What sort of dog should my DAunt get?

[Pombearsandnaiceham]

Random question but would love to hear your thoughts on this please.

My DAunt would love to get a dog, and is looking at getting one in the next few years. She adores dogs, and has had loads in the past.

She's been wanting to get one for quite a few years now, but travelled so much that she's never felt it's quite been the right time to get one. She's a widowed pensioner, and is looking for a dog as a companion really.

She'd like a fairly small dog, but has ruled out terriers (too yappy, apparently ). She's not keen on getting a rescue dog either, as they can have quite complex needs. Pedigree dogs are also basically ruled out, I think, as they're quite expensive.

Does anyone have any ideas on small mixed breeds who are good-natured and friendly please?

As much as I adore dogs, I've only ever had cats, so I'm not that much help to her!

Thanks everyone :)

I've never met a bad cavoodle.

I do not own one but see many many dogs where I walk mine.

I know you are not wild about terriers, but in my experience West Highland terriers are not yappy.

Border terriers are lovely too.

A cross with either of those lines should be easy to find, but I wouldn't rule out a pure bred one.

Miniature Schnauzer!!!!!

Im biased as i have one but a chihuahua or at least a chihuahua cross for non pedigree are a great start

Very dedicated and loyal to their owners. Perfect little lap dogs. Will walk for miles. Fun and active but happy to cuddle too.

Wouldn't be without my chi

Puppies are generally expensive. Well bread healthy puppies as well as the little designer / fashion ones. She may be lucky to get a "cheap" pup from a puppy farm, what she saves might well be paid out in vet bills... and the rest!
Maybe your aunt should do some research save up for her pup?
Small dog breeds that are fun companions and not a terrier: Chinese Crested (Powderpuff) or a Papillon springs to mind.

Ooh thanks everyone! I'll let my aunt know :)

Try www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/findabreed/ match her lifestyle with breed needs. Too many people get dogs based on looks and can't provide adequate care for them.

For crosses combine both breeds.

As a rule large and/or working dogs need a lot of exercise, terrier breeds can be aggressive (bred for ratting).

Breed analysis will clue her up about excessive barking traits etc so she knows what to expect. I didn't properly research cavalier king Charles spaniels before I adopted one and as much as I love her I wouldn't have another: they're way too 'chatty' for me. I've managed to train her so she no longer hysterically barks at everything she sees but she still makes a hell of a racket initially excited going for walks (can be ear splitting). I used to think it was just her but have seen other cavs at the vets acting the same.

We've had 2 Westies and I've never known dogs to tap as much!

We have a cairn terrier X and he's ace. Doesn't yap any more than a bigger dog would bark, super affectionate but not clingy and is a very funny little chap. I was very sceptical about terriers before we got him and now I'm a definite convert. We also have two traditional gundog breeds which are also brilliant, they just don't have the same spark of independence and fun that the terrier does.

My lakeland terrier isn't yappy, neither was my first one. They are naughty though, and clever, so they dream up naughtiness that most dogs would never think of.

What about an Italian greyhound? They are much tougher than they look, and quite easy: no grooming, not smelly, only need a mad run about once or twice a day rather than long walks and are delightful companions - very cuddly and affectionate, and generally good-tempered.

Dachshunds are great little dogs too, and the miniature wire-haired ones are especially cute.

Surprised to see schnauzers mentioned - imo they are one of the barkiest breeds going.

If she hadn't ruled out terriers, I'd recommend a Cairn, a border or Norfolk/Norwich terrier. Not as yappy as a lot of terrier breeds and a more biddable than most.

We've got a Shih Tzu /Bichon. Cheeky but friendly, doesn't need a lot of exercise, doesn't moult. Does need clipped regularly though.
Be warned though that crosses aren't necessarily that cheap as they are considered trendy these days.

I wouldn't rule out all terriers based on yappiness at all. We have a border terrier and he is awesome. Friendliest little guy you could meet, not a lot of shedding, clever and LOVES companionship.

Get a mongrel. Rescue dogs can have complex needs but many don't. The people looking to rehome them have a vested interest in finding a good match between dog and owner. They tend to be honest. If they aren't then the dog ends up back with them and often in a worse situation having not been adequately cared for.

How active is your Aunt? Does she want a dog which can jog beside her bicycle and wants to walk 5m a day or one which'll happily laze around the house? IME, terriers are a pain in the arse. Not too needy but excitable and immature.

Medium sized - the world's your oyster.

I suggest she do a little more reading and perhaps open her mind; especially as all rescue dogs are 'complex'.

IME, terriers are a pain in the arse. Not too needy but excitable and immature.

I just told my lakeland terrier that she's excitable and immature. She lifted one eyebrow, looked at me slightly askance, then went back to doing a very convincing impression of a pyjama case.

Must check her belly for a zip...

Try a rescue, they often have puppies/young dogs in. Does she really want the whole toilet training thing?

Cross breeds can be more expensive than pedigrees. I'd say border, Lhasa apso, bichon frisé.

Papillons! They're brilliant.

Dachshunds bark their arse off

Cavaliers can be pretty chilled out and were bred as lapdogs. Perhaps a cross? Each dog is different though I have a high energy, yappy breed that is actually very lazy and never barks so don't don't rely on breed alone they do have individual temperaments. Don't rule out rescues as they will be a known quantity in terms of health and temperament.

Miniature Schnoodle all the way

It is difficult to advise on which mixed breed puppy to get as you can't be sure which breed they will take after when they grow up! This is where rescue dogs from reputable centres (preferably ones which use foster homes) have the advantage - they are already grown, many have some degree of training and you will generally have some idea of how healthy the dog is (e.g. bad skin with Westies, ear problems in chocolate Labs, back issues with Daschunds). She would benefit from visiting a centre to meet a few potentials!