Small dog that's not a Terrier?

[Broodywuz]

Just that really
My DD is animal mad and wants her own dog (a family house dog really) We live on a farm and have working border collies which are mainly outside during the day and sleep in the utility at night. We have chickens and our door is wide open most of the time, especially in summer which is putting me off any terrier breed with a high prey drive. I've only ever had working breeds and not much experience with smaller dogs. Something that will sit and cuddle with DD but also happy to come for a decent walk with the other dog and not chase everything that moves! Top of the list at the moment is a King Charles spaniel, what do you think?

I do agree that a lot of it's about how they are treated. I met a chihuahua whose owners took it everywhere, it had even been up mountains with them. It was a proper dog, and my dogs recognised it as such, they got on swimmingly together. OTOH 2 small dogs I've known called Teddy, different breeds, were dreadful especially with other dogs. And there seem to be plenty of "Teddy's" in rescues who have issues. What are the owners' training techniques if they think of their canine as a teddy? (Apologies to any sensible Teddy -owners!) All dogs should be treated as dogs, not toys or children imo. By the way, any fans of lhasa apsos? I haven't owned one but I've met a few that were up for a good walk but calm and loving at home. They would need clipping to live on a farm though.

For those doubters, my bichons easily keep up with my bearded collies and vizslas 🤣. I've had one with "more" of a prey drive, but compared to most dogs it is minute. Another of the bichon family is the Havanese

Another vote for papillon. When I am too knackered for gundogs, that's what I am getting. Every one I have met has a big dog personality in a small dog package. None have been yappy either.

Trust me the working collies prefer to be working dogs and having different rules to the "pet" dog The collies would not swop their livestyle for the other dogs rules

We are on a farm and I have working collies pus other dogs.

My DD has a border terrier. She does loads with the Young kennel club. He does agility, obedience and is fab at scentwork and great for cuddles on the sofa in the evening.

He doesn't chase the chickens and geese but we worked on that as a puppy. His breeder did have chickens at their house which may have helped.

Thanks, good to know. I have always liked Border Terriers but worried how they would be with the chickens etc. I think getting a puppy and early training is going to be the key.

Another vote for bichons. Mine when younger was so active - loved good long walks, running through the woods, being on the beach, jumping in ponds etc. Very loyal companion too. Would also suggest chihuahuas but from a puppy and trained properly. My boy again is very active, can also do long walks - when he was younger he could easy do 4/5 miles but he has a very soft temperament and is a gentle dog. Every other chihuahua I’ve met has been snappy

Mine are both 14 now so a lot less active than they were due to health issues but still have their own personalities and have to say - rule the roost!

Our JRT was fine with all of our smaller birds (chickens, ducks, guinea fowl) - probably, as others have said, because he was raised with them always being around, but I thankfully spotted him just in time when he was pinning down our peacock by its neck!! Not sure what it did to piss him off.

Dogs are all so individual, even within the same breed and in my experience, the same litter.

I previously had a jack Russell, who was incredibly smart. He competed with collies and spaniels in obedience and his recall was bombproof. He'd chase cats on a walk but would recall instantly. On the other hand, he was a complete arsehole to dogs and other people. Genuinely aggressive and required v careful handling. He was also a fantastic ratter.

Of the same litter, a relative (also a farmer) had one for a working dog. She was useless. Zero prey drive, scared of mud and eventually just became a pet. I was asked if I wanted to swap on many occasions!

Current jack is great. He's getting on now but has never had any prey drive although will have a bark at a flock of pigeons every now and again. Obedience is.... debatable. Selective hearing off lead but a total lap dog, my child's shadow and loves nothing more than being snuggled under a blanket after a long walk. He's going to be a tough act to follow.

Would a rescue be an option? Our next dog will likely be a young adult with a known temperament I think. I don't think I could do puppyhood again!

Papillon?

I adore my Miniature Schnauzer but her prey drive is extreme. We had to move our chickens to next door as we could not train her out of chasing them. I have done so much work on this, with trainers coming to the house and everything. It really depends on the dog.

Apart from that she is the best dog.