Breeds under 35lbs

[BostonBanker]

You want Meg 34 - 36 lbs, depending on how much muscle she is carrying, super agility dog, hikes up mountains, great off leash or on, adores children, smooth coat, rarely barks, soaks up all the time and attention you have to give her, then quietly lays down out of the way when you are busy....

She can be yours for 15 million dollars.

Having said that, I don't think your average Mountain Cur is going to be just like that, but I've only met a couple other than her, so perhaps I am wrong. But, having just about the same set of requirements that you do, I can tell you how I found her. I went to an all-breed rescue that pulls dogs from southern shelters mostly; I explained exactly what I was looking for, and they said they would keep me in mind when picking dogs to pull. Meg came up on a transport from West Virginia, arriving about midnight, and I got a call the next morning saying "I found the perfect dog for you." And they most certainly had.

 

[SizzleDog]

Aside from the shedding and barking.... corgis would fit the bill. But there are still tons of smaller, active dogs in all breed rescue. Heck, the rescue I foster/volunteer for has an adorable boston x pit mix that only weighs 30lbs!

 

[Dekka]

A whippet probably won't bark if someone is at the door. They're pretty quiet and not very territorial. You can find really nice whippet mixes though. Sometimes people mix them with terriers or herding dogs like aussies and border collies. The result tends to be a little less intense than the other dogs, but still very handler focused and athletic.

Most whippets I know do alert bark. Not all but most. Dash and Bounce sure do.

 

[Rachael313]

Wow, great suggestions everywhere! I feel much more encouraged after reading all your replies, and am about to start hunting on Petfinder as we speak. My ideal would be some sort of herding/working dog mix under 35 lbs, but all the suggestions here have been great. Boston Terriers, Cockers, Beagles and Chi's are out - my husband is adamant against all 3 for bizarre reasons (pick your battles sometimes!) but I really like some of the other terriers mentioned, and Whippets. I've been looking at Corgi mixes as well!
Sadly our shelter does not put weights on the dog info sheet - so I have to bring each dog I get interested in up to the front and then they'd bring it to the other side of the building to weigh it! It's a hassle. I'm terrible at judging weight by looking. One I guessed was for sure 35 lbs ended up being 53lbs! Oh well, I'll keep trying!

I'm in North Carolina, if anyone finds one in that area that fit my description, let me know!

 

[Saeleofu]

My "short list" of smaller breeds I'd like to own someday include paps, chinese crested, and shiba inu. Shibas are short/haired but are heavy shedders; cresteds can go either way as far as hair - there's the nekkid ones and the fluffy ones .

As far as other breeds - mini aussies and shelties might fit other than the hair...hmmm...do shelties come in "smooth" varieties? I never heard of a smooth sheltie, but figured I'd ask lol. If you want a big dog in a small package, corgis fit the bill. And they're a working/herding breed. I never was a fan of corgis until I trained one, and I would possibly consider owning one someday after working with that dog.

 

[CaliTerp07]

My little rescue mutt is 25 lbs and a firecracker of energy. She wishes we ran her for a zillion miles a day...but instead has to settle for an hour at the dog park and agility lessons.

I don't know where in NC you are, but I just put in "Charlotte" and came up with zillions that look like they might be good mixes!

What about a cattle dog/mix? They're super smart, so that might nix it for you, but I believe they're usually ~35 lbs, short coats, tons of energy.

Petfinder finds:

Petfinder Adoptable Dog | Beagle | CHARLOTTE, NC | Trinity
Petfinder Adoptable Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Charlotte, NC | Phoebe
Petfinder Adoptable Dog | Fox Terrier | Concord, NC | Pogo

The other thing you might do is contact local rescues and give them your wish list. We have people do this in my rescue once in a while, and then when a dog comes in that matches all/most of their requirements we'll contact them to let them know to come check out the dog.

 

[Rachael313]

What about a cattle dog/mix? They're super smart, so that might nix it for you, but I believe they're usually ~35 lbs, short coats, tons of energy.

Petfinder finds:

Petfinder Adoptable Dog | Beagle | CHARLOTTE, NC | Trinity
Petfinder Adoptable Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Charlotte, NC | Phoebe
Petfinder Adoptable Dog | Fox Terrier | Concord, NC | Pogo
.

I would love to have a cattle dog mix! Another small local shelter just got one in and I was so excited and I went to see him and they told me he was 40lbs! He didn't look it, definitely on the small end. I asked if there was a way to weigh him and she said no bummer.

Anyway, I really love that first one you posted...but not sure if she's within the 35lb limit weight range! I didn't see it listed anywhere.

The last one you listed is 37lbs, regardless, I'm not a huge fan of the rat terrier look, which is what I keep finding tons of. JRT's aren't my first choice either, but would own one if I found the right one/could convince hubby that it wouldn't out smart him all the time.

Thanks again for the help!

 

[CaliTerp07]

You're such a good rule following tenant

Don't discount a 36 or 37 lb dog. Obviously don't go for a 75 lb one, but I know Lucy fluctuates from 23-27 at various times when I've gotten lax about treats (I believe she should be 25 ideally). Oftentimes shelter dogs are overweight anyway, so getting a pound or two off should be relatively simple with good exercise and eating habits.

 

[jess2416]

Wow, great suggestions everywhere! I feel much more encouraged after reading all your replies, and am about to start hunting on Petfinder as we speak. My ideal would be some sort of herding/working dog mix under 35 lbs, but all the suggestions here have been great. Boston Terriers, Cockers, Beagles and Chi's are out - my husband is adamant against all 3 for bizarre reasons (pick your battles sometimes!) but I really like some of the other terriers mentioned, and Whippets. I've been looking at Corgi mixes as well!
Sadly our shelter does not put weights on the dog info sheet - so I have to bring each dog I get interested in up to the front and then they'd bring it to the other side of the building to weigh it! It's a hassle. I'm terrible at judging weight by looking. One I guessed was for sure 35 lbs ended up being 53lbs! Oh well, I'll keep trying!

I'm in North Carolina, if anyone finds one in that area that fit my description, let me know!

where about in NC?

Im in NC also....

 

[Rachael313]

SO I've been browsing PetFinder for most of the evening and I think I stumbled upon the perfect fit for our family!!

Petfinder Adoptable Dog | Border Collie | Winston-Salem, NC | Banjo Baily

I am literally so excited about this dog! I am crossing all my fingers and toes that he's still available and that it will work out. I already emailed her and I am holding my breath hoping she'll reply ASAP!

Jess, I am in the central NC area.

 

[Dekka]

He's pretty cute, but might be more dog than your original post made it seem you want. We have a rescue BC. He is WAY more dog than most sane person would want.

 

[Lizmo]

Just meet him. Let your eyes be open to any and all that he shows you. You can find some really great dogs in rescue. If something does present itself and it's more than you would like to handle, don't be afraid to say no. I promise there are many more great dogs out there!

(p.s. I can't believe he's 33lbs! He looks so much bigger! haha)

 

[Rachael313]

I agree, he looks bigger then 33lbs! However, I heard back from her this morning and he has been adopted. Sad, but it sounds like he found a great home. Now, to continue searching.

 

[HayleyMarie]

I dont know where you are in NC, but I found a Westie there:

Champ

Petfinder Adoptable Dog | West Highland White Terrier Westie | Asheville, NC | Champ

Here is a whippet cross. Does not say the weight though. She looks very sweet.
Sunny

Petfinder Adoptable Dog | Whippet | Burgaw, NC | URGENT Sunny

Apparently This puppy is a terrier mix and will weight approx 20 pounds full grown.

GRACIE

Petfinder Adoptable Dog | Terrier | Thomasville, NC | Gracie

Here is a Schnauzer/ Terrier mix. About 25 pounds.

Smiley Miley

Petfinder Adoptable Dog | Schnauzer | Lexington, NC | Smiley Miley

 

[Maxy24]

I found LOTS of small/medium active dogs. So here's my question, how do you feel about dogs who are fearful of strangers?

 

[~Jessie~]

Obviously chihuahuas seem way smaller than what you're looking for... but I wanted to say my piece about them.

I have 4 chihuahuas and Rory, my Border Collie, is the barkiest out of all of them. The only one of the chihuahuas who I'd even begin to consider a barker is Rylie.

They do everything that Rory does... they hike, swim (they love water)... Tucker's a great running partner too.

I just think that most people aren't exposed to well bred, well socialized chihuahuas. Because really, they are a healthy long lived breed (12-20 years), energetic, bond with their owners very well, etc.

Good luck with your dog search!

 

[Izzy's Valkyrie]

Good luck on your dog search! I'm at UNC so if you don't find anything soon I can look around through the shelter and rescue sites in this area

 

[Izzy's Valkyrie]

This girl is adorable!

Petfinder Adoptable Dog | Terrier | Raleigh, NC | Splash

 

[JacksonsMom]

I dont know where you are in NC, but I found a Westie there:

Champ

Petfinder Adoptable Dog | West Highland White Terrier Westie | Asheville, NC | Champ

Omg, want!

 

[Maxy24]

Oh and are there any breed bans in your area/building?