My third dog

[Sit Stay]

I've never made one of these before! This is so exciting.


So I am 99.5% sure that my next dog will be a male English Shepherd, and I could very well stop there, but I've decided that if I were to get a third dog it would be something smaller and easier going as a nice offset to Quinn and my hopefully-just-as-crazy male Wondering if you guys had any suggestions!

I will absolutely be looking at rescues if/when the time comes, but if I decide to go the breeder route these are my guidelines/what I would want in a breed.

• Smaller size, maybe 25 pounds or less
  
  
• Some coat. Not something that will require a massive amount of upkeep or that sheds bucketloads, but I like a little fringe and don't mind some grooming/shedding
  
  
• Athletic enough to go on easy hikes, go swimming, etc but on the slightly lower end of the energy scale. Happy to hang around the house and cuddle.
  
  
• Known for being dog friendly. This is fairly important.
  
  
• Doesn't have to be super outgoing with people but I would prefer a dog who wasn't extremely reserved or aloof.
  
  
• Decently into me. I've only ever had herding breeds so I think I'd be lost if I had a dog who didn't give a crap about me.

I absolutely adore Chihuahuas and got the worst WANT! ever when two came into my work last month. The extreme small size is a bit of a con though, I think I would worry, and I have known some who weren't the best with other dogs. Not sure how much of that is nature vs. nurture though.

I think a Cavalier would be a great fit, I absolutely love them, but the health problems are scary of course.

Also looking into LH Whippets and Silken Windhounds. I don't think I've ever met a Whippet I didn't like. Don't know a whole lot about Silken Windhounds or how they compare to Whippets (Kerri?) but I love the look. I love having off leash reliable dogs but I think I could compromise here.

Not sure what else is out there ... hopefully you guys have some ideas or input!
Thanks!

[BostonBanker]

Cavalier was the first thing that popped into my head. I just adore them, health issues not withstanding. I could see myself owning one some day. I have friends who breed them and run them in agility (and conformation and obedience and rally), and they are just the coolest little dogs ever. Nice without fail.

[Laurelin]

English Cocker? American Cocker? I would say Welsh Springer but they're a bit big. I've really liked the ones I've met. My first thought was spaniel of some type.

ETA: Or a kooikerhondje so I can be jealous. It's too bad they're so rare on this side of the ocean.

[Shai]

Yeah I would think some sort of spaniel might be your best bet too.

[Catsi]

I thought Cav too! But agree with the health issues being a big, big downside. What about a field spaniel?

[Emily]

Field-line English cocker bitch! Or even one from a showline but performance-minded kennel, although the coat might be too much then. But the field cockers have lovely low maintainence fringe.

If it weren't for the dog friendly part, a Cardi bitch from the right lines (small) would fit nicely as well... You could definitely find a dog friendly one - FG's Eden is pretty dog social from what I understand. But DR is definitely a reality in the breed, alas. ETA: It's usually towards strange dogs, IME, not like serious inter-house aggro - although that can happen. Bottom line is that Corgis of both flavors can be saucy with other dogs.

[FG167]

Originally Posted by Emily

If it weren't for the dog friendly part, a Cardi bitch from the right lines (small) would fit nicely as well... You could definitely find a dog friendly one - FG's Eden is pretty dog social from what I understand. But DR is definitely a reality in the breed, alas. ETA: It's usually towards strange dogs, IME, not like serious inter-house aggro - although that can happen. Bottom line is that Corgis of both flavors can be saucy with other dogs.

Eden is VERY social! Very, very social. As in, trustworthy with every dog she has ever met. We also have her half-sister who is strange dog tolerant but not social. She is ok with them sniffing her, coming up, etc but doesn't do the crazy play zoomies that Eden does. They are both WONDERFUL in our pack. They rule the roost (we have 6 dogs plus 1 board and train dog - 1 intact female, two spayed females, the rest are intact males) but are much more bark than bite and we honestly introduce all dogs coming in to Eden first and then Poppy. They keep everything at a nice, even and equal footing. I don't know what we'd do without Eden, period. Poppy is a lovely back-up bonus to Eden's skills Even dogs that Poppy has not liked at first (like Kastle) she has warmed up to in a short time (like 3 days) after she felt bonded with Jason/I. We LOVE our Cardis, they are hilarious to watch together and have such great characters!

[Sit Stay]

I agree that a Cav would be an awesome fit ... I've loved every single one I've met and I can't say that about a lot of breeds! They are just GOOD dogs and love everything - which is exactly what I'm looking for. I just want something a little easier going and a little smaller to balance out the ESs.

Laur I absolutely love the look of Kooikerhondjes! I think they're the prettiest little dog - totally forgot about them. I'll have to do some reading on them, maybe they'll be more popular by the time I'm ready for a third (:

Will have to look into Cockers some more! They would definitely fit the bill.

I do love Corgis but I feel the chance of snark with strange dogs may be a little too high - Quinn is very bossy and fun-policey and while I do kind of like that about her, some days I wish she was more social and took herself less seriously! Obviously I'm not guaranteed a social butterfly or something easy going in any breed, but I want to stack the deck in my favor. An adult rehome could work though! Can I just borrow Eden? LOL she is so adorable!

Thanks again!!

[Laurelin]

I have an online friend I know with a bunch of phalenes and a kooikerhondje. She seems like such a neat dog! Her dog was bred in England but she might have some idea on where to find them in the US or Canada.

[~Jessie~]

Originally Posted by Sit Stay

I absolutely adore Chihuahuas and got the worst WANT! ever when two came into my work last month. The extreme small size is a bit of a con though, I think I would worry, and I have known some who weren't the best with other dogs. Not sure how much of that is nature vs. nurture though.

That's where my vote goes! Mine are generally fine with other dogs, but they do like other Chihuahuas best. Besides that, they fit everything on your list.

Breeders generally have puppies that fall outside of the breed standard. For instance, Chloe (my largest) weighs 7lbs- breed standard is 2-6lbs. Tucker's brother ended up being 7lbs as well. My chis are VERY sturdy. I play rough with them all and never worry!