Small dog breed best for us

[Smitty]

I understand Westies have skin problems.

I had a beautiful little Cav who was given to me. A huge character, who had sadly been locked in a room with a cat for the first two years of his life so say. He barked for England, but could take any amount of exercise. He lasted till 12 but heart issues were bad so we decided PTS. I think he was a nicely bred one, but sure he had the thing beginning with S that I can't remember!

What about a Cairn or a Norfolk?

 

[Kunoichi73]

Do any of you know if anyone here owns Westie's?

We really like them just don't know loads about them and weren't able to see them at discover dogs. Mainly concerned everyone I've ever come across has been very noisy but don't know if that's a breed trait or an individual dog thing.

I've never owned a Westie, but my elderly aunt has. I've visited with them and one was a lovely quiet friendly snuggly dog, the other was a bit grumpy, but I think this was because my uncle had spoiled her.

Have you thought about a Lapphund type dog. I love the look of them. @FinnishLapphund could tell you more about the breed because I don't know much more than they look lovely.

 

[GoldenLife]

I've never owned a Westie, but my elderly aunt has. I've visited with them and one was a lovely quiet friendly snuggly dog, the other was a bit grumpy, but I think this was because my uncle had spoiled her.

Have you thought about a Lapphund type dog. I love the look of them. @FinnishLapphund could tell you more about the breed because I don't know much more than they look lovely.

There a bit big and well over the 10kg

 

[BallyRoanBaubles]

If you really like goldens have you thought about perhaps an older one? Maybe a retired/rehome assistant dog?

 

[Kunoichi73]

There a bit big and well over the 10kg

Fair enough. I'd forgotten about the 10kg thing - stupid menopause brain!

 

[GoldenLife]

If you really like goldens have you thought about perhaps an older one? Maybe a retired/rehome assistant dog?

I did think this but she feels uncomfortable walking any large breed no matter age and feels more comfortable with a small dog. I thankfully like more breeds than just goldens but they are definitely my favourite and always will be.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

King Charles cavalier they are so easy Mavis has been perfect they like exercise but don't need loads, they love snuggling on the sofa and make great companions.

 

[palo1]

I did think this but she feels uncomfortable walking any large breed no matter age and feels more comfortable with a small dog. I thankfully like more breeds than just goldens but they are definitely my favourite and always will be.

If you can find a good one and put the work in to obedience training a working type or show type golden coloured cocker would work possibly though they can be hugely high energy. That could be put to use of course, if you have time. I love the Cavalier temperament and you can find lovely, healthy ones. Good luck in your search.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

How about a Shih tzu?
Get one as a puppy, ensure parents are good ones and get the good basic training in. They are very intelligent dogs and my current one has picked up v well with training.
Yes, they need brushing - something your mother could do and we use the groomer every 6 to 9 weeks. They usually like to lap sit if allowed, not yappy if you keep a lid on them from the start.
Things to check are a decent snout and a good jaw, also luxating patellas, many bargain ones have dreadful face conformation tho, so be aware.
A std bitch will be between 6 and 10kg at maturity.

Our current one is almost 6 months old and is a delight to have around at home, work, yard etc.

 

[splashgirl45]

Do any of you know if anyone here owns Westie's?

We really like them just don't know loads about them and weren't able to see them at discover dogs. Mainly concerned everyone I've ever come across has been very noisy but don't know if that's a breed trait or an individual dog thing.

My brother had a westie and he was a great dog, no problems with barking or skin . He was almost 15 when he was PTS due to an internal growth that was inoperable.. the only downside for me was he was white and as I used to look after him when my brother was away for work , I found that a pain

 

[CorvusCorax]

American Cocker. Massive coat but can be clipped out.

Lagotto Romanolo. One won BOB at Crufts last year.

 

[GoldenLife]

My brother had a westie and he was a great dog, no problems with barking or skin . He was almost 15 when he was PTS due to an internal growth that was inoperable.. the only downside for me was he was white and as I used to look after him when my brother was away for work , I found that a pain

My golden was cream and as you can imagine he didn't stay cream very often but I enjoyed bathing him so I'll enjoy keeping a westie white grooming needs are definitely not an issue for me

American Cocker. Massive coat but can be clipped out.

Lagotto Romanolo. One won BOB at Crufts last year.

Don't tempt me with a Lagotto I love them but again some go over the size limit mom's set.

To update everyone I thought we would be able to stretch to a Cocker but mom says no she wants no bigger than a cavalier or westie size so Cocker is off.

We're adding @The Fuzzy Furry recommendation of Shih Tzu so for now between a Westie and Shih Tzu

 

[CorvusCorax]

OP, just out of interest, have you posted before under different user names? I can seem to recall replying to accounts with relatively similar posting styles in '21 and '22, one is no longer registered/has turned to numbers. No worries if I've got my wires crossed!

 

[GoldenLife]

OP, just out of interest, have you posted before under different user names? I can seem to recall replying to accounts with relatively similar posting styles in '21 and '22, one is no longer registered/has turned to numbers. No worries if I've got my wires crossed!

Nope first time posting

 

[splashgirl45]

Amymay on here has a bishon who looks lovely and I think a good size, perhaps message her for info on temperament etc

 

[Belmont]

Also a golden owner and couldn't imagine life without one, but if I had to choose a smaller breed, I'd have a Welsh Corgi.

 

[Squeak]

My golden was cream and as you can imagine he didn't stay cream very often but I enjoyed bathing him so I'll enjoy keeping a westie white grooming needs are definitely not an issue for me

Don't tempt me with a Lagotto I love them but again some go over the size limit mom's set.

To update everyone I thought we would be able to stretch to a Cocker but mom says no she wants no bigger than a cavalier or westie size so Cocker is off.

We're adding @The Fuzzy Furry recommendation of Shih Tzu so for now between a Westie and Shih Tzu

Lagottos are not easy dogs AT ALL. Honestly they could not be further from what you want.

What are the main reasons for your Mum being so worried about size? If it's mainly for walking could you do the training and then she could always walk it with something that gives her a bit of extra control if she needs it for her confidence?

It sounds like you'd love a golden retriever and temperament wise it fits what your Mum wants so potentially it could be workable?

 

[GoldenLife]

Lagottos are not easy dogs AT ALL. Honestly they could not be further from what you want.

What are the main reasons for your Mum being so worried about size? If it's mainly for walking could you do the training and then she could always walk it with something that gives her a bit of extra control if she needs it for her confidence?

It sounds like you'd love a golden retriever and temperament wise it fits what your Mum wants so potentially it could be workable?

Yes it's only to do with walking she's scared he'll pull her down which is why she wants a small dog so she won't be pulled over. It stems from when she was a kid she saw her dad get pulled to the ground by their beared Collie who normally was a saint on the leash until one day when out walking he saw a squirrel run across the park grounds and that was it grandad was thrown to the floor holding onto him.

I've told her I never had an issue at all like that in the 10 years I owned Bobby he never pulled me because I started leash training very early and reinforced it through adolescent stage.


She was always great with him when she came to visit ( he died before she came to live with me) and she adored him too it's just the being pulled over she's worried about and she wants to be fully involved with training and not miss out on anything.

If I could help her get over that I know we'd both pick a Golden and yes I'd love another golden.

 

[Clodagh]

American Cocker. Massive coat but can be clipped out.

Lagotto Romanolo. One won BOB at Crufts last year.

I was speaking to a lagotto Romano breeder who was not pleased that they won Crufts and I believe the breed society put out a release saying not for the faint hearted.

 

[Clodagh]

I’d take your mum to meet a nice quiet goldie and see how she feels. A trained goldie will be easier than any untrained (or in need of training) terrier or poodle if even a whippet!

 

[druid]

Miniature Australian Shepherd? Might just be on the edge of too big if <10kg is a hard rule, but the smaller ones would be 10-12kg

Please, no. I haven't met a pleasant one yet.

 

[Clodagh]

Please, no. I haven't met a pleasant one yet.

There’s one comes in the pub where I work.
It barks. All. Of. The. Time.

 

[Ditchjumper2]

Miniature Schnauzers are lovely although I am biased happy to walk for hours or be a couch potato. They are happy little souls and great fun, but they are definitely vocal

 

[druid]

Theses one comes in the pub where I work.
It barks. All. Of. The. Time.

Bark, bite, herd. All just filling their past breeding/working influence but they are not may favourite clients

 

[Squeak]

Yes it's only to do with walking she's scared he'll pull her down which is why she wants a small dog so she won't be pulled over. It stems from when she was a kid she saw her dad get pulled to the ground by their beared Collie who normally was a saint on the leash until one day when out walking he saw a squirrel run across the park grounds and that was it grandad was thrown to the floor holding onto him.

I've told her I never had an issue at all like that in the 10 years I owned Bobby he never pulled me because I started leash training very early and reinforced it through adolescent stage.


She was always great with him when she came to visit ( he died before she came to live with me) and she adored him too it's just the being pulled over she's worried about and she wants to be fully involved with training and not miss out on anything.

If I could help her get over that I know we'd both pick a Golden and yes I'd love another golden.

Does she have to walk the dog? Could you make that your job and if you're unable to for a day or during the week or something then you could get a dog walker? It sounds like the dog you both really want apart from that one thing and I think there's a lot to be said for getting the dog that makes your heart sing.

 

[Jenko109]

Shetland sheepdog. You can get some real petite ones and they will have that eager to please, handler focus.

Plenty of hair.

 

[I'm Dun]

Border terrier? Very happy, jolly little dogs so vaguely goldenesque. I've never met one I dont like.

 

[IrishMilo]

Long haired standard daschund or long haired miniature daschund. Or as dozens will say a whippet.

Dachshunds bark for a living. Definitely do not recommend them to anyone who values peace and quiet!

 

[skinnydipper]

I was speaking to a lagotto Romano breeder who was not pleased that they won Crufts and I believe the breed society put out a release saying not for the faint hearted.

I don't think they would fit into everyone's life. I watched a documentary a while ago which showed them working, truffle hunting. I got the impression they were a dog who needed a job.

 

[GoldenLife]

Does she have to walk the dog? Could you make that your job and if you're unable to for a day or during the week or something then you could get a dog walker? It sounds like the dog you both really want apart from that one thing and I think there's a lot to be said for getting the dog that makes your heart sing.

Yes walking is something she really wants to do too like I said she wants to be as much involved as I am.