Dogs like a Labrador but smaller

[FoxRedLabbingtons]

As you might be able to tell by my user name, by ‘like a Labrador’ I mean magnificent in every way. Or at least playful, kind, smart, velvety of ear ( we can take or leave the canine dustbin trait)

My dear friend is a long time Labby owner, currently dogless ( and bereft). She just got the all-clear from a long illness and is looking to retire early (55) and move somewhere beautiful. They’ve decided there’s room in this plan for a pup. She’s not as strong as she was, and the house will be smaller. But they are very active, outdoorsy types. So are looking for a smaller, active dog.

She’d be a wonderful owner to any dog, but any ideas for a smaller breed that would appeal to long time Labrador aficionados?

Beagles are fantastic and I wouldn't have another breed. We have always let ours off the lead and our last one had perfect recall. There size and lovely character is why so many are used in laboratories around the world.

Maltese 😄

So many great ideas. I’ll share them all with my friend.

Actually, I had Staffies growing up. It hadn’t occurred to me to mention Staffies to my friend but they are cracking little dogs. Nowhere near as strong as my Labrador bad our two had super personalities. I reckon a little Staffie, while not the sort of working breed she is used to, would suit them brilliantly.

Staffy

Small, highly intelligent and trainable. High energy and the loveliest soft little ears.

@FoxRedLabbingtons

So many great ideas. I’ll share them all with my friend.

Actually, I had Staffies growing up. It hadn’t occurred to me to mention Staffies to my friend but they are cracking little dogs. Nowhere near as strong as my Labrador bad our two had super personalities. I reckon a little Staffie, while not the sort of working breed she is used to, would suit them brilliantly.

They have amazing temperaments, I have a 1 year old one now as I wanted a really good family dog that's awesome with kids and it has to be the staffy

I've had JRT, boxers, greyhounds and lurchers before over the years. But when it comes to temperament, Staffy is the best I have ever come across. Which is why we got a staffy puppy as we have primary age children.

indoctro we must have cross posted!

Am I misremembering how string Staffies are? I’m sure I walked our family Staffie on my own from about 12. And I don’t remember having my shoulder pulled out if it’s socket like my Lab does when he sniffs a dropped chip.

Beagles are very loveable, but I agree they have abominable recall. Having said that, our trots along very happily on an extender lead. Nose to the ground all the way, but perfectly happy.

Although labs are big they recall themselves so aren't necessarily as big a problem as other large dogs.

Never had one, but size and intelligence wise a cocker would appeal to me.

We have 2 black lab/spaniel crosses. One is half working cocker, one is half springer. They look like small labs, but slightly finer boned. The springer cross is definitely a bouncy spaniel personality, the cocker cross is a more steady-away lab at heart. Both are gorgeous girls, child friendly, ds adores them and vice versa (we’ve recently adopted them from dm, but they have known ds all his life.). Lovely temperaments, easy going indoors.

Staffies are like any other dog, train them to walk nicely and pulling isn't an issue.
They're very portable size wise and just superb personalities. The majority in rescue are under 18mths and often puppies come into rescue too if she was interested in adopting. Senior Staffy Club are wonderful.

@Cuck00soup

Beagles are very loveable, but I agree they have abominable recall. Having said that, our trots along very happily on an extender lead. Nose to the ground all the way, but perfectly happy.

Although labs are big they recall themselves so aren't necessarily as big a problem as other large dogs.

Never had one, but size and intelligence wise a cocker would appeal to me.

In fairness, they have abominable hearing when they're on a scent. Better than sight hounds, though - Beagles won't give a monkey's about a dog, cat or rabbit on the horizon as they'll be too busy tracking down the fox turd source or where the packet of dog snacks is on the person they've just pootled past.

Definitely! I remember worrying when ours was quite young about having to go past horses in a field.

She didn't actually notice them.

I think Staffies are very marmite. A lot of people would never have one.
I think a miniature poodle or spaniel would be great for your friends.

@trumpisagit
I think most of the folk saying they'd never have one is steeped in the negative way they are often portrayed in the press. I know lots of professionals who own (mainly adopted) staffies, once you have one you never go back!
I can say I'll never have another collie or spaniel 🤣

Small energetic happy dogs-
Mini schnauzer
Bedlington terrier
Poodle and poodle crosses
Boston terrier

We have a show bred lab girl and she is awesome. Calm, no pulling, great recall, usual puppy behaviour but so sweet and very chilled in the house.
My friend has a border terrier who is totally nuts, barks all the time, jumps up at everyone, poor recall.
I wanted something smaller than a lab, but I am so glad my family convinced me otherwise. Already thinking about another.

Since she knows gundogs and wants a smaller, active dog - Cocker Spaniel? Working line if she wants really mega high energy and a challenge, or show line if she wants less of a challenge and moderate energy?

Was also going to suggest a Toller. I think there are a few breeders in the UK - not many, though!

@FoxRedLabbingtons

indoctro we must have cross posted!

Am I misremembering how string Staffies are? I’m sure I walked our family Staffie on my own from about 12. And I don’t remember having my shoulder pulled out if it’s socket like my Lab does when he sniffs a dropped chip.

Yeah they are fantastic on the lead oif trained correctly.

Mine walks to heel if you put his collar on and both my boys can easily hold him on lead as he literally walks right against your leg.

I use him for canicross also which he has just started but I've trained him in walk on a harness since 9 months old. As soon as I remove collar and put his harness on he pulls like a trooper exactly like I've trained him too. You want a canicross dog to pull hard.

There trainability is amazing, they just want to please humans.

I was also going to say working cocker, for size and temperament, but they are still very active. Our golden retriever is very floppy and chilled (more chilled than labs generally are) but he is huge. I'd stick with a gun dog/retriever if possible - terriers are really different natured - my sister has 2 JRTxYT and they are wildly different to our dog - much harder work. I know it's only based on a study of 3 dogs, but still...