Suggestions for small dog to join family with a toddler.

[BocaDeTrucha]

Sorry if this had been done to death, but dh is actually giving signs of giving in over getting a dog. It needs to be one that is very small that we can take on a plane in the cabin as we take a few short haul flights a year ( to see family). We have a small garden and dh works from home so company for the dog during the day. Any suggestions?

Good point in that last para. In that case, the Shih Tzu wouldn't be a good flyer as they too have a short muzzle. OP, maybe look at the Lhasa Apso? Incredibly similar to the Tzu, but slightly bigger and with a longer nose.

Or a Dachshund?

Lhasa apso are very cute I would consider one

You're going to be very limited if being able to fly in the cabin is an absolute requirement, there aren't many breeds that are both under the weight limit (or at least very likely to be under the weight limit as adults) and aren't brachycephalic (snub nosed). Regardless of what the rules say I wouldn't be happy taking a brachycephalic breed onto a plane at all.

The weight limit does vary a little but it's usually around 6kgs including the carrier. A decent plastic carrier (I wouldn't use a fabric one because of the risk of chewing) is going to weigh around 1kg or so on it's own.

This may all be a moot point as it seems that dogs (unless they're registered service dogs) can only enter the UK in the cargo hold, not the cabin.

My very small cat carrier (I have small cats) weighs 1.7kg...

So realistically you're wanting a 4kg dog?

I would not base you decision around the fact you travel a couple of times a year. Get a dog you want and find a local dog sitter for those days abroad. Your pet will prefer to stay home.

afaik only assistance dogs are allowed to travel into the UK in the cabin. Added to that, bringing dogs into the country is a pita because the dog has to be wormed 72 hours before re-entering the UK, so if travelling for more than that you will be faced with the need to seek a vet abroad to do that. Added to that the cost of pet passport for approx £160 every three years I wouldn't look at travel as part of your criteria for a dog. Get a dogsitter instead.

If you really love dogs and are prepared for a lot of hard work and have a suitable home, having a pup and toddler can be fun, if not I would wait till your dc are older.

Our travel would be to the UK so no passport etc needed, wannabwannabe, but I think the comments about getting the good we really want, and not based on it's size is à good idea. I've always fancied a miniature schnauzer!! Thanks also for the comments about breathing problems with some smaller breeds. That's definitely worth knowing.

Pomeranians are dear little dogs like tiny foxes. My mum had one a bit snappy, but I expect it is down to getting a good one and socialising it carefully.

You do need a dog passport to enter the UK - the rules aren't as onerous as they used to be, but it is definitely required

Costa - I'm pretty sure she's on about flying within the UK, not from a different country.

Boca, definitely think about what dog you want and that will fit in with day to day life rather than just will be able to fly.

I thought the op lives in Spain? Perhaps I'm confusing her with another mnetter, but the reference to Iberia made me think she was

I have a miniature pinscher and a miniature schnauzer x.
I also have 3 small dc and I've never had any problems.
My min pin weighs 2.5kg bless her. The schnauzer x weighs 5kg.

Oh see, I thought it said domestic flights somewhere...but reading back over the thread, I can't see it.

Yep if you're entering the UK with a dog it needs a pet passport.

Ooops I meant to put my travel would NOT be to the UK, just domestic flights in Spain. Sorry for the confusion. Taking a dog back to my parents in the UK would not be an option. Just to the in laws!

My other question is, how do you choose a good breeder? How do you know? What makes a good breeder?

Good breeders...

Breed for a reason other than selling puppies, usually to get a puppy for themselves to show, work or take part in an activity, breed from fully health tested dogs and pick the stud carefully to get the best mix of traits...not just two dogs they happen to own, so it's unlikely that they own the stud as well as the bitch.

They register the litter with the relevant organisation (usually kennel club) because there isn't really any good reason not to.

They usually breed once a year or less often, breed the bitch only between the ages of 2 and 8 and leave a year between litters.

They usually have a waiting list for litters well before the mating actually happens.

They should grill you about your household and lifestyle and will want to meet you all. They should be not only willing but keen to show you all relevant paperwork and discuss health test results. They should tell you that they will take back the puppy at any point if your circumstances change and it needs to be rehomed.

The bitch and puppies should be wormed regularly, they should be fed a decent quality of food (not something like bakers or pedigree) and they should follow a socialisation plan for the puppies.

They will usually pick which puppy suits you rather than whoever pays first picking and will want to keep in touch to see how your dog gets on.

They should give you some sort of puppy pack, including insurance and food so there's no disruptions to the puppy and they don't usually vaccinate because different vets use different vaccines and it can muck up the schedule.

Some of that may be UK specific...but tbh I can't think that much would be.