Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Lap dog - athletic but not high-strung?

I'm looking for a new pup/dog for a family pet and also for me to take to the farm rambling about, hunting, and riding the ATV. I would love it if there was such a thing as a beagle-sized Labrador, because that's all we've had in 50+ years and just love their personalities and bidableness.
I'm getting older, and need a dog that is small enough to physically handle to get in in and out of the truck and the ATV.
My dad has a miniature schnauzer that fits the bill, except that it's one barking sumvamitch - that ain't gonna work, as I can't stand a mouthy, barking dog.
A rat terrier would likely work, except I have yet to see one that wasn't a barker also.
I don't mind if they give one or two barks of alert when someone comes to the door, but when they won't let up it drives me crazy.

Any suggestions?

Cocker spaniel, daughter had one , smart friendly, would let us know if anyone was in the yard, loved to chase squirrels would have been a good hunter if someone had taken the time to train her about 35 pounds of busy pup

Look into a standard schnauzer. Not barky little ankle biters.

They don't shed in the house either, but you need to clip them when they need it. (I do my own clipping)

I've had a standard for 30 years, been through 3 of them. I've never been disappointed with the breed. Scary smart and obedient.

Have giant schnauzers too, but they aren't for amateurs...

Grey one is Bandit, he's a standard. Black one is Bailey, and she's a giant.

They LOVE hunting.

Our Miniature Schnauzer only barks when alerting or startled.

He just hit 17 years old earlier this month and has been that way from the beginning.

Maybe go online and look at the local pound and shelters. They might have some dogs you want to go visit in person.

We had a standard schnauzer. Cancer took him at five years old. We still grieve as he was a very special boy. Super smart and a quick learner.
We have a border terrier now, he’s five months old. He’s a joy, quite a character, energetic and will play by himself. He’ll be a good one to roam the beartooths with

Look into English Cocker Spaniels out of serious hunting bloodlines. Sounds like one of those would fill the bill.

RS

I would look at Boykins and Tollers smaller and great all around dogs.

I am partial to Tollers only because, one became available before any Boykin breeders.

Maggie was very larger for breed, but was a very nice house dog.
Abby is smaller, and very calm in the house, now her little sister Lucy is only 14 weeks and still full of piss and vinegar!

Maggie


Abby (ridding to Pheasant hunting last year)



Lucy (fur)

In this corner, weighing in at 12 pounds... standards go about 30, I understand. They are hounds with said characteristics. Less biddable than Labs, of which we have also had one at the same time, with both of out minis.



Honey is a Lab? mix about 45 lbs.

Our Reagan

Get a dachshund. They think they're 10' tall and bulletproof. Great lapdogs, hunting and riding companions. I have the recently adopted Bella (who was a barking shît) in 2 months trained to give 2 barks warning and then shuts up. Will keep your feet warm on cold winter nights. Not picky eaters. Always alert. Eager to please whether it be going for a hike, lazing in the recliner or riding around.

I never cared much for these dogs in the past but since mom had to go to the nursing home I was forced to take Bella as my own. In 2 months time she has won my heart.

Schnoodle

Best dog I've ever had. Smart AF, doesn't shed, good companions.


https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/schnoodle#/slide/1

A lot of men I grew up around working in the oilfield in Texas had schnauzers bouncing around in the truck with them all over the place. Some blue healers too, but seemed like the schnauzers outnumbered them. My dad had a female standard schnauzer that was the smartest dang dog I have ever been around. It was like she was almost human sometimes.. He took her everywhere, thought it was going to kill him when she died...i don't remember her ever being a big yapper or barker...Not even half as bad or as loud as the shepherds, healers, or labs i've been around.

Brittany spaniel ..

Another vote for a schnauzer.
No shedding.

Border Terrier

The alert, good-natured Border Terrier was originally bred to assist in foxhunts by driving foxes out of their hiding places and out into the open for the hounds to chase. Nowadays, they make great family members who adore their humans.

Standard Schnauzer…….smart, athletic, do not shed, maybe a little big for a true lap dog. If so, look for a larger version of the Miniature Schnauzer……same dog in a smaller package! memtb

West Highland White Terrier (Westie).

Had mine for almost 17 years. Great personality - liked everyone. Adapted to everyone in the family. Companion to me; playmate for the son; lapdog for the daughter. In later years, great with my very elderly parents - gentle and patient with them.

Very very intelligent. Incredibly easy to house train.

Almost no shedding.

What do I know, though !

I'd try an adoption shelter first

Lot'sa nice, intelligent, intermediate sized breeds that will fit the bill.
Blue/red heeler
Black mouth cur
Catahoula, etc, etc.....