Cross Breeds

What are some small breeds of dogs that are not too vocal or hyper?

What are some smaller breeds of dogs that are on the mellow side and tend not to bark as much as a hound or a terrier? I know the character of a dog varies with the individual, but any breed recommendations (other than pugs, please) would be great. I have no children and grooming is not an issue.

Public Comments

1. I couldn't tell you right off hand but look on the web for dog breads and check it out that is how I found mine.
2. i whould say a japanese chin but take the quiz on dogbreedinfo.com
3. im not too familliar with small breeds, but i would suggest a corgi or a papillion, those two i have seen and are very calm and quiet.
4. Japanese Chin, English Toy Spaniel, Affenpinscher, Italian Greyhound. . .I don't know. . small is a relative term. How small do you want? And what about grooming?
5. You need to look for breeds that are good with kids, but the kids also have to be good to the dog. Most of your hyper, high strung, high maintenance dogs are out of the question, especially if you plan on the only exercise they get is with the children. I don't recommend herding breeds as they tend to want to herd the children, can nip and scare them, and need to be worked. Dalmatians are another breed not recommended as they are hard headed, need to be worked and are hyper. Bulldogs are great, but are somewhat of a high maintenance dog. They are prone to skin problems, upper airway problems (stenotic nares, elongated soft palate, etc). Otherwise, great dogs and wonderful for kids. Pugs are good doge to have around children, playful and very hardy! Chihuahuas are the WORST dogs to have around kids! Mostly because they are small and fragile and break easily. I own chi's and love them, but them and children do not mix well. They cannot take some of the rough handling child may use. Yorkies are somewhat the same as Chihuahua - small and fragile. I would avoid. Beagles and bassets - great with kids, playful, hardy little dogs. I remember as a kid just laying in the sun with our Basset. Best dog ever! Dachshunds - bad idea, especially if you plan to send your kids to college. Why? Intervertebral Disc Disease. Many dachshunds suffer from ruptured discs and this can cost 2-3000 to fix and recovery can last months! Plus, they can be nippy. A hardy, yet somewhat fragile breed. Pomeranians - another fragile breed I would avoid. Like Chihuahua, we see a lot of these for radius/ulna factures because the kid dropped the dog. Bichons and Shih Tzu's are great little dogs, very active. They do require regular grooming and although not as prone - we do tend to see these dogs with disc ruptures. But not at all as often as the dachshund. Cocker Spaniels - the only reason to own this breed is because you truly really love the breed. As for owning this breed and raising a family - bad idea. These guys are prone to a plethora of skin problems, glaucoma, etc. You'll again end up spending your college savings on allergy injections, ear infections, grooming, bathing, special shampoos, and the $2000 total ear canal ablation. These dogs are best owned by those with plenty of money to divvy out, a lot of time on their hands, and no children. Bostons - another brachycephalic breed that is great with kids. They are hardy dogs, prone to some upper airway problems but not as much as the bulldog. This would be a great candidate. Corgis - we see these guys seldom for health problems. Can be nippy but not so much as other breeds. Very active dogs that like to play. Wouldn't be a bad choice. Poodles - the miniatures can be great playmates. Teacup size is a little too small and easily broken by kids, but miniature and standards can be great with kids. Just make sure you don't get one that was raised by an old blue haired lady that never went or took it anywhere - get it as a puppy. They do require regular grooming, but can be fun to dress up, shed extremely little and since their hair is like ours (continuously grows) are good for people with allergies. They can be prone to a genetic disorder called Progressive Retinal Atrophy that causes them to go blind at 9-11 years of age - but my two blind poodles get around great
6. um...Jack Russel Terriers, Shnootles, and Maltese. hope this helped.
7. Pomeranians if you pick one with a temperament like you described - training helps.
8. i sugest a yorkie i own two they are really good and calm dogs. go to www.nextdaypets.com the website gives tons of advise
9. bichon frise go to greatdogsite.com that web rocks
10. Shit Suz are really cute and so are Boston Terriers. Not one breed of dog is quiet. because dogs have personalities.Personalities say if they're loud or not.
11. Japanese Chin also called a Butterfly Spaniel are toy dogs that are not suppose to be yappers. I have Yorkies and they aren't as vocal as Chis or Malteses. When it is just us (me and the dogs) they are actually very quiet, but do bark when someone is directly at the door or comes in.
12. Shih Tzu, or a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They are both really sweet and loyal.
13. Ones that are TRAINED to not bark!!! It takes training, regardless of breed. My shih tzu was trained to be quiet, and my MIL's shih tzus are crazy!!!
14. get a dachshund that was one of the best dogs i've ever had.
15. Try getting a havanese dog. They are related to the shitzus but bark less and do not shed at all. Plus they are friendly and low matiencence