Hi, I haven't posted on here for many, many moons but have come back to get some valued advice.  We have a 4 year old male Staffie, Buster, good as gold with other dogs, in fact he usually gets picked on by small dogs with chips on their shoulder, anyway we want to get another dog.  Our house just isn't big enough for one more Staffie, as much as we would love another, so we're going to get a small dog, the question is which one?  Husband dislikes Jack Russells, everyone in the family quite fancies the idea of a Dachsund.  Cant find much on the Net in terms of reviews of the breed, maybe looking in the wrong place, but what does anybody think in terms of a combination of these two breeds? 

I would not think a dachs a god idea with a hard playing breed like the staff, due to the increased risk with back damage.

My initial thoughts were a bigger robust breed to go with the staff.

Personally I wouldn't consider a toy breed, and the only small breeds I feel would be suitable would be terriers, but then of course you would need it to be a bitch so that you don't get too many sparks flying.

My thoughts would be one of the leggier ones.  Smooth fox Terrier perhaps, as they seem pleasant natured but tough as boots.

Actually since posting I've managed to find some information on Dachs and I agree, Buster just plays too hard ... yes we are getting a bitch, back to the drawing board methinks.  Husband and daughter just been over the park with Buster and have seen a Staffie puppy and are now trying to talk me into getting another one ... insisting our small house will be fine.  They would say that wouldn't they?!!

Well, a bitch would (probably) be smaller than your dog .....

To be honest a dog or two can always squeeze under a chair or table in the smallest house.

I have had up to five Elkhounds (bigger than staffs) living here and it is only a 1930's ex-LA semi.

I have four Spanish living in a terraced house, luckily though my kitchen is quite big, bigger than the living room and they are no trouble.

Well I'm another that doesn't subscribe to the 'house isn't big enough' argument.

I really feel that as long as the dogs have enough attention, exercise, company and stimulation the size of the house doesn't matter at all.

If you have a suitable lifestyle for a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, they only need enough space to sleep. I once kept an Irish Setter in a flat, but all her needs were catered for. I now live in a three bedroom semi, and I have 7 dogs, but my life revolves around them and what they need. They actually all sleep in a 7'X5' converted garden shed, most in their crates, so they all have their own personal space, which is enough to lie down and stretch out as well.

If another Staffie fit's the bill, go for it. :)

Dawn R.

Size is down to personal perception tho' isn't it ?? :) I've got a fair-sized 5 bed detached house, but feel it isn't big enough for large breed dogs :D :D (I've got an Aussie and a mongrel who is a bit smaller).

Daisy

Yes I hear what you're saying, and you're right, but lets face it, the dogs don't care do they? As long as they get well fed, appropriate exercise, and loads of love and attention, they just don't have any perception of Squat or Mansion.

Dawn R.

Just as well they're not fussy (she whose little house looks like a building site).

I agree with what you're saying Dawn. :)

She says, from the 3 bed terraced with 9 dogs.

I suppose that, although I love my dogs to bits, I haven't surrendered the house to the dogs :D :D They have their place in my life, but aren't the most important thing, hence why they can't take over :) :D :D

Daisy

Mine  only come into the kitchen and living room, which was linked with the dining room, but is in the process of being separated.

Only time the dogs go upstairs is when a bitch has pups in my bedroom or for a bath (generally bath them outside though with a watering can).

Of course they do come through the hall when coming in and out the house but aren't allowed there otherwise.

Oh make no mistake Daisy, neither have I surrendered my house to the dogs. They spend the day in the kennel and run after a good free run through the woods and fields, then they get to come into the kitchen in the evening. They each have a turn coming into the living room to watch TV :D, but never more than two at any one time.

Dawn R.

How about a Border terrier? They seem more laid back than most terriers, from my limited experience.