Tibetan Spaniels

They aren't the easiest dogs to train, although they are cute, and make good watchdogs.  If you want to do agility, why not a Papillon?  I know someone who does agility with her Shih Tzu.  Those breeds aren't quite as independent - more likely to be willing to please.

The biggest issue with the Tibbie would be the agility/exercise thing.
 
They are not overly difficult to train, IMO from what I've read at breeder sites....ALL small dogs can have issues with training more due to the owner over indulging them as puppies...and not setting limits, than their breed itself. They bond, as with most of the Tibetan breeds...very closely with their person and will do a lot to make that person happy. But they can be wary of strangers, and independant.
 
Tibbies are brachiocephalic...not to the extent of a Bulldog or Pug...but you DO have to be very careful with them in warm weather or with too much exercise in general. That IMO is the big kink in the plan that I see. Less the training issue and more the physical conformation of the dog.
 
You'd need to watch the class times and event time when you enter to ensure the weather is conducive to the safety of your dog....for sure.
 
I am considering a Tibbie right now actually...maybe this coming year. I have some very nice dogs in my area apparently lol!
 

Hmm... Thats weird because I read that they cope well in all weather.

I do like Pappilons a lot so perhaps Ill read up on them.

I just really want a breed that is small, easy to train, dog is willing to please and I am able to compete in activities, etc.

Im just not sure what Im left with...

The fact that Tibbies are low maintenance which is a real bonus for me.

Gina- we haev some GREAT Tibbie people in this area, from what I've been told.

I looked at Tibbies years ago before I ended up with my first Cardi- I wanted a smallish active dog with some hair but not too much in the way of grooming, intelligent and trainable but not hyper. The ones I met were certainly smart, but really didn'tfit what I wanted- a lot of them seemed very independent (not necessarily a bad thing but it's the otehr end of the spectrum from 'wants to please') and I wanted a breed that wanted to work WITH me, not doing their own thing and if I happened to come along, that was cool.

Definately read up on papillons- they're lovely little dogs with wonderful personalities. You might also look at Cavalier King Charles Spaniels- they're pricey and there are health problems in the breed, but they're *excellent* small performance dogs for folks who don't want too much activity level. I also know a number of Shih Tzus who are VERY trainable- one does flyball, a few do agility, and I know one who is being dragged to a rally-o class in January.

Well, most little dogs are pretty pricey, and a papillon will probably cost around the same range as a cavalier. 
 
I've known both Tibbies and Paps in my time.  They're both wonderful breeds and definitely in my top ten breed list.  papillons are extremely easy to train and very willing to please.  They have a single coat, so are not too much maintenance.  There is hardly any cutting required on the coat and a simple brushing usually does the trick for most issues.  They also excel at flyball and agility.  

Thanks very much for your input guys, Its extremely appreciated.
 
I am not a fan of Shih-Tzu's what so ever. I prefer Maltese's and I already have one of them.
 
I do love the look of the Pappilon's as they remind me of Chihuahua's and I had a Chi a few years ago. I miss her terribly.
 
I was doing some more research on Tibbies and it turns out (unfortunately) that it is not the breed for me.
 
However, I do love Papp's and Cardi's so I'll look up them and see how I go.
 
If anyone is willing to give more info please don't hesitate.
 
Cheers.

Would *not* recommend a Cardi if you want low energy level. Although they're very trainable, frankly, most of them are VERY active especially for the first 4-5 years. That was what made me choose them over the Tibbies.

But I do want a dog with energy. I dont want 'Border Collie' kind of energy but I want energy so I am able to do exercise activities with my dog.