Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Advice on which small breed ?

41 replies

CocoLady · 20/09/2022 13:26

Hi all I'm
Looking For the best small dog/breed for a family of 3.(2 adults & 1 child)
Doesn't have to be a pedigree etc. does anyone have any advice thanks xx

OP posts:
Stellaris22 · 20/09/2022 15:14

How much exercise are you able to provide? What would you like to do with your dog? What is it about small dog breeds that appeals to you?

Original poster
CocoLady · 20/09/2022 15:54

I had a small dog as teenager a
Cross terrier and had she was amazing.
And now I'm a mum with a family I know a dog will complete us! I have a big garden and the dog would be taken out once or twice a day!

OP posts:
Lastqueenofscotland2 · 20/09/2022 16:14

I think we need a lot more info. A run in a garden isn’t going to be enough for most dogs and a lot of small dogs that are yappy/snappy etc are seriously understimulated as people seem to forget that if they aren’t small they still are dogs with the brains of a dog.

How much grooming are you willing to do, training needs etc?

Its all well and good saying it doesn’t seem to be a pedigree but reputable breeders of cross breeds are rarer than hens teeth.

I personally would avoid terrier types around small children but I’m sure someone will be along to disagree with me there…

Stellaris22 · 20/09/2022 16:45

Personally I have found size of dog doesn't equal easy, low maintenance or calm. If it's temperament around children then I would focus on that instead of size.

Have you looked at cost of insurance, potential grooming costs, what will happen when on holiday?

I agree about dogs being a great addition to a family.

Original poster
CocoLady · 20/09/2022 17:19

I am aware of all Costs involved etc I am looking At chihuahuas or mixed chihuahuas. Thanks for any advice

OP posts:
Original poster
CocoLady · 20/09/2022 17:20

And small
Dogs around children yes

OP posts:
GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal · 20/09/2022 17:44

Not a chihuahua! They're nervous, snappy little things. My vet said they're one breed he hates treating because he's so likely to get bitten.

We have a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and he's amazing as a family dog - so good natured and affectionate. Loves the kids, and is just as happy to roughhouse with my son as snuggle quietly with my daughter.

However, they do have some congenital health issues, so it's vital to go to a reputable breeder who's had all the relevant health checks done. And it's possible they're about to get extraordinarily popular as they share a name with the new monarch, so beware of puppy farms.

PieonaBarm · 20/09/2022 17:45

Border Terrier. Brilliant, hardy little dogs. Content with one decent walk a day (but will go up a mountain if you ask them) and a play with their humans.

Loving, funny, independent little dogs with the heart of a lion! Mine reached the age of 13 before his health took over and I would have another tomorrow!

Spanielsarepainless · 20/09/2022 18:27

I have always had gundogs but when I am too decrepit to have them, I think I shall have a Papillon. I have known several and they are bright, cheerful and don't seem to yap.

MintyGreenDreams · 20/09/2022 18:33

I have two Chihuahuas and they are the sweetest dogs..but they need work to house train.As long as you don't mind that then it's worth it.They are funny,loving dogs wouldn't be without mine despite the reputation

MintyGreenDreams · 20/09/2022 18:34

@GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal you're not wrong.My male may or may not have bit a vet before unfortunately.

MintyGreenDreams · 20/09/2022 18:35

My male is nervous but my female isn't.It depends on what personality you get op.

soupmaker · 20/09/2022 18:37

@PieonaBarm we're looking at getting a Border Terrier but I wondered if they would be okay left at home for 4 hours a day while I'm at work. Trying to persuade DH we should get two so they have company!

Cantchooseaname · 20/09/2022 18:39

We have an Italian greyhound- the shape of a grey hound, the size of a cat.
he wants to be included in everything the family does, and loves to be the centre of attention.
He loves a good run, and will walk all day with us, but equally loves to snooze on the sofa (under a blanket).
he is very easy going, and adores my dd. He is a great pet.

devildeepbluesea · 20/09/2022 18:44

Why not check out local dogs home / rescue centre?
I got my small cross breed 16 months ago, that was when there was very stiff competition for animals, before all the lockdown puppies were given up as too much like hard work.
He’s fantastic. Happy with two short walks but usually gets -and loves - much more. Absolutely wonderful temperament, adores kids and very, very affectionate. Great pub dog! Not all rescues are high maintenance.

Pleasedontdothat · 20/09/2022 18:45

My lovely dog who has the sweetest temperament in the world and loves everything and everyone is terrified of chihuahuas, jack russels and mini dachshunds - I think he’s a pretty good judge of character 😉

tuttifruit · 20/09/2022 18:51

I also have a chihuahua and absolutely adore him, he makes me laugh and smile daily and is very affectionate. However, despite my absolute best efforts to train and socialise him he is still nervous/yappy around new people! so I would sadly say they're probably not a great family pet.

cheapskatemum · 20/09/2022 18:59

We've had two Lhasa Apsos who have been great with DSs growing up. Very friendly, affectionate, easy to train. It's the first breed of dog I ever owned as my Mother was allergic to furry animals, so we didn't have any as pets growing up. I was a novice dog owner & probably made lots of mistakes, but they are forgiving and loving and turned out fine.

Climbingthelaundrymountain · 20/09/2022 19:06

Not popular opinion on here but we have a Jack Russell and he's perfect. He's almost 3. So easy to toilet train. Never chewed the kids things. He has really good recall, virtually no prey drive and is very friendly to all dogs and people. He can walk as far as you like or as little as you like. Absolutely loves cuddling up under a blanket. Isn't very barky considering the breed is generally noisy. He's our little fox. The children were 5, 9 and 11 when we got him and they all adore him. I trust him implicitly with our children but would be wary around visiting toddlers as he isn't used to them. Older children absolutely fine.

A relative also has one who is even more well behaved than ours! No off lead though as she's nervous when out.

Climbingthelaundrymountain · 20/09/2022 19:07

Also very little grooming required but sheds like nothing else!

PieonaBarm · 20/09/2022 19:14

soupmaker · 20/09/2022 18:37

@PieonaBarm we're looking at getting a Border Terrier but I wondered if they would be okay left at home for 4 hours a day while I'm at work. Trying to persuade DH we should get two so they have company!

Would he absolutely fine being left, from when we got him ours would get a puzzle toy with kibble or treats stuffed in (think kong) when we went out and he couldn't have given a fig what we were doing when that appeared, he was more interested in that than us!

He once went 22 hours without a wee. Only went then because I evicted him from the sofa where he was happily napping on a new furry blanket I'd bought 😂

scrufffy · 20/09/2022 19:21

Cairn terrier :)

Original poster
CocoLady · 20/09/2022 20:07

So most people are saying cairn Terrier ? The puppy I'm
Looking at is jack Russel chihuahua cross.
Parents are both family dogs who lives with young children too x

OP posts:
scrufffy · 20/09/2022 20:21

I wouldn't have a chihuahua JRT cross.

They're likely to be nippy and yappy and hard to house train.

MintyGreenDreams · 20/09/2022 20:32

@CocoLady my db has a JR and I can't imagine one mixed with a Chi.I think it would be a nightmare tbh.