Best small breed for a family

[Dirtystreetpie]

Hi, I would love a rescue dog, but with 3 young children we don’t seem to be eligible anywhere.

We ideally would like a small sized dog, with a good nature for family life. I grew up with golden retriever and they’re may favourite but I feel too big for us. Would love any opinions. Thankyou. I am home all week and kids are all at school now so have lots of time to offer a wee pooch.

I'm loving all our love for our little dogs!

He's so gorgeous

Our small dog is a miniature pinscher and she's an absolutely perfectly family dog. Min pins don't shed so very low maintenance, they love to go for a run and great off lead as they're very family orientated. Not snappy like some smaller dogs can be, not particularly barky, love cuddles and blankets.

Just a reminder to all - do good research on health problems associated with pure bread dogs.

Any dog with exaggerated features is more likely to have issues.
Brachycephalic faces - that means dogs with no muzzle and closed nostrils. Like a French bulldog or a pug. Sadly these dogs suffer quite a bit because of how their body has been developed over time. High insurance and surgery likely in order for them to lead a vaguely normal life.

Anything with short legs and a long back. For example miniature dachshund. They are suffering because their legs can't comfortably support their body.

Lots of other breeds have problems that aren't related to their body type. And there are breeds that are healthy but aren't great pets!

Long story short. Loads of research needed!

Bread?!!
Bred

Wiener (sausage) have sweet nature's and don't require long walks.

Our 1 y old shih tzu boy has been the best ! Excellent family dog for novice owners so great with the kids has the loveliest temperament such a happy little dog . No barking normally at all , doesn’t need lots of exercise but does enjoy running round with the kids and going on walks and playing but is very calm too . Enjoys company and attention and cuddles but happy to be left for a few hours and is very chilled generally . Has never destroyed anything learned quickly to only bite and play with his own things , clever and learned many commands quickly with praise and treats . Only minus I’d say is that housetraining did take a few months but is completely reliable now and can last for hours if we’re out somewhere . We have him groomed once a month at his doggy daycare and keep his hair fairly short . It does need daily brushing but it takes minutes . We wash him once a week generally otherwise he does start looking grubby being part white . No health problems so far knock on wood ...

Oh yes and no shedding

@mathanxiety my miniature dachshund needs 2 hours a day of walking otherwise he gets a bit bonkers!

With dachshunds I think I'd worry about them developing back injuries.

@Liz1tummypain

They aren't small but they're very low maintenance- a rescued greyhound. They need hardly any exercise, they happily put up with toddlers, most other breeds of dogs, they don't bark or get stressed about anything and you just need to be careful with them meeting a cat. Otherwise they don't change your lifestyle at all really.

I would have said that having met a friends first two greys. Her third one though is a different kettle of fish! They aren’t all couch potatoes, and even the chilled ones can have huge diva moments over random things like getting into the car, the vet, rain, walking on uneven surfaces, walking on sand....... and believe me, a greyhound that has decided it isn’t moving is an awkward cuss.

Another vote for miniature schnauzer. You live in a terrace so you'll need to put in some effort with training to ensure he doesn't bark when left alone. They really, really love their families and hate being left alone. My little mini schnauzer is the best decision I ever made. I adore him.