Breed suggestion: small, tough, and low maintenance?

Question

I am looking for suggestions for a breed of dog for my parents. They already have a lab/chow mix and want a smaller dog as a playmate. They really like my miniature dachshund because she is really tough but don't like how much she barks. They have a large backyard and the dogs will be in the house a lot too. They don't want anything too high maintenance. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Dachshunds are pretty tough and relatively low maintenance.
Miniature Schnauzers are comparable but with higher maintenance. They must be groomed.
Most little dogs bark more than larger dogs, and higher in pitch - therefore more annoying.
A queensland healer, being short haired, would be my preferred choice. I had one for 10 years before he died. The most loyal and obedient dog (and I've had a German Shepherd before, too).
They don't bark a lot, are smaller than a Lab but bigger than a Dachshund or mini Schnauzer. They are super intelligent but a bit on the protective side.
They're also a lot cheaper, usually.

Answer 2

I would suggest a miniature shnauzer. They are great guard dogs and they weigh about 10-15lbs. They do not shed at all, unless you brush them you might get some hairs in the brush. They do bark or growl at loud noises like the next door neighbors throwing out the trash but, not often. You do need to brush them daily because their fur gets tangled easily but that can be fixed if you dont let their leg's hair grow out to long. If you keep it pretty short and shave the top of the body about 2x a year it wont get tangled so easy and you can brush it way less. They dont smell bad at all even after a long walk or being outside. You may only have to bathe it a few times a year. Or more if you like. They love being around other dogs because they get lonley easy. They do like to chew but they very much prefer chew sticks like rawhides than anything else. These things keep them occupied for hours! Overall they are great dogs and pretty low maitnence. They are one of the smartest breeds and learn really fast. They also are very loyal and respond to your every need. They are truly an amazing dog that I hope you are able to enjoy! Good Luck and Happy Holidays!

Answer 3

I might have some suggestions
A mutt like the lab/chow
u could easily have a Pomeranian with a terrier or a dachsund with something else its easy finding a mutt and if ur looking for a purebred then thats gonna take money away from search but mutts are loyal i have one and shes really loyal to the family.

Answer 4

Most small dogs are going to bark a lot, so they're probably going to need to get over that. My best suggestion is the miniature dachshund.

Answer 5

Cavlier King Charles Spaniel. It has fur, not hair, so does not need haircuts & is not excessively heavy coated needing a lot of brushing. It is not known to be a yappy dog, is sturdy, and tends to mirror the moods of it's owner - sometimes playful, sometimes snuggly & calm. More info: http://www.akc.org/breeds/cavalier_king_charles_spaniel/index.cfm

They can even get in touch with a breed rescue at www.akc.org & get a dog past the puppy/housetraining stage, and give a dog a 2nd chance home.

Answer 6

French Bulldogs. They shed very little, are very tough, love other dogs, and are not yappy. My male Frenchie bosses around my 80lbs Bernese Mountain Dog. French Bulldogs cannot be kept outside without supervision unless you are in a very cool climate, they are not very heat tolerant. You could also consider a Boston Terrier, they are a little more high energy but they have a similar temperament.

Answer 7

Boston Terriers suit the bill. They are small (largest 20 lbs- mines only 15) and they bark very little, but they have the tough air about them.
I would also suggest a french bulldog, but I tried getting one myself and they are EXTREMELY expensive and have a lot of health problems.

Answer 8

Believe it or not a Pomeranian is a wonderful,beautiful,smart,loving dog.They shed very little if you brush 2-3 times a week.They have no Oder and can live to be 25 yrs old.They are the oldest living dog in history.They can run with the big dogs and be the best lap baby.Everywhere you go people will welcome your new beauty.They are easy trained to do most anything.They are not biters and are usually very healthy,very little maintenance.Poms have been used in circus's for years because they are so easy trained and loyal to their owners.

Answer 9

Jack Russel

Answer 10

Rat Terrier