Dog Community

Help for a friend...

Posted : 4/19/2007 3:17:04 PM

So I have a friend on another forum (non-dog-related) and she and her husband want a dog but the problem is they can't agree on a very fundamental issue: size. He has vetoed large dogs. He thinks their house and yard are too small (and yes I know and you know that that doesn't really matter, but some folks are obsessed with this house-to-dog size ratio business and will not be convinced otherwise). She wants a labbish dog--she grew up with them, she likes their personalities. He is insisting on a small dog. It doesn't sound like they're going to have a whole lot of excess time for exercise, so I'm thinking a dog on the calmer side (daily walks, but probably not dog sports and that sort of thing) and not a Jack Russell! She's already nixed pugs, and I have to say I don't really blame her. I love all dogs, but pugs...just don't do it for me. I know, it's a sickness, but the extreme brachycephalic dogs just weird me out and I think that's kind of where my friend is coming from too.

So what breeds or mixes (she's commited to rescue) would you suggest as a compromise here? A small dog who has the qualities of a (well bred) lab? She's also mildly allergic so a light shedder would be a plus. She first was thinking mini schauzers, does anyone know about those? I know next to zilch about all the schauzers.

Jewlieee

Posted : 4/19/2007 3:42:58 PM

Here's a quiz you can take and put in all of your requirements:
small dog
small house
non-shedder
allergies
daily walks
etc.

and it will come up with some breeds to look for.
[linkhttp://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm]http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm[/link]

I recently had a puppy at my house who was a mini-poodle, Bichon mix (I think that's what it was) and it was pretty good. No shedding, very quiet and extremely human focused. I generally don't like little moppy-type dogs like that but he won me over.

m jones

Posted : 4/19/2007 3:57:44 PM

I dont know about schnauzers but I wanted to suggest an alternative. How about a Westie? I have never really liked small dogs but my sister has one and its great.

Xerxes

Posted : 4/19/2007 5:23:09 PM

Flame me if you want....Portuguese Water Dog. They range in size from 25-60-ish lbs. Active, smart, hypo allergenic and FUN!

Mikaela Ritter

Posted : 4/19/2007 6:28:02 PM

Send them to a shelter and they're almost guaranteed to find a Lab mix on the small side. Mine is a Lab/Basset and he fits their description pretty darn close, except maybe the allergy factor. But there are LabXs ALL over the place so I doubt they'd have to look too far to find one that fits their liking. [

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brookcove

Posted : 4/19/2007 10:29:33 PM

Check out petfinder and do a shelter walk-through. I agree, there's zillions of labby dogs, in varying degrees of lab coats, and it may even be possilbe to find a small poodle cross.

nGoldenm

Posted : 4/19/2007 11:02:12 PM

Ditto. Lab mixes are everywhere. My parents have a dog at their house that is about 25 pounds and about 10 months old. She's Border Collie, Lab, and some kind of terrier. I would not advise getting one of these. [sm=lol.gif] I swear she's crazy. She has the brains and energy of a border collie, the mischieviousness (sp?) of a lab puppy, and the independentness (I think I made up a word) of a terrier. She's a terror that's for sure.

Bullymom

Posted : 4/20/2007 12:49:51 AM

I would definately tell the to check any and all shelters in their area. They are bound to find a dog that they can both agree on!

micksmom

Posted : 4/20/2007 7:57:59 AM

ORIGINAL: Xerxes

Flame me if you want....Portuguese Water Dog. They range in size from 25-60-ish lbs. Active, smart, hypo allergenic and FUN!

Ed, I don't know why anyone would flame you for that. A PWD is a good suggestion. On the mixed breed line, I have to say, I haven't met a Cocker/Poodle mix yet that hasn't had a wonderful personality. I agree with the walk through the shelter suggestions, too. That's how we found Mick- going to adoption days and shelters.

spiritdogs

Posted : 4/20/2007 11:55:30 AM

Female Portuguese Water Dog might be smaller for the hubby - and the personality is like a Field Lab, but not as physically boisterous. Good choice, IMO.

Other possibles:
If it wasn't for the hair ---- Keeshond, Tibetan Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, Field Spaniel, Boykin Spaniel

Have they thought of a Shih Tzu? Smart, agile, can do dog sports or lay on the lap.

Aizy

Posted : 4/21/2007 4:32:18 AM

Not sure of shedding level but since she likes labs, how about a nova scotia duck tolling retriever? It's the smallest of the retrievers as far as I know, and the ones I've met have been just as outgoing and friendly as labs.

agilebasenji

Posted : 4/21/2007 8:41:13 AM

I don't know much about the shedding/hypoallegenic factor, but your friend and her DH may want to look at corgis. They may be a little more active than fits, but they certainly aren't more active than labs. They're usually happy go luck, short, but not really a small dog. They are engaging and easy to train, like labs. It shouldn't be too hard to find a nice one in a breed rescue or petfinder.

Pwca

Posted : 4/21/2007 9:39:47 AM

Corgis shed a LOT and are definately not hypoallergenic.

What about a miniature poodle or small standard? Keep it shaved in a kennel clip (no tail pom or topknot) and they look very pointery/sporty, too.

Liesje

Posted : 4/21/2007 6:34:46 PM

I would say a Poodle, Duck Toller, Portugese Water Dog, or Cocker Spaniel, or some kind of mix like a Cocker/Poodle or Labradoodle (but I'd get an unintentional mix from a shelter, not those puppy mills and BYBs cashing in on the mix fad).

orangedog

Posted : 4/21/2007 7:19:25 PM

My suggestion was going to be a PWD or a Poodle aswell. Though the PWD might be a bit too big.

To those who have mentioned the Toller, I totally disagree. While they are really nice dogs, they are not at all comparable to a Lab in temperament. They're extremely energetic, always on the go dogs. Closer in temperament to a lot of herding breeds (just without the herding instinct). That, and they shed quite a bit and may not be good for someone with allergies. I have mild dog allergies, and Tollers (or anything long coated breed) don't bother me, but they do bother a lot of other people.