Smaller Dogs

Zhucca

Lab Love
Joined
Sep 1, 2008
Messages
1,177
Likes
0
Points
0
Age
32
Location
Alberta, Canada.
#1
Hey everyone.

The idea of adding a second dog this year is still swimming around in my brain, I can't seem to drop it. With the idea of moving to a different city next year for school, Duke will lose his BFF Boomer. The only thing that is causing me to pause is that Duke is a bit of a curmudgeon. He takes awhile to warm up to other dogs (read - actively dislikes strange dogs) but still does enjoy his close friends. He loves all my friends dogs now despite wanting nothing to do with them in beginning, so he does come around eventually. I have this nagging feeling that maybe he'll never warm up to a new addition. While unlikely, it's the only thing kinda halting me.

Anyways, I'm weighing which breeds would be best suited. I would really like another lab; a black female preferably. However I don't think that would be the best choice because finding a place with one large dog is hard enough. Two large dogs might be even harder. So I think a dog under 25lbs would be ideal. Here's a quick list of what I like in dogs:

-Again, under 25lbs.
-No intense grooming needs. I don't like curly coats, period. I don't in general like wire haired dogs.
-No husky-type shedding
-No DA/DR
-Not prone to being shy, loves people.
-Active and handler orientated.
-I like goofy dogs, ones who don't take themselves too seriously.
-I don't mind barking, as long as it's validated. (playing, guard barking) Not because the fridge made more ice cubes.
-Preferably not a "soft" dog.

I think those are the main points. Thanks for your time everyone!
 

JacksonsMom

Active Member
Joined
Nov 1, 2009
Messages
8,694
Likes
0
Points
36
Location
Maryland
#6
Bostons and Frenchies came to mind immediately. Though I've met a lot of Bostons who... I wouldn't say were necessarily DA but most other dogs seem to not like Bostons in my experience. Their play style is very different. But a Lab would probably do well with one. They're pretty tough for small dogs.

I was also thinking Havanese, minus the grooming needs, but if you keep them shaved short, they'd fit the bill.
 

Emily

Rollin' with my bitches
Joined
Feb 13, 2008
Messages
2,115
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Illinois
#8
I'm surprised to see Bostons and Frenchies recommended so much. IME there's fairly high incidence of DR and DA in both breeds, which makes sense given their origins.

A beagle does sound just about perfect, I have to admit.
 

Laurelin

I'm All Ears
Joined
Nov 2, 2006
Messages
30,963
Likes
3
Points
0
Age
37
Location
Oklahoma
#10
Bostons in my experience can have some dog-dog issues but not so much as most terriers. Mostly they're just somewhat rude to a lot of dogs but the ones I know get along well with other boisterous dogs. My grandad always had 2-3 Bostons at a time. Other than that though they fit.

Beagles aren't exactly my idea of handler oriented.
 

SpringerLover

Active Member
Joined
Nov 22, 2006
Messages
3,415
Likes
0
Points
36
Location
B-ville
#11
Most show beagles these days don't seem to have as much... independence from what I've seen. We have many around here that trial successfully in obedience and agility.

Not to say that the owners didn't put in work but, it really doesn't seem to be a huge issue?
 

Aleron

New Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2011
Messages
2,269
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
NE Ohio
#13
IME Bostons and Frenchies are so much terrier in their dog interactions as bulldog-y. Probably Frenchies more so but Bostons can by too.

I couldn't help but think of the little sport mixes I know when I read this but otherwise, not sure what my choice would be.
 

Laurelin

I'm All Ears
Joined
Nov 2, 2006
Messages
30,963
Likes
3
Points
0
Age
37
Location
Oklahoma
#14
What kinds of breeds are in the sport mixes? (Just curious. A lot of the sport mixes I meet are pretty terrier)
 

Aleron

New Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2011
Messages
2,269
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
NE Ohio
#15
What kinds of breeds are in the sport mixes? (Just curious. A lot of the sport mixes I meet are pretty terrier)
Yeah they usually all have some terrier in them but the ones I have been around are good with other dogs. Of course, they're all in Flyball homes so have been raised in the chaos that is Flyball practice LOL
 
Joined
Oct 5, 2012
Messages
185
Likes
0
Points
16
#16
I have a Boston and Frenchie. I think either breed could fit your requirement. While yes, they can be DR/DA not all are and many times it depends on the other dog. Jack (Boston) and Rocky (Frenchie) have issues with Casper my very dominant male Dogo. But they coexist most of the time. It tends to be mainly SSA with my 2 and only at other very dominant males. Friendly males, they have no issues with and will play and interact very well with them. And out in public they are fine with any dog we meet.

My Boston is my puppy nanny. He has raised 2 Greyhound puppies and Joey who was smaller than Jack when he came is now over 30" at the shoulder and over 80lbs is still Jack's BFF and they play hard together.

Rocky my Frenchie spent the first 6 yrs of his life in a cage at a BYB's house. And he was extremely dog aggressive when I got him. Now, he is good with most all dogs. He can go the dog beach and run and play. He even engages in play with other dogs at now almost 10 yrs of age.

These dogs are funny and will keep you laughing at their antics. Neither are barkers, but oh lord they do snore, especially the Boston. He is a horrible snorer.

Both of mine go hiking and run in the woods with big dogs, they both can do 5 miles easily even in the FL heat as long as the have water to cool off in. Rocky can swim in calm waters and he loves it, Jack can keep his head above water and prefers just laying in very shallow water.

I prefer big dogs, but for small dogs, these 2 breeds are awesome IMO! If I were to get another small dog, I would get another Boston.
 

*blackrose

"I'm kupo for kupo nuts!"
Joined
May 11, 2010
Messages
7,065
Likes
3
Points
38
Age
33
Location
WI
#17
I thought of Boston a well, but maybe a Rat Terrier? They are great little dogs, and I have a secret love for the "type B" Teddy Roosevelt ratties.

And, I know you said no intense grooming needs or "soft" dogs, but maybe a Spaniel of some kind? Depending on what breed, or whether it is "field" or "show", the coat can be anywhere from A LOT to not so much. And although if they have A LOT of coat they do need to be groomed regularly, you can always buy a pair of clippers and shave them yourself. :p That being said, I guess most of the spaniel breeds would be above your 25 pound weight range, unless you went with a Cocker; although a field line English Cocker may work!
(^ I say this because when I was considering a smaller breed of dog, a field line English Cocker was on my list. Then I decided to get a big dog, and that flew out the window. LOL)

I'd also say Staffie, but then the DR/DA thing goes out the window.
 

Zhucca

Lab Love
Joined
Sep 1, 2008
Messages
1,177
Likes
0
Points
0
Age
32
Location
Alberta, Canada.
#18
Wow, thanks so much guys for all of your responses. I really appreciate it. I'm sorry I'm late with replying but I haven't had a chance to hop on my computer!

I do agree that on paper Bostons do fit the bill pretty well. I have seen some DR bostons but I don't think that generally is the norm, judging off the individuals I've seen. (and I have seen a lot from the daycare/boarding kennel) However, I can't really put my finger on it but I just don't really like them. That sounds really silly but I'm either really neutral or just kinda dislike them.

I haven't actually considered a beagle and that's a really good suggestion. I really love the look of the show side. One of my favourite dogs ever was a beagle. He kinda started me with clicker training and all that jazz. His breeder actually has female puppies available now. I've met a couple other dogs from that breeder too, all very awesome dogs. Things to think about!

I do really like Cockers, my grandma has two and I live with them right now. I really like their hair long, and don't much like them shaved. But I hate the idea of daily brushing. The grooming is too much of a factor for them I'm afraid.


I considered LH whippets before as well. They're great dogs, I've enjoyed every one I've come across, but I don't think they're my type of dog in the grand scheme.
 

Members online

No members online now.
Top