Q. We are a family looking for a fun-loving, happy, smallish dog to add to our family. We have a wonderful 8-year-old English Bulldog, who has a sweet personality but would love someone to play with. Can you recommend a breed for us? I am a stay-at-home mom who has plenty of time for long walks. Please help. We are confused.
A. Since you already have an English Bulldog, you might want to consider a French Bulldog, Boston Terrier, or Pug. All are “fun-loving, happy, and smallish,” in addition to displaying the same quirks you are already accustomed to with the short-nosed breeds: a gassy snorer with little tolerance for heat and humidity.
If you want a quite different breed, attend a local dog show where you can meet lots of breeds in the flesh. Other than the Pug, I don’t think the Toy breeds would be a great choice, as many are fragile and Bulldogs aren’t exactly graceful. You don’t want a delicate dog getting hurt in the course of clumsy play. Beagles, Basset Hounds, Dachshunds, or Schipperkes might work for you.
There are lots of other breeds to investigate if you want a long-haired dog.