Which (small) dog breed would you recommend?

[toastofthetown]

It will be our first dog. We want a friendly little dog: the kind of dog which we could easily take to local pubs or cafes without it being fazed by other dogs or people. Ideally no bigger than 10-15kg. We both work from home full time, and can do around an hours walking a day with the dog, with other activities through the day. Longer walks at weekends. I'd rather a dog which is biddable and eager to please, than a more independently minded dog. I'm happy to groom the dog regularly or take it to the groomers as required. I have tolerance for barking, but as little slobber as possible.

Jack Russell. I have two. They are fun and characterful and will walk for miles, or else not be that bothered-they are happy either way. Mine are cuddly. One is a barker, the other is not. People say they are hard to train, I didn't find that with mine in the slightest.

Pomeranian 🥰

As long as you don't mind the lack of brain cells, an Italian Greyhound.

Yorkshire terrier. Aggy little twats but very loving.

Most dogs aren't naturally born with any of the traits you describe such as being able to go into cafes and feel happy with other dogs they meet out and about A huge part of that is down to the training and socialisation you provide and a lot of the biddableness (is that a word?) of a dog is down to the relationship you build with it.

Lots of dogs would fit your bill. Could you try speaking to a local rescue to see if there are any dogs there that would suit your needs? You sound like you could provide a lovely home for a dog.

Lancashire Heeler!

I had a cavi growing up and one as an adult. The sweetest little dogs. Happy with a short walk or a nice long stomp. Absolutely adorable. They do drop a lot of hair though. Also check for heart defects. ❤️

Papillon.

Shih Tzu. Loving, cuddly, and happy to just lounge about the house. Happy with shortish walks.

Does need regular grooming though - we have ours done every 8 weeks, and just brush him daily. No regular baths, or faffing about.

It depends so much on the individual dog. My second dachshund would have fitted your requirements perfectly, the first one only partially.

If it's your first dog you might want to see if you can get an adult, already socialised and with its character developed, rather than a pup.

That depends on how you look.

Maltese

Shih tzu!
Once out the puppy stage they are so easy.

Westie. We have a 6 year old Westie - she is great with children, doesn’t moult, loves to play and also loves sleeping a lot and chilling at home or in the garden, happy with a daily 30-60 min walk.

Miniature Schnauzer!!

Toy poodle

So many dogs in rescues, please do consider. Explain that you haven't had a dog before (you don't want one with complex issues).

Good luck, I'm sure your dog is out there waiting to come home.

If you want something a bit different but still ticking all the boxes:
A Chinese Crested Powderpuff.

I was literally thinking 'someone is going to say rescues soon.'

OP, the AKC website has some greed details on what breeds are like (on average). But it's always a gamble as dogs deviate so much. TBH I tend to find many little dogs to be yappy - particularly when out and about (you do not want a dog that barks every time it sees a big dog because going into pubs etc will be a nightmare). So I'd rule out things like Chis/Paps/Shis etc. smaller cocker spaniels might suit you.

Cavalier King Charles! I used to have one. He was amazing with the kids. Could walk for miles or happy to be a couch potato on days when we couldn’t go far. He was clever. Easy to house train. So so loving 🥰. He died of heart failure aged 10. My friend lost hers at 6 due to heart problems. Find a good breeder who does all the health tests. I’ve also owned two Shih tzu. One was amazing with kids but the other wasn’t. They were comical though and lovely lap dogs and foot warmers haha. My sister has two bichon frese (think I spelled it wrong) . They are also lovely dogs.

border terriers are fun little dogs (but depending on temperament can be a bit high energy/barky for sitting in cafes)

shelties (Shetland sheepdogs) are quite an unusual breed these days but usually have a nice temperament.

cavaliers are nice but lots of health problems that go with the breed.

Tibetan Spaniels are small, independent and live long healthy lives.
Mine's excellent with small children the smaller the better, and equally good with other dogs.

Miniature labradooodle, ticks all the boxes. Fun, friendly, easy to train, doesn't malt. Does smell a bit sometimes but the best dog ever.

Well you need to decide whether you want a toy or terrier .

I have had two Jack Russell terrier. Only one left now 😩They are fantastic little dogs. Neither of mine too yappy and so easy and loyal. I joke that I would have JRTs over kids anytime. My children actually loved both of them.