Papillons- anyone have one?

BroadfordQueen

BroadfordQueen

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Hello all,
So me and OH are thinking of getting another dog. We want a small one as currently have a 5yo JRT who is tiny, and gets bowled over by big dogs which really upsets her. We only have a small (secure, lawned) garden, but I work days and OH works nights so there's always someone at home, bar the odd hour here and there when we go out together- doesn't happen often and my parents love having my Bella while we are away and wouldn't mind looking after another small one (they stipulated a "small" one though!!!).
We want something tough enough to cope with fairy long walks, intelligent as we do agility with my JRT, and something with good recall (I know this is down to training but some breeds are known to be wonderers!) as we like to let Bella off the lead around my parents fields. Just looking for a friendly, happy companion for Bella. No children involved yet, but probably will be in the dogs lifetime. Don't want a snappy/yappy dog.
Does anyone have a papillon- opinions on whether it would suit our lifestyle? Or any other suggestions?
Thanks!
 
I havent got one but i have worked with some in boarding kennels. I don't know that you can get a 100% true judgement from a kennel, but in those stressful situations i found them a bit timid and some were snappy (usually the little old lady ones who have never left the lap)

They take a bit of grooming cause of the longer coats, so if you plan long walks over ground, you could have a mucky pup. Would you be interested in something a bit more rugged like a patterdale or something? I found the paps a bit feeble but then im really not a small poofy dog person lol
 
An experienced dog friend recommended one for my family because they are intelligent, active and friendly, among other things. I suppose as with any dog, upbringing and training will make a massive difference to the result. We had a cross when we were younger and she was certainly all of those things and protective of us as children too.

I'd certainly consider one (but like Equi, I'm not a particularly 'fluffy dog' person and we ended up with a characterful border terrier/ patterdale terrier/ jrt cross who has fitted the bill perfectly!).
 
I like them, but I'd be concerned about having a dog that 'breakable' around children. In your situation I'd look for something a bit more robust - what about a shihtzu? All the ones I've known have had cracking temperaments and there's a couple we meet regularly on our long muddy walks. Not sure they're the brightest though.
 
My grandparents had them when I was a very small child. I remember the older dogs being rather grouchy with me ( I was under 5 yrs old) but the 2 who were pups & grew up with me were fine.
 
Possum said:
I like them, but I'd be concerned about having a dog that 'breakable' around children. In your situation I'd look for something a bit more robust - what about a shihtzu? All the ones I've known have had cracking temperaments and there's a couple we meet regularly on our long muddy walks. Not sure they're the brightest though.
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I've got a Shih and cannot fault the temperament at all, v good with all sizes of dogs, people etc. Was a rescue and been with me nearly 2 months and been v quick to pick up commands. Will wait, sit, come as well as a few others. Only thing i could grumble about is her total lack of rodent control, as won't dig molehills etc but will do anything to please me :)
 
I have to say, I hate the look of lasa/shih dogs but their temperaments are next to none. I'd seriously consider one if I was looking for a smallish house dog.
 
Friend had some and while they were undeniably cute, I was constantly worried as they were so little. Weighing in at less than 9lbs, even my social (small) Stafford has to be really careful. Why not get another JRT?
 
There was one on my agility team and it was awesome! Very bright and friendly. It had a lot of exercise and training though obviously. My favourite small dog for personality is the Bichon Frise :-)
 
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