posted on September 5, 2001 09:59:33 AM new
Dogs are like people. They can be born with mental illness; develope sociopath behaviour; be kind and intelligent. Training is what makes a dog what you want it to be, at an early age, just like children. Poodles can pee the bed, and so can rottweilers. Dobermans are rumored to be mean and vicious...hogwash. Mine was trained to kill, and was a junk yard dog. When I got him, he was caged up and snarling, with pistol whip scars all over his head. I walked in, crooned softly to him, and he was my lap dog. He loved my son, and he loved me. He would tear a new butt on anyone that harmed us, but only if I gave the command, which I didnt. Chiuahuahs will do the same, IF trained to do so. Love your dog, and it will love you back. You dont even have to train them to protect you...they will do it on their own, because they love you. So going with rumors that this dog is this and or that dog is that is ignorant (not stupid...there is a difference). Getting a breed for what you want is the smart thing to do...ie...long hair or short hair, big or small. But to choose due to reputation is like I said...ignorant.
posted on September 5, 2001 10:19:34 AM new
Hello Dellastreet - Not sure exactly how small a small dog you're looking for, but I'd recommend you consider a beagle. We were told by the vet that both her parents were beagles, but somewhere in her background grandma or grandpa or GGma/GGpa stepped out of their blood line. She's exactly like a beagle in all ways, except she has very short legs. Like those of a hound dog, or weener dog. She weights about 20 - 22#s.
We inherited her from our neighbors when she was five years old. She'd always been an outside dog and was never inside trained. Hasn't been a problem thought as she always goes to one of our doors, sticks her nose into the corner until we let her out. Does her job and returns to the door until we notice her sitting there. Pretty much a total inside dog now. We've had to train her to sit, down, bed (go to her bed), stay, come, etc....but didn't need to do the potty training. She's been a quick learner. Well.....she needs more practice on the 'come' command. She comes when she wants to or if you have food she's interested in.
Their breed is smart, and she's made a wonderful companion for my husband and myself. Very friendly with all of our visitors too. A joy to have around.
posted on September 5, 2001 10:46:46 AM new
I think dogs and most other animals are a product of their training and environment. My experience with doxies is much different than yours tiggerfish. Both of them got along very well with cats. They were both smart, frisky, fun little companions. As for shih tzus, my cousin has one and it's an intelligent, sweet natured little dog. You get back from a pet whatever you are willing to put into it. Not much different than most relationships.
posted on September 5, 2001 11:16:44 AM newOh shoot, I just peed the bed! I hate when that happens.
Dachshunds are some of the best dogs in the world. I miss the two I had a lot. They were sweet and loving and never snapped at anyone. I know that can't be said of each and every dachsie,it can't be said of each and every dog of any breed.You have to really just judge each dog on its own merits.
I know I said that chis are hard to potty train and that is true of many of them but not all of them. It is however something to consider when getting a chi or any small dog. Small dogs have a tendency to be harder to potty train....I am quite sure that this is directly related to the way they are raised. Mine were raised as spoiled children and that is the way they act!
posted on September 5, 2001 11:57:27 AM new
I've had 3 yorkies, all with differing personalities...all wonderful. Charlie was the only one I got as an adult...and the only one with any training problems. He'd had 4 owners and obviously no coherent training. Took me 3 months to get through to him...but I did...
To the end of his very long (but not long enough ) life, though...he did what we called "protest poops." He'd just lost too many people...so when we couldn't take him with us, he'd leave us a poignant protest...right in the center of the rug. Sure miss that little guy...snake hunter extraordinaire, and a true terrier. I like a dog with lots of energy and spirit. Both females have been lapdogs, but full of play and fun as well.
I highly recommend Yorkies. Very bright and quick to learn, particularly if you get a young pup. I had Phoebe trained to down and stay with hand signals alone, when she was about 4 or 5 months...and house training was a breeze. They're also quite easy to groom...very silky coat, with no undercoat. From my small experience, I'd go for a female if you prefer a quieter, more tractable dog. If you want more beans, a version of my Charlie would be a super choice.
posted on September 5, 2001 12:13:56 PM new
If you aren't confused enough by now...
A Miniature Schnauzer.
My Pepper was the best dog I ever had, which included pound dogs, strays and my current dog, a Yorkie.
Pepper was wonderful with the kids, loyal to me, well-behaved, very rarely barked, except when a very tall friend came to the house; his height scared her.
She knew her boundaries in the yard and stayed within them without me watching her.
Can't say that about this Yorkie. The minute my back was turned, she would go beyond her boundaries. We eventually installed an underground fence and trained her. That worked when the batteries were good. But, the minute those batteries weakened, across the fence she would go. Grrrrr!!! I eventually gave up. Now, I'm back to watching her.
I don't expect to get another dog (we want to travel); however, if I did, it would be a Schnauzer.
posted on September 5, 2001 12:25:16 PM new
I've heard that some mixed breed dogs are healthier and have a better temperament than pure bred dogs. I suppose by mixing breeds a pure bred genetic abnormality may be avoided.
This may be another confusing consideration to make.
posted on September 5, 2001 01:31:19 PM new
First my 2 cents worth on breeds-then a great training aid!
We have had Weimaraners for years-the smartest dogs I ever saw. Takes about 3 days to house train, love kids, great watchdogs. But large.
Doxies can be wonderful-ours loves to cuddle, but is very protective of us.
I have a Shih-Tzu curled up at my feet right now. This is our baby since the kids left. Stubborn, funny, loves everyone, too cute for words!
It depends on how you raise them. Ours (several different breeds) have always gotten lots of love and we never had an untrained one because we worked with them.
The best news!!! They have a wonderful aide for potty training out now. it looks like those absorbent plastic backed pads they put on hospital beds, but is scented to attract puppies. it worked like a charm with our Punkin-although he has been known to grab a used one and drag it through the house! check your pet store for these-you start out inside and when they get used to it, gradually move it out the door, if you want them to go outside. Worth every penny!!!
posted on September 5, 2001 02:16:55 PM newFemme...
Your pooch definately sounds like Charlie. He knew perfectly well what was expected of him and would stick right with me in the garden, as long as I was watching. The minute I'd take my eyes off him...whoosh...gone. He'd just be amblin' down the road...all innocence. He knew he had me...played me like a violin...lol. A very wily and independent terrier...
But this was the little guy who'd curl up on my shoulder to watch TV... Who'd sit and stare at the door...unmoving...till my husband came home. Charlie'd start this about an hour before the expected arrival time, and stay at attention for as long as it took...then spin like a top when he'd walk through the door... A very fine dog.
posted on September 5, 2001 03:23:11 PM new
hepburn
"Dobermans are rumored to be mean and vicious...hogwash"
I would say that this is a true statement. From what I have seen, Dobermans are definitely not aggressive and maybe even cowards [no offense intended]. I watched a temperment test where a stranger confronted Dobermans and their masters (using a simulated weapon and making a lot of noise) and the Dobermans without exception hid behind their masters. The same test using a German Shepherds on the other hand was dramatically different.
Rottweilers on the other hand can be viscious by nature. My daughter was attacked by one a few weeks ago that jumped the fence and attacked her in the street. It left some pretty nasty bruises and bite marks on her leg and if it wasn't for a black lab that came to the rescue, she could have been seriously injured. The Animal Control person said that the Rottweiler would have to be put down. She said that once they attack one person they will probably do it again..
[ edited by outoftheblue on Sep 5, 2001 03:25 PM ]
posted on September 5, 2001 03:39:03 PM newoutoftheblue: With the three breeds you mention, Dobies, Rottweilers & German Shepherds, you will find a wide variance in temperaments.
Why? because all three breeds were & are cursed with popularity. That means that there are countless numbers of people out there breeding them who have no idea of what they are doing & are in it only for the money. Or because their dog "is so beautiful we thought we should breed him/her." None of these breeds should be either shy or indiscriminately aggressive. But in each you will commonly see shy/fearful and aggressive specimens everywhere you look. Not to mention elephants. I can't remember the last time I saw a Rottie that hadn't been bred along elephantine lines despite the fact that the breed standard calls for males to be 24 to 27 inches and females 22 to 25 inches. And no more than 110 pounds.
Wrong answer. Every breed can have it's little terrors just like every chat board can have its own little terrors. There is no perfect breed of dog and the behavior of a particular dog has a great deal to do with how it is raised and treated. Admitted that some breeds are known for their aggresiveness while other are not, but even the gentlest of breeds can produce some absolute monsters.
posted on September 5, 2001 04:17:46 PM new
bunnicula
I used to have a German Shepherd and he was a great dog, except for being highly territorial and protective. We had to get rid of him because he bit the housing inspector who was inspecting the house we were building. We didn't realize he would attack until it was too late. He came up from behind and didn't make a sound. It surprised everyone...
[ edited by outoftheblue on Sep 5, 2001 04:19 PM ]
[ edited by outoftheblue on Sep 5, 2001 04:20 PM ]
posted on September 5, 2001 04:39:11 PM new
How about one more opinion?....I'm a big dog kinda gal, my 1st was my Golden Retreiver, a loyal, sweet obedient fellow, but he was a handful til he was about 4....My 2nd was a Yellow Lab, a rash decision to buy, in a pet store, NOT from good stock, she's very timid, but obedient & sweet.....I had NO interest in a little dog, and most of my experience with family & friends that owned them was not good. Yippy little things, scared of their own little shadows...UNTIL we bought Mom a #*!@-zu & I drew the short straw and got assigned to training her....She is THE sweetest little thing...runs around after the big dogs, jumpin' & playin', BUT will doze off on your lap, just as easy...&...with her long hair (THAT is a consideration, LOTS of work to maintain it!) & that adorable little face, she looks like a muppet to me where she stares at ya with her little head cocked!....
Whatever your choice, love it and it will love you back!
Edited to add: You do realize, dellastreet, that it would have been ALOT easier if you asked us all "What digital camera should I choose?" LOL
~ Rancher
[ edited by rancher24 on Sep 5, 2001 04:41 PM ]
posted on September 5, 2001 05:22:40 PM new
My hubby (who bred and showed Borzois) agrees with KatyD. For sweet temperament, Shih Tzus. His mom had 2. The drawback is grooming, but he got hers a kennel clip, and they just needed a quick brushing.
posted on September 5, 2001 07:10:56 PM new
poodles are great dogs. I was named after one. True story! My parents couldn't think of a name...
bassethounds are also great dogs
My dog is the best dog though...and you can't have him
posted on September 5, 2001 09:27:06 PM new
Heavens! I haven't been able to visit since yesterday, and when I come back here is all this great info! Thanks to everyone for your suggestions.
All your dogs are precious. I'm leaning toward a chihuahua since I do want a toy variety. And since my Cody was part chihuahua, I'm sure that is influencing my decision. I am keeping an open mind on getting a cat instead though.
posted on September 5, 2001 10:54:28 PM new
Just to add to the confusion...
I can't imagine life without a schipperke. here is Maxine with her ears in either "expectant " or "sheepish" mode. (I'll have to do 2 posts, as I haven't figured out how to do 2 pics in one.)
She's a loving little 11lb female with tons of personality. Has slept on the bed from day 1, and claims the back window shelf of the car as hers! Bouncy rather than hyper, excellent watchdogs, with extraordinary memories.
Males can be snippy...both sexes reluctant to accept confinement,unless well-taught. Pretty fearless, and very devoted.
uglimouse
P.S. My second choice for fun, small size and nice disposition would be a cockapoo.
posted on September 5, 2001 11:05:29 PM new
outoftheblue, does she have golden eyes? Looks like with her coloring, she would. Shes very pretty. Why would you think she is not? All animals are beautiful to me. As you can tell, I am an animal lover
posted on September 5, 2001 11:21:59 PM new
My daughter found her hamster dead a few days ago and is taking it hard, so I promised her a puppy. I have been reading this thread with great interest.
I am leaning toward a Shih Tzu or a Yorkie now. I need a small lap dog that would be good with little ones.
My sister had a rat hair terrior that was incredible. We always said it was more of a kindred spirit than a dog. When Hayley was small she cried whenever we were visiting my sister (strange environment, etc). Patches spent the night pacing back and forth ... poor thing had bags under her eyes the nect morning! She died in a car accident ... and to this day my sister and I have trouble talking about her.
The girls want a little ball of fur. Am I making the right choice? I called the pound, and the one in the next county, but the smallest both had were Labs.
posted on September 6, 2001 05:54:53 AM new
Mrs. Santa, unless your daughter is pretty mature, I would think twice about a toy dog. They are adorable, getting Punkin was the best thing we've done in a while-I was very lonesome in the house after the kids left.
But tiny puppies take gentleness and lots of attention! Punkin loves to play, but we always have to keep in mind how tiny he is. Children can get a little rough. Nothing is more devastating to a child than to accidentally hurt their puppy.
My office is in my house, so I am here for him all the time. But raising a puppy is very similar to raising a child. It's a 24 hour job if you do it right. Is your daughter ready for that? Is she willing to feed, clean up after, let out at night, bathe, overlook her chewed up shoes? If you think the answer is no, get her a larger puppy, one that you can leave in the fenced yard while she's at school, or in a crate at night, one that she can roll on the floor with, bathe in a tub in the yard. everyone will be happier, inclding the puppy!
Again, our Weimaraners (20 years worth) have been unfailingly gentle and playful with children, very protective of them, and very understanding about being laid on, dressed up, bathed, and house trained. They run about 70-80 pounds, so we're not talking about monster sized, just large enough to be good for kids.
Just my opinion, not that I'm biased, just raised a lot of kids and dogs!
posted on September 6, 2001 09:54:21 AM new
My littlest is terrified of big dogs, so I need to keep it small. I am hoping to find a dog that is a little bit bigger than a toy ... and really prefer a mixed breed over a full blooded dog.
I grew up with a peekapoo in the house and many beagles. Actually, I remember the beagles making great pets.
I have talked to the girls about getting a "little Lassie" ... maybe I will have to pull out a Lassie movie and show them. That breed seems to be a happy medium.
My sister's boxer/chow mix (who lives to love) licked Hannah's face the whole way up when she was about 18 months old and since then she freaks when she has to be near a big dog. I really am hoping that having one in the house from a puppy will help. She loves puppies.
The good thing is I have told them they must pick up after themselves for 30 days in a row before I will consider getting a dog. One messy day and they have to star over again. The way they are, I won't be needing to buy a dog leash in the near future
posted on September 6, 2001 05:37:06 PM new
Another good option to consider is breed rescue. Most of the AKC breeds have rescue groups. There are several for dachshunds. If you are interested in that possibility, just e-mail me privately and will give you the e-mail address. Also, look for e-mail groups and join one of them. There are people that will be more then happy to answer any questions regarding a certain breed. I am partial to dachsunds myself. We are owned by several spoiled rotten doxies.
posted on September 7, 2001 08:38:12 AM new
I had a tiny toy poodle for many years. She Was loving, protective of children, played with the cat and smarter than me.
) life, though...he did what we called "protest poops." He'd just lost too many people...so when we couldn't take him with us, he'd leave us a poignant protest...right in the center of the rug. 
Sure miss that little guy...snake hunter extraordinaire, and a true terrier. I like a dog with lots of energy and spirit. Both females have been lapdogs, but full of play and fun as well.
