Still pondering small breeds...

[AdrianneIsabel]

So, we're still really toying with what small dog we want.

Here are the needs...

Small, I'm thinking at least lap size but if it fits on a plane it'd be a welcome perk.

However, not too fragile, we have and will continue having rough and tough malinois who'll probably bowl said dog over here and there.

Maybe the 10-15 lb range?

We're looking for good with dogs. Cats aren't an issue, we're cool with prey drive and killing of fuzzies. Good with strangers isn't a huge issue but we don't do well with nervous alert barking.

Of course drivey, biddable, sportable, and fun to play with is great but a strong cuddle and chill off switch is more important.

I think grooming isn't an issue but I'm very inept so anything too unforgiving may be over my head.

Breeds we're strongly considering...

Rat terrier, problem is I'm not sure I know who to buy from anymore, I've lost track of the breed and I know there is a ton of shyness insecurity in the breed which I don't want. Hannah, my 13 year old, is perfection but her breeder doesn't breed anymore and I'm now sure about tracking down the lines. Plus I'm still not sure I don't want something a bit smaller, she's 25 lbs.

Border terrier, they seem pretty much perfect for what we're considering but I'm still trying to be sure.

Other recommendations?

[Romy]

American hairless terrier? They come in hairy too.

[Hillside]

Really small Malinois?

How about a nice working bred Jagd?

[staffanatic]

My boston really was a tiny pit bull when she was younger, stafinois can attest to it! If you find a good boston, they are all the things you listed. Pixie isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer, but what she lacks in brain she makes up in drive and heart.

With that said, i have no idea where i would go to get another. Pixie was from some ranch in NorCal and she has horrid knees and bronchial issues. Show dogs are mostly small and fragile, byb dogs are full of attitude and health issues. One day i'll bred some healthy sport bostons, until then, i got nuffin :-(

[stafinois]

Originally Posted by staffanatic

My boston really was a tiny pit bull when she was younger, stafinois can attest to it! If you find a good boston, they are all the things you listed. Pixie isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer, but what she lacks in brain she makes up in drive and heart.

It's true. She even bloodied Grant's face once. It made him fall in love with her even more. Although Emma came along and stole his heart, he still stares fondly at Bostons.

I did come across a website of performance, health tested Bostons in my neck of the woods. Can't remember the kennel name, though.

[PWCorgi]

A jack! I know a lady

[staffanatic]

Originally Posted by stafinois

I did come across a website of performance, health tested Bostons in my neck of the woods. Can't remember the kennel name, though.

If you ever remember, please let me know! i'd love to train a little boston in agility, and could you envision Pix at a barn hunt?! She'd be better than Em!

Ok, so i have my heart breed and my portable breed, now i just need to pick a guardian/easy to compete with breed!

[JoLeigh]

If you join the "health tested puppies from conscientious breeders" we have Meta on there planning a GREAT Rattie litter in the coming months.

[*blackrose]

Patterdale? Or would they have a potential to be too dog aggressive?