Help me choose my next dog

[doubleristretto]

I have always had rescue dogs, an ex-racing greyhound, an adult Labrador, a 12 month Lab cross, an 11 month chihuahua/jrt and an 11 month Beagle/jrt. For most of the time I've had 2 dogs which suited us all very well. I'm currently down to just the Beagle/jrt who is 18 months old and although he is great, he's not a cuddly animal. I'm looking into getting a lapdog, possibly treating myself to a puppy for the first time. I appreciate that they are hard work (obviously not really until I've actually done it!) but my children are now sixth form age and I don't work so I have the time to put in. I understand the issues of puppy farms and unscrupulous breeders, hence the many rescue animals. I'd want to find a nice, small scale breeder. I wouldn't be looking for a pedigree champion type or to breed her myself, just a friendly little pup.

Please could you offer any recommendations? I'm tempted with a chihuahua but our previous chi/jrt didn't ever grasp housetraining 100% which would be nice to avoid! We didn't really mind as she was gorgeous but it was a bit of a pain. My current dog absolutely loves all other dogs and has socialised with my neighbour's puppy so I am not concerned about him taking against a new friend, I actually think he could really do with a new pack buddy.

Thank you for any help

[BeBopTalulah]

Good breeders take responsibility for ensuring a pup has a home for life, if it becomes unwanted at any point they will take it back. Another good reason to use a serious breeder. They contribute very little to overflowing rescue centres. I'm not sure someone breeding their pet could promise that. As mentioned above, look up KC website and have a look. Always visit them a couple of times, see the bitch, the pedigree, photos etc.

[Pluto30]

I have a full beagle (and a puggle) and he's a total lapdog. I'd say the fact that yours isn't is down to the JRT mix (I've had a JRT mix in the past and she was aaaaalll JRT).

Beagles are a handful initially (have to persist with training, and they have very poor recall even then), but mine has been my favourite dog I've ever had. I'd get another in a heartbeat. They're the biggest sweethearts. Ours was $750 AUD back in 2011.

Plus, our vet says "more people should own beagles".

[doubleristretto]

Your Beagle is totally gorgeous, Pluto! I was just in Brighton and saw quite a few, I think they might be having a moment! I am refining my ideas and definitely after something smaller, sorry to say. My current Beagle/JRT is Beagle height but much more slight. He's 10-11kg and just too big for carrying which he really doesn't like anyway! I want one that I can potter around with in my arms like my old chihuahua/JRT who didn't really think of herself as a floor dog . My Jackabee (I can hardly bring myself to say it but such is his type!) is currently chasing his tail about the place and generally being a teenage boy-dog! My lap is empty

[lynseyc83]

We rescued a 7 yr old greyhound from Tia greyhound rescue, she had been over looked in the kennel and was there for over a year due to her temperament.
She only likes greyhounds and couldn't mix with other breeds
We got her home and had Afew stressful months
Eventually I started her in training classes and she improved and was a delightful dog- very lazy
She passed away last year and I miss her all the time

[doubleristretto]

I am sorry for your loss, lynsey. Your greyhound was a very lucky girl to find you. Will you look at getting another dog?

[DrunkenUnicorn]

Just to say, absolutely everything that trionic and tabularasa said. They've explained it so much better than I could have attempted to!

[lynseyc83]

We are just getting over the loss of Rio before committing to another dog, the in laws also have 2 rescued grey hounds they do make lovely pets