Small calm dog breeds

[RedSauceSpaghetti]

I am looking for some recommendations for small-ish dog breeds which are known to be generally calm and biddable. I have only really known terriers as small dogs and they don't tend to be that way!

We have 4 children, and my 5 year old has an acquired brain injury due to a brain tumour. She can find life difficult (she has acquired physical disabilities and some minor issues with maintaining attention and regulating her emotions), and I think she would benefit hugely from the companionship of a dog. It's something we were looking into before her diagnosis anyway, and she has recently got the all-clear so we feel now is as good a time as any to start looking. We do not plan to rush it, however.

The size stipulation is really that the dog would need to be able to travel in the car with us all, so take up no more than 1 seat's worth of space (we have a 7 seater).

I have been considering a Cavalier King Charles spaniel as they seem generally to tick most of these boxes. Are there any other breeds I should look into?

Another vote for Havanese.
My neighbour is 96 and she got a 3 year old Havanese 11 years ago because she was advised they are gentle companions. It turned out to be true. He is now 14 and has been a great friend for her.

Her Havanese is clipped short and very cute.

All the bichon frises I've ever met have been very sweet, biddable and happy little dogs.

We have a terrier and he is amazing with my dd who has ASC and various difficulties, our only issue with him is he isn't amazing with other dogs. He is otherwise perfect though!

Cavapoo here also, from health tested parents. Loves to walk, loves to curl up on the sofa. Bit mad about balls and squirrels. Doesn't shed, robust little guy.

I have a mini poodle and he’s very calm and loving. I got him when he was 12 weeks old so pretty much housetrained and he had been well socialised which I continued. He’s pretty much bomb proof and doesn’t even react to fireworks. He took to training really well as they are clever little dogs so need the mental stimulation. He does need regular grooming though - I keep him short so no brushing required and he gets a haircut every 8 weeks which costs £35.

@RedSauceSpaghetti I could have written your post. My youngest has an acquired brain injury due to a brain tumour too, we always wanted a dog and got one about 3 months post chemo, choosing a schnauzer/poodle mix and she's amazing. So calm and gentle, couldn't ask for a better dog x

We have a 4 month old cavalier who is gorgeous. They are really well tempered dogs who love people/children, affection, don’t need long walks and are calm, especially so for a puppy. If you buy from a reputable breeder, they are health checked for the various hereditary conditions that can be common in the breed. They can also check back on genetic lines to try and ensure that no problems crop up.l

@RedSauceSpaghetti I know this is an old thread so might not be seen, but I used to volunteer with riding for the disabled and we had many children in yhe lessons with brain injuries and some who had had surgery similar to what you describe. It is an incredible charity and the children get so much out of the contact with the horses so, if you think your daughter would enjoy meeting some ponies as well as a wee doggy friend then do reach out to them- more may be possible than you think- the environment and interaction is all very controlled and safety is the top priority.

Whippets are small, healthy, robust, quiet, calm, affectionate & sensible. The downsides are that they are not the most trainable of dogs, and they will chase anything that will run away from them, so letting them off the lead can be an issue.

We have a super-gentle and petite working cocker spaniel. Now she's 10 she's very chill but she was a whirlwind as a puppy, though always hugely obedient and loving...

I was going to suggest a Sealyham terrier? Not sure how easy they are to find but my friend has one and it's the most relaxed dog I've ever met, just an absolute cuddle-machine, and she swears has always been the same, even as a puppy!

I used to own and breed Cavaliers. They’re the most wonderful little dogs and have great personalities.

To help avoid the breed health problems, buy a puppy from a breeder who has health tested their bitch and has used a health- tested stud. You’re looking for the parents to have a heart certificate, which can only be done in dogs over 3 years, plus a clear syringomyelia test, as a minimum.

Your local Cavalier Club will be able to give you details of breeders who meet these requirements as a minimum. You could also phone the Kennel Club and they’ll give the same information.

Be aware that all breeds have health problems, so check for that breed and only buy from health-tested parents. Crossbreeds such as Cavapoos are still open to health problems, and both parents should have been tested for their breeds’ genetic illnesses.

The breed club will also be able to tell you about rescue adult dogs which might be suitable for you.

Genetic health testing is expensive and may well reveal that a dog shouldn’t be bred from at all, so some breeders just don’t do it, very irresponsibly. They’ll tell you all sorts of reasons why they don’t have to. Don’t believe a word of it.

i think you need a beaglier - such lovely mix of both, easy, relaxed, loving and confident , couldn’t be happier with our little dog

What about a border terrier? I know my brother's friend had one when we were kids & it played out all the time with them, didn't mind what they were playing & was always in the middle of whatever they were doing, she was always a very gentle dog, very intelligent & lived to a good age.

Cavaliers do have health issues but they are the nicest little dogs and the first that came to my mind when reading your post. Have you also considered a whippet or a border terrier? I know you said no terriers but they have the sweetest nature.

Wow. Heard nothing on this thread for a couple of days and thought it had fizzled out only to pop back in and find loads of helpful replies. Thank you all!

@newuser82 @Intentionalerror I'm not against whippets. Having had lurchers before, I must say I'm very comfortable with sighthounds and I do like the silly long proportions (reminds me of DH ). I discounted them mainly because they're too leggy to fit on a single car seat, aren't they?

Lots of suggestions for a cavalier, so I will carefully consider this or a cross, with all those points in mind regarding health testing. Also several suggestions for a border terrier/cocker spaniel, so I will reconsider those too.

I think we are going to have to attend a dog event in the spring, as mentioned by PP upthread and meet some of these breeds in person. I'm hoping one or two will just 'click' for us and make narrowing it down easier. In the meantime, we have been in touch with a few of our local smaller rescue centres and let them know what we are looking for, just in case they get a dog in who would suit us (I must say, not having to do the puppy stage is very appealing!)

Just going to leave this here...

I have a miniature poodle (not toy). He’s an absolute delight- full of energy on walks, but then happy to snuggle at home. He’s really gentle with children too.

I would suggest a Norfolk or a Norwich (Very similar dogs). I've also had westies and yorkies and they are wonderful dogs - but make sure you fo to a decent breeder, not mayor what you decide on.

Most terriers are over excitable.- they are bred as ratters and diggers, but they are lovely, personable little dogs.

I\ve got working cockers at the moment and my little bitch is the sweetest, most biddable, and most affectionate creature you could ever wish for. (Dog's a bit naughty - not aggressive by very mischievous.

Sealyhams are like hen's teeth to get hold of, unfortunately.

Princess Margaret used to have them IIRC.

Lhasa Apso? My friend has one, she has the most lovely character, very loyal, and a good watch dog despite her size! If ever I got another dog, I would get one of these.

I never gave Havanese a thought - but you are right. They're lovely little dog.

Have you considered a Bolognese OP? Lovely gentle little dogs who will snuggle up to you happily, always white although Bolonkas are a close relation and are different colours. For showing their coats are kept very long but most people go for a puppy cut as much more liveable with.

I don't know where you are but I know a lovely breeder in the NW. She absolutely worships her dogs and is planning a litter next summer.

I agree! We've only ever had Cairns and they're our absolute favourites. So calm and loyal. Love a snuggle and rarely see any health issues. I'll leave this picture of our boy Bobby all ready for Christmas, just in case anybody needs it...

I always think terriers are under rated as family pets. They are lively but tend to be on demand (when mature) as they were bred for short bursts of activity not long days in the field. Prey drive is variable. Look at the parents. I’ve known show spaniels that are better killers than the majority of terriers. They are full on as youngsters but most make great pets but do need good and careful socialisation and of course the breeding and breeder matters! Whilst there are no distinct lines with terriers working ancestors generally mean higher prey drive. They are highly trainable in the right hands (I find terriers easier to train in agility than spaniels) and are hardy. Most I know are cuddly people orientated dogs.

A labrador. Forget small dogs, they either have health issues or can be erratic. I've had two border terriers and both did not like being manhandled by little ones. The labradors were happy to be dressed up etc and put up with all kinds of little people. In fact my teen was using our current black lab as a pillow in front of the fire last night.