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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Original poster

What little dog for a big dog person?

58 replies

PeanutsOnTheFloor · 13/08/2015 00:06

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).

OP posts:

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imabusybee · 13/08/2015 04:07

Op pretty much all small dogs are big dogs in little bodies - just ignore whatever stereotypes lead you to believe that isn't the case and get in touch with some local rescues & ssee what small digs they have that match your family. I know dozens of small dogs & they're all lovely full of character & active. My DDog1 is a toy poodle/spaniel/collie cross (or so we believe - he's a rescue) & has so much personality it's ridiculous. The two toy poodles I grew up with were the same - it's all in how you treat them. Don't treat them like lap dogs & they won't be!

lastnightiwenttomanderley · 13/08/2015 05:09

Dachshund here too - a standard is good if you want something bigger but Ddog is a mini and doesn't know it. His best mate is a Vizsla... Proven range of about 8 miles but could possibly go for more. Sparky little thing, not a barker but a proper deep one when he.does.

cape current thinking is that going up stairs actually strengthens their backs. It's down that's a definite no. Ddog knows this and when he happens to have been invited up will sit at the top waiting to hitch a ride back down.

HarlettOScara · 13/08/2015 05:27

I'm a big dog person and my small dog breed when I get too old and decrepit for big ones is the Tibetan Spaniel. Or a Dandie Dinmont but they're like hens teeth which is a shame because they're a native breed and now on the verge of dying out. I'd also consider a show type Cocker Spaniel...working type is too full on for my liking...or a whippet/small lurcher.

LavenderLeigh · 13/08/2015 05:58

DDog is a Westie.
Thinks he is a human.
Best friend is aGerman Shepherd.
Incredibly friendly.

BlackBettyBamALam · 13/08/2015 06:15

Staffie! We got ours from a rescue centre about two months ago, he is fantastic with the kids (2 and 9), loves getting out and about, is hugely affectionate and is a real joy to have around.

MothershipG · 13/08/2015 07:11

Affenpinscher. Will cheerfully go for miles but equally happy to run around the garden. Big personalities, very attached to their families. Small enough to be easy to transport (and so you can have more than one )

mollie123 · 13/08/2015 07:47

King Charles spaniels and other 'bred to be toy' dogs often have health issues
I would go for a JRT or Border terrier both of which are not prone to health issues and feisty with it but not overly 'yappy'.
as a 'big dog' person now I would go for one of these (like dogs with lots of fur - fluffy or wiry) if I had to downsize.

flanjabelle · 13/08/2015 07:50

another vote for staffy. Not yappy like other little dogs, so much fun, best dogs in the world.

CoogerAndDark · 13/08/2015 08:02

Another vote for Border Terrier. Friendly, enthusiastic, lovely dogs.

tabulahrasa · 13/08/2015 10:02

"All pedigree dogs have issues."

That's not strictly speaking true...some breeds are more prone to some medical conditions, but good breeders test for those conditions and don't breed from affected animals.

The issue with bracycephalic breeds is that it's their conformation that causes breathing problems...so very few people are willing to change that as then they'd look different. So while with hips you can prevent it by only breeding dogs with low hip scores or with PRA there's now a DNA test, you can't prevent breathing problems by breeding dogs that don't have problems because their shape isn't different enough to ensure it definitely won't be an issue and you can't control exactly how the traits will express themselves.

roseandgrey · 13/08/2015 10:05

Highly recommend BT's. Fantastic little dogs

exexpat · 13/08/2015 10:11

Border terrier would definitely fit the bill. Compact, but longer legs than Jack Russells, dachshunds etc so can keep up with big dogs on long walks. Very friendly and good with children, very few health issues.

I grew up with Labradors and was always a bit sniffy about little dogs, but my border has definitely changed my mind.

TheHoundsBitch · 13/08/2015 10:11

Staffie, small, short haired, hardy, affectionate, plenty of energy but love to snuggle too, they're the best. We're planning on a staffie in a year or so to be another substitute baby for me pals with our big beastie.

BertrandRussell · 13/08/2015 10:37

Rose - that picture made me feel guilty - ours is a bit chunky at the moment because of lazy summer holidays! Must roust her and teen out and send them for a run.....

insanityscatching · 13/08/2015 11:04

We have a shih tzu cross poodle, he's small but he is a huge character and he is anything but a lapdog. He'll walk and run for miles, he'll chase a ball for as long as anyone will throw one, he'll happily play with any dog big or small, he's smart and picks up new tricks in no time and he'll happily snooze on your feet to keep them warm or lay by the side of you in the hope of a tummy rub.

Howlingwithlaughter · 13/08/2015 11:30

Motherofbleach you have described our JRT cross perfectly. She is the most sweet and lovable dog but really thinks she's a Rottweiler when out on the lead!

Senecafalls - I am so jealous. I grew up with a Welsh corgi and would love one of my own. Just need to persuade DH that our dog needs a friend!

Floralnomad · 13/08/2015 12:52

Patterdales are not for people who don't want a terrier , they are very much a working terrier ,they are also often not suitable for multiple dog households as many like to be only dogs .

CMOTDibbler · 13/08/2015 13:13

If you were interested in a puppy, born in rescue, then these little cuties are pug/patterdale/another terrier mixtures

daydreamnation · 13/08/2015 13:24

We have a jack russel chihuaha cross, small but perfectly formed, smart, very amusing, friendly and almost mess free! Lap dogs are only that way because of their upbringing, we have always treated like a .'proper' dog and all her 'friends' in our local park are huge dogs but she very much holds her own and can walk for miles!

BagelwithButter · 13/08/2015 14:43

What about a poodle? Smaller size one, robust, intelligent, non-shedding, what's not to like?

Original poster

PeanutsOnTheFloor · 14/08/2015 01:01

Oh great - lots of good ideas. Thank you everyone keep them coming!

OP posts:

Gymbob · 14/08/2015 10:14

border terrier. massive personality. love long walks but don't demand them, more than happy with small ones. love company. big dog in a little body. I adore mine. he's sat here now gazing lovingly at me

VivaLeBeaver · 14/08/2015 10:18

Portugese Podengo pequano.

Best dog ever.

TwuntingCrow · 14/08/2015 10:22

I grew up withabs and border collies - definitely not a small dog person but we currently have a Tibetan terrier - no terrier in them at all but they were simply named that as there was nothing like them
Coming from Tinet there they are known as 'little people " they are active but not too active unbelievably loyal and gentle creatures - also the perfect size - 18-20 in at shoulder

TwuntingCrow · 14/08/2015 10:22

Here he is with his doggy cousin a bichon

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