As a hobbit, adding a dog to your family can present some unique challenges. Not only is size a matter of importance, but attitude, activity level, and their role in your life all play a part in determining the correct breed for you.
We’ve done the research, and believe we have determined the top five dog breeds best suited to the hobbit life. Our list includes dogs with a variety of skills and abilities, from principal foot warmer to chief earthworks engineer for your latest home repair or remodel.
Take a look and see which dog is right for you!
5. Basset Hound
This French scent hound is known for being rather low (14 inches—or just below hobbit knee height) and will keep your stew pot stocked with tasty rabbits.
The long-eared tracker makes a great companion for traipsing through the Shire, and needs regular exercise to stave off obesity (like some hobbits I know.) Best suited to hobbits with active outdoor lifestyles. The basset’s heavy bones make them unable to swim so not a top choice for Stoors, better suited to the Harfoot or Fallohide lifestyle.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Lapdogs and bed warmers to Spanish Royalty, the cavalier King Charles spaniel is a world renowned love bug. Bred down from hunting spaniels, the cavalier is no dummy! Highly trainable with a huge desire to please, this 10 lb charmer is a wonderful choice for older folks looking for a low impact companion. Daily hugs and grooming are a must.
3. Dachshund
“A half a dog high and a dog and a half long”
– Henry Louis Mencken
The dachshund excels in burrowing and digging—the perfect companion for a hobbit family with remodeling in mind! Not the best choice for families with small children. The dachshund can be a fearsome and stubborn protector of his clan, as well as keeping your Smial vermin-free.
2. Corgi
The corgi is a perfect choice for the hobbit farmer. Corgis are excellent herders with great natural herding drive and can work any livestock from cattle to chickens. Due to those instincts, the corgi requires daily exercise, so not a good choice for the more sedentary or solitary hobbit. Corgis are also known for their longstanding relationship with the fairy folk, so naturally a corgi will be unfazed by what even the most adventurous hobbit gets up to.
1. Pug
Fergus and Stanley, the Laketown pugs, seen in The Desolation of Smaug
A common sight in Middle Earth, the pug is a hobbit’s premiere choice for companion and furry friend. Pictured here are the pugs of one Mr. Peter Jackson and Ms. Fran Walsh, renowned experts in all things Hobbitesque.
The pug is a compact, scrappy dog with a curly tail and a penchant for snacking. In fact, the pug is well aware of the six meals in a hobbit’s day, and expects nothing less from his owner. The pug requires little exercise, much love, and all the treats in your pocket—a perfect fit for a hobbit!
Special Note: Do not attempt to keep Dragons in your home.
