Our last dog passed in June this year and we thinking of getting a puppy but which breed? We are retired so we don't want a breed that needs a lot of exercise or a lot of grooming and we have grandchildren aged between 4 to 12 years that visit regularly. In the past we have had 2 cross breeds from a rescue centre and before them a golden retriever and Irish Setter both beautiful breeds and nice to be around. This time we are looking for a smaller breed. Has anyone any suggestions?

Border Terrier would be my suggestion.

I would possibly consider a show bred Springer. Not as full on as their working cousins, biddable and easy going. Minimal grooming as it would be to comb through the feathering.

Thank you. I'll look into both breeds.

I'd look at the border terrier too.  Grooming is only a couple of times a year if you have them hand stripped and brushing not really required, although a quick going over is not a bad idea to get some dead hair out.

I'd say Welsh Springer, don't have the split between working and show, easier to be around than working English, less extreme conformation (smaller ears, less heavy coat).

I may be biased but I'd say a silken windhound, calm, sweet, great with kids, fine off lead, trainable, a quick brush once a fortnight or so, no trimming - they're perfect

Cavalier, if you do your homework and find one from fully tested stock. Active and sporty enough for a decent length walk if you want, trainable enough to do agility or obedience if you fancy a hobby. Happy to have 10 minutes round the block or nothing at all if it's raining, and the perfect snuggly companion for chilly days. And so sweet and gentle with people!

A cavalier takes a lot of brushing and combing. I have had a show Springer spaniel, he had such a lovely temperament but he also took quite a bit of grooming. We always had big dogs (German shepherds and golden retriever) but on retirement bought a Shetland sheepdog as we thought it would be easier. She takes quite a bit of grooming and being more temperamental I would say is harder work. We were better off with the large breeds.

I agree about Welsh springers, they’re really underrated. Field spaniels are super too.

Thanks for all the replies.

All the spaniel breeds are going to involve quite a bit of grooming if you get show-bred lines - and will be too high energy if from working lines.  If you do want some small amount of grooming, check out the Clumber spaniel - a bit slower going than some other spaniel breeds.

Border terrier does sound like a good option, or what about a whippet or Italian greyhound?  Staffies are lovely dogs for families and kids (although can be quite bitey as puppies, in play)....

Border Terriers need a lot of hand stripping which is harder work than a comb through. Or a cost at the groomers. Just worth baring that in mind with wire coated breeds

A Cavalier doesn't take a lot of grooming, the entire ones in particular just need a quick brush through and an occasional bath. Neutered ones that turn into fat woolly sheep might need professional grooming though, but my three girls are very easy to deal with.

Why not look into a Whippet?   They are so easy to live with once through 'the zoomies'.   They don't eat that much (compared to my main breed) and need minimal coat care.

Thank you for all the suggestions. We are going to look into them all.