Going around in circles. Pls help. French bull dog?

[Sodamncold]

I have done so much research I have lost the plot!

I have two children who adore dogs. I grew up with dogs (boxers). Now will be working from home and decided it’s the time to have another member of our family.

We would love a small/very small dog, and one that is open to lots of cuddles.

French bull dog?

Huge thank you

“Few comments that if house proud no point getting a dog! Surely there must be some dog owners who dispute this?!”

I’m sure you could have a spotless tidy house with a dog... but you’re giving yourself a lot of extra work.

Well I used to be extremely houseproud, and I still like a good clean. Got a dog with intentions such as - not upstairs, not on furniture etc.
Had breakfast in bed with 2 labradors this morning. Love conquers all.😂

It's difficult to be House proud with a dog, unless you are willing to be cleaning more. Not impossible, but something to be wary of.

Agreeing with others, I know you want a small dog but I think a greyhound would suit you much more. They love to just sleep after a good run and small dog doesn't mean low energy.

Also ime frenchies are harder to house train than lots of dogs - maybe not ideal for someone house proud. I've been in love with Boston terriers and wanted one for years but we went with a Jack Russell in the end instead - she's fab but probably not for everyone, especially if you're after a lazy dog

Whippet?

Personally as someone who works with sod I detest French bulldogs. Usually angry little things with a million health issues and little man syndrome.
I’m sure they are lovely at home but whenever I have to work with one my heart sinks a bit!
Plus I couldn’t cope with a husband who snores never mind a dog

Works with dogs that should say

Not a French bulldog or anything brachycephalic (including Boston terriers previously mentioned) - take a look at the BVA Breed to Breathe campaign.

You might start with looking at breeds in the Toy Group which are by definition small and affectionate, lots of non shedding options too.

Have a look at a Cavachon. Lovely friendly little dogs, non shedding, great with kids. But please source a good breeder.

Havanese are gorgeous, solid, fun little dogs but as a PP said they are very rare so they can be pricey.

What about a spitz, German mittel or klein, or a Japanese spitz? Apparently they don't shed day to day but they do blow their coats twice a year which means hair will be Everywhere for a while.

I would be tempted to approach a rescue - not all dogs are cuddly and if them being affectionate is important then a puppy is a bit of a risk

Dogs are messy. It’s not just shedding - it’s constant paw prints, mess around windows and doors (god knows how they do it), spilling their dog food, the occasional accident etc. I love my dog and all this stuff doesn’t bjthter me - but if it’s going to bother you, do think twice.

My friend has a shitzu and she's a lovely dog.

Really good with her dd who has sn and very mellow ........she's had her about 10 years now and never had a day of bother from her. I'll be heartbroken when she goes. :/

Miniature poodle (with a "cute cut" not shaved/pom pom) = good size, no shedding, no smells, great fun to take out to park/walks, playful/cuddly/snoozy at home). Needs the groomers every 6 weeks but trade off is zero shedding in house. A wonderful friend/companion. Love of my life.

My miniature schnauzer adored kids. The breeder we got him from had trained him to sit when a child approached somehow, and he did that all his life. They are wonderful dogs. You need to commit to grooming - you don't have to have a show cut, you can keep them trimmed in tight if you prefer - but other than that they are magic. The breed for me.

Few comments that if house proud no point getting a dog! Surely there must be some dog owners who dispute this?!

We have a beagle and my house is pretty much spotless. I don't recognise the stereotype of having to have a messy house if you have a dog. We have two cats as well, plus I'm a dog walker.

He's allowed everywhere, we just have lots of throws around which are washed on rotation so the smell never builds up. I vacuum daily, we have waterproof mats down where he eats and drinks so they can just be wiped down, food and water bowls washed out and changed daily.

The dog gets a bath with shampoo every couple of months and he's wiped down after walks before he even gets in the house, so no muddy paw prints. In winter we have towels by the back door so he's wiped down after he comes in from the toilet. There's no need to have mud everywhere just because you have a dog!

Some Bostons have breathing problems. If they're from a good breeder, they shouldn't have any more than a boxer. Mine doesn't even snore

pepperpod28, our boy is a delight. Everyone loves him and he would play with the kids all day....they really are a fabulous breed, so glad we got him

My brother has a Havanese and he is small, uber cuddly and affectionate and easy..doesn't shed, they just get him trimmed every couple of months.
But even he walks in mud, has the odd accident on the carpet etc. And most dogs will roll is something grim now and again! Dogs just aren't clean creatures the way cats are!
Personally I wouldn't touch a Frenchie..so many backyard breeders, hiked prices and so many health issues (and I've met a disproportionate number of non dog friendly ones) I'd get a Havanese, or a toy poodle.
And rules about not upstairs, on the sofa etc do tend to go by the wayside (especially with kids!) *eyes my white duvet with added paw prints...

I'm very particular about my house being clean and tidy and have a mini poodle.
He doesn't shed at all so no issues with hair.

Really the only thing is his muddy paw prints when it's wet outside. After a walk I carry him up for a quick shower if he's muddy.

Muddy paws when he's been in the garden are more annoying because I have to wipe his feel when he comes in every time if it's wet out. I just give it a quick mop. To be fair my kids are way messier than my dog!

He even sleeps neatly ...

And it’s not just mud - currently my sofa is full of leaves and grass as the dog keeps brining it all in on his fur (no groomers and not brave enough to try myself).

I’d say a poodle is a good shout - they are lovely little dogs.

@keepyourginup they really are fab! A "proper" big dog personality in a handy compact package. I lost my pup last year quite suddenly and miss him terribly. I said I wouldn't get another because he was perfect but every time I think about what breed suits me I come back to them. The eyebrows, the big eyes, just the right sized snout for planting a big smacker on! Perfect cuddle sized dog. A dream.

My vets are positively discouraging anyone to buy brachycephalic breeds as they see so many with breathing problems and have to be operated on just so they can breathe properly.
All the time people want those breeds- the more that are bred- inappropriately-the more suffering

I vote for retired greyhound or miniature schnauzer

Poodles or whippets.

I knew a lovely bichon (owned by a v houseproud woman), no shed, friendly, fantastic with children.

It is possible to keep your house to a good standard, but you just need to put a few extra steps in. If you like your house to look like a show home, it may cause you stress at times. Depends on how much of a mud monster your dog is!

Our dog loves mud and water. He also has developed a liking for animal carcasses. 🙄 We bought a Mud Daddy which helps to a certain extent. We also have lots of old towels by the back door to dry him off. The other day the little sod managed to get into a deeply unpleasant bog. He stank to high heavens and had to be bathed as soon as we got home. We love him to bits though, despite his mud rolling antics!

My in-laws have a frenchie, he is very dog aggressive and has went for my dc a couple of times. They have to keep him separate when my kids go over. He is also very dominant over their old dog and becomes aggressive with her.

In my experience when out on walks frenchies tend to bark, snarl and growl at my 2 non-reactive dogs.