Which dog do you think would be best?

[doggylife2]

Last year we lost our gorgeous 13 year old cocker spaniel. He was my soulmate. My DC was 2 at the time. She’s 3 now and still speaks about him often. I miss him like crazy. He was very intelligent and the most mischievous dog you could ever imagine. He was a lot to handle really.

I thought I’d never ever want another dog because the pain of losing him was unbearable. But lately I’ve been seeing little dogs and feel like I would like to have one again.

I recently moved into a very tiny cottage. So if we get a dog, they’ll have to be a very small one. I mentioned to a friend that I quite like dachshunds, especially the long haired ones. My friends said not to get one of those as they’re prone to illness and bark a lot.

I work from home and have regular meetings, so ideally I don’t want one barking all day. I suppose you never really know until you actually have the dog. I’ve been looking on rehoming sites But many of the dogs are quite big and my house really is tiny

I don’t know a great deal about dog types

Because I have a three year old, I would want a dog with a calm temperament really. Do you have any ideas or suggestions?

I’m a late comer to miniature poodles but honestly they are amazing.

I’ve had a Cavalier but sadly she didn’t see six. They are known to have heart problems and mine did.

I’ve also had a Golden Retriever. They are gorgeous dogs but goofy, hairy, greedy and love mud and water.

My miniature poodle has been the easiest puppy ever. I kind of dreaded the puppy stage, especially after the shark teeth of my Goldie but we sailed through the puppy years.

Poodles are very intelligent, easy to train, biddable, loving, obedient and they don’t shed. Mine rarely barks. She’s perfect!

I never saw myself with a poodle but the wise ones on this forum recommended one. I think the stupid haircuts have put people off. However, it turns out that you can have them cut the same all over and then they look like a normal dog.

@Echoeingecho She is sooooo cute! May I ask her name?

It is a tragedy what happened to cavaliers. A true victim of its own popularity.

for some reason the poodle has fallen from grace which is a blessing for the breed.

I do like the silly grooming 😂particularly on the big ones. I think it’s rather cool.

I wouldn't get a terrier if you want a calm dog.
Btw maltese aren't actually terriers so they might be ok.
Terriers are wonderfu rewarding dogs but high energy and very intelligent. They require a lot of physical and mental stimulation every day to be happy and keep out of trouble. Even then they don't always keep out of trouble!

Agree with whippets and also the slightly smaller Italian grey hounds, very calm and loving.

Was about to suggest this. They are fabulous, gentle, loving family dogs. Prone to some health issues, though, so go to a reputable breeder and get good insurance.

This or a Shih tzu

We have one and she is the BEST loves children, doesn't bark. My perfect wfh companion.

Downside - grooming cost.

Yes! A poodle or poodle type. After three rescue Staffies we adopted a very small miniature poodle and an 80% poodle 20% chihuahua cross. They are delightful, clever, funny and very loving. They don’t smell doggy and don’t shed hair. They both think they are big dogs and prefer playing with big dogs. They also curl up very small indeed. They like a fair bit of exercise but quite happy to relax on a rainy day with just a short walk, though can easily manage 5 miles if asked. Love toys and fetching a ball. Perfection in dog form, I’m besotted.

Great advice.

Don't get a Lhasa Apso. I love my 2 dearly, but they bark a lot even if a person walks past the bottom of our drive.

Be weary of the smaller Italian greyhound. Commercial breeders have tweaked the breed to make it smaller and spindlier. Result: leg breaks for a little thing like coming down from the sofa. Mine is the standard size and has once jumped from the first floor window and been totally fine (children left window open).

That's so sad. I didn't know that, thank you.

Oh no thats terrible is that because the "trend" is the tinier the better?

yes. It was a fairly rare breed until they exploded on Instagram. They get dressed in stupid coats and hats. There is a big demand for the small ones and cream (blue is the colour really). You need to import from Eastern Europe for cream and the health checks are not properly.

Just awful so they can put a tutu on a poor dog.