Puppy recommendations for someone that DID want a dachshund please

[TheLighthouse23]

I’ve always wanted a dog, I had them as a child and as my mother was a monster they were my best friends.
We’ve got four children who also want a dog but my husband dislikes dogs and animals in general so Im looking for a dog small enough that I can carry around the house out of his way, and on the school run,, and doesn’t shed. (Well, isn’t fluffy at least) my 7 year old daughter really wanted a dachshund because we saw one at the school which was adorable and my husband agreed to that but then I searched it on here and saw they have back problems.
(although that may have been miniatures) one post said the vet bill was 12k for an op and that they are in pain.
i don’t work and don’t have any other pets, we have a detached house so our neighbours wouldn’t complain.
i DONT want a pug or anything similar to that. Or a chihuahua or a shitzu (sorry i don’t can’t spell that, but that’s how it sounds)
If it was my choice I’d get a lab or a border collie. Like I had as a child - they were so intelligent and loyal. But my children and husband have vetoed a big dog.
Are there any breeds which fit that criteria?
Thanks for reading

@TheLighthouse23 companion breeds are basically lapdogs that usually need to be with their owners and have tendency to separation anxiety. They often have little prey drive, are not as energetic and are obviously on the smaller side. Most are clever and very trainable. Also known for being stubborn and barky with small dog syndrome. But that's also due to luck of training by the owners! So don't be fooled, they still need all the attention & care that all dogs need.

The 2 breeds I suggested are very much a working dog thinking about you wanting a dachshund or collie. They need training preferably a job, have a higher amount of energy and prey drive especially the Manchester Terrier. But if you want a trainable, energetic dog in a small packet I'd go for small working breeds.

Fashionable breeds are just that and it's very difficult to find a puppy that's been well bread without the associated health issues... if at all - even KC registered as breeders seem to destroy many smaller breeds.
Plus stay away from popular X breeds. They can be fabulous but you are adding an unknown and can end up with the worst of both breeds- I have one. She's both a blessing (sweet & loving) and a curse (insane amount of energy & very nervous).

PS: my DH isn't overly keen on the dogs and the day to day care is down to me.
It's my hobby but he has accepted it as our family lifestyle choice. He will step up/in if I need help. His work means he has can get home lunchtime and let them out - he's fine with this.

Try and find some common ground that involves the dog. For us it is going for walks / hiking, perfect for the dogs!

Another shout for the mini schnauzer. They are just the funniest little characters, love long walks or short sniffy walks, delight in all sorts and are very very loving .

This is so helpful, thank you so much. Really useful info. I seem to know nothing about dogs anymore..

We have had three Manchesters and they make great family pets. My kids were 11 and eight when we got our first and they had tons of energy to keep up with the kids and were small enough for them to be able to walk them easily and handle them. They are very loyal to their family and very aloof with strangers, which was important to us. We lived next door to a park and the children wanted some independence and to be be able to walk the dogs on their own. We didn't want someone to be able to call the dogs over and have the kids follow. It worked, they always ignored strangers, even with food!

They are quite full on, though, and I would recommend you try and meet one first. They are like Jack Russells on crack and have a VERY strong prey drive. Training them can be long and frustrating process and they can be quite anxious.

They are also not as healthy as we first thought. It has come to light in recent years that many MT's suffer from kidney problems and PLN (Protein Losing Nephropathy). Some owners have had their dogs diagnosed as young as seven months (VERY rare!) and dogs can go downhill very quickly. My old boy died in the spring with kidney complications, he was only 12. My bitch is currently living with PLN and stage two kidney disease. It's very subtle and it comes on very fast. I am lucky that my daughter is a vet nurse and caught the symptoms early. In the last few days we are starting to suspect that she has been having tiny seizures. She is only 11.

I wouldn't want to put anyone off them, they are fantastic dogs but do your research on the breed AND the breeder. Be prepared to wait a long time for a puppy, there are sadly very few of them being born.

i would get a jack russell
they are the best

Working cocker or Sheltie (latter most intelligent)

What about a standard Dachshund as you like that breed? My friend has one and I walk her. Because of her size, she’s strong, solid and can happily walk for hours. Her back isn’t disproportionately long and at age 10 she has never had any back issues.

I have had before and currently have a mini dachshund and they are amazing. Such good temperaments, great with kids, playful but also love sleep time. They won’t all get back problems, it is something that can happen within their breed, but all animals can get ill at one point or another. Good vet insurance for that. Overall I would recommend a dachshund 🙂

A medium or miniature poodle. They have hair but are low shedding, and easy to maintain with regular grooming.

Poodles are fabulous companions. Very intelligent, loyal and always happy to be with children giving them plenty of attention. You'll need to get your dog trained and socialised early, but also depends on the age of your children. If you have a toddler, I wouldn't recommend a miniature poodle, he/she could be too rough when playing.

Also consider a standard Wirehaired Dachshund. They are far more robust than smooths, have the lowest propensity to back problems and are also not so highly strung and needy.

Oh yes forgot about a poodle. Much undersold dog. One of the most intelligent

I'm sorry OP but I really wouldn't in your situation. What if you needed to go into hospital or something, how will your husband manage four children and an unwanted dog? How will you manage four children, a dog and work if you separate. You sound lonely with marital issues, the dog will likely be the excuse your husband needs to leave permanently.

What is it about these dogs please as I had never considered one before but I do like them.

They're friendly, funny, easily portable, good with kids, will bark if someone is at the door and love the great outdoors. They are also quick and easy to groom. A good all round breed.

How about a miniature poodle? Or show cocker spaniel. Both gundog intelligence and kind temperament (though some show cockers seem a bit dim!).