Which should I choose?

Hello there!

I'm searching for a dog with a medium energy level and low to medium exercise requirements . I would prefere it to have quite a low maintenance coat but I willing to have one with much higher standards. It would be useful for it to be compatible with other animals ,as well as dogs,and fairly trainable as this will be my first dog. The size isn't really a consideration ,but if possible a small dog would be great.

So far I've come across the miniature American Eskimo dog (I know they don't have a low maintenance coat) but apparently they aren't regognised as a breed in the UK , which I'm not entirely sure about .
I'm also researching Norwich terriers and Japanese spitz too.
Please tell me if you have any other recommendations

If you want a dog with a medium energy level and low exercise requirements l, do NOT get an American Eskimo. Lol Every single one I've met has been high strung and very, very barky.

Have you thought about a Miniature Poodle? Or something similar, like a Havanese or Bichon Frise. They don't have a low maintenance coat, but fit a lot of your other requirements. A cocker spaniel, too.

Other breeds that come to mind are Italian Greyhounds (may be hard to housebreak), French Bulldogs (health concerns due to the brachycephalic nature), or maybe Border Terriers?

I don't know much about Norwhich Terriers - they may be a good candidate!

Shih tzu would be my first suggestion, although they have higher
maintainance coats, getting or clipped short every 8-12 weeks is managable for most people!

Cavalier King Charles spaniel is another good choice, although they come with health issues.

Everyone has a different idea of "low" or "high energy", so we could give you better suggestions if you tell us how much exercise the dog will get each day/week and how much time you can spend with them.

Around 20-30mins to 45mins per day ,although I could do up to 1hr on weekends end as long as it's not that high intensity (like walking).

What about a Sussex spaniel?

I'm looking at cocker spaniels and they seem to be a safe bet so do French Bulldogs. Although, I'm a bit skeptical about the Italian greyhounds as they have a high prey drive.
Thankyou!

I think a Sussex Spaniel would be a very good fit!

Thank you everyone!

I'm not sure about the Sussex! My grandfather had them and I personally wouldn't call them particularly low energy. He hunted with them, and my mother remembers back before fencing was the norm, and those dogs would roam all day and accompany my grandpa at the farm before curling up for the evening. Those coats also had to be brushed and got things stuck in them often....

Just my two cents.

Are there any other dogs along the lines of Sussex spaniel that would be a good fit?

Affenpinscher , maybe?
Cocker spaniel?
West highland terrier?

Brussels griffons would be a good fit. They have a wire coat too which is very low maintenance. Plus they look like ewoks. :thumbup: Havanese and shih tzus are great low energy dogs that are very smart and fun.

Italian greyhounds and whippets have prey drive, but it's manageable with socialization and training. I have four borzois and they live with rabbits, chickens, chinchillas, goats, rats, lizards, etc. without a problem. The smaller sight hounds still have prey drive, but since they are so little you won't have problems with them viewing most other animals as prey because other animals tend to be bigger than the dog.

Terriers will also have high prey drive, just something to keep in mind.

Would a cocker spaniel be good for me then?

I have an American Cocker. I CAN'T say enough good things about this dog. The catch is you have to find a good one. He is an awesome dog that will be as active as you want to be. If you have any questions please feel free to message me.

Thank you!
Fortunately, I've found a few in my province for adoption!
I'll be looking at them soon.