Posted on 12/02/2014 9:27:12 AM PST by TNoldman
My wife and I have had Goldens Retreivers for the last 20 years. We are in our late 70's and recently had to euthanize our 11yo Lady Golden. We still have a 12 yo male Golden and two adopted older cats. All of our pets are rescued or adopted.
We live in Indiana and RV travel about 4 months of the year. We are looking to downsize our Pet Family in physical size not quantity. What can our FReeper Friends suggest for our next small sized Dog (10 lbs or so).
LOL.
No such thing! My dog is 70 lbs and you could be forgiven for thinking she looks like a wolf.
But she is sweet and affectionate.
Dachshunds only way to go!
I second your recommendation as I have two of them : ), but the 5 mo pup is a handful and a half! this is my 4th cavalier and he is completely different than the others, has excess personality!
In my experience that is usually what happens.
What I am going to say probably doesn't apply to most in this forum, but (and some very dedicated dog lovers agree with me) in my opinion, the majority (over 50%) of dog owners are pretty uncaring about any aggravation their dogs cause other people.
And there are a LOT who should never own a dog because of that or the fact that so many are clueless about a dog's nature and needs as well as not providing the love and attention they deserve.
Our daughter has fostered many rescue dogs and every one of them has stayed with us for days at a time when she visits. She trained every one of them and we all gave them the love they deserved. And miles and miles and miles of walks and hikes in the woods /grin. Probably the thing that dogs are short changed on most is exercise and attention.
The smaller the dog, the smaller the puddle.
I’m with you.
Life is merrier with a terrier.
We have two boys..a Pomeranian/Maltese mix named Nemo and a Shih Tzu named Maxie..Shih Tzu’s and Poms are great dogs..I know your used to bigger dogs since you had two Golden’s, but you might want to give a smaller breed a try :-) Golden’s are such great dogs Im so sorry for your loss :(
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are supposedly nice, small-breed dogs.
The only time I’ve seen a shepard that weighed 10 lbs.
was when they were young.
Poodle, clean and no allergies.
Toy Rat Terrier {Feist}. They weigh about 10 pounds or less. They look something like a Chihuahua but have a lot friendlier disposition and lack the Chihuahua nervousness. Their fast learners, very good watch dogs, and believe it or not can jump up into a vehicle.
Or a wire-haired fox terrier, if you can find one...
I have had and know of several breeds of dogs. I now have a Chihuahua, fiercely loyal must be in the same room with me and will not take his eyes off me. He is social, which is unusual but grieves when I leave the house. That’s the nature of Chihuahua’s...some are shaky and barky...mine isn’t. Now incorporating the same assets as the Chihuahua, non shedding, non allergenic, is the toy Fox Terrier. I had two...both near perfect dogs...no shaky/no barky smart and easy to travel with.
Goldens of course are the BEST dog ever but! I do like Scottish Terriers and my daughter has a toy. She is smart, personality plus but needs grooming to stay cute.
Have you looked into the Havanese? from Havana, Cuba. They are smart little fluff balls. For little guys you can’t beat the toy poodle or the toy fox terrier.
Have to agree with you re getting a rescue dog from a variety of rescue agencies. These dogs will be forever grateful. There are SO many great small dogs desperate for a home. We have had Pugs for many years(many of them rescue). We now have a rescued Swedish Vallhund ( based on the corgi). You could knit a coat with the shedding these 2 types of dogs do. It is always hard to lose a cherished pet, but saving another always brings great joy.
Move up a little in weight and get a lightweight (breed size classification) Boston Terrier. A loving smaller dog that isn’t a wimpy purse dog.
I’m partial to mixed dogs. I had a Latza-poo growing up that was an awesome dog, Fun name too. If your looking for something smaller but smart I’d go with that. Right now the wife has a morky, which is ok, bit of a bark machine, and tends to need way too much attention, which is perfect for her. I also have a wonderful Australian Shepard / Fox Hound mix. Which I’d have to say has been my most favorite dog ever.
Good luck on your search.
Mine barks when the doorbell rings, or rarely at a squirrel on the back porch.
She herds the cat all day long, or well until the cat has had enough and herds her instead.
It took exactly one instance of catching her in the act of pooping in the house when I first got her to housebreak her.
I simply said, No, outside, and that was it.
The dog is shockingly smart, seems to understand every word spoken to her, and is a truly great companion.
Admittedly, she does weigh in at just slightly over 10 lbs at 82lbs.
But those are just details.
1.) Rat Terrier - fiercely loyal and will accept more than one master. Often and accurately described as a "Jack Russel Terrier with an off switch." Goes after vermin like a guided missile.
2.)Schnauzer-Poodle (Schnoodle) Mix - We were not thinking of one but took her in to save her from the pound and have never regretted doing so. Best dog I have ever seen with small children - takes childish mistreatment with a lick and comes back for more. Does not shed but needs to be clipped 2x a year. Smart, affectionate and easily trained - *NEVER* goes in the house.
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