What small breed of puppy do you recommend?

[chickens really]

Hello...To answer the OPs original question I have a Yorkshire Terrier and a Toy Poodle. Both are not yappy and nonshed. They are highly intelligent and fantastic with my Birds. My Yorkie wrangles my chickens each time it's time for them to go in at night.
I had a Shitzu/Poodle/Bichon that live to be 16.5 and was an amazing little dog...

 

[sylviethecochin]

There is, incidentally, a strong possibility that your barker will teach the other dog to be a barker. Puppies, like most animals, learn by observing the adults around them.

 

[TXchickmum]

I love Yorkshire Terriers for small breed dogs. -had one that lived to be 15 years old (purchased from a great breeder). He was the best family dog. -loyal, intelligent, sweet companion and very high energy. He would "round up the chickens" (in his older years) with me every evening to get them to the coop. He was never social, though. -didn't care for other dogs or people. He was very protective of us (his family). -had a good solid bark, not yappy at all. -only barked to alert us to something or someone. After he passed, we got an 8-wk-old Yorkie from a rescue (parents rescued from a horrible situation/puppies born at rescue). He is a year-and-a-half old, now. -has a very different personality. -accompanies me on two walks per day (high energy), and is "friends" with everybody and every dog or cat he sees. He is the most social little guy! -has a deep, loud bark (and is not a yapper). Both dogs were/are lap dogs. -also, both had/have tons of energy. They are hunters/ratters by nature, so I would recommend always watching them around chickens and getting them used to your birds early on. They have hair and do not shed. -are great for folks with allergies. They do require grooming or daily brushing to keep the hair from tangling (if worn long). Keeping a puppy cut (or shorter hair) allows a little more freedom from intense grooming. Also, they require daily teeth brushing and good dental care. -build up plaque like people, unfortunately.

Our neighbor had a Basset Hound that lived to be very old. He was an excellent family friend/companion for them. They loved him. -definitely not what I consider a small dog, but he wasn't large, either.
Fritz

Fergus

 

[townchicks]

I know all it takes is socialization but I'm not out that often so I want something that doesn't need a lot of socializing to be friendly towards strangers.

I know you said you want a puppy, but ALL puppies need to be socialized to strangers, regardless of the breed. If you do not have the time or inclination to do this properly, you will be much better off getting a youngish dog from a rescue, that is already friendly towards strangers.

 

[townchicks]

I really like the King Charles Cavelier breed. Does anyone have these?

Great temperament, bad health issues.Same with pugs, great temperament, lots of health issues. You have stated that "rescues" have health issues, well, a dog is only going to have what it's genes put into it, lots of rescue dogs are healthy, and lots of purebreds are not. (and vice versa) Why don't you try some more socialization and training with your min pin, and start taking him out to those places you want to go?

 

[chickens really]

I live in the country and my dogs are not out socializing with strangers or other dogs. My little dogs are socially happy and accepting of other dogs regardless. I also have 3 big Dogs and two definitely are not socially accepting of other Dogs..It depends on the Dogs temperament and what they are happy with...

 

[townchicks]

I found a couple breeders who’s guarantees go 5 years instead of the 1 or 2 years of most and/or guarantee against the two major diseases in the breed which I think is a good thing?

No true responsible breeder will "guarantee" anything like that. A responsible breeder will screen the parents for inheritable diseases and research the lineage, but things can crop up in the best lines, and intelligent breeders know this. What kind of guarantee do they offer anyway? Full purchase price back? That's extremely rare. Most guarantees end up being exchange, ( which most people don't do because they are attached, and the breeders count on that) or a "discounted" price on a new puppy. (from the same lines that gave you a defective dog in the first place. Buyer beware.

 

[ShrekDawg]

Yeah, the insurance guy out here said they have more aggression problems with Cocker Spaniels than German Shepherds

I believe it!! I’ve always thought most big dogs, even most “scary” or “dangerous” or “vicious” breeds are big sweethearts and babies and that the smaller ones are usually the ones with the attitude problems and the ones you’re more likely to get bit by haha

I suggest whatever breeds you are interested in research the breeds then go to a dog show, talk with the handlers (some are just handlers others are breeder/handlers). Be prepared with questions of the breed, and be prepared to answer any type of questions they ask. All the breeder/handlers I know don't let their pups go to just anyone. I have been in the show ring with Chihuahuas, Lhasa Apsoes, Miniature Pinschers, & Black and Tan Coon Hounds. 20 years ago I bred Miniature Pinschers, my pups did not leave my home until I had checked the people out, even called their vet's to get what type of owner they were, checked with Humane Society for any complaints. If for any reason they could not keep the pup/dog no matter what age they could bring back to me.
Myself I have 3 rescue Chihuahuas. 2 were older 10 years(now 13) and 2.5 years(wIll be 5) Those two do not bark, The 4 year old, took him in from a gal who had a 4 year old and a 8 month old. She said he was 9 weeks but we know he was younger, baby teeth were barely coming in. He was a very sick pup. Took to vet next day, said he wouldn't have made it another week. He had Geradia. What he ate went right through him. Wouldn't know he was at death's door now. He does bark when a person or dog/cat gets close to our place, but stops when I tell him no bark. There are breed specific rescues that do get pups in.
Positive Training is what I do. No attention (petting, treats, etc) for bad behavior, only for good behavior. Socialization is very important.
Do your homework no matter what breed you decide on and research the breeder also.

X2

I have always wanted one of those. They are gorgeous. Like all dogs they do have health issues, but if you can find a reputable breeder those should be minimal. No matter what dog you get, you have to socialize it and train it. Sometimes people don’t treat small dogs like dogs, they treat them like babies. Treat your small dog like a dog and it will be great.

That is very true. I think that’s where most of the issues with little dogs stems from.

No. You are not. There have been a lot of aggression issues in cockers.

It’s a real shame cause they can be a nice breed.

There is, incidentally, a strong possibility that your barker will teach the other dog to be a barker. Puppies, like most animals, learn by observing the adults around them.

That is very true too.

I love Yorkshire Terriers for small breed dogs. -had one that lived to be 15 years old. He was the best family dog. -loyal, intelligent, sweet companion and very high energy. He would "round up the chickens" (in his older years) with me every evening to get them to the coop. He was never social, though. -didn't care for other dogs or people. He was very protective of us (his family). -had a good solid bark, not yappy at all. -only barked to alert us to something or someone. After he passed, we got an 8-wk-old Yorkie from a rescue. He is a year-and-a-half old, now. -has a very different personality. -accompanies me on two walks per day (high energy), and is "friends" with everybody and every dog or cat he sees. He is the most social little guy! -has a deep, loud bark (and is not a yapper). Both dogs were/are lap dogs. -also, both had/have tons of energy. They are hunters/ratters by nature, so I would recommend always watching them around chickens and getting them used to your birds early on. They have hair and do not shed. -are great for folks with allergies. They do require grooming or daily brushing to keep the hair from tangling (if worn long). Keeping a puppy cut (or shorter hair) allows a little more freedom from intense grooming. Also, they require daily teeth brushing and good dental care. -build up plaque like people, unfortunately.

Our neighbor had a Basset Hound that lived to be very old. He was an excellent family friend/companion for them. They loved him. -definitely not what I consider a small dog, but he wasn't large, either.
View attachment 1814037 Fritz
View attachment 1814038
View attachment 1814039 Fergus

Wow I had no idea they were such great dogs! I may have to consider them

I know you said you want a puppy, but ALL puppies need to be socialized to strangers, regardless of the breed. If you do not have the time or inclination to do this properly, you will be much better off getting a youngish dog from a rescue, that is already friendly towards strangers.

This is true too.

Great temperament, bad health issues.Same with pugs, great temperament, lots of health issues. You have stated that "rescues" have health issues, well, a dog is only going to have what it's genes put into it, lots of rescue dogs are healthy, and lots of purebreds are not. (and vice versa) Why don't you try some more socialization and training with your min pin, and start taking him out to those places you want to go?

Yeah the health issues are sad. and yeah I agree any dog can have health issues. Sometimes purebreds or at least show lines have even more health issues because of the inbreeding. Would be much better off getting a working line or a mutt. Though mutts are not inherently healthier either.

 

[chickens really]

This thread actually is getting ridiculous...
Pick a breed of puppy you think you like and with all dogs it's up to you how it's trained and behaves..I wish you all the best with whatever breed you choose...

 

[ShrekDawg]

This thread actually is getting ridiculous...
Pick a breed of puppy you think you like and with all dogs it's up to you how it's trained and behaves..I wish you all the best with whatever breed you choose...

I agree and well said.