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Small Dog Breeds


GraceMcC
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Hi everyone,

Just wandering what people could recommend for a small dog?

I was looking for something thats not "overly active", doesnt malt much, a bit of a "cuddly" dog..... Something that doesnt have that agressive "small dog" attitude.

Thanks in advance! :laugh:

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Silky terriers are great little dog, they don't shed and love to snuggle up with you on the couch. They are reasonably active but a run around the back yard chasing a ball will give them enough excercise for the day. As for small dog aggression it can be a training issue as in any terrier breed, they just have to be socialised properly and taught not to get aggressive.

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How small do you want to go?

My Pepper is a Yorkshire Terrier, and 200% pure delight. Hasn't damaged anything in the house/backyard as yet (he is almost 2 years old), does not bark without good reason, does not charge at other dogs when on walks, loves to sleep in, but is equally happy to get out of bed early in the morning for some exercise. He is doing well with obedience at the All Breeds Dog Training Club, and enjoys a bit of agility, too.

I have taken Pepper to (Christmas) parties, where he is very content sitting on my knees and just watching everybody/everything. You wouldn't even know he is there. I would like to take all the credit, but am convinced a lot is just 'good breeding'. Thanks, Jan!

Pepper gets to go on walks each day, though, and is an integral part of our family.

Not sure how well Yorkshires and small children would mix, however.

:laugh:

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel fits the bill perfectly! Not active at all, does need a brush every week though but doesn't malt much and just a cuddly loving dog who wants to be with you 24/7.

Same with my French Bulldog, although some are more active, mine is not really active. She also doesn't shed and snuggles into my lap.

They both dont have a 'small dog' attitude, but I would say that has more to do with socialising your dog from when it is young.

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel fits the bill perfectly! Not active at all, does need a brush every week though but doesn't malt much and just a cuddly loving dog who wants to be with you 24/7.

Same with my French Bulldog, although some are more active, mine is not really active. She also doesn't shed and snuggles into my lap.

They both dont have a 'small dog' attitude, but I would say that has more to do with socialising your dog from when it is young.

Yeah i agree also i remember my aunties ones were so cuddly. They didn't have any attitude but good socialisation would stop that anyway.

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Bichon frise! Small, loving, nice easy going playful attitude. And no shedding at all.

Or havanese. I think they are pretty similar that way.

But both breeds need regular grooming. That is the price you pay for a non shedding dog.

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Maltese are absolutely divine and would fit the bill.

They are a very sweet natured and cuddly breed and who don't shed (their hair does need to be brushed and cut regularly as it will grow to the floor).

I find that mine does enjoy walks, playing etc but she is equally happy curled up on the sofa reading with me or watching tv.

One thing that you must be aware of is that little dogs who don't shed much need to be groomed. This means brushing atleast every few days (preferably daily) and if you wish to keep their hair short they must be clipped every 6-8 weeks. This can cost upwards of $60 per clip at a groomer. Some people buy clippers and diy but you might need to learn how properly first.

The key to getting a well behaved dog (of any size) is socialization with people and other dogs.

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel fits the bill perfectly! Not active at all, does need a brush every week though but doesn't malt much and just a cuddly loving dog who wants to be with you 24/7.

Same with my French Bulldog, although some are more active, mine is not really active. She also doesn't shed and snuggles into my lap.

They both dont have a 'small dog' attitude, but I would say that has more to do with socialising your dog from when it is young.

Completely agreed. A cav is a must!!!

No bias at all!!! :laugh:

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Hi everyone,

Just wandering what people could recommend for a small dog?

I was looking for something thats not "overly active", doesnt malt much, a bit of a "cuddly" dog..... Something that doesnt have that agressive "small dog" attitude.

Thanks in advance! :laugh:

Ah yes, the Cavalier King Charles spaniels. Tick the "not overly active" box ..... Tick very cuddly and yes, the aggressive chip was removed from its brain a long long time ago. Absolute sweeties.

Start out as small ..... but as a result of not being "overly active" many end up with the weight and flexibility of a wombat. They also lose their coat in very long strands which can clog floor drains solid and make the plumber a regular visitor to your house.

Cavvies love people and other dogs and playtime. Happy puddles are sometimes given when greeting visitors with joy, and of course that beautiful full plumed tail is swept through such puddles. But dont worry, cavvie owners quickly become afflicted with a sweet syndrome where negatives are simply not noticed.

Souff adores Cavvies - other people's Cavvies that stay forever at their place, not mine :laugh:

Souff

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Griffon Bruxellois,

I am smitten. I wanted a small dog without the hair issues. That did NOT bark at everything.

I also wanted a confident but not noisy small breed that was hardy.

They are very affectionate toward their owners and reserved with strangers.

They are VERY intelligent and don't require a lot of exercise or if you prefer, they will take a lot of exercise.

I also wanted a cat but found I don't need one with a griffon, they are small enough to curl up on your lap and not break a knee..

The coat on the smooths is easy to look after and on a rough is much easier to handle that a cavalier, with silky fine hair, or a pug, that sheds constantly or a maltese also with silky fine hair that knots. The rough can stay long and you brush them every now and then, I think they look lovely shaggy.

I have had and groomed the other breeds for family and friends and also the shihtzu's..... much prefer the ease of a Griff.

Edited by bullyfan
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Silky Terriers all they way. They have great personalities and they do not shed any hair. They are great little dogs and are very friendly. All they need is a little walk or a game of ball. They are great with children and other animals :laugh:

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I also vote Cavalier King Charles. They are great small dogs (my very old one is a cav x chinese crested - but they have hair :laugh:). And they dont have attitude problem.

But I do believe that attitude problems comes from poor socialisation - especially with maltese terriers - they are FANTASTIC dogs - funny and very cute (and shitzus) BUT.... BUT BUT BUT... if you get one - SOCIALISE IT. Because they develop 'little dog syndrome' and become nasty to all bigger dogs. lol

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Most dogs with "small dog attitude" develop it because their owners fail to socialise train and treat them like dogs. Or they fail to appropriately manage interactions with larger dogs and end up with fear aggressive responses.

If you are up for professional grooming, I think a Bichon Frise would tick all the boxes. No way would I describe a CKCS as a low shedding dog. :shrug:

Edited by poodlefan
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