I have two girls, ages 8 and 9 and have been trying for a while to find a dog for them and the family. We are looking for a small breed, not too particular. In their words, something small and cute. We are fine with spending a bit if necessary and would prefer something a little older vs a puppy. We have tried (and continue to check) all the local shelters and they are always cleared out. We have tried breeders and they are all sold out and have huge wait lists. Craigslist and other ads all seem to be scams. I understand demand must be high right now, but this is worse than the ammo shortages of the past. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

For smaller breeds, I think Boston Terriers are one of the best.

Check local independent rescues aside from your local pound. There are usually a number of them local to you. Also try Petfinder.com to further extend your reach and options. My only suggestion would be to adopt, don't buy from a breeder. Way too many terrific dogs are euthanized every year than should or need to be. Good luck.

We have three dogs that we purchased from high-end breeders (not puppy mills). Two are Miniature Schnauzers and the third is a Goldendoodle. We really liked the Miniature Schnauzers until we got the Goldendoodle.

The GD is such a sweet and friendly dog and a better fit with our family. The two other dogs are small yappy things.

Highly recommend a Goldendoodle. You can get them in different sizes and they don't shed.

Here is ours...

quote:

Originally posted by RHINOWSO:
For smaller breeds, I think Boston Terriers are one of the best.

They're an option, but personally, I'd prefer a mutt or mixed breed. I've had a couple 'throw away' dogs (what I call my mutts) and they have not only been great temperament wise, but they had little to no health issues, somewhat different than my mom's Boston's encountered.

@LBTRS

Beautiful pup!

Before saying "that's too large," look up the characteristics of a Malamute and how they protect kids.

We actually have a full size golden Doodle coming from a high end reputable breeder that I have been very impressed with. They are, however, not taking on any new clients at this time.

As to the golden doodle we have a friend with one and my daughter fell in love with her. They are just so friendly and goofy dogs. It’s funny as the main complaint about golden doodles is they don’t make great watch dogs because they pretty much like everybody and everything.

I'm not a small dog person, but I'd get West Highland White Terrier if small were my only choice.

quote:

Originally posted by bigdeal:
Check local independent rescues aside from your local pound. There are usually a number of them local to you. Also try Petfinder.com to further extend your reach and options. My only suggestion would be to adopt, don't buy from a breeder. Way too many terrific dogs are euthanized every year than should or need to be. Good luck.

Agree wholeheartedly!

We have worked with several local rescue groups and are focusing on one, right now.


Most, if not all, post and have links to petfinder.com from their website or fb presence.

It's a challenge, right now, agreed.

Petfinder.com is a good place to start. There will be ways to contact the rescue groups from there.

As for small, cute, non-shedding, etc., Yorkies are at the top of my list. Fearless, affectionate, intelligent, they are wonderful dogs.

My email is in my profile. Please feel free to contact, if I can help.

I have had especially good luck with miniature poodles. Very smart, non hair shedder, non noisy very loving and excellent with children 7=. Likely your girls will loving dolling the pup up.

Good luck

Have you seen Jackson Maine’s Labradoodle in A Star is Born? Small and gorgeous.

Our Goldendoodle is larger but is probably the best dog we have owned.

I just googled North Carolina animal rescues and there is quite a list.

Rescues and mutts are the best dogs.

Boston Terrier - my wife and I have owned 3 Bostons, great dogs.

Current one is 10 1/2 month old "Bullitt", my wife is training him for Competition Obedience and/or Rally.

Our last Boston - Becky, was a Teacup Agility dog, had her TACH 5 and placed 2nd in her division in Nationals and 4th overall a couple of years ago.

We have had Boxers too (4 of them, I also had one as a child - LOVE BOXERS)we decided to downsize .

Bostons have great temperaments and are VERY trainable. I like that they have a big dog attitude and are not yappy.

We own a grooming salon and my wife is also an Obedience instructor, we have handled A LOT of different breeds and mix-breed dogs.

We haven't found a small breed dog (or mix) that we prefer over a Boston.

Good luck on your choice!

Small Dog = Decker Terrier

Larger = Goldendoodle but from a reputable breeder, not a puppy mill.

Go to a shelter or rescue & get the one that picks you. You'll know.

I fought to get a large dog as I’ve never been a fan of small dogs but this one has won me over. The most mellow, sweet, non barking dog I’ve ever had.

It’s a Morkie. Which to me is essentially a mutt because it’s a Maltese and Yorkie mix.

No shedding and no allergies. You do have to cut their hair though. She normally sleeps through half of it.

I couldn’t give a higher recommendation for a breed than the Havanese. Small, friendly, non-shedding, people dogs. Fast becoming a favorite breed in the US. All US dogs came from 12 dogs that escaped Castro’s Cuba. Look for pictures and breed reviews. Everyone that we know that has gotten one has sworn they’ll never own a different small breed. We have three.

Our best dog ever was a border collie black lab mix.
Very smart but also a sweet calm personality.