Small dog breed - like a Lab - Advice welcome

Tree_Lover

I've wanted a dog for many years (like you would never believe!) and finally I'm able to get one as I have the right house and garden and landlords permission, but want the right temperament for me. I want a small or small/medium breed, with a good nature and affectionate, like a Labrador, but not so big. I also have a problem with allergies and mild asthma, so one that doesn't shed as much as a Labrador would be best. Or maybe geting a dog isn't right for me? I really hope not!

niandsa

We have a miniature labradoodle who is a cross between a Labrador and a miniature poodle. She has a fantastic temperament with many Labrador traits. It is generally thought that they are allergy friendly and don't shed. This is often not true and ours does shed to some extent and my sister in law is allergic to her.

I believe that it is often dog skin dander or saliva that people are allergic to and so whether they shed their coat may not be the issue. I'm sure that others will be along with more advice.

If you want to have a look at labradoodles check out this website. It has excellent information about allergies etc.

Www.labradoodletrust.com

krlyr

Just be very careful if you decide to go for a "doodle" type - they have become a very popular choice for "backyard breeders", i.e. breeders who don't do the necessary research and health tests on the dogs they breed from. Many are in it simply for the money and you may end up with all kinds of problems, from behavioural to physical health issues.
http://www.phouka.com/dogs/bdr_frames.html
http://www.apdt.co.uk/dog-owners/choosing-a-puppy
http://www.champdogs.co.uk/blog/finding-a-good-dog-breeder

Raksha

As another doodle owner, if you are a first time dog owner, a doodle may be too clever for you, they are very quick to learn, and that can be bad habits as well as good.

How about a terrier, such as a norwich, norfolk or cairn.

ALL breeds can come from back yard breeders, not just doodles, and there are some great responsible doodle breeders out there.

Notsosharp

How about a staffie? They have all the qualities you describe; the only thing I'm not sure about is the allergy aspect of it.

krlyr

Raksha wrote: »

ALL breeds can come from back yard breeders, not just doodles, and there are some great responsible doodle breeders out there.

You're right, it's not just limited to the 'doodles'. But without a breed standard, and the amount of demand for/money in these designer crosses, they do seem to fall foul of indiscriminate breeding a bit more than others at the moment.

the_devil_made_me_do_it

Bedlington Terrier is perfect for those who suffer with allergies or asthma. They are also a nice size.

I would also advise avoiding breeders & give a new home to a rescue dog. Each time someone buys a dog from a breeder, a rescue dog loses out on a loving home.

I have a Bedlington/Whippet cross which I got from the local rescue kennels. He is an absolute pleasure to own & I'm so glad I chose a rescue dog rather than giving a breeder my money.

Person_one

What about a miniature poodle? They aren't as small as the name suggests, they are actually the 'mid' size out of the three and they are perfect for asthma sufferers. Why risk a 'doodle' when you can have the real thing!

Poodles are intelligent, easy to train, and they are one of the healthiest and most long living types of pedigree. There is a decent amount of grooming involved but you'll have that issue with any non shedding breed and you can keep the coat short and manageable, the daft puffball style is not compulsory!

Paradigm

Isn't a "doodle" just a glammed up crossbreed?

Person_one

Paradigm wrote: »

Isn't a "doodle" just a glammed up crossbreed?

They are crossbreeds, but no dog is a 'just'.

Paradigm

Person_one wrote: »

They are crossbreeds, but no dog is a 'just'.

Behave You know exactly what I mean.