Irish terrier, mixed breed, Jackapoo…

[Twoshoesnewshoes]

I met an Irish terrier today and she was so lovely!
ticked a lot of boxes for me -
small to medium size
scruffy or wavy coat
slightly comedy OR looks like a fox
not too barky
nor too clingy/ separation anxiety

also spotted a King Charles border cross which sounds lovely
and id initially wanted a Jackapoo!
any thoughts?
yes I do like doodle, crosses, mixed breeds

Those are all very different breeds. You need to pin point what you want and need in a dog, and what you can offer it regarding training, exercise and ongoing socialisation. For instance, Irish terriers can be quite fiery, particularly with other dogs. Cavvies are comparatively low exercise and generally ready going, but have health issues. I think you need to do more research.

@Springadorable I like the tenacity of eg a border terrier but it appeals to have that tempered somewhat by the calm of a KCS- I hadn’t seen that mix before but it makes sense.
i wouldn’t get a pure bred KCS due to the inbred health issues, also not fiery enough for me haha.
i want a doggie who is independent, not prone to separation anxiety, but happy to cuddle on the sofa.
good for long walks.
good with cats.
scruffy/funny looking
a bit of spirit BUT not too barky.

we had a miniature labradoodle before and she was lovely. Id like her, but a bit smaller, and less food obsessed!
hence the Jackapoo - I have made an effort to meet quite a lot,- I like their boldness of the Jack but they are often a bit calmer and less confrontational due to the Poo…

Also I’m happy to have a rescue dog, but it’s been a bit concerning in the couple of attempts so far - one dog described as tiny and timid was the size of a collie!

A neighbour had an Irish terrier - it HATED other dogs. Any time we encountered it on a walk, it erupted into a ball of fury at the end of its lead until it was well past us. I always worried it would get loose one day! Didn’t seem very relaxing for the owner.

@howdoibegin that’s very helpful, thank you. The breed info says they need lots of very early socialisation, but I want a friendly dog!

The problem with mixes is that you have no idea what you'll get.

I used to walk a "Jackapoo" who had the tenacity of a JR, a nightmare coat (due to the mix) and horrendous skin issues due to the poodle. She was very sweet not an easy dog by any means.

I would personally look at a well-bred border terrier, a schnauzer, cairn terrier or fox terrier.

I think a schnauzer would be too vocal for me, but I’ll check out the others - thank you

I think a German spitz might fit the bill?
we are fairly active and live rurally so lots of opportunities for long hikes and off lead excursions.

I don’t have much experience with spitz breeds so couldn’t say either way.

Out of the breeds I mentioned a cairn would fit the bill best - they’re friendly, love a long walk but also love a lap to cuddle up on. Not too many health issues (unlike westies), don’t need tons of coat maintenance and are generally pretty hardy.

Yes I’ll definitely look at a Cairn too.

Maybe a Sheltie? Less independent but should be good to train

The dog breeds you're suggesting are like chalk and cheese. They are completely different in terms of exercise, but also just personality. You really need to have a proper think about what you want in a dog.

Shelties are incredibly yappy.

I know, im a bit all over the place .
i thought i was decided on a jackapoo and that had been my choice for a year or so.
but im now leaning towards a pure breed.
my DH likes dogs that are a bit bigger and more ‘classic’ looking i guess.

ive realised i know a lot about the dogs i know about- doodle types, and labs and retrievers as we had these and bred when i was a child.
familiar with spaniels as lots in the family.

but once i go off piste i realise there are a lot of dogs out there that I don’t know so well!
I don’t want any of the above.
i feel im getting more confused, not less!

German spitz are very vocal

Ok, think about what they are bred for. If non barky is important then it's worth sticking with the gun dog types. Terriers, Spitz, a lot of herding breeds and utility breeds (the jack of all trades who would turn their paw to ratting and herding) will all be barky to varying degrees.

We've got a border terrier x Lakeland. He may be a bit of a mutant example, but he hardly ever barks (like, incredibly rarely), he likes a cuddle but fairly independent, happy with one good walk a day but doesn't throw his toys out of the pram if it's only a short walk, loves all people and all other dogs.

Yes I guess a gun dog or companion type?
it’s really hard, there are always pros and cons.
as I said, we really loved our miniature labradoodle. Personality wise she was the perfect dog.
but I want something smaller, less food oriented and less prone to skin problems.
do t mind a bit of shedding but not like a lab!
and not too barky.
not always on the go like a spaniel.
but not too clingy and anxious.

maybe my dog just doesn’t exist…

I wouldn’t go down the Jackapoo route. I know one and it’s neurotic and needy.

The neighbour’s Irish Terrier is aggressive towards my wee terrier, although I know a very sweet natured Irish Terrier.

sorry OP, no real advice here!

I think a border terrier is a safe bet x

I have a parsons terrier.
Taller jack russell.
Great with kids, energetic but not the sort who needs hikes every day.
Can be barky at post man, delivery man, anyone who comes near the front door.

Thank you- my friend had a parsons terrier, really sweet dog.
o would like something furry though.
DH said last night, as I showed him a papillon, that he wants a mongrel looking dog and bigger not a ‘silly dainty grandmas dog’ 😮
sigh
but I think maybe a mini golden doodle might suit

Parson terriers are great.

Cairns are fab. There’s two asleep on my bed atm. They’re a bit of a rarity now.

Border terriers also great.

As the owner of two Irish terriers and a lover of the breed I strongly recommend that if you are not experienced with dogs and are looking at breeds like KCS the IT is not suitable for you.
They do have a reputation for not liking other dogs but in most cases this isn’t the case, they love other dogs but have a very over the top way of expressing this enthusiasm which is often misunderstood. This leads to frustration then, unfortunately, reactivity.
They are highly sociable, extremely loyal and devoted companions. They are also terriers through and through and need a job or they will make one up that you won’t like. They have a huge amount of mischief and a great sense of humour. If you don’t direct their energy it becomes destructive. Also it takes an entire lifetime for them to grow up and calm down.

Do NOT choose a doodle. They aren’t a breed, they are often from puppy farms, they aren’t properly health checked and you have no idea what you will end up with.

You can have everything you’ve always wanted by getting a poodle. There are three sizes to choose from and they are a lovely breed. They are properly health checked and very healthy. They are very smart, loving and easy to train.

@Thewolfsjustapuppy thank you that’s really helpful.
i have had a lifetime’s experience of owning dogs, breeding, raising puppies…but I definitely have a comfort zone!
I hadn’t met many Irish terriers as I think they’re quite rare? My friend was dog sitting one hence the curiosity.
also I definitely don’t want a KCS 😂but I’m aware that their calm and placid nature could temper a feistier breed in a carefully chosen cross and also lessen the inherent health problems of the KCS.

As I say, our miniature labradoodle was a perfect dog!
but I have back problems now so I need something smaller and lighter.
a smaller lighter miniature labradoodle
🤷‍♀️