We're looking for a little dog that acts like a big dog.

[UterusUterusGhali]

DH & I have always had big dogs. (Him boxers, me GSD X, lurcher etc).

We have decided we are ready for, and would dearly love another dog, but if we are realistic we don't have the space for a big 'un in our house/car/garden.

So what breeds should I look out for? (I much prefer mongrels. )
We can't stand yappy, nervous, bolshy dogs. Are all terriers like this?

Grannylipstick is there a breeder who has teacup size yorkies?

Thanks you lot!

I've been away so couldn't reply. We were on a camp site with dogs which made the longing even greater.
Then we went to pizza express & it faded.

We may have to talk some more.

Chihuahuas are deffo "big dogs". My GSD was always getting attacked by the little buggers.

I should mention it has to have quite short hair. I'm erring towards Border.

Or should I just get a French mastiff?

This half tem our bt has been a hoot he is 8months old - he has fallen in a canal and freaked, randomly chased his tail as if he isnsuprisedhenhas one, fallen asleep on my dh head been ds spy dog although he ate the "radio" made from a toilet roll. We have walked for miles and he has taken on a magpie

Chihuahua, yeah i know they are the dog of choice of the air head brigade but they are ALL dog. Dont get a teacup one, that is just ridiculous (i hate over breeding) but they are great dogs, bold without being yappy

We have a miniature Yorkie who definitely thinks he's a big dog! He's curled up on the sofa next to me right now, but thinks nothing of taking on the biggest rotweilers in the park (and they normally leave him well alone!). He's great with our DDs - was really protective of them in the buggy when they were little. And - big bonus - he doesn't moult!! He has to go to the groomer every so often, but the no-moulting thing is a big plus for me .

Your description is the definition of the Pug. Big dogs in a little package. They are sturdy, not nervous, wonderful with kids. I wanted exactly what you describe and didn't want a yappy dog. I've now got two pugs under 2 years old which is wonderful and mad but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Staffy - most loyal and child friendly dogs ever ( admits to maybe being a tiny bit biased)

Staffy! Females tend to be smaller than males, have short hair and hardly moult, bomb proof around kids, love cuddles but also love being the "Big I Am". Ours goes chasing up the hallway when the postie arrives with her jowls flapping about and then stops dead when she remembers that shes a lover, not a fighter. She also pretends shes not scared of the vacuum cleaner whenever I vacuum up when other people are here, but when I vacuum when its just me and her she scurries off upstairs to hide under the bed

God I love Staffies, best dog in the world. FACT

Annie woo. Our tiny yorkie weighs about 3lb. She is coming up to 5years old and we got er from a breeder in London. These dogs are treated very differently to normal size dogs. They really are like babies. She sleeps on a bed with one of my children. Anyone will do, not that fussy. Just loves to sit with you. She is our second tiny yorkie. Last one died when she was 14. We never leave her on her own through the day and she has a cat flap so she can come and go in the garden when it suits her

Hairylemon, you had me at "lover, not a fighter". That's how we describe MiddleDC.

Dooin, I know staffies just like that! Think they're a cat one minute, a rotty the next.

The thing I like about staffies is that they actually smile.

Soooo, I've seen a staffy on our local rescue places website. She looks amazing. Probably not what I'd go for aesthetically, but she seems perfect. Good with children, off lead etc. DH is in love too.
I feel a bit emotional tbh. Is that normal?

I'm going to call the centre the minute it opens tomorrow. If she's gone; hey ho. It wasn't meant to be.

There do seem to be A LOT of rescue staffies.

Re dachshunds, a friend had one who was always getting infections in his penis de to it being dragged on the ground. Is this typical of the breed?

He was bloody lovely, and had a massive bark!

I agree Borders are the most sociable and "easy" of the terriers. Not prone to snappyness or yappyness. Good family dogs . Cairns can be similar. I've always had fox-terriers and I love them (not yappy or snappy either) but they are not as easy a dog as a Border terrier .Do not be tempted by a Patterdale or the wilder ends of the terrier world ! I have met a lot of snappy child-loathing Scotties too, and Welsh terriers.

Hadn't seen your post about the staffie, hope you get lucky with her!

I second a pug too. We adopted two and they really are a small dog with a big personality :)

Thank you grannylipstick

Border!!! Got two here- love them! Friendly,clever and loving!

Thanks, helly. I feel all tearfull thinking of having her here.

If not, I'm loving the sound of Borders.

I had a patterdale as a child. Bloody awfull.

I don't like pugs because of the whole breathing/inbred thing. I know someone who has a couple though with 4 DC and finds them great. Cost her £1000 though each. A grand!

I can send you some ' Bordery ' pics :) One thing tho- they need twice yearly strips or regular clips. Otherwise they get vv hairy.

Yes! Do!

Just have to work out how to do it as laptop not working and not sure iPad can do it, but I will ! :)

I have Border Terrior X and a Staffie X. I would reccomend the staffie x every time! Mine loves all sorts of abuse from my 20 mnth old grandson! Literaly loves it - can't get enough!!! Whereas the BT growls and moves away! So do the cats!

And my Staffie is blue (meant to be most viscious, lol!) and she looks very pretty with her pink collar, and her great response to my 20+ months old commands to stop it and behave. His behaviour is much worse than hers but she knows who's boss!

Sorry about the spelling - i have had a few !

I have a hairless Chinese crested and a whippet, the whippet is a little high maintenance in that he cannot ever be on his own, EVER, if he's parted from us or his crested playmate he has a monumental tantrum and is inconsolable. My crestie however, is a lovely companion and is generally a lovely little fella. I'd recommend a Chinese crested powderpuff as they're a little less desirable than the hairless variety and don't shed fur at all. Just my opinion though, if I had to pick another dog I'd probably go for a rescue staffie/staffie cross as there are so many out there and they make lovely family pets.