What dog

Daughter got a Cavalier King Charles nearly 5 yrs ago, and she is so gorgeous with a lovely disposition (placid, intelligent, gets on with the cats, loves humans, happy in the car) that a few years later I got one too. I'm sitting on the sofa with both of them now.
They get an hour's walk in the morning (part lead, part run), and half an hour late afternoon (all on the lead).
If you get a rescue dog, look for one whose owner is unable to exercise them any more or who has died.

Taking on a puppy is almost like having a baby/toddler in the house. Toilet training (puddles and pooh everywhere), chewing and teething, teaching good manners and correct behaviour, having to watch what they put in their mouths, etc. It is relentless for the first few months. Then after getting on top of all that and they turn into "teenagers" with boundless energy.
My daughter has always had rescue dogs (in her case, greyhounds because they are so placid and have a lovely nature) and maybe it could be something you can look into.
We had poodles when we were young and they were fantastic little characters and very intelligent. I think you would be surprised at how many different breeds are crying out for a permanent home.

Oh do think carefully about getting a puppy; we have had our labrador since she was 10 weeks old, she has a gorgeous, gentle, sweet nature, BUT, she was an absolute nightmare as a puppy! Puppies are very hard work, they chew, are unbelievably lively and untrained. Lots of hard work is needed before you get to the calm, well-behaved stage. Shop around the rescue centres, I'm sure you'll find a suitable dog,. Good luck.

If you're buying a puppy, be sure to see the parents which should give you a good idea of what the offspring will be like. Crossbreeds are a risk - a cavapoo of my acquaintance is the most disobedient and uncontrollable dog I have ever met - she gets away with it by being incredibly 'cute'. Rescue dogs are also a risk as you can't know their parentage or how they've been treated before being rescued.
If all else fails, get a kitten!

Yiayia70

Thank you, would love a rescue dog, but because of asthma in the family it must be low shedding.

I can recommend a Cockapoo. I look after our sons Cockapoo puppy one day a week and she’s adorable. She’s very lively and with the greatest respect this is something you should think very carefully about.

All puppies are lively and need a lot of exercise. She doesn’t shed hairs which is unbelievable as she is a fluff ball and I’ve had a gentle pull just to see!.

I have had 2 Border Terriers in the past 20 years and they do shed hairs everywhere. They are the most wonderful dogs. Very friendly and highly intelligent. My absolutely gorgeous BT is nearing 16 and I won’t be getting another as I know that I am sadly too old. I’m a little older than you. Exercise is vital but I won’t be taking sons dog for a walk for some time until she’s quietened down a lot!. When she zooms round the house it’s like watching a mini tornado.

I have 3 toy poodles, each one different in exercise needs, one is a couch potato, one is getting on now and the other will play fetch all day. They are all loving, non shedding, pedigree (so you know what you will get). They are extremely clever, so quick to learn and they are endlessly amusing. They are small, so easy to pick up if needed, such as getting on a bus, going in pubs etc. They do need grooming often, but I comb them most days, I keep them short haired by monthly clipping (which I do myself) - no show cuts here. I honestly can't recommend pure bred poodles enough.

As an older couple, late seventies, we found that dog charities only wanted us to take on very elderly dogs and some refused to consider us at all because of our age. We were lucky and the vet found us a brilliant six year old spaniel cross. He is just lovely, so well trained! We would not take on a puppy. They really are hard work and need a lot of exercise for quite a few years, will you be wanting that?

Had thought of a Cotón but have had trouble finding one.

Thank you, would love a rescue dog, but because of asthma in the family it must be low shedding.

I'd presume you've thought about your needs and wants? Everyone has a unique set of preferences, so the kind of dog that makes the best pet for you will vary.
I have a small dog (cross Jack Russell), she's like a little Duracell bunny and would play all day - she's very active.
My remaining Rottweiler, is a total couch potato, far more affectionate, loving and lazy and she will not walk in the rain! Ultimately, any breed of dog is good if it meshes with your abilities, likes, and lifestyle.
As others have suggested a visit to a reputable rescue could be a good idea?

Coton de Tulear. Very similar to a bichon and a maltese. We have two and they are just wonderful loving dogs. Don’t need much exercise either!

I agree with Thoro, a long haired breed is a lot of work .

Depending on you energy level, an older dog that has few exercise requirements may suit you better. A reputable charity such as Dogs Trust or similar, will find a dog that best suits your circumstances. How much walking do you do?

If you have to get in and out of a car with the dog a large one that can jump in and not need to be lifted may suit you better.

How big is your garden and how high are your fences?

I agree that a small dog is less trouble than a big dog, but in many respects a large greyhound is a good dog for an elderly lady.

Why buy a dog? Why not give a rescue dog a home? And dare I say that you need to consider how long the dog will probably live and how long you are likely to be physically fit enough to meet its needs. I’m the same age as you and would not consider a puppy.

I’m a kc dog trainer. Maltese tend to be very barky. I’d recommend a cavalier rather than cavapoo. If you get a cocker then go for a show breed one. Anything working would not be good. Papillion’s are nice too.

My friend has a Biewer terrier, a delightful and loving breed of the Yorkshire terrier type.

There was a lovely Maltese cross on POGDOGS this week. The people who rescued her were very happy.

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All three are good choices but be aware of the grooming/clipping commitment of all three (also that a cavapoo is a crossbreed so may have good/bad points from each breed).
Most of all enjoy your dog ownership!

My choice would be an adorable Jack Russell fantastic personality and loyal. We lost of gorgeous little fella nearly two years ago miss him so much.