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The doghouse

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Original poster

Small size dog for us?

86 replies

NewToDogOwnership · 25/08/2023 20:18

I have no idea about dogs. I was brought up with cats.

DD is 9 and has SN and a medical issue. She loves animals, especially dogs. Just DD and I at home

We’re moving soon and she’s asked for a dog, backed up by her physio and paediatrician who both think it’ll be great for her. Won’t be getting it until we’ve lived there at least 6 months and sorted out our routine so this is just research.

However rules they’ve suggested:

  • Small in size (ideally under 15kg)
  • Not going to pull on lead
  • Easy to train
  • Happy to be let off lead (as running alongside the dog or playing fetch etc is great for DD)

Other things to consider:

  • Need only a 15-20 minute walk twice a day (but will have a longer walk of 2-3 hours in the country side every other weekend when DD is with her dad)
  • Also needs to be quite relaxed and laid back when home – happy to sit and be stroked and sang to
  • Can be left for a couple of hours once a week when I go to the office - i'll literally be out the house 10am-2pm but have a family member who'd check on the dog at about 12.30 and let them in the garden
  • Get on with other dogs as I have family members with dogs
  • Get on with other visitors as we often have physio or podiatry visit us during school holidays – the dog is allowed to join in with these exercises as long as it’s friendly
  • Need to be suitable for first time dog owners as I’ve never had a dog

Not important:

  • Doesn’t have to play fetch just needs to be able to be off lead and either walk/run beside us
  • Doesn’t need to be fluffy just needs to have character

Breeds I don’t like

  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • Chihuahua

DD wants a dog she can stroke and sing to and can teach a few tricks to, she really likes West Highland Terriers and I like Yorkshire Terriers, would either of these be suitable?

As I said very new to dog ownership. We want something that’ll make us both laugh and will happily greet us both.

OP posts:
rumred · 25/08/2023 21:54

@NewToDogOwnership it's relentless, you walk twice a day at least. With many dog breeds. It's a major commitment and if you don't put the work in you'll get unpleasant consequences. It's like another child in the house.

Lastqueenofscotland2 · 25/08/2023 21:54

And yes, not pulling on a lead is not a breed trait, it has to be trained

Floralnomad · 25/08/2023 21:57

Not going to pull on lead / able to go off lead
This type of thing is all about training , you put in the time and effort and you get results .
I agree with pp that the amount of exercise you are proposing is too low for any breed . If that is really all you can offer I’d rethink .

XelaM · 25/08/2023 21:58

I've not had the breed personally, but I know several people who have them and they are the breed who make the most perfect therapy dogs - King Charles Cavaliers. They have the most angelic temperament (next to pugs 🥰).

Undisclosedlocation · 25/08/2023 21:58

I was just about to suggest a pug! Just as long as it’s from a reputable breeder and has all the appropriate health tests, I think (as a dog trainer) they are one of the best matched for these requirements. No breed is a one size fits all though, you could easily pick the exact right breed on paper but get a dog who is outside the norms.

I do think you need to consider very, very carefully though OP. No dog is going to fit exactly into what you have listed there without training, hard work, possibly a little luck and a fair few stresses along the way. I’m not absolutely convinced from your post that really understand what you are taking on here…….
Early on, it really is like taking on the responsibility and work of another toddler. One who bites your other child, pees and poos everywhere and doesn’t listen to a damn thing you say

mewkins · 25/08/2023 21:58

I also have a miniature daschund who is absolutely lovely with kids but can be barky with random noises. She likes a good walk but happy enough with shorter weekday walks (and refuses to go out in the rain). Mine was easy to toilet train but I know some have issues with the breed.

I've also had westies who are lovely and full of character and border terrier who was great but liked a good run. My tip would be to crate train and get them used to being alone for short periods straight away.

Missingmyusername · 25/08/2023 21:59

Actually- I used to do some volunteer dog walking and there was the most lovely pug- all she wanted was to be carried about and would snuggle in to your neck- rather than being walked. She was an older lady though.

I agree with pp though- you’ll be putting a hell of a lot of work in here. It’s ultimately your responsibility as to how this dog turns out. The puppy may well be amazing for your DD, but ensure you really want one too. Ensure you have the time, patience, money and love. Rescue centres do have puppies- so don’t cancel them out.

hiredandsqueak · 25/08/2023 21:59

Fifteen minutes twice a day is hardly any time for a dog walk. We have a rescue Lhasa Apso who isn't a high energy breed and would meet all your requirements but even at nearly fourteen loves her 45 minute walk each morning and 15 to 20 each evening.

Lastqueenofscotland2 · 25/08/2023 22:01

@XelaM i have 2 King Charles and I wouldn’t recommend for someone with only 2 x15 minutes a day. They aren’t proper spaniels but they aren’t the complete couch potatoes that other “toy” breeds are and do need a good hour a day of walking or they can get very restless and annoying

Kilopascal · 25/08/2023 22:05

I don't have one myself, but a friend would recommend a Havanese (slightly larger than a Maltese).

hermioneee · 25/08/2023 22:16

Please be careful with young children and dogs. A lot of puppies don't want to be stroked and sung to they want to jump and bite. It is very hard to teach children how to be around dogs and I say particularly as you say she has SN. Your DD will be imagining a cute puppy. You only have to go on the puppy threads here to see how far from the truth that actually is.

allthehops · 25/08/2023 22:17

As others have said, puppies are hard work whatever the breed. They need a lot of commitment and training to not pull on the lead and be a good all round companion. Generally they start off pretty wild - into everything, piddling everywhere, biting etc. Do you have the time to invest?

hermioneee · 25/08/2023 22:20

Oh sorry and I also read about only needing 15 mins walk twice a day. I'm afraid even with a longer walk every couple of weeks that just isn't enough.
Also again with a puppy they can't be left alone at first - and I mean really. Not even for 5 minutes.

I don't know much about rabbits but someone I know has a house rabbit. Would that be better?

Lastqueenofscotland2 · 25/08/2023 22:20

I would also as my final point, point out that dogs often pick “favourites” my two dogs quite like me but ADORE my OH, if he’s in they ignore me, it could well be that the dog is really indifferent to your DD and prefers not to be around her and seeks out other family members. If that would be a disaster don’t get a dog. As it’s really not unlikely at all that a dog doesn’t enjoy being around a child

mdinbc · 25/08/2023 22:22

All exercise doesn't need to be in the form of walks. As long as a small dog is engaged with family, ball playing, chasing around the dining table counts as exercise. A small dog can be healthy with limited length walks, but still leading an active life on your property.

Our dog follows us up and down the stairs, around the garden, has ball tossed down the hallway as well as her morning and evening walks.

Some good recommendations here. I have to admit finding pugs or Bostons good company and lovable, but wouldn't get the breed for all the health issues.
Daschunds or King Charles, or corgis may be good for your family. And I know the Kennel Clubs would argue, but some of the mixed poodle breeds are really cuddly and gentle. I know a little Aussie-poo that is the cuddliest lap dog. I know they mix Cavaliers with poodles (Cavapoo). Stupid name I know, but low shedding and lovable.

Whatsthepoint1234 · 25/08/2023 22:27

We have a Bagel Hound which is a basset crossed with a beagle. He’s great with my ds who also has autism, cerebral palsy and other conditions. We are currently looking for another dog and have decided on an Italian Greyhound which would fit your criteria perfectly as it’s very similar to ours! Dogs are great for Sen kids!

Trixibella · 25/08/2023 22:29

puppies and children often leads to miserable children for weeks. Puppies need to sleep 16-20 hours a day, their mouthing draws blood, they crap on the floor and pee without warning, they sob at night and then bite you again. Children just don’t get it. They think all puppies are like the Andrex advert and like cuddles when many puppies hate being hugged and will leap up and snap at your child’s face. Cue crying and feeling cross with it when it did nothing wrong.

Perhaps your daughter could wait til she’s 12 or so. Puppies are honestly not fun for children. Her own needs will have to wait constantly.

There are so many threads of people saying airily they know it will be hard but they’ve given it loads of thought and more threads from similar people 3 days in saying they can’t cope with the sleep deprivation and the biting and clearing up dog shit and pee in their kitchens all the time and they don’t know what to do. It doesn’t just last a week either. It’s relentless and also that little exercise is quite mean. They will cope but dogs love love love walking.

Phoenix76 · 25/08/2023 22:30

As I was reading your post on the ideal dog I immediately thought it sounds like my two Yorkshire terriers. I'm sharing my life with my second set. They're amazing with children and love to run around the field with them. They love both going out and laying on laps, and being sung to 😂 I take them to work with me often and my colleagues always say they forget they're in as they're so quiet. My personal favourite breed but we all have different favourites that's one of the reasons there are so many.
Most important is, whatever you decide, make sure you do your research on the breeder and they're reputable.
Good luck

LadyLolaRuben · 25/08/2023 22:31

Westie would be perfect

Cadenza12 · 25/08/2023 22:42

What struck me reading your post was that you were describing a fully trained dog. They don't tend to come ready made and any breed is going to take a lot of work, patience, time and money. Most dogs need at least an hours walk a day, and two walks at that. Although it needs to fit in with the family they are not toys and children need to be taught to respect the dogs boundaries. Puppy training and socialisation are essential. Equally small doesn't necessarily mean less trouble.

thistimelastweek · 25/08/2023 22:44

Lots of good advice given.
I'd just like to add Cairn Terrier
They are fab.

peppermintteagirl · 25/08/2023 23:08

Puppies are horrid and incredibly hard work. And then they turn into teenagers. I'd be looking for a dog who was at least 2 years old in your shoes.

I have a Westie who is now 13 years old, and even at that age she wants more than 2 x 15min walks. She's also still a royal PITA at times (but I still love her more than anything!).

Ultimately SOME dogs are good for SOME SEN kids. You can stack the odds entirely in your favour and still end up with a dog/kid combo that just doesn't work - so I'd consider what you would do if that happens.

Original poster
NewToDogOwnership · 25/08/2023 23:31

Ok thanks everyone, throughly put me off getting a dog. I'll let my DD down gently

OP posts:
spermwhale · 25/08/2023 23:50

Definitely a bichon, we've had 2 (one sadly passed away in 2020) and they are the best, will give you everything they have

cinnamonfrenchtoast · 25/08/2023 23:57

It's not fair to get a dog when you can't give it what it needs. I'm glad you've reconsidered.

What about a kitten? They love to play and are great company but they're nowhere near as tying as a puppy!