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.

My dad and step brothers have Tibetan Terriers who would cope in those situations, but as others have said, the requirements you have listed as more down to the individual dog's temperament, socialisation and training than breed traits.

I have a PomChi and I'm her second home and didn't take her in until she was 7 years old. She loves people but absolutely struggles to settle in busy restaurant or pub environments and is dog reactive. She is barky but no slobber (you still have to occasionally tolerate your whole arm being licked though) I love her but she's a project dog.

Also, as others have said, don't get so focused on breed traits you forget about breed health or where a puppy has come from. Poodle/Bichon fashion mixes are the product of puppy farms and back yard breeders, and if they've mixed with Cavalier, is extreeeemely unlikely they've done any of the necessary health tests and these crosses can still inherit the life-limiting health issues of their purebred counterparts.

My dad and step brothers have Tibetan Terriers who would cope in those situations, but as others have said, the requirements you have listed as more down to the individual dog's temperament, socialisation and training than breed traits

Don't get a Tibetan as a first dog! They truly have a mind of their own and can be very vocal about stuff. Hence often described as stubborn.

Also my boy comes in at 15kg so he's definitely a hunky chunk of a dog. (Smallest girl I had was 9kg)
Having said all that, they are great dogs in the right hands and thrive on their owners attention. I have had several and find training them easy now, but my first one was a real diva and not the easiest dog to have. Conventional dog training often doesn't suit them - current dog was kicked out of puppy class! But I can take him with me and know he's well behaved!

I'd look at breed traits as a guideline, a well bred dog will most likely display typical breed traits.

Mongrels are best for health and temperament reasons, obviously. I have a 50% dachshund, 25% terrier, 25% spaniel. Well-known and loved in every pub and park in town. Hardly needs a lead.

@CormorantStrikesBack

Re Dachshunds and their tendency to bark, I once phoned a breeder about one of their pups. There was an almighty racket of dogs barking in the background (mum and pups). When I chuckled and asked what they were barking at, the breeder said "oh nothing, it's just a leaf blowing in the garden."
I decided then that they probably weren't for me

Really mine drops hair everywhere.

@Moanycowbag

Not a single hair does he shed. The downside is the grooming cost, of course. But I'd still take that over the alternative!

Mine goes every 6 weeks to the groomers but I do keep him in a longer cut but sheds everywhere.

It’s not the barking that put me off, it was finding the chance of serious back issues including paralysis is incredibly high.

I have a pomchi he is adorable, not hard work at all

@suki1964 I 100% agree. We have a pug and he is incredibly tolerant and wonderful around my daughter and children. No aggression, no biting. Happy to laze at home and also to go out and have a nice walk. Super sociable with other dogs. He has been my first dog and has been incredibly well suited to us.

100% a cairn terrier, they are now a rare breed. Check this one out, but the video is a tear jerker.

They can be a bit stubborn, but they are loyal and loving.

Miniature poodle. They are adorable. 🐾❤️

I wuld say bichon.

Are they really a rare breed now?

used to have one as a kid, fab little dog.

i’m not off to google breeders at all, oh no.

100% Bichon Frise.

Best all round breed.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-12201975/Cairn-Terrier-rose-fame-Dorothys-dog-Wizard-Oz-risk-EXTINCTION.html

It's a daily mail link but yes.

So sad. I've always kept them but am not a breeder.

Can recommend a breeder if you are really interested. Best family dog ever !

Havanese https://g.co/kgs/u5Y8F9Q
Make great family pets.
Playful.
No shedding.
Walk on two legs when meeting new people!
Can be trained as therapy dogs.
Males rarely bark.

Aargh I’ve said this dog will be my last as I want to travel in early retirement.

but I do love a cairn. Cairn and Yorkies are the only breeds I’d have. Had two together once and the two of them plus the cat trying to hunt rodents/rabbits/squirrels in the garden was hilarious. If they ever did get one there was a clear argument over whose turn it was to try and get it in the house past my mum…😂

Poochon! Any bichon cross really (cavachon etc). Easy to train, easy to care for, no malting or smell, happy to walk up a mountain or round the block.

Ooops sorry.

Do you currently have a Yorkie then? You know they NEED a friend!

Lol to the ratting, although our current cairn is a bit confused as her elder dog sibling is a golden retriever. She's the only cairn I've had who likes to swim and loves to wade in puddles etc.

Instead of all these poodle crosses, I can totally recommend getting an actual poodle. You’re welcome. 🐾

I rescued a yorkie shih-tzu cross (sometimes called a Shorkie) when she was about 8 already. Best dog in the world. She didn’t shed, was incredibly loyal and loving, never barked, and was all round such an amazing little dog I don’t know if I’ll ever have another to match up. We had her for 4 years before she was struggling with age. But for a dog that could come everywhere with us, I can’t imagine a size or temperament more convenient. She hiked in the Rockies with me and was just as happy being worn in a sling at the library.

Small cocker spaniel! Most laid back and chilled if raised correctly and bought from the right lines ( not strong working lines).
They're such fun and really good company.

Another vote for jack! Just smooth coated type,heart of a lion and very cuddly !!!