# Smallest dog that fetches **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [October 25, 2011, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smallest-dog-that-fetches/600702 "2011-10-25T02:29:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Nars\_Glinley](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nars_glinley/32/8177_2.png) [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2011, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smallest-dog-that-fetches/600702/21 "2011-10-25T18:03:36Z")
A [Jerry](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PcL6-mjRNk) dog. ---
**Author:** ![Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/face_intentionally_left_blank/32/288_2.png) [@Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Face_Intentionally_Left_Blank)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2011, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smallest-dog-that-fetches/600702/22 "2011-10-25T19:27:51Z")
> [@A\_Man\_A\_Plan\_A\_Canal](#): > > My dog Banjo retrieves eagerly and he’s only six pounds, he’s a longhair Chihuahua. He’ll go get the little stuffed toy, Mr. Monkey Man, as long as I keep throwing it. I always tire out before he does. Our dog is a long-hair Chihuahua mix -looks just like a pure-bred to me, but weighs 10 lbs. She’s a fetching fool. Boundless energy, and just lives to fetch. Can’t get enough of it. Her preferred fetch toy, though, is one of those rubber squeak-toys from Hartz that looks like a jack. ---
**Author:** ![Eve](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Eve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eve)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2011, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smallest-dog-that-fetches/600702/23 "2011-10-25T19:38:11Z")
Does anyone else unintentionally see an “l” in “fetches” and flinch every time they see this thread? Just me? ---
**Author:** ![Dogzilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e480ec/32.png) [@Dogzilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogzilla)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2011, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smallest-dog-that-fetches/600702/24 "2011-10-25T19:42:35Z")
> [@Springtime\_for\_Spacers](#): > > No cite I’m afraid but I remember seeing a guy on TV claim that fetching ability depends on muzzle length rather than the size of the dog. he was saying that flat faced dogs have poor 3D vision irrc and so can’t see where the ball goes and so have no desire to chase it. I note that all the dogsdmentioned so far have nice pointy faces. With the exceptions of the several boston terriers that have been mentioned. My smooshy faced girl would trash furniture, knock over her human grandmother, and generally make a complete nuisance of herself just to get that bouncy rubbery Cuz toy. After she died, I bequeathed it to my BF’s dogs. The black lab and the pit bull mix fight over it. ---
**Author:** ![araminty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b5e925/32.png) [@araminty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/araminty)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2011, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smallest-dog-that-fetches/600702/25 "2011-10-25T20:57:03Z")
> [@Eve](#): > > Does anyone else unintentionally see an “l” in “fetches” and flinch every time they see this thread? Just me? Fletches? You have an archery phobia? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/46a35a/32.png) [@Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_T-Bonham.net)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2011, 6:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smallest-dog-that-fetches/600702/26 "2011-10-26T06:29:50Z")
Fetching is part of an instinctual hunting behavior for dogs. (At least, the chasing & grabbing part is. The returning it to you to throw again may take some training.) So any dog breed should take to playing fetch with you naturally. So decide on the breed of dog for other reasons. Like Sailboat said. Size, amount o exercise needed, good with kids, etc. Once you’ve decided on a dog that way, get one, and you should have no problem teaching it to fetch. ---
**Author:** ![Oly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/oly/32/8255_2.png) [@Oly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oly)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2011, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smallest-dog-that-fetches/600702/27 "2011-10-26T12:59:30Z")
> [@Sailboat](#): > > Might I inquire _why_ you want the smallest type of dog? No offense intended, but people sometimes make assumptions and wind up not asking the right question. For example, if you want a small dog _because you have a small apartment and a sedentary lifestyle_, some small breeds might not be all that appropriate. If you want a small dog _because you have small children,_ you might be surprised to learn that _many_ small breeds are inappropriate for young children, and some large breeds have much better reputations with small children. Or if it’s _shedding_ you’re concerned about, some small but longhaired breeds would do you no good. And so on. > > Lastly, be aware that all “breed tendencies” are generalizations, and individual dogs vary, sometimes wildly, from those expected tendencies. Yes, you’re right. This is probably a better place to start. I have a moderate size dwelling and small, totally enclosed outside space. Let’s say 25 x 25 feet, or there abouts. Small children are involved. No one here is sedentary. In fact, I was considering a smaller dog thinking it could get its stride up in our small yard. There’s also a deck with about 2 feet under clearance that a ball will roll under, so wanted a dog small enough to go get it (else I have to, or send my kid, and spousie doesn’t approve of that). I know the part about tiny vicious curs and gentle giants. The sweetest dogs I’ve known have been huge Labs. Would prefer a short hair (easier to clean, less shedding?). Would like to be able to take the dog camping, and have him enjoy it. Would also need to be able to leave it, occasionally (no more than 1-2/year), in the care of others for up to a week. Mabe my ideal would be something like a mini Lab. But, back to the point you make. I’ve known dogs but never owned one. At the risk of hijacking my own thread, if you have recommendations in accordance with the above, I’d appreciate hearing them. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2011, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smallest-dog-that-fetches/600702/28 "2011-10-26T13:25:06Z")
yep, it’s pretty much up to the individual dog. my family has had three cocker spaniels. The first one wasn’t much on playing fetch, she’d go after a ball or something once or twice, then if you threw it again she’d give you this look like “you’re kidding, right?” and go away. The second one would fetch stuff all day if you’d play, but he also played “keep away” with the ball or whatever so you had to chase him. the dog they have now is a fetcher too, but he doesn’t do the keep-away bit. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2011, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smallest-dog-that-fetches/600702/29 "2011-10-26T13:28:32Z")
> [@araminty](#): > > Fletches? You have an archery phobia? 🙂 No, the OP was asking about the smallest dog that leches. Peanut butter and all that. ---
**Author:** ![Kevbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e47774/32.png) [@Kevbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kevbo)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2011, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smallest-dog-that-fetches/600702/30 "2011-10-26T19:02:41Z")
> [@Oly](#): > > Would like to be able to take the dog camping, and have him enjoy it.. Rest your mind on that one. The dog hasn’t been whelped that won’t love camping. ---
**Author:** ![misling](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/3ab097/32.png) [@misling](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/misling)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2011, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smallest-dog-that-fetches/600702/31 "2011-10-26T20:29:00Z")
Well, the Boston Terrier that’s been mentioned several times here, is a candidate for you by your listed criteria. They come in 3 sizes, officially, ranging from tiny to small. I’ve owned two and known several others. All the ones I’ve met have been fetching fanatics. All the ones I’ve met have loved people, loved kids, loved to learn tricks & are easy to train (this does NOT mean they will not need training. Every dog needs training). They are short-haired & don’t shed much. They don’t bark a whole lot either, most of them, though you can get them wound up if you try. They usually are calmer than most terriers. Still, you want to meet a few before you decide. What is the best dog is going to be a very personal thing, really. ---
**Author:** ![Duke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e8c25b/32.png) [@Duke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duke)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2011, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smallest-dog-that-fetches/600702/32 "2011-10-26T20:37:01Z")
> [@Eve](#): > > Does anyone else unintentionally see an “l” in “fetches” and flinch every time they see this thread? Just me? Nah, dogs don’t have thumbs, so they can’t carry the silver spoons. ---
**Author:** ![Springtime\_for\_Spacers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Springtime\_for\_Spacers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Springtime_for_Spacers)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2011, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smallest-dog-that-fetches/600702/33 "2011-10-26T20:50:41Z")
> [@Dogzilla](#): > > With the exceptions of the several boston terriers that have been mentioned. My smooshy faced girl would trash furniture, knock over her human grandmother, and generally make a complete nuisance of herself just to get that bouncy rubbery Cuz toy. > > After she died, I bequeathed it to my BF’s dogs. The black lab and the pit bull mix fight over it. Hmm Boston Terriers don’t look quite like I thought they did – but they do have muzzles. Oly could you not block the space under the deck with netting or summat and increase your choices? ---
**Author:** ![reddog\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/da6949/32.png) [@reddog\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/reddog_1)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2011, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smallest-dog-that-fetches/600702/34 "2011-10-26T21:43:30Z")
What about a [Toller](http://www.nsdtrc-usa.org/)? I had a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever for nearly six years (RIP my awesome girl) and they are great if they fit your lifestyle. Absolute retrieving maniacs and typically around 30-40 pounds. They have their bad points as well, such as being noisy and quite active but with lots of exercise and a breeder who will hook you up with a slightly more mellow pup they might work. I should forewarn you they are expensive, but the the breeders are typically top notch and the dogs very healthy. ---
**Author:** ![Yllaria](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yllaria/32/3452_2.png) [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2011, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smallest-dog-that-fetches/600702/35 "2011-10-26T22:42:57Z")
How old are the kids and how much yappy would fit in? ---
**Author:** ![Oly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/oly/32/8255_2.png) [@Oly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oly)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2011, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smallest-dog-that-fetches/600702/36 "2011-10-27T01:50:25Z")
> [@Duke](#): > > Nah, dogs don’t have thumbs, so they can’t carry the silver spoons. I store shi…stuff under there. So would prefer to keep ready access. Never know when you might need a split second fire pit hauling out. As far as yappy, thanks for reminding me. MINIMAL, please. Hard enough to bring the spousie on board. A yappy pup and we’d both loose our nut sacks. ---
**Author:** ![typoink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecb155/32.png) [@typoink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/typoink)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2011, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smallest-dog-that-fetches/600702/37 "2011-10-27T05:43:29Z")
Corgis are pint-sized sheepdogs. Very intelligent, and enjoy complicated games. Definitely up for fetch. They do, however, require exercise – walks and playtimes are absolutely necessary. They don’t yap at all, but do bark and have a tendency to nip. Sizewise, they range 20-30 pounds, which means they’re big enough to be cuddly and feel like a “real” dog, but small enough that they don’t eat TOO much and can be transported in smallish carrier. ---
**Author:** ![PapSett](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ecc23a/32.png) [@PapSett](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PapSett)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2011, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smallest-dog-that-fetches/600702/38 "2011-10-27T13:38:49Z")
I’m going to say it again- Papillon. Yes, they have long hair but it is a VERY easy-care coat. Run a slicker brush ovr them once or twice a week and it keeps the shedding down. Mine have never been yappy, because I won’t allow it. They are very, very easy to train. Playful, cute, devoted, cute, intelligent, cute, silly, cute, just really delightful companions. Oh, and did I mention they’re cute? [![](https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v20/PapSett/My%20Babies/R1-4.jpg) ](https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v20/PapSett/My%20Babies/R1-4.jpg) My Bunny at 8 weeks [![](https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v20/PapSett/My%20Babies/dogs010.jpg) ](https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v20/PapSett/My%20Babies/dogs010.jpg) Even as adults…yeah, cute. Left- my baby boy Jay (RIP), the one that played frisbee, and on the right, Cricket, my old girl who will still fetch forever! ---
**Author:** ![Dogzilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e480ec/32.png) [@Dogzilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogzilla)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2011, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smallest-dog-that-fetches/600702/39 "2011-10-27T16:17:39Z")
> [@Springtime\_for\_Spacers](#): > > Hmm Boston Terriers don’t look quite like I thought they did – but they do have muzzles. > > Oly could you not block the space under the deck with netting or summat and increase your choices? Some have very flat smooshy faces and some have a short little muzzle. Some have little tails and some have nubs. A Boston mix might be a good bet. The really flat smooshy faced dogs can present with breathing problems and you have to be careful not to let them get overheated or too cold. If I was going to do it again, I’d go for a BT who has a little bit of muzzle. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2011, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smallest-dog-that-fetches/600702/40 "2011-10-27T16:33:03Z")
> [@beowulff](#): > > We have a Bichon that LOVES to fetch. It’s really funny to play fetch with him and our big Lab at the same time - the little dog is almost as fast, and can stop on a dime, so he usually gets the ball, when the lab overshoots it. Bichons are great little dogs. Ours loves to fetch too, for like 15 minutes at a time and then she’ll just decide to stop. “Well, I’ve had enough of this, I think I’ll just go crash on the couch now.” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smallest-dog-that-fetches/600702.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smallest-dog-that-fetches/600702.md?page=3)