Need help selecting small dog breed for my wife.

[gchappel]

Our 50-60lb german shepherd mix passed away about 6months ago- at the age of 14.
My wife is finally ready for a new dog- but smaller. 30lbs at most- so she can handle it. We are not spring chickens anymore- in our early 60's.
My issue with small dogs is they often seem like either a slightly large hamster, or are such high strung little yip yips they will drive me crazy.
I would still like a real dog- like a shepherd or a boxer- but smaller. Intelligent, calm, confident- but under 30 lbs.
She is looking at a puggle- pug, beagle mix. Seems like a reasonable small animal.
But I thought I would ask here for any input.
Any idea of a breed or mix that has the personality of a larger dog- but in a smaller body?
So I would like to get a small dog for my wife- best trade I could ever make
Thanks
Gary

[M.D. Holloway]

Aussie Shepard or a Rat Terrier

[McLovin]

Originally Posted by gchappel

Intelligent, calm, confident- . . . beagle

other than snoopy, I've never seen a beagle that was any of those three things.

can't see what a beagle mix would bring to the table for an indoor dog for 60+ year olds.

they are more the "high strung little yip yips they will drive me crazy."

/flame suit on for the pitchfork wielding beagle owners/

[Jeff Jagusch]

Too funny the title got blocked so I'll say Sheet zu

Hands down, and get her two, they are just so much fun to watch them play!

[MattKellett]

May I suggest a border terrier or maybe a miniature schnauzer (sl)

Both small to medium size and very affectionate.

[wdfifteen]

Miniature poodle. Very intelligent, strong, athletic, very trainable dogs. Poodles have a bad reputation because the goofy haircuts they give show dogs make them look like dolls. My poodles have all been smart and fearless, with astounding athleticism. Downsides - they want a lot of attention and exercise, which might be a problem for you (on the other hand it might be a great motivator to get you out for a walk). They also do not shed, meaning they have to get haircuts now and then.

[azasadny]

Do you have land? Do you walk the dog regularly? What's your "energy level"? do you want a "couch potato" or a very active, energetic dog?

[gchappel]

Originally Posted by azasadny

Do you have land? Do you walk the dog regularly? What's your "energy level"? do you want a "couch potato" or a very active, energetic dog?

Good questions- have about 1/2 acre on a lake- so swimming is available.
Do not want a dog with Jack Russel type hyperactivity- but I do not want a pet rock either.
Thanks to all for the quick inputs.
Gary

[pwd72s]

Get to the local shelter...look around. Spring somebody from death row whose only crime was being born.

[rouxroux]

Go to the AKC website for good breed info...then please do a "PPI" on the breeder and their lines...do NOT fall into the trap of puppy mill dogs commonly seen in pet stores. It pays to do some legwork unless you might want to "roll the dice". If you have any other questions, PM me your concerns.

I am in no way poo-poling mixed breeds or shelter dogs, as I've seen great dogs from all sorts of backgrounds, yet have seen horrible "purebred" dogs from back yard breeders. Best of luck in your search.

[willtel]

If I ever get a small dog it will be a dachsund, bred to hunt badgers by chasing them out of their tunnels! Not too good with stairs and sensitive to being overweight because of their long spine but they are cool. Germans make fine dogs.

A friend of mine that lived on a pond had one, in the spring it would sneak around the waters edge and snatch bedding bass out of the water and eat them. It was surreal to watch.

[WolfeMacleod]

Avoid Chihuahuas

[wdfifteen]

Miniature poodle. Very intelligent, strong, athletic, very trainable dogs. Poodles have a bad reputation because the goofy haircuts they give show dogs make them look like dolls. My poodles have all been smart and fearless, with astounding athleticism. Downsides - they want a lot of attention and exercise, which might be a problem for you (on the other hand it might be a great motivator to get you out for a walk). They also do not shed, meaning they have to get haircuts now and then. I'll add a +1 for the miniature schnauzer. I have one and she is a great little dog. Not as smart or active as the poodle, and a lot less affectionate, but a great little companion.
Taking another opportunity to post another gratuitous photo of my girl Maddie (the poodle):

[Bill Douglas]

Border terriers are big dogs in a small package. One size fits all you might say. In the morning he likes to sit on your lap to have a graceful start to the day. On his morning walk he's Mr. Party Boy playing full on games with the other dawgs. In the bush he's serious hunting dog (bred to get foxes out of holes), no time to talk, we are looking for rabbits. In the evening he likes to sit with the cat watching TV knowing sooner or later a dog will appear on the screen.

This Rooney last Christmas wearing a santa hat.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by WolfeMacleod

Avoid Chihuahuas

+1
I had a long haired chihuahua that was cute as a teddy bear and who adored me but, in addition to being dumb as a rock, was a vile, nasty little rodent who passionately hated and wanted to kill every other living being on earth. She was completely devoted to me - definitely a one-person dog - but a constant danger to kids because she looked so cute and was so mean plus was in the ER three times in her short life for getting her axx kicked after attacking dogs ten times her size.

[gchappel]

Actually moderate exercise- like a walk or two a day is no problem. Just looking for a dog she can walk, not one that will walk her. Some runs or frisbee in the backyard- or a swim in the lake- all good. We both still go to the gym, etc- so no canes yet. She is really thinking of 10-12 years from now, when we have to lift the dog into the car to go to the vets- like we did with our last dog for more than a year- she needs to be able to lift and handle it when we are 70.
Gary

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

Get to the local shelter...look around. Spring somebody from death row whose only crime was being born.

This.

[dad911]

Wheaten terrier:

[Laneco]

Shelter dogs + yet another supporter of 2nd chances...

We housed a dog for a couple of months that was a breed I SWORE I would absolutely despise - a Pomeranian. His owner had gotten Alzheimers and kept forgetting she had him. My daughter brought him and he decided he loved me. Not at all a yapper (though he is the ONLY one I've ever seen who wasn't). Very fun little dog. Great with kids, cats, etc. Which I guess goes to show that even within purebreds, there is a great deal of range of personality.

If I were looking for a particular breed of smaller dog and couldn't find a friend in a shelter, I would look for a Coton de Tulear. Smaller dog, probably 15-20 pounds, lovely soft coat, very intelligent and trainable.

angela

[Reg]

What about a Sheltie? A herding dog with some smarts. I only recommend you see both parents if you can so you can see their temperment.

Oh, if you groom regularly the hair is not too bad.