Does anyone know which breed would be right for us?

[Arrietty5]

Hi, we're hoping to get a dog in around two years time when our dd is 9. I've finally managed to find three breeds that seem like they would be right for us. They are a havanese, a tibetan terrier and a pomeranian. We only have a fairly small garden although are lucky to live in the countryside with lots of walks within walking distance. My dh would prefer a small dog but isn't keen on having one that's a big barker which I've heard pomeranian's can be. I'm happy to walk daily for an hour during the week and two hours plus at the weekend. Unfortunately adoption doesn't seem an option due to dd's age, I've looked at all the local dog rescue centres and they all require children to be at least 12. Any breed advice would be much appreciated

I have Tibetans. Yes, they are lovely dogs with some attitude, they are intelligent and can be quite stubborn. (=always ready to look for their own entertainment - example: one of mine actively jumps up to steal the socks off our washing line - it'sa fun gamefor her! )

Unfortunately for you some (not all) like the sound of their own voice and talk / bark - definitely something to consider. They are a dog that should attend puppy class and move to more advanced training for the first 12-18 months, especially for first time owners.

I also find them very chilled and happy go lucky type of dogs! Their main aim is to be with their owners, so whatever you do, your Tibetan wants to be part of that.

So if you are prepared to put in the work during puppiehood, you will have a lovely chilled adult that will even forgive you if you can't go for a long walk!

Tibetans can be quite tough to train AFAIK, so maybe not ideal if you've never had a dog before. I don't know much about Poms or Havanese.

I would also recommend taking a look at toy or mini poodles and cairn terriers. Both small, neither need huge amounts of exercise but they do need regular grooming (and poodles need brushing too).

I really like people who put a lot of thought into getting a dog.However,you are talking about in 2 years time.this is a long long time away and many things can change during this time(out of your control).just enjoy browsing the website about differet breeds,about dog training,about going on holiday and having a dog etc. In 16 month,you can then seriously thinking what breed would suit your family best and I am sure MN will help you with advice.

Sometimes it can take a year or two to get a dog so it is quite sensible to think about it now and get your name on waiting lists.

What about a Lurcher? Very underestimated family pet.. We have had 1 since a dpuppy and the other from age 9.
Ds7 declares them both his bff's.. Low shedding. Don't bark. Like a zoomie or a long walk. Love napping. And ddoggy outfits.
And love people and dc. Ime.
Oh and dcats!!

Get a cairn!!

Hi, thanks for all your replies. I love lurchers but dh will only consider small dogs unfortunately. Even Tibetan terriers are a bit big for him really. We could maybe get a puppy in a year but it just depends on when the breeders have them available. Also the prices of puppies are so high that we'll need to save up for a while. I've been quoted almost £2,500 as a normal price for a Havenese so want to have a solid puppy fund ready to go.

I don't know anything about Cairn terriers so will have a google now

Personality wise you really can’t beat a cavi. There are significant health issues with the breed though so you would need to be careful about what you went for but if I ever was forced to get a small dog for a family they would always be my first choice.

My second choice would be a whippet. Small, generally nice quiet temperaments and don’t require silly amounts of exercise.

Cavaliers are really a lovely option and there are a lot needing rescue! As they are incredibly docile a number seem to be OK to be rehomed with children.

Health issues are very serious so be very very careful of breeders. Cavalier Matters is a good website on health conditions - some of it a bit OTT with random conditions - but it’s MVD and SM that are the big worries. There are some specialist rehoming centres and would urge you to try there first.

I adore the breed, lovely sweet, docile and cheeky dogs, but you have to be so careful as prone to being puppy farmed and bred by families who have no clue on what tests are required.

@Arrietty5

I don't know anything about Cairn terriers so will have a google now

Definitely look at Cairns - they are rare but fabulous little dogs. Small, friendly, happy with half an hour or four hours of exercise - calm in the house but active outdoors and pretty easy to train too. They will bark at the door but most dogs do that and it's pretty easy to train it out of them.

They do need grooming every 6-8 weeks or so as otherwise their hair grows too long but you could learn to do it at home as they don't need any fancy techniques

I used to walk one and she was fabulous. Excellent recall, great with other dogs and she loved playing with anyone about 10x her size - she was fearless

Tibetan terriers are fantastic little dogs but they can be quirky. They are not actual terriers - in Tibet they're called the little people and they're used for a bit of everything, guarding, herding, hunting, companionship. They adore their family and they love to make you laugh and be doing whatever you're doing. That does mean that they can suffer from separation anxiety it's practically a breed trait.

They are stubborn little buggers - they're very intelligent and they'll make their own fun, like the pp said about hers grabbing socks. They're quick to learn and easy to train but getting them to do what you've trained them is another story. They're a dog that will ask "why should I" instead of just doing it they aren't mindlessly obedient. They're fast and agile - they're great at agility if you can channel their focus. Their coats don't shed so they take a lot of grooming or regular trips to the groomers to have it shaved off into a puppy cut. They are good watchdogs and will bark at the door but they're not generally yappy. They can be aloof with strangers but they'll bond closely with your family.

I absolutely love them as a breed, they're absolutely full of character, love to have fun, and are great little companions but they aren't for everyone. There is a TT breed rescue if you are thinking of a rescue dog. If you can't make up your mind there's a discover dogs section at Crufts where you can go and meet dogs and owners and chat to them about each breed - if its on it'll be in March at the NEC

We have a wonderful cavalier king Charles spaniel. He is the happiest and most adorable little thing. He loves the kids and is so good with them. We have a young niece and loves her to pieces. He very food motivated and does like to please us, so training isn't too hard.

Our Border Terrier is a dream!
Because she's a terrier, she's a 'proper' dog but in a small package.
She loves a daily walk, but we can easily give her the day off and she doesn't care.
She's really cuddly and gets her rewards from affection.
She's great with all other dogs.
We don't have kids but she's incredible with any kids that we meet when we're out and about.

She doesn't shed and has no grooming requirements.

Second vote for border terrier. We have a JR/BT Cross and he's small but all dog and great company. Loves the kids. Loves a walk but equally happy to chill at home. Happy to be left. Was easy to house train. Recall is more of an issue with terriers but we'll get there eventually!

I'm going to throw pekinese in the mix. I only have experience of one so don't know if he was typical of the breed. Happy to snooze in the house, no barking, but could do a decent walk for his size if brought.
Needs brushing daily and grooming but can be learned yourself. It's like a trim so not complicated.

Not a Yorkshire terrier. They are too yappy

What about a whippet? Don't shed, not much barking, quite lazy, very affectionate and fold up small.