What little dog for a big dog person?

[PeanutsOnTheFloor]

We have a biggish dog and she needs a friend. Practically, a small dog would mean we could take both on holiday. Really non lap-dog people, what non-terrier would you recommend? (Recently saw a terrier named dog that isn't a real terrier - can't remember what it was).

How big is big and how small is small?

Also what about things like exercise requirements, grooming requirements, etc.?

Why not a terrier? Have you thought about a Border?

Boston Terriers are brilliant dogs. They are really a bull breed rather than a terrier.

Small = fits in next to feet in back of car !! Can cope with moderate exercise/grooming. Must be super friendly and non-aggressive ( especially with children - though recognise all digs are potentially aggressive). Just looking for soppy non-lap-dog with lively temperament.

I've yet to meet a Jack Russell that doesn't believe it's not a Rotty trapped in small dog's body

I would go for a Staffy though.

In fact, terriers, for the most part, are not fluffy little lap dogs. They are about as dog as you can get.

*dogs! Not digs

It does sound like a terrier of some kind could be a pretty good fit. Borders are lovely little dogs. I've a real soft spot for Manchester terriers as well.

Portugese Podengo Pequeno?

I've got a border collie and a mini dachshund which works surprisingly well. The dachs is minuscule but goes for miles. He bosses the collie about.

Another one wondering why not a terrier, as they seem most likely candidate for big dog spirit in small body (I'm not a massive terrier fan but then I don't mind small dogs). I always liked the idea of a schnauzer - miniature in your case.

I have a staffie x jack Russell - she is just about perfect. Small, friendly to dogs and people, intelligent - I could go on

Pug. They think they are mastiffs. Happily run around with the big dogs and are rarely aggressive. They do snore a lot.

Staffy, they're terriers in name only, Tibetan terriers aren't really terriers at all, but that might be more than moderate grooming.

If your dog likes running about type play rather than wrestling - whippet? They curl up smaller than they are as well.

I'm a big dog person, but I've been quite taken by cocker spaniels recently...they might be a bit lively though?

I thought I disliked jrts. Yappy, nippy and snappy, I thought. And not affectionate.

Enter ddog. Deep bark. Pretend nips occasionally if we his family are not producing gourmet food. Never snappy. Happy, interested, alert, huge personality, so affectionate, adores cuddles and resting next to ill DH or long walks with DS. A proper dog.

Dachshunds I love, brave little dogs. But you must check for health issues, don't let them walk upstairs.

We got a chihuahua. Perfect family dog imo. Yes a lap dog, but if brought up as a 'dog' dog, they're no different to larger breeds, except for size iyswim. Great friends with our staffie, absolutely delightful with the dcs. Joyful to be around, a pleasure to walk, cheap to feed - tiny poos, travels well. Also if you do your research and choose a good breeder, they are incredibly robust little animals which have very few health probs and live up to twenty years.

My dp was against it beforehand and is now the biggest convert. We're getting a second in two weeks.

Cavalier King Charles Spamiels - the name's bigger than the dogs! Knee high, family dogs - great with all ages, very affectionate. They need regular grooming, tend to have bad teeth and can have heart problems - so use a reputable breeder. I've had them nearly all my life, just lost number 7 but still have 2 others. My youngest Cav is best buddies with my Labrador.

Staffie. I'm slowly, day by day, convincing the rest of the household that our greyhound needs a pal. I'd love, literally love another grey but I also think a more playful small dog would be an excellent addition. I have my eye on a few in rescue already

What more could you want? Small, fun, loyal, low shedding, smart, cheeky. Ive convinced myself all over again!

Don't buy one OP. Please consider all the utterly perfect dogs languishing in shelters.

Who can resist a border?

Not a pug. Not a dog bred so it can barely breathe.

Minature schnauzer. Amazing little dogs, protective but not aggressive, don't shed, mine isn't too barky though I have heard they can be, masses of character.

Patterdale Terrier, fabulous dogs. Highly intelligent, hardy, think they're GSD's, very cuddly.

Lots in.rehoming centres as they're also good hunters - hunting ban = seized dogs

I want a Pattersale and a staffer, preferably rescue.

Once my Ddog is no longer around (she's only 9 do hopefully years left in her yet!) and DS is bigger (2yo), that's my plan.

TooOld not all pugs have breathing issues. All pedigree dogs have issues. Spaniels have skulls to small for their brains, shephards have horrific hip dysplasia etc

Our pugs are rescue pugs. I don't agree with spending thousands on a pet when you can rescue one and give it a good home.

A Jack Russell. Hours and hours of fun daily for everyone -- smart and loyal and boundless energy.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a big dog in a small body. I've had them for over 30 years. Here is our current one; she's 11 now.