We are looking for an excellent family dog, the perfect dog, less than 15 pounds.

We want a dog that is smart, and can be trained not to bark/yap all the time, and gets along fine with cats and does not chase them. (so much for terriers!)

We also want a breed that is generally healthy, ie Pugs would not fit the bill because they are known as an expensive breed to own to their health issues.

I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts.

I am looking hard at two breeds right now:

1. Toy Poodles. Generally healthy, does fine with cats, very smart, can be trained to not bark/yap, very friendly and outgoing breed.

2. Boston Terrier. Does fine with cats, very friendly and outgoing, can be trained not to bark, but there are lots of breed health issues potentially.

I am leaning towards the Toy Poodle but who knows. Please give any input that you can.

Thanks!

Boston Terriers are great dogs. Very plucky, but sweet, too. They are a lot of fun. I like Toy Poodles, but the Bostons are a little more fun to play with because they aren't so delicate. The other thing is they are wash & wear, but the Toy Poodle will need to be groomed every month, which can get costly.

Boston Terriers are very fiesty! I would recommend finding a dog from the animal shelter. There a lot of great small dogs that need a good home.

I'd take a real close look at the French Bulldog - they'd be the small breed of my choice if I had to go to that size range. I just can't say enough on how much they've impressed me as a breed.

A Schipperke would be a better overall small working dog, but you'd need a bit of handling experience to deal with one. If you can handle them.....they'd be a good choice also.

Nothing cuter than a bat eared frenchie! My only concern is they seem to be getting very popular (especially with celebrities), so if you go that route, choose your breeder very very carefully.

Coincidences coincidences!

I was just hired by my uncle to research the perfect dog for his family - under 15 pounds that doesn't yap too much. Except they're a little less reasonable...there's a zillion other parts to the criteria that have me ripping out my hair.

Boston terriers are nice, but I'm never going to get a terrier again. I love my manchester terrier, but she's the loudest dog I've ever had and it drives me nuts.

My grandparents have a toy poodle, it's only yappy when someone comes to the door. Smart dog, only dog I've ever met that didn't like me, though.

French Bulldogs are nice dogs, you'd just need to be careful about breeders because of the health issues that come along with the breed.

Well, considering that NO dog is born "perfect" and you can train any puppy not to chase the cats (and not to yap) you pretty well can choose just about any toy breed.

My favourite by far is the Miniature Pinscher, followed closely by the Italian Greyhound. The Min Pin is feisty, can be barky if you let them run the house, but are tough little dogs. The IG's are somewhat delicate (though not as delicate as they look) but are known to be quiet and loving.

Keep in mind that whatever you get, you are likely to have a very long, hard road with housebreaking. You might end up lucking out, but plan for it because small breeds are NOTORIOUS for housebreaking problems. If you can't housebreak, ask yourself if you're willing to litter train? If not, then don't get a toy breed. Obviously they can be trained, but just prepare yourself that it isn't as easy as training a larger breed since your house (even a small one) is such a big world to them.

Lastly, if you're willing to go a little larger, a Shiba Inu might be fabulous. They're adorable, tough, relatively quiet, and INCREDIBLY clean. They groom themselves and practically housebreak themselves.

As for the two breeds you mentioned, neither are MY cup of tea, but if I had to pick one it would be the Boston. Have you gone onto the AKC web site and looked at the breeds? Okay, the AKC isn't doing much good for working breeds. But it has a good list of breeds (including the toys) so that you don't necessarily have to tie yourself down to only breeds you're familiar with.

Best of luck!

No disrespect intended, Jennifer...but I thought I should mention that although the Shiba Inu is a wonderful pet if under control, they can be a nightmare for the inexperienced owner. Their scream packs a lot of punch for their size, and they can be incredibly stubborn.

But yes, they are wonderful dogs as long as you have the right approach and are committed to ensuring your pack status.


I used to have basenjis, and people were always interested in them because they're quiet and clean (like the shiba), but they're not exactly a piece of cake to train and although they're supposed to housebreak easily, I've met my share that took a long time (partly because they're often born in the winter and they don't love the cold)

Having adopted (and trained for others) several small dogs (including bracheocephalic breeds, of which I agree that Pugs are probably the most health-challenged), I'm going to add my vote for the French Bulldog and the Boston.

I've known Standard Poodles who were amazingly smart and biddable, but my experience with the toys and teacups hasn't been as positive. I know there are wonderful individuals of every breed, so it's only my own observation. Strictly anecdotal.

I have not personally run into insurmountable housetraining issues with any dogs. After taking into account the smaller bladder and resultant frequency compared to my GSD, I've had no problems. I've heard and read that smaller breeds can be harder to housetrain, though, so I guess some must be.

There is a big difference between how long they can hold it and how long a big dog can, of course.

 Quote: Jennifer Ruzsa

....a Shiba Inu might be fabulous. They're adorable, tough, relatively quiet, and INCREDIBLY clean. They groom themselves and practically housebreak themselves....

I don't know any of this breed, but they sound cool!