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The doghouse

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Original poster

best small or medium breed off-lead

88 replies

iiojdasdewe · 26/12/2022 15:42

I want a biddable dog that is handler focussed and really good off-lead, for playing frisbee/fetch in the fields, hiking in forests and hills, and possibly running alongside me as I ride my bike on trails. but I don't want a big dog at all. Smaller than 20kg would be best. Any ideas?

OP posts:
FanGurrl · 28/12/2022 21:53

My Aussie is 2 years old and 17kg - small for the breed.
She is very chilled out in the house as long as someone is with her. She's ok being left too, but I'm not sure she'd be very happy if that was all day every day.
Recall, however, has been a huuuge stress! We've just about cracked it now but it's been hard work, largely due to her love of other dogs.
That said, she has a bit of working line in her. Her breeder has said that previous litters that were entirely show line were easier to train.

MzDon · 29/12/2022 17:55

I'd not discount a sighthound. My saluki is a trail hound, running, hiking and mountain biking with me.

With the bike it took a bit of time but figured out she is happier ahead of me on the trail. On the way to the car, typically downhill she prefers the chase. Running she mucks about for the first bit until she figures out if it's a short or long distance and will then pace accordingly.

I work from home and as long as she has access to a sofa she is happy not to move. Take her outside she can go for miles, put her inside she will roach out and prefer to be alone. She's 20kg and I appreciate she is big but I also know a few trail whippets.

AnnieSnap · 29/12/2022 21:30

@MzDon I adore Salukis. Sadly, I couldn’t own one now (aged 63 with a bit of arthritis, I ‘d worry I might not be able to meets the needs of one over the years) can’t and missed the boat there. They are without question for me, the most beautiful of dogs ❤️

whyhere · 31/12/2022 16:40

Medium size of poodle or schnauzer.

WarriorN · 01/01/2023 10:11

@AnnieSnap are they quite friendly with visitors to the home though? Been looking into poodle for all the reasons on this thread, intelligence and friendliness.

All the poodles I've met have been delightful.

CrotchetyQuaver · 01/01/2023 10:16

Consider pointers or a pointer x
We ended up with one (we thought we were buying a spaniel/terrier cross) and he's wonderful.

Karwomannghia · 01/01/2023 10:23

My Boston Terrier has amazing recall but she does tend to go flying through the woods and takes herself off for a run round a field. So wouldn’t trot next to a bike which you would need unless you go very slowly and the dog could keep track of your location!
Both the Boston and the boxer we had before are incredibly fit and could run up and down hills at speed repeatedly just for fun would struggle when keeping up with a run on the lead as they do need occasional pauses and go more in bursts. You’ve had dogs before but I don’t think a small dog will have the stamina for sustained running.

Choconut · 01/01/2023 11:15

I wouldn't suggest a collie as a first dog but a collie cross might be a good option. We had a collie/lab cross, females are smaller but might still be too big for you. I know a very trainable collie/poodle cross - I could see her being great at agility and that sort of thing too, so keen to please and quick to learn. Poodle crosses never seem to be big foodies though IME which can mean treats need to be more impressive than for a lab (for example). Even the fussiest non food orientated dog though will generally go mad though for a bit of roast chicken I find!

Puppalicious · 01/01/2023 11:21

I would think herding breeds would be perfect. My rough collie is great, a small female might work and should be much less full on than a border. Or how about a sheltie as a pp suggested?

WarriorN · 01/01/2023 12:08

Shelties are great and definitely fit the op bill but there's a wide range in my experience! Also hard to find. If got from an agility breeder theyre more likely to be outdoorsy.

AnnieSnap · 01/01/2023 12:55

WarriorN · 01/01/2023 10:11

@AnnieSnap are they quite friendly with visitors to the home though? Been looking into poodle for all the reasons on this thread, intelligence and friendliness.

All the poodles I've met have been delightful.

Absolutely, they will bark (the Standards have a useful big bark) if someone is around the house, but friendly once you open the door! I have had they for nearly 22-years (Standards and Toys) and they are fabulous dogs, great comedians too, so always making you laugh. Even my ex, who was a rufty tufty Prison Officer was converted.

whyhere · 01/01/2023 17:47

Still miss my two standards, even though I have a lovely staffie now.

Newpeep · 01/01/2023 20:57

Karwomannghia · 01/01/2023 10:23

My Boston Terrier has amazing recall but she does tend to go flying through the woods and takes herself off for a run round a field. So wouldn’t trot next to a bike which you would need unless you go very slowly and the dog could keep track of your location!
Both the Boston and the boxer we had before are incredibly fit and could run up and down hills at speed repeatedly just for fun would struggle when keeping up with a run on the lead as they do need occasional pauses and go more in bursts. You’ve had dogs before but I don’t think a small dog will have the stamina for sustained running.

Terriers do. Borders we’re bred to run with the horses 😉 My terrier cross sighthound would run miles with little effort.

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