Small dog recommendations

[Fleabagster]

We have a golden retriever who is amazing and want to add another dog at one point. We may well get another GR but it would probably be more sensible to get a smaller dog. However I don’t really know any (all my friends have labs, GRs or cross breeds) and not sure if any breeds would suit us. On our walks a lot of the small dogs react quite aggressively to our very gentle and submissive big dog - that’s really not what I want!
I love the look and healthiness of border terriers but I know terriers can be very hard work.
Any ideas?

Can anyone help?

Ah just get another retriever, they're the best 😊

Hi
I have a mini dachshund. We always had bigger dogs that were rescues. Our dachshund will walk all day long, is a great watchdog and lives to cuddle on your lap and is so loving. They do take longer to house train tho

I came on to say Border Terriers, in my opinion they are the perfect for a retriever, we had a Labrador previously but when we sadly lost her we wanted a smaller dog, they are robust, full of character, ours is very social, to other dogs and loves people and kids. She's a very easy dog, they do need their coat stripped out a few times a year, she's fairly obedient, recall is ok and comes back pretty much straight away, sometimes the squirrels distract her though! Not sure we could go back to a big dog again and will probably get another Border..........if they ever come back down in price!

I like the hairy daschunds! (Not sure of proper name.) I like scruffy looking dogs.

@Arthurlager it is tempting - retrievers are amazing!

@Fastforwardtospring that’s good to hear! A vet friend told me that lots of vets have borders as they’re so robust.

Bedlington Terrier, small but not too small, lovely temperament, great family dog, will run for miles but loves to cuddle up too. In my experience of course.

Miniature poodle.

Bedlington -whippet lurchers are quite popular around here.

Jack Russell!! Love mine

Mini poodle or even the dreaded cockerpoo (all those I've met have had lovely temperaments and so clever and eager to please they are a dream to train)

Snuggly, clever dogs who can run all day and just love their family. And don't leave hair everywhere.

Glen of Imaal Terrier, lovely temperament, good with children & other dogs

I have wolfhounds. We meet small dogs who are full of confidence and others who are not. It’s less about the breed. More about the start they have in life. The breeder and owner and how well they are socialised. Good luck.

Norfolk Terrier the small dog that thinks it's a big dog. Loves a good walk, equally happy to hang about at home, adores children and very loving.

I think you need a Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie). They love to walk, love to sleep and love to be loved. I have had five Shelties and each have had completely different personality - just love Shelties.

My spaniel puppy fell immediately in love with my mum’s GR - who is a big, gentle cuddle monster who loves puppies. They are so cute bouncing about together - the big dog used to lie down when the puppy was tiny so he could play with him more easily. I think you’re worrying overly about the small dog with a GR! Unless you mean a really tiny dog like a chihuahua? But any medium to small dog should be fine brought up with a retriever. Advantages my mum’s already noticed with smaller dogs: less hair, smaller poo, cheaper to feed, can pick them up if injured or if they won’t do sthg, fit on your knee!

So many recommendations for me to investigate! @MaryLennoxsScowl (LOVE your username by the way) I’m not worrying - just enjoying the dog research! 😁 But also yes, met quite a few very small dogs (Chihuahua size and a bit bigger) on walks that seem so unpleasant. Our dog has always got on with spaniels but they are so energetic that even though I love them I’m not sure they’re right for us. The search continues and I’ll look at all the breeds mentioned.
It took us three years to decide on our first dog so we could be waiting a while!

Its a one horse race for me
www.donthibernate.co.uk/dummys-guide-to-dandie-dinmont-terriers/

Bedlingtons are well worth a look, the few we have seen where great.
Have you considered rare breeds?
Many of these are rare as there is no money in breeding them
www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getting-a-dog/are-you-ready/vulnerable-native-breeds/

We have a Jack Russell. He's so easy. He is almost 1. Ok so he can be a bit barky and mouthy when he's playing and has little respect for personal space 😂. But he's super friendly with people and dogs. Recall is really good. He's very cuddly and affectionate. He's fussy with food though. I can't imagine having another dog, he's perfect.

Oh and he was also very easy to toilet train, has minimal grooming needs too.