Opinions on terriers or other people focused small breeds?

[stressystressy]

I’m currently dogsitting a Norfolk Terrier with a broken leg (I spent a huge amount of time with this dog before he broke the leg and think he’s generally great). He is an utter delight - great with children, fab with other dogs, smart, and happy to left alone for a few hours (or come along and experience the world). Generally a happy go lucky little chap with medium energy. However I’ve always loved the biddable nature of spaniels, and how people focused they are.

I’m in a position to get a dog (happy to rescue or rehome an oldie). I’ve never much liked terriers, but this guy has completely changed my mind. I also love how portable he is, and how I can literally take him anywhere - so I love his size. Any small terrier breeds which generally have biddable, people focused temperaments?

Another example of a hard life.

Best/worst of all worlds, a Patterdale terrier and Cocker spaniel cross.
Love him to bits but hell of a combination 😂

My border terrier is a dream! Perfect in every way, I think she is more of a baby than a dog though.

“Why wouldn’t you want me?”

He looks positively evil! Like he is hatching a plan.

Oh- that’s not the picture I meant. That’s one of her Ewok ones!

This is a better one....

My beautiful, full of personality Scottie. Great around everyone, very highly socialised.

I am besotted with her, she's hilarious. Has a big Woof (but is not remotely barky unless there's a horse on the TV)

She is very independent- doesn't whine when we go out without her. Our last dog was a spaniel and we tried everything to cure him of the separation anxiety but he just hated not being pressed against me every minute.

Much prefer my independent girl. She still cuddles me in bed and gets her tummy out - plus she comes on the bus/tube/train and is completely unphased by life. She's resilient and fiesty (in a good way).

I think terriers are the best dogs and now couldn't imagine being without her - she's my insides.

We have a jrt x Yorkie and he’s the absolute best ! Loves the kids, other dogs, all people and animals. He’s such a sweet dog. Our house is on a fairly busy road and he just watches everyone pass by without barking. Loves cuddles. Comes to work with me where there are horses, hounds and sheep and will run off and investigate then check back in with me. He’s amazing.

Thank you for all your replies, I’ve loved seeing the photos! I like Borders, and was nearly convinced they’d suit me by all of your lovely stories.

Cavalier King Charles have popped up as a suggestion before, but I couldn’t support the breeding given their hereditary health issues.

@AvocadosBeforeMortgages I think you’ve hit on the breed for me. I’ve been watching Papillons doing agility and I had no idea they were quite so much fun. Many thanks.

A photo of the little munchkin I’m currently nursing for tax 😉

I'm loving the pictures! It's amazing how different all the yorkie/jrt are. Even within my puppy's litter the three puppies all looked completely different to each other!!

Another pic of my gorgeous boy.

A bit off topic... but I've had a cavalier king Charles spaniel who lived to be 12.5 years with no health problems, no murmur. But had kidney failure.

A neighbour who is see regularly has a cavalier who has just been diagnosed with a murmur...but she is 11.5 years, it is managed with medication and the dog is happy and still enjoying daily walks.

Her previous dog was 13 when he died, so not all bad stories. Not in this area anyway. I agree though that for a dog to die because of bad breeding within the first 5-7 years is tragic.

It is indeed a hard life being a terrier!

JRT here - he's a very friendly, loving little dog but he's very yappy.