I just had to put down my 12 year old Doberman/Rottweiler yesterday due to cancer. My wife is already begging me to get another dog. I'd like something in the 10-40lb range. A dog that isn't super active like a Jack Russel, doesn't bark it's head off like a Miniature pincher...... What does the forum recommend?
A very good friend of mine was a Boston. He did like to bark when we played but otherwise almost very obedient. I don't know how to compare to a Jack Russel as I've no experience w/ them.
Posts: 7589 | Location: MI | Registered: May 22, 2007
If you like houndish pups that love being doted upon, beagles. When they bark, it’s often that typical endearing bay. Just don’t let them get loose.
“Remember to get vaccinated or a vaccinated person might get sick from a virus they got vaccinated against because you’re not vaccinated.” - author unknown
Check out the German Pinscher. Think a 3/4 size Dobermann. The breed is included in the origins of the Dobermann, the Rottweiler, Miniature Pinscher, the Standard Schnauzer. The breed is rising in numbers in the U.S., mainly due to their full acceptance to AKC in 2003. They are beautiful dogs and VERY intelligent. I wanted to get one myself but as luck would have it I ended up with a minature Schnauzer who has been a great little dog.
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The price of liberty and even of common humanity is eternal vigilance
Posts: 21265 | Location: San Dimas CA, The Old Dominion or the Tar Heel State. | Registered: April 16, 2007
You had a dog whose background was bred to work well directly with you- to listen, comply, and guard. Some of these little cuties are nothing like that! Just remember to consider the nature of the breed(s) you’re looking at. For example, I love my tiny sight hounds, but they are bred to run and chase down game- and for me to follow! Not necessarily to return on my command at a moments notice, but they’ll get around to it when they are done chasing.. I absolutely loved my jrt/cattle dog, listened and obeyed in a second, but she had a strong independent streak as well. Different strokes for different folks.
We have had a West Highland White Terrier for the last 40 years or so. IMHO that breed is the best small dog out there. They are big dogs in a little package. Very confident which means no little guy syndrome. They don't bark incessantly like some breeds do unless they are protecting their home as when someone rings the doorbell. Or tries to break into your home. The only downside is they require periodic grooming. Mine have always weighed around 20-25 lbs.
Posts: 5831 | Location: Chicago | Registered: August 18, 2010
So sorry you have lost your old friend. They are always gone too soon.
My oldest son has had GSP's and Deutsch Drathaar dogs and about a year ago after much research got a Teckel sporting dog for blood tracking. They are a specialized Dachshund bred for hunting. My son tells me that in addition to being a great hunter this is the smartest and best companion dog they have ever owned. If I were looking for a small dog I would look hard at the Teckel.
Extremely well behaved (once out of puppy stage, dur) and family friendly (always wants to be with the pack). Bonus points; can become obsessed to the point of OCD - a good thing if taught to retrieve a tennis ball.
Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.
"If dogs don't go to Heaven, I want to go where they go" Will Rogers
The definition of the words we used, carry a meaning of their own...
Posts: 14303 | Location: It was Lat: 33.xxxx Lon: 44.xxxx now it's CA :( | Registered: March 22, 2008
some dogs mentioned will be higher energy and require lots of exercise. Like and Australian sheperd. And certainly Springer spaniels. Wife's mother has always had Cocker spaniels. She has loved them.
