They are tough, smart little vermin-hunters who like to stay active and who share the "true terrier personality" with Scotties and Westies.

They will keep you endlessly amused with their antics, but they WILL want to be kept busy. They're not really "lap" dogs, and they can be challenging with other people and pets, if not thoroughly socialized.

They are low-maintenance in the grooming category, though.

If you want a small dog with a particular type of personality and grooming needs, may I suggest you contact the better shelters in your area, and let them know what you're looking for? There might be some young small dogs in foster care in your are who would be just the ticket, and a joy to their new "forever home."

helpfully,
Bright

From your description it appears a Corgi isn't a good match for our future. Long rides in the tow vehicle and then life in a 20 ft trailer would probably be too stressful for an active dog.

I've heard that 'bitchin frizzies' are a good personality match but there's the grooming issue. It's not that the grooming is a big deal, we just don't seem to get around to it often enough. It's not fair to the dog ya' know.

Thanks for the input.

They were bred to herd cattle, nipping at the heels. They are not laid back! Except for the grooming part, bichon frisée, or a mix with that, might be good. You might be able to groom yourself, as they need clipping, but not the stripping schnauzers require.

we're still quite healthy neither of us wants to deal with an active dog.

We have two cats too, a Himalayan and a Persian. Both affectionate and once acclimated to travel would make good trailer buddies but dogs are just another kind of pet.

I've trained a lot of them, Corgis are a herding breed and they are very active. They have a shorter coat but do shed a lot similar to a lab or a shepherd. They aren't really lap dogs.

You mentioned you like the Schnauzers, the terrier type personality.

I suggest you check out the smaller terrier breeds like Jack Russel, Rat terrier, there are many small "lap dog type terriers breeds", many are short hair and easy to brush/bath.

Personally I think Schnauzers are very sweet dogs but usually a bit to barkie for me Yes they need grooming and usually do not like to be groomed either

I can tell what's going on in the back yard by the bark. They also are ratters and the only time I had a problem with that was when one of them discovered moles in the back yard. He liked to chase them, not over the ground but under it. Little trenches 4" wide and 4" deep all over the place.