Small Dog suggestions? Looking for a new family member

[KriticalSoul]

We've always had Cavaliers (for last 37 years), current resident is just 4.5yrs old and on the larger side of the breed.

We're thinking of adding to the doggy quota in the house and are looking for something of a similar size or smaller to complement him and his temperament.

So, nothing bigger than the cavalier. Friendly, not too crazy energetic, more of a lapdog and a gentle stroll around the park once a day kind of breed. Playful, usually good with kids...etc.

Any thoughts?

We're quite drawn to the Maltese and that sort of size, but having only ever owned Cavaliers, we're not wanting to jump in without some research first.

[DartfordBridge]

Havanese?

[ColonelCakes]

Miniature schnauzer

[thegreenheartofmanyroundabouts]

Bichon Frise.

[TetleysSurpassesYorkshireTea]

We have a 12 week old Maltese. Lovely, funny little thing. Gets on with all other dogs he meets.

Bit bitey though during the puppy stage (oh God, I hope it IS just a stage......!)

[KriticalSoul]

oh, he's so cute!! I love their little black button noses!

[TetleysSurpassesYorkshireTea]

Thanks ....... He knows it too

[TetleysSurpassesYorkshireTea]

Actually, after the backwards steps we have taken with toilet training today, I shall pop him in the post to you

[FluffyAnimalsRule]

Miniature long haired dachshund. The soppiest, cuddliest, most adoring dogs ever.

[Tinkobell]

Go for a westie OP! attached is our boy (sadly he died in Jan) as you can see he was in the thick of family life. We choose a busy body personality from the litter. Great, sturdy little dogs that enjoy a bit of rough and tumble. Only thing is they don't care for balls or water.

[Hazza000]

Lhasa apso they are funny quirky little souls

[lovemylover]

Have a look at rescues, sometimes there are puppies if thats what you want,there are lots of pedigres in rescues as well as any other dogs Maybe another cavalier/?

[PeonyTruffle]

Cavachon

Ours loves a cuddle, sits like a human and would rather hide under a duvet than go for a long walk
Such a funny little character

[RolyHippo]

I have a cavalier x bichon (cavachon) and would wholeheartedly recommend them. All the pluses of a cavalier but with the added benefit of bichon genes. He doesn't moult either!

[essieestherson]

We have a lovely 4 month old Lhasa. Lovely temperament, very calm and happy with a gentle stroll around the park!

[KriticalSoul]

lovemylover we have been keeping an eye on the local rescues, unfortunately we live quite rurally and the vast majority are collie cross type dogs or elderly and not a good fit for us.

We want to move away from the Cavies, we adore them, but after 37 years of dealing with their foibles and health problems we've decided its time for a change and we'd like something smaller.

Fluffy I'd have a dachshund in a moment, I think they're gorgeous and adorable, our main concern are the issues with their spine long term...I think they're so lovely though.

Westie is definitely on the maybe list, my aunt and uncle used to own one and I remember him being a gorgeous little soul, they also kept Yorkshire terriers and I've fond memories of them running around with icecream tubs and running into things because they couldn't see XD

[Ylvamoon]

How about a Chinese Crested (Powderpuff) dog?
They are small playful little lab dogs with lovely personalities.
I had 2 and they where fab! Really easy to train, didn't need to much walking and great with the kids.

[Cath2907]

We have a Bichon - he is cute. He is also bigger than this now but still a small dog. currently farting peacefully and snoring behind my chair.

[aaarrrggghhhh]

I have a Cavalier. My second choice would be a Bichon. ADORABLE.

[aaarrrggghhhh]

Oh my third choice would be a westie.

Check out Many Tears for rescues maybe? I saw a Bichon there the other day I think.

[Stickstickstickey]

I came on here to say cavalier, but my seccond choice would be a lassa, third would be a shih tzu and fourth would be Maltese :)

[AvocadosBeforeMortgages]

You sound like you could offer an excellent home for a Many Tears rescue dog - many of their dogs are ex puppy farm breeding dogs that would have been shot had they not gone to MTAR. They look for homes with an established dog to show them the ropes.

If you're prepared to put the work in, you get a great little purebred rescue dog of a breed that rarely shows up in regular rescue, and a warm glow inside

[FluffyAnimalsRule]

Kritical - if the dachsies are properly health checked you shouldn't have any trouble with their back. The genetic predisposition to discs that go firm and crumble can be tested for and mine are all healthy little fluff bundles who jump and run as much as a border collie if you let them! Although they are equally happy with just lying there all day and having a quick run around on the patio They really are truly lovely family members

[40isnew50]

How about a Yorkie? We now have 2. Amazing pets

[coffeekittens]

I have a 2 year old chihuahua, he is the most gorgeous and affectionate little thing in the world, fantastic with my DD who’s now 5 and he has lots of doggy friends!

I’ve always owned medium/large breeds before getting him but now I wouldn’t have another breed.

[MyKingdomForACaramel]

I have a Maltese shih tzu cross - he’s the friendliest dog I’ve ever known (and I’ve had cavaliers too)