need breed ideas

Hmm ..Chihuahua's are pretty smart and are usualy good with other dogs. It might be kinda hard to do obedience with a dog that small, tho.

Not hard at all to do obedience with a dog that size! I got interested in obedience after watching a Pom in utility. My nxt dog is giong to be a 15 poundish Eskie or German Spitz.

I would contact Chihuahua rescue and look for an oversized Chihuahua IF you like the Chihuahua personalities other than this- they're a bit terrier-like, the good ones, not nervous at all. My little foster, Queso, is a blast to train, plays well with big dogs, and would suit perfectly, and I know there's more out there like him. He's pretty laid back, but he'd be a great obedience dog for someone because he enjoys training so much.

You might also look at Rat Terriers. They can vary a LOT in energy level, but most aren't HORRIBLY active- they're not JRTs or anything. There are a lot of Chih x rat terrier types in rescue, too.

I think min pins would be more active than you want, and I don't think the Chinese Crested personality would suit you very well, plus they need grooming. But check out Chihs and Rat Terriers and I'll see if I can think of anything else.

What about a Boston Terrier? You can find one ranging in your preferred size, they're short coated, they get along with other dogs, they're not crazy hyper and they do well in obedience. I'm working on Rally with Shelby. []

Thanks for the replies - I'm thinking some type of chi, min pin, rat terrier type mix would be good.  Purebred chis would be too small and purebred min pins or rat terriers will be a little too energetic.  It would have to be the right type of mix.  From what I've seen it looks like the rescue organizations in my area for these types of dogs have long waiting lists though!

ORIGINAL: Pwca
...most aren't HORRIBLY active- they're not JRTs or anything....

Russells aren't all hyperactive.  It all depends on training and breeding.  My mentor will not breed a dog if it is completely hyperactive.  If they are like that, we usually find a good home that will provide training.  Mine are actually champion nappers!  If I'm not playing with them, they usually sleep!  They are smart and so much fun to train.  I actually have a puppy(Colton's daughter) visiting for some training.  They are probably one of my favorite dogs to train because they are very willing to learn!  Plus, they come in short hair, and long hair!

I was going to suggest a Boston or JRT, but everyobody else beat me to it!

Why do people constantly stereotype the JRT as a bad dog? They aren't. Bad dogs are a result of bad owners.

Jenns,

How about an American eskie spitz? Is the hair too long?

JRTs aren't bad dogs, but their popularity has led to a HUGE number of BYBs breeding less-than-stellar temperaments, IMO- not that that's not a concern with the other breeds I suggested, but it's there. And in my experience, they just tend to be a lot more active than your average RT.

Another possibility that just occured to me would be a toy Manchester.

For those who have experience with calmer JRT's, how much exercise would they typically need?

when i had mine just riding a bike every day (not all that far either, i could have easily walked to my destination but i had to be there quick) was enough for her. or throwing the ball or playing tug for about an hour. for the most part she was a lazy bum lol