Best small dog breed for first timer

[Jojobalone]

i grew up with dogs but have never owned

looking for a small dog breed. Someone around at home a lot so no problem there.

any thoughts? Looking for affectionate, company and happy to walk once or twice a day

thanks

We have a Havanese and he is a lovely, playful dog. He loves to sit on a lap (bit like a cat) and be an active member of the family.

They are a toy breed but look more like a small dog breed. They were known as a 'circus dog' as they quickly learn tricks and are funny little characters.

Downside is probably that they MUST be groomed regularly as they are a long hair breed. Most people have them in a 'puppy cut' so short hair. They can also get separation anxiety as they form very strong attachments with their owners so it would depend how often they would be left alone.

dogtime.com/dog-breeds/havanese#/slide/1

This sums the breed up quite well actually.

Wonderful thanks

any thoughts on terriers?

Border terriers are nice dogs.
But terriers in general are big dogs in little bodies

What do you mean? In terms of walking and energy?

Seconding border terrier. Ours is lovely. Happy to go on 10km run with DH. Equally happy to slob around at home. I agree though they think they are big dogs and have a mind of their own.

Toy poodles are great little characters and easy to train with high intelligence. Don’t shed and love a lap to snuggle up on. I have had terriers and although I like their feisty side they can sometimes be confrontational with other dogs. Pugs are great lapdogs but have health problems like any short nosed breed. There are some fabulous small dogs, I would take my time to read up on as many as possible. Maybe go to some dog shows to see and talk to breeders or have a chat with a local dog trainer as they are a mind of information regarding suitability for dog owners.

Border terriers are fab. Intelligent, affectionate and sociable. Mine will as happily do a 10 mile walk as a trot around the park and she loves kids. A little bundle of happiness.

I don’t have first hand experience of them, except for brief encounters, but Norfolk or Norwich terriers sound lovely. On the mellow end of the terrier spectrum and bonnie little things, personally I’d go Norwich, because although Norfolks are heart meltingly gorgeous, I prefer prick eared dogs after having dogs with recurrent ear problems. They look better ventilated to me.

It’s shallow, but I prefer dogs that aren’t white because of the yellowing around the eyes and even mouths on white coated breeds, particularly in their dotage.

Yes I think a terrier would be perfect.

single parent, one teen and one tween. Decent sized enclosed garden and close to lots of green space. Wfh 50% but on office days always pop home for lunch.

First timers but both mine are true dog lovers.

which kind of terrier?

And any idea where to start the ball rolling in terms of a good breeder? We are In kent. No rescue simply because I think unfair on the dog more than anyone else for a first timer to take on.

huge thanks for help

Jack Russell's aren't generally recommended as first time dogs. But ours is fab. He's so easy and always has been. He's happy with 20-30 mins walk a day in the week, we go for longer at the weekends. He's super friendly and loves a lap to sit on. He doesn't have some of of typical terrier characteristics though, very little prey drive and doesn't bark much. He loves to play with the children and was very easy to toilet and crate train.

King Charles Spaniel are a fantastic, smaller first time dog

Terriers are great and extremely trainable but you do have to think differently. You have to ensure they WANT to do something. So recall for example you have to make yourself THE BEST THING EVER! They’re intelligent problem solvers but with that comes sensitivity. Again like all dogs they respond best to reward based training. It’s easy for them to develop a lack of trust so struggle with things like reactivity and recall.

They’re eager to please as long as it’s worth their while. They excel at things like agility as they are high energy and also form good bonds as long as the above is met. They are not breeds that were bred to be handler focused naturally like gun dogs or herding. They can be hot headed and need help with learning self control.

Most are energy on demand - will walk 10 miles or snuggle.

I have a border terrier from good show lines. My last dog was a rescue terrier hound cross so I’m used to the breed traits. I train agility dogs and lots of borders and JRTs. She is quite terrier. Likes to tell everyone she’s having a great time, or bored, or excited, or she’s heard a dog/person etc (all these things can be worked on and we’ve started - she’s only 8 months still).

I am a massive terrier fan and do think they are underrated as family pets but you do need to be understanding of their roots.

Are terriers affectionate? We are hoping for a cuddle lump

Consider what the dog was bred for in the first place. Eg lap dog or ratter. Also consider grooming borders should ideally be handstripped. I’ve also met a lot of borders that weren’t dog friendly.
When you decide on a breed contact the breed club to check on tests needed on parents prior to breeding and to look for a breeder.

Second vote for King Charles cavalier spaniel

Bichon frise are happy playful little dogs

A Border terrier or a Cairn terrier would be ideal. Small versions of proper dogs rather than lap dogs. Physically & mentally sound. Lovely temperament. Not super-popular or fashionable or physically exaggerated or brachycephalic so you are unlikely to experience the problems inherent in trendy French Bulldogs, for example.

Variable. I’d say affectionate but not clingy. If you want a lap dog then most aren’t that but they like to be near you. I personally prefer independent dogs as a clingy dog can be stifling. I’m a generally hands off with everything person though. Affection on my terms 😂

Yorkies are great little dogs and great companions. Mine used to make me laugh no end she was such a character 😢 she lived until she was 17 but she was the best dog I ever owned. She'd walk miles and loved car rides, great with kids and other dogs too. They can be a little happy and have small dog syndrome but on the whole she was great. My mum has one too his 12 and is lovely natured aswell.

*yappy

I absolutely love terriers but they can be challenging. Growing up we had a smooth fox terrier and she was fantastic : endlessly energetic, snuggly and very bright. She was an enthusiastic chaser of squirrels, cats, rabbits, rats etc and was impossible to recall when her blood was up in that respect, which wasn't ideal.
Would have another in a heartbeat.

We have a King Charles cavalier. They are so affectionate. Love a good walk but don't have to go in the rain. Not yappy. People will say they have health issues but we haven't had any. Just avoid puppy farms. Don't really malt. But does need a haircut.

If you are getting a puppy you will need a good few weeks/ months at home before you can leave it in the day time. Maybe time it for school holidays?

Cavalier King Charles. Just make sure you’re getting a dog from health tested parents. Wonderful little dogs