan spaniel as flat faced but it does of course.

They are relatively short muzzled, but not flat faced as such, bit like the Cavalier really, they have normal dentition, so not the overcrowding usual with severely flat faced breeds.

Breed standard says: Medium length of muzzle, blunt with cushioning, free from wrinkle. Chin showing some depth and width. Nose: black preferred.

looking at photos muzzle length seems varied, so I would choose a pup that has more muzzle preferably from a breeder whose dogs have longer muzzles.

Please don't discount an older dog because of your situation.  There are suitable ones out there!  All of mine were adult rehomes, and all ignore my flock of chickens.  We've only had once incident when my bantam flew out of the run and two went to chase, and both stopped when interrupted and left her alone for me to catch.  It was just the startle/reflex response of a small brown thing running in front of them!  And all but one are fine with kids.  My two oldies were gently saying hello to a toddler last week in his buggy.  And my lab, who I lost a couple of years ago, would have been absolutely perfect for you - I got her at 6 but she was so placid and amiable with everyone and everything.

Perhaps try asking breeders of the breeds you like if they ever get any suitable older dogs returned to them?  Lots of rehomes and returns are due to circumstance rather than anything being wrong with the dog - e.g. my oldest two were due to terminal ill health in their families.  The lab was due to a relationship breakdown.

I’m trying to work out what ages you and your husband are, sorry not trying to probe. When our last GR died we were 62 and 65 but decided that goldens were the breed that we loved the most and decided to get another despite knowing they could live until 14 years old as my last two had.
We are now 67 and 70 and haven’t regretted the choice as she fits in so well with us and doesn’t need hours of exercise which is just as well as we both have dicky knees.
I suspect problems will arise as she ages and can no longer jump onto the back of the car as she can so easily do now. Ramps will of course help, but more often or not the ramps are so damn heavy too!
A couple of years ago the Nissan XTrail produced a concept car aimed at dog owners and one of things they had was a ramp that slid out automatically from the boot, brilliant idea, would buy one of them as an optional extra any day.

I don't mind giving my age away! I am 66 and my husband is 64 this year. Hopefully lots of life left in us! But my husband was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago, came completely out of the blue with no warning signs.  He is on treatment now but is still working in a fairly physical job, keeping as fit as possible  which is important fighting this battle. And we keep positive.  In response to another post (re getting an older dog), I would rather have one aged from 8 weeks to 4 or 5 months because of my grandchild whom I see regularly.  She adored my old and gentle springer but she is nervous of other dogs since being knocked over by a boxer.  Golden retrievers are lovely but a little too big for us....and heavy coated.
I have not yet fully made up my mind although the tibetan spaniel seems a good choice.  Just smaller than i would have chosen but I like the sound of its personality..active, independent and can be mischievous/wilful.   But they seem to be quite a scarce breed so maybe a long wait. I will keep looking!

Have a look at Norwegian Buhund. or Vallhund.
Buhund....Grooming is not an issue except when they moult. Very easy to train. Easy off lead although they have a big range. Like to have a job to do, guarding, obedience, agility, swimming, herding, in fact almost anything. Very affectionate. Walk/run for ever. ….think helping with a 500KM reindeer drive. But quite happy with an hour or so.

So sorry to hear about your husband, I do hope he responds well to treatment and you have many more years together. I understand your situation now and agree that smaller breeds are the way to go.

There’s a lovely breed called a kooikerhonje, lovely little dogs similar to cavaliers, but also like hens teeth, very rare.

https://www.champdogs.co.uk/breeds/kooikerhondje

So glad that you are veering towards Tibbies.! Probably your best bet is to contact the breed club as they will let you know of any litters.
They are not particularly scarce but often have small litters and breeders usually keep at least one. However well worth waiting for in my opinion.
Sorry to hear about your husband.

Another one supporting Vallhunds here. We have had two and they are great dogs, full of character, sturdy and robust. Ours were walked off-lead (fine) with our Weimaraners but certainly didn't require anything like that level of exercise.
Also good with children and lived with cats. So great all-rounder.

Thank you so much for your kind words.  As for dogs...  the Kooikerhonje (and Buhund, Vallhund) are all I believe pretty scarce/rare.  I don't think I have the time to wait years!! The first is an energetic spaniel, just like the springer and the other two are also very energetic. Bit too much for me. The vallhund is a herding dog so it might spend every day down with the hens!  But its great having all these suggestions, especially considering breeds I had not even thought of.   it would be sensible for me to choose a breed which loves walks but would not be hyped up if it did not get a very long one (as might be the case sometimes).  I was looking at the two main dog websites, just out of interest, and it is full of working cockers, sprockers, cockapoos and other mixes in abundance.   Sadly I expect many of the working breeds end up in unsuitable homes. My springer came from a gamekeeper but I knew what to expect and really enjoyed being out across the fields with her. Also she was a great sniffer dog as i hid her treats around the garden. I think we both enjoyed that game! I also trained her and she was the most obedient dog I ever owned. Its so hard without her. I think I will cope better when I have another one to love.
Sorry I am going off on a tangent.

Don't know where u are but discover dogs is coming up the excel .if u can get there u can see and chat woth the dogs and owners which might be helpful too

Well, I am veering towards tibbies but still unsure for the following reason.  I went onto the breed clubs (as you suggested) and again read the information about the breed (no-one can accuse me of not doing my research!!). What bothers me is that I read the breed are difficult to train and therefore it is best to keep one on a leash when walking.  I actually really enjoy the training (I prefer to say teaching) of a puppy as it is very rewarding. And there is no way I would want to go on a walk with a dog being kept on a lead, extending or not.  Does this mean the breed is so independent it cannot be trained? Or allowed to run free in a field?
Sorry Tigran, I probably sound picky and dithery but this will be my last dog because of our ages and I really want to get it right.

I know u  said not toy but have you considered a papillion? It's a breed I am very interested in for a lot of.the reasons you are as will be  looking for a smaller breed in the future .current dog is 8 in March . They seem to tick your boxes almost entirely.

Well I can only speak from my personal experience. We bought our Tibbie from a very well known breeder/ exhibitor and I know that she doesn’t let hers off the lead. However I started her off the lead as soon as we brought her home and though she would follow us and the cardis if something or some one interested her more she would go to investigate. She was not motivated by food which made it quite difficult to train as I am used to cardis who would sell their souls for a biscuit! Still I persevered and we went to training classes and she was entered for the KC bronze but unfortunately when we did sit and stay 1 minute she got up after 50 secs as she heard a dog bark outside. We also did agility with her but she only enjoyed it the first time and couldn’t see any point in repeating any of the exercises.
As a youngster she did give us some heart stopping moments when she would disappear on a walk. Her saving grace was that she was so friendly with people and dogs so that often she would be picked up and brought back to us as everyone we met knew her.
As she got into middle age she was much better though never totally reliable. I did say that if we did get another one I would keep her on a lead but my husband isn’t keen on that idea which is probably why our next dog will be another cardi.
Hope that helps.

Cardigan corgi would be my suggestion also. They seem ideal for what you want. It's not that they are rare, but they are vulnerable - which means they are a breed that is at risk of disappearing, and buying or adopting one would be helping the breed to survive.

There are a number of clubs that you could contact to see if they have puppies available: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/findaclub/breed/list.aspx?id=5144 If not, they may put you in touch with breeders who have older dogs to rehome, if this is something you would consider. And it really would be a great idea, have a look what they say about "oldies" on the corgi rescue page: https://www.cardiganrescue.org/SeniorDogs.html