mita Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 How much grooming do they need Mita? If he wants to show the dog I'd like it to be primarily his responsibility to prep for shows and I'm not sure if a long haired breed might be a hard place to start for him? Along the same lines I thought a Pap might be nice but same concern re. grooming... KC, show tibbies are pretty much wash 'n wear, with good brushing needed to take out the undercoat. But they do shed. My other pick is a Cardigan Corgi. I think that's a fantastic breed, such sensible, versatile little dogs. Would that coat be manageable as a starting place? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rozzie Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 Bichon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelpiecuddles Posted July 1, 2014 Author Share Posted July 1, 2014 (edited) Wash and wear with a good brush is fine :) Not a fan of having to clip though, it's a job that would be hard to get the little guy to do so I'd end up stuck with prepping his show dog as well as mine LOL I don't mind shedding(obviously my current dogs shed) just prefer to go for a breed that isn't known for excessive tumbleweed type shedding like goldens are. Corgis are probably heading towards bigger than what he would like. Something small enough to cuddle up under th covers sort of size :) Edited July 1, 2014 by kelpiecuddles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuralPug Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 (edited) My guess would be that the time your son is ten that the type of dog he likes will have changed anyway, which is probably a pity as it is often several years' wait for a show quality pup to be available in many breeds. If you do choose a toy sized breed, pick a sturdy one first and foremost to avoid broken bones and tears due to clumsy hounds, then from the list of sturdy ones choose a temperament and grooming and exercise levels that will suit your son and household. Edited to add: Some of the small terriers might be great, they mostly need stripping but are otherwise wash and wear - or a smooth coated terrier like the Tenterfield might be ideal they all think they are big dogs anyway!!! Edited July 1, 2014 by RuralPug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelpiecuddles Posted July 1, 2014 Author Share Posted July 1, 2014 (edited) To be honest I'd say he'll always be a small dog kinda guy. He's a cute, funny kid but very quiet and introverted. He's always been that way and actually has a diagnosed anxiety disorder. He likes our dogs but only because they are very kid friendly and he's grown up with them, most other dogs if they are taller than knee high on him he won't go near them even if he's told they are friendly. It's nice to see him interacting with a small dog because he's often pretty shy around people and doesn't have a lot of friends at school because he's so quiet so i think it would be nice for him to have a little dog who is his special little friend he can always rely on for a hug. Edited July 1, 2014 by kelpiecuddles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mjosa Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 I have two breeds here that I think would be worth thinking about. Italian Greyhound, the cuddliest most loving little dogs who love nothing better than their human, as for a bed mate they are definitely foot warmers, also I have French Bulldogs one of the most sociable little souls a bit more robust than the Iggie but they are the same in the respect that they love their humans and sharing life love and beds with you, also love to cuddle up next to you and either sleep or watch the TV with you, both are of course very short coated and for showing both need their whiskers trimmed and with the Frenchie the ears clean of hair that is inclined to grow in near the ear canal. I have had the Frenchie since 1982 during that time to this 13 grand children and now a great grand daughter and both breeds are and have been fantastic with these children. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raineth Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 (edited) Three years is a long time in a kids life and he may not even want a dog in three years' time, he may have moved on to something else entirely :) I understand the allure though :) Edited July 1, 2014 by raineth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trifecta Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 If your son follows your interest in tracking & doing lots of activities such as obedience with his dog in the next few years, then it would be worth your while researching the Schipperke. They are very devoted to children. Full of character, they are robust, hardy & long lived, but like their larger Belgian counterpart will take a mile if given an inch :laugh: They are often given less than favourable reviews, but in the right home with lots of activities & inclusion in family life, I'm of the opinion you can't get a better small breed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christina Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 Long haired Chihuahua. Not sure about likes changing in childhood. I got my first poodle at age 12 & here I am still loving & owning them. Chihuahuas always fascinated me too being the smallest dog. Temperament wise 1 was a dream dog & the other was a horrid little bastard, well loved but only way to describe him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purdie Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 Perhaps a Papillon;,still tiny bones but if you supervise around the big dogs and they are gentle with littlies it would work.. Australian Terriers are robust little dogs .. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandra777 Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 Border Terrier. They need things to do so might get him interested in getting out and doing things with his dog. Also, when he's a 16 year old trying to impress the girls they're not too "girly" but still small and cute. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darcy&Zoe Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 (edited) Wow you described my son with larger dogs (he also has an anxiety disorder). My son is 13yo now and he owns a cavalier king charles spaniel (so far no shedding). She is a pet, not for showing. I own a ridgeback x staffy who is 2yo and he sheds heaps (and it sticks to everything). My son is much more comfortable around smaller breeds too. I go to a cavalier play day and have noticed there is a huge variation in the coat types and the amount of shedding. My ridgeback x staffy is around 30kg yet is super gentle with the cav puppy and has been since she came home at 8 weeks old. They absolutely adore each other too. The cav puppy is 5.5 months old and is only with my bigger boy under supervision (due to the zoomies lol) but once she is an adult I think she will be fine to be with him outside without my supervision. That is the only part I have found hard about having 2 different size dogs is being aware of the exercise differences including the zoomies(although the cav loves to run flat out too and she is fast). I did a lot of research into the perfect breed for a child, and consistently came up with cavalier king charles spaniel and cocker spaniels. I love cocker spaniels too but I think they were a little bigger than what would suit my son. The cav sizing is perfect for my son and they are so cuddly. Very happy dogs with their little waggy tails and expressive faces, perfect for kids who worry heaps. They apparently are listed as the top breed for people who suffer from depression interestingly enough :) I would seriously consider this breed for your child as the shedding is quite manageable Edited July 2, 2014 by Darcy&Zoe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TigerJack Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 I have several young Kelpies and an older staffy x whippet as my 'large dogs' and I have a small herd of toy dogs. I have chihuahuas and I love them to bits but some of them (the boys) are perfect with people but a pain with the other dogs. Constantly being the 'big' dog and generally annoying my kelpie boy. The worst shedding dog I have is my short coat chi boy! I have one small white fluffy of indeterminate type but the coat is a nightmare and does need to be clipped off. I have ventured into the registered breed world with my latest littlie and gotten a Yorkshire terrier. Fantastic little dog. Lovely temperament, great with all sized dogs and fast learner. She was heavily socialised from when she was tiny (tinier) and she is always out with me at trials so has met lots of dogs. I think socialisation is key to avoid the reactive yappy type of tiny dog that is afraid of anything different. I now have two yorkies, the older girl was a petshop pup years ago (I know better now) but is equally lovely temperament wise. The coats do need to be combed out to be kept nice. My young one is such a busy little dog she always has bits of tree and grass attached. I am not as good at keeping them to show standard as I would like but if you give them a comb out every day you should be able to prevent the worst of it. I do like that there is no shedding at all with the yorkies. No undercoat, just the long silky top coat. I find the bigger dogs that grow up around the littlies, learn to avoid stepping on them. That said, my boy kelpie is a klutz and sometimes doesn't know where his feet are when he's excited. I don't leave my tiniest yorkie out with him unless I can be there. She loves him but has been knocked flying by him. Recommend the Yorkies but (for all dogs, not just all little dogs) socialise socialise socialise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trinabean Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 I know of a couple of different Boxer breeders who also own Griffon Bruxellois. They're smart little dogs who are small enough to be picked up, but are sturdy enough to cope with bigger dogs. A smooth coat Griffon would require less grooming than a rough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelpiecuddles Posted July 2, 2014 Author Share Posted July 2, 2014 Thanks heaps for all the ideas guys! Our oldest has just turned 10 and the next dog we get hopefully this year some times will be 'his' dog so i think it will work well making it a rule of ten years before they can have their own personal doggie. He's about to turn 8 so we'll think carefully about what might suit over the next 6 - 12 months and I'll try to get him to a show or two to meet some other breeds and see what takes his fancy for around the time he turns 10. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosetta Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 How about a Westie? They are robust little dogs with plenty of personality. I worry that some of the small breeds mentioned are just too tiny to be safe around big dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelpiecuddles Posted July 2, 2014 Author Share Posted July 2, 2014 My basset is pretty much at face level with my friends jack russel t give you an idea of her height, they are heavy set but a small dog certainly wouldn't be under her feet if you know what I mean. Today she spent the whole morning sitting with my friends 7 month old baby. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bjelkier Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 My Havanese are fantastic with my samoyeds but if you want one to show that is quite a bit of up keep. Maybe a Papillon, Griffin or Border, Cairn Terrier would suit? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megan_ Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 What about trisven's breed (Fauves I think?). They seem like robust. Happy little dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelpiecuddles Posted July 2, 2014 Author Share Posted July 2, 2014 Fauves might suit. We'll look in to them a little mre. They'd certainly fit the theme in our house :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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