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The doghouse

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

Original poster

Best small dog breed for first timer

59 replies

Jojobalone · 09/04/2023 10:16

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

OP posts:
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TranquilBlue · 11/04/2023 18:15

FastFood · 11/04/2023 10:01

Another English Toy Terrier here, not my first dog, but my first terrier.
He's absolutely amazing, he learns very quickly, and is the most cuddly pup I've met.
He's also very expressive and transparent, so it's quite easy to read his emotional state and act accordingly.
We spend a lot of time training, mostly on recall and impulse control, and he's turning to be a rather well behaved gentleman.

Additionally, he's tiny, it's super convenient when we need to travel, when we go to cafes etc...

@FastFood Absolutely agree with them being so easy to read. It really does make it so much easier to care for them and adjust training according to their needs. I love that they are perfectly miniaturised dogs with no exaggerated features that could cause problems reading their body language, great for their people and for interacting/communicating with other dogs.

We are loving the cuddles too. I adored my big dogs, but it is lovely to have a little one that can properly snuggle up with me.

McSlowburn · 11/04/2023 18:20

lanawinters · 09/04/2023 19:16

I have a Yorkie and he is perfect. (Totally biased, of course!)
Have always had giant breeds before so he was a bit of a break from tradition, but he's an utter gentleman.
Very, very bright little dog - used to be able to answer my questions as to what he was asking for... AND tidy up his toys when asked 😂 He's nearly 16 now and a bit deaf and not quite as 'with it' but still has his sense of humour and can be very funny between snoozes!
Used to take lots of vigorous exercise but equally happy to chill
Bit slower these days but has today walked 7km no problem along with a mad half hour of zoomies in the sea.
Yorkshire Terriers - 5 stars - would totally recommend 😁

I'm melting at this - he sounds so lovely!

Alfiemoon1 · 11/04/2023 18:21

We had cavalier King Charles spaniels as our first dogs now have a Lhasa apso both great small breeds

bridgetreilly · 12/04/2023 10:59

My rescue Lhasa Apso is the Best Dog , obviously, but you might be lucky enough to find one close.

Best small dog breed for first timer
BarrelOfOtters · 12/04/2023 11:03

Toy poodles can be fab. We've got a cockerpoo, she's fantastic.

Lots of little dogs can have real 'little dog' syndrome, particularly terrier. But I think a good breeder and reading up on the breed really helps.

snygghygge · 12/04/2023 11:27

I really wouldn't recommend a terrier as a first dog. I'm an experienced dog owner and this past year raising my terrierpup has been tough. Finally, at age 1, she's beginning to make sense, but I won't lie, it has been very, very hard!
Havanese and poodles are great dogs for a first-time dog owner. They are funny and affectionate dogs and you could always keep their fur short in a pet clip. But please make sure to buy from a serious breeder who do all the necessary genetic tests.
I wouldn't ever consider a cavalier king Charles - too many health issues and it does seem rather cruel to raise dogs that can't breathe properly

ilovesushi · 12/04/2023 12:01

We had a dachshund before we were married - she was my husband's. She was a fab little dog but I couldn't recommend because of the health issues. Ours didn't have the very exaggerated proportions you see now. She had slightly longer legs and shorter back but still very much a sausage dog.

Dozycuntlaters · 12/04/2023 14:07

Another vote for a border terrier. My girl is my first ever dog and she's been so easy. Loves the outdoors, can walk for miles, but equally loves pottering at home and sleeping. They're easy to train and they love to please, and although they are stubborn little dogs they are funny, loving, loyal and just brilliant. They are hardy little dogs too, minimal grooming (have mine hand stripped twice a year) and just really easy dogs.

lanawinters · 15/04/2023 20:40

Thank you @McSlowburn
Here is the gentleman himself in his favourite spot 🥰

Best small dog breed for first timer
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