Looking to get a smallish dog, any recommendations?

[jammybean]

As the title says...

We have an animal mad 18 month old and we'll be moving out of London in a month, so space isn't an issue. Ideally a breed that's good with kids. One that doesn't shed its fur every second month. And definitely not a "girls dog" says DP.

We have 2 labs in the family and DP has grown up with gun dogs, so were not complete novices.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

Cockapoos / Doodles are crossbreeds, you don't know what you're getting. We have a small poodle, but people assume he is a cross because we don't clip him into pom-poms. See photo on my profile.

(They do need a lot of exercise even though they're small though)

Wow thanks for all the recommendations! Another for the list... Miniature schnauzer.

Not convinced on the whippet.

wizzler looks naughty.

alias he's cute!

I've got it in my head that something smaller than a lab would be more manageable for me (not Dh). Dave, Dh dog who lives with his parents is the most annoying dog to walk. He always pulls. Disappears. Retrieves but doesn't release. So much for all his gun dog training....anyways you've all given me a lot to think about.

Jammybean - whats wrong with a whippet?

• They are clean
• Dont smell
• Dont need loads of walking
• Dont eat loads
• Sleep alot

Whippets rock!!

Cocker spaniel!!!! Love of my life, fantastic mutt, 13 years and counting

Definitely Miniature schnauzer. Not a girly dog, they like a good walk out, but don't climb the walls on the odd day when you are busy and can only do a quick run round the block, very friendly, don't shed hair, love being with the family. small enough to have on your lap for a cuddle, but not like a "toy" dog.

Don't rule out a staffie just because of their bad rep. You have to meet one to believe just how loving, friendly and fun they can be!

Whippet! Less health issues (according to our vet) than a lot of other "pure" breeds, like westies (skin problems) and king Charles spaniels ( skull issues) .
Personally would be very careful getting any terrier breed with young children.
Also small breeds often need a lot more exercise than larger breeds.

Alias he is gorgeous!
Jammy.. he is more mischief than really naughty!
MrsT.. Yes I love Mini schnauzers.. DB had one and he was full of personality...kept running away to the pub at the end of the road ( dog.. not DB!)

aliasjoey: "Cockapoos / Doodles are crossbreeds, you don't know what you're getting."
You could say that about any dog. People maintain that labs are good family dogs and others believe that Staffies are bad news. And then there'll be many who believe the opposite.
But the overwhelming "evidence" I hear from other cockapoo owners (and I know of a lot ) is that they're delightful.
But I don't expect a poodle owner to agree - I understand the concerns about using the desirable traits of the breed to cross with others.

I think alias meant from a looks point of view ,not temperament . I know several labradoodles and they all look very different and are very different sizes. If you buy a cocker spaniel , although they are all individual ,it will be a cocker spaniel size / shape etc ,likewise for other pedigree dogs .

I don't think you can deduce everything about a dog from it's breed, apparently border collies are not good with children, but we lived with my mil's for a year and she was marvellous with dd, very protective even. She is still a lovely dog.

When I was visiting my sister, her Japanese chin showed clearly aggressive behaviour towards my niece, snarling and growling etc. Would that be tolerated by a larger dog, erm NO.

Choosing a certain breed does not guarantee the noted characteristics.

I would have liked a staffy, but never came to pass.

Boston Terrier! Small, friendly and very active

Miniature Schnauzer fits all your criteria.

I have one and he perfect!

Just a word of warning on Miniature Schnauzers.. they are known for being a very VOCAL breed. We have an 8 month old bitch and she is very BARKY a LOT OF THE TIME, especially when children dare to move around the house, she HAS TO LET ME KNOW! "Someone's coming down the stairs!!!" "They're going back up again!!!!"
A behaviourist has told us to completely ignore it, as any attention would make it worse. Sometimes I feel pretty stressed by it TBH.
Having said that, they do all have their own personalities, and I know plenty that don't bark much at all. It's just you don't know which one is which until you get them home... :)

Agree, you have to train the bark out of them - they are worth it though!

Hi OP - have you tried doing one of the choose your ideal breed questionnaires on line - it can open your eyes to other breeds as well as making you really think about the type and characteristics you like. Personally, I like calm, almost reserved, dogs that aren't too 'in your face' or needy - hence my choice and why I love Whippets and other sighthounds. Others like more 'full on' dogs who are always on the go - so spaniels are more for them.

A friend has a Schnauzers who is extremely vocal (and has a weird v high pitched bark) which would drive me insane. They do need regular clipping too.

good luck.

Haha Super - any tips on training not to bark gratefully received!

Miniature schnauzer :) definitely the next dog I'm having. They do need regular grooming but they are non shedding and are cracking little dogs.

They are fab! Mine isn't particularly barky or I may just be used to it. I can't actually see myself with any other breed. They're the best .

I'd recommend my dog. He is a Cock Up. Hes gorgeous, daft, cuddly, loving and he isnt too big. Sadly, you cant have one, because I bred him and there are only 2 cock ups in the world.
for reference, he is 1/2 cocker, 1/2 collie/basset.

I would also say, just be aware of miniatures schnauzers barking. Dear friends have just got a second and I don't think they get a moment silence..... And neither do their neighbors.
Lovely dogs though

I know you're keen on poodles and schnauzers but just saw this (I have a bad habit of surfing loads of rescues sites) and he looks so lovely What would DH think of Barney ?

I have a border terrier who is adorable but can be really nasty with other dogs, which makes walks a bit like hard work sometimes, she likes a lot of excercise but is a great lap dog. I also have a cocker spaniel who is the kindest, sweetest dog ever, he is however mad as a can of spam needs a good hour and a hlf a day off lead and smells very very bad. My next dog will be a whippet, dont smell, like long walks but will put up without and such gorgeous faces.

Whippet :-)

Another vote for poodles or poodle crosses or spaniels. My cockapoo is a great dog, and no I didn't get him because he doesn't shed or is a so called designer dog. I have had cocker spaniels, lovely dogs around children and great family pets. I like the poodle crosses, they are generally good natured, clever, responsive dogs, but as others have said, you don't know which of the parent breed will dominate. There is good information about poodle crosses on the Labradoodle Trust or Cockapoo owners websites.