posted on September 4, 2001 07:06:48 PM new
I need some advice. I want to buy a dog, but I'm not sure which breed would be best. I want a very small dog that I can keep inside, but one that wouldn't be too hard to potty train. Personality is important too. No hyper dogs need apply. LOL What I'm looking for is a cuddly little lap dog to keep me company.
I've considered an applehead chihuahua, a poodle, or a yorkshire terrier. Anybody here know these breeds? Any suggestions or advice?
posted on September 4, 2001 07:24:16 PM new
Poodle. Highest on the intelligence list, doesn't shed like others dogs do. Get a giant french standard and teach it to make breakfast if you want.
One of the damned sights I ever saw was a dog sled team at the Idiarod race in Alaska with an all poodle team.
posted on September 4, 2001 07:24:38 PM new
If you don't want a "hyper" dog, then a terrier breed isn't for you. Yes, even those tiny little Yorkies are true terriers--which means bundles of energy & very vocal. Though you might want to consider a senior citizen that has left its hyperness behind.
With Chihuahuas being so extremely popular right now, you need to make sure you buy from a reputable breeder, not someone who just happened to have a "cute" Chihuahua & decided they should breed it. More breeds have been destroyed by popularity than anything else. Contrary to what many believe, these little dogs are not nervous little yappers. If treated as a dog & not a rag doll they are great dogs! I've had two.
Poodles are great dogs, too (when treated like dogs) BUT: they require quite a bit of grooming & they are much more active than most people think. AND they're incredibly intelligent--which means that if you don't give them something to do, they find something themselves (which probably won't thrill you ). This goes for all sizes of Poodle, from toy to standard.
You might want to consider a Pug! While bigger than the tiny breeds you mentioned, these are great little dogs blessed with tons of personality. They don't require much exercise & are exceeding clean, & need little grooming.
Other breeds to consider: Papillon, Japanese Chin, Shiba Inu (though these require a bit more exercise), and the Schipperke (I've had one of these & they're wonderful!!!).
Try going to local dog shows. Talk to the breeders. Read about the breeds you like. I would avoid buying from backyard breeders--they may be cheaper, but they aren't breeding for quality.
And whatever breed you decide on, you might be interested in adopting an adult or older puppy--every breed has a breed rescue, where you can a great dog in real need of a home.
posted on September 4, 2001 07:26:29 PM new
Go to the pound. So many loving dogs are there waiting for someone to love them. Dont choose the breed. Let your heart choose.
I have a golden retriever and a lab mix. Very intelligent. Easy to train. But I didnt choose him for the breed. I chose him and took him out of death row. I dont know what I would do without him...he is my best friend.
[ edited by hepburn on Sep 4, 2001 07:28 PM ]
posted on September 4, 2001 07:31:21 PM new
You need a shih tzu. They were bred to cuddle. Very calm personalities and the breed is known for it's sweet disposition. And who could resist that face!
posted on September 4, 2001 07:37:48 PM new
Do not get a male chihuahua if you want a potty trained dog.I have three chi's and the males pee in the house whenever they are mad at me for anything at all...like going outside without them. They are known for being almost impossible to housebreak. If you do get a chi get a female and have her spayed. They are clean and quiet then. Be certain to socialize any dog you get. That really cuts down on the nervousness and barking.
posted on September 4, 2001 07:37:52 PM newGo to the pound. So many loving dogs are there waiting for someone to love them. Dont choose the breed. Let your heart choose.
You have been given some very good advice here. The pound puppies are on very limited time. You have the ability to save a life and change a life. Please think about what hepburn said.
posted on September 4, 2001 07:45:33 PM new
I do agree with the pound option--with a caveat. Most pounds give you a coupon for a vet exam when you adopt a dog: use it. Most especially if you have your heart set on a puppy. It's a sad fact that many young pups adopted from the pound die simply because they were either sick when they got to the pound, or picked up something while they were there. I speak from personal experience when I say that it is hearbreaking to take a pound pup into your heart only to have it die soon after you get it.
You can get all kinds of purebred dogs at the pound--in fact most breed rescues constantly monitor their local pounds & spring loose those of their breed that wind up there. Both of my chihuahuas came from the pound (both were well ove 10 years old) as did my second Shar-pei (who'd been so abused that it took 6 months before he stopped cringing). All were great dogs.
But if you want a particular breed, and want a rescue, going to a breed rescue is your best bet other wise you could be searching for a long time.
posted on September 4, 2001 07:56:55 PM new
I got 2 really great dogs at the pound. Neither of them were pups, but they were young dogs. One was a pug and the other was the worlds laziest doxie. Both lived to a ripe old age. I took both of them straight to my Vet for a check up before we went home. It saves a lot of heart ache to have them checked out first.
Both trips I was looking for a large dog, but they kind of picked me.
posted on September 4, 2001 08:03:27 PM new
One of the chihuahuas I adopted from the pound was a male. Mongo never peed in the house once. His only drawback was that he thought he was a Great Dane & would challenge other male dogs. Once went after fortunately very tolerant Rottweiler before I could stop him ! Convinced he'd win, too. His motto toward other males was c'mere & I'll rip your toenail off!
posted on September 4, 2001 08:26:27 PM new
Wow, what a lot of information to absorb! I'm leaning toward a chihuahua, but I didn't know they were particularly popular right now. My grandmother had one when I was a child, and I've just always loved them. OTOH, I've been told poodles are a breeze to train and that's definitely a plus.
Getting a puppy is not set in stone. An older dog might suit me better than a pup. Checking the pound is a great idea. I don't know why I hadn't already thought of it.
Hepburn, I see what you're saying about letting the dog choose me, but I kinda want to have an idea of what to expect so breed is important. I'm researching breeds now.
posted on September 4, 2001 08:30:45 PM new
Get a weenie dog, I paid a fortune for mine and she was worth every penny. She is tiny, weighs about 6 pounds and is the most loyal, affectinate, sweet natured dog you could imagine. I also have a little rat terrier who bounces off the walls all day.
posted on September 4, 2001 08:43:31 PM newHepburn, I see what you're saying about letting the dog choose me, but I kinda want to have an idea of what to expect so breed is important. I'm researching breeds now.
LOL! I betcha, dellastreet, that all your carefully laid plans will go right out the window once you set your eyes on your new friend, at the pound (IF you go to the pound at all). Your head might say one thing, your heart will say another
posted on September 4, 2001 08:47:15 PM newdellastreet: Since the advent of the Taco Bell chihuahua, the demand for this breed has been sky-high. Which unfortunately means that every body & his brother become "breeders." Popularity can ruin a breed as has been seen in the past with collies, scotties, german sherpherds and American Cocker Spaniels, dalmatians (and others). In fact, a lot of the purebred dogs you find in the pound are results of backyard breeding. You find a *lot* of dalmatians & cockers at pounds, especially in my area. One pound, in Baldwin Park, has so many liver-spotted dalmatians that it is obvious that there are backyard breeders with liver-spotted dalmatians close by.
Do research any breed you are interested in. I have a lot of dog books, including a handy vet book called "Medical & Genetic Aspects of Purebred Dogs" (tells what problems if any breeds are disposed to) & will be happy to look up any breed you like.
posted on September 4, 2001 08:51:01 PM new
I would have to vote for a Yorkie. I have two of them (as well as two shih tzus), and even though they're the same breed, they have very different personalities. Taffie is more playful than Jack is -- she is somewhat of a cuddle-er, although she'd just as soon play.
Jack is the ultimate lap dog -- he simply can't get close enough to you. He'll play when you initiate it, but he's perfectly content just to snuggle with you.
Taffie is more open to meeting strangers than Jack (in fact, Taffie has never met a stranger). Jack is a little more leary of people he hasn't met. He tends to avoid people who make him uncomfortable, and doesn't care too much for kids. He doesn't get aggressive at *all* -- he just hides somewhere until the person has left. After he gets to know you, he'll be right up in your lap, just like he's know you all his life. Once he's met you, he doesn't forget you.
Both of them will bark if they hear a strange noise outside, but neither of them are "yappers". Both have been relatively easy to housetrain, but since Jack is a male, he tends to want to mark new things that we bring into the house (new furniture that doesn't "smell right", etc.).
Shih tzus make great dogs too, and both of mine love to cuddle and are as sweet as can be. Both are females, and both tend to be more active than my Yorkies. They were also harder to train than my Yorkies were. I have read in several places that Shih Tzus can be stubborn about training, and I would have to agree. Dustie is a borderline "yapper", but usually hushes when we tell her to.
As far as taking care of them, both breeds have been equally healthy in my experience. Grooming-wise, my shih tzus take longer than my Yorkies, but you do have to brush both breeds on a regular basis or else you'll have a mess! Neither of my Yorkies seem to shed much.
I have to second the idea about checking at your local dog shelter, but if you definitely want a small dog, you might not want to get a small mixed-breed puppy unless you can find out what breed(s) the parents are. Sometimes it's hard to tell how big a mixed-breed puppy will be when it grows up!
posted on September 4, 2001 09:04:33 PM newYour head might say one thing, your heart will say another
Very true. But people have to be careful about letting their heart rule, sometimes. One of the biggest problems I see--and why so many dogs end up in the pound--is that people let their hearts rule without considering whether a particular breed (or mutt) will fit them and their lifestyle.
Are you a sedentary person, or an active one?
Long-coated breeds are gorgeous...but do you have the time, patience and/or desire to do all the grooming necessary?
How tolerant are you of shedding hair? Barking? Chewing? (important if getting a puppy).
Speaking of puppies: do you have the time to housetrain one? To feed it two or three times per day?
What kind of budget do you have? Some dogs eat a *lot*. Others are prone to medical problems (usually expensive).
Dellastreet: Analyze your lifestyle before you look at breeds. Be honest with yourself about what type of dog will *really* fit your personality & lifestyle.
One of the worst cases I have ever seen was a woman I worked with about 9 years ago. This woman was convinced that the dog for her was one that is large & formidable. The truth was that she is obese (not an overstatement), does not like physical activity and is intolerant of rambunctious behavior of any kind. As a consequence, in the entire time I knew her, she ran through 6 dogs of various large breeds. Soon after she got the pup she'd start complaining about it & making excuses to get rid of it or return it to the breeder as "dangerous" or "inferior." She had, one after the other, a Dobermann, Rottweiler, Giant Schnauzer, Bouvier, Dogue de Bordeaux and, when last I saw her, had gotten a Fila Brasiliero (*not* a breed for inexperienced dog owners!!!).
If your heart is telling you that the Afghan Hound is the dog for you, so classy, so glamerous, so gorgeous...and your lifestyle is more suited to Chinese Crested, you will not be happy!
It sounds to me like you've made the right start. Keep going! You'll find your dog.
posted on September 4, 2001 09:15:48 PM new
bunnicula, thanks for offering to help with my research. I'm still reading, but I may need more information so don't be surprised if you hear from me again.
thedewey, your Jack sounds just like my Cody. He was a chihuahua-and-something mix, and his personality sounds just like your Jack. He died last year, and what I really want is another Cody.
The nearest pound is 50 miles away. It would definitely be worth the trip to save a dog's life but as you say, it's hard to tell about a dog if you're not sure about his parents.
posted on September 4, 2001 09:52:38 PM new
We have a Jack Russell wanna-be that we got at a yard sale. He's larger than a real "Jack" at about 18 pounds.
He actually doesn't believe he's a dog at all and hates it when he has to ride in the back of the vehicle with "the dog" (our Lab). He's a terrible guard dog, he likes everybody. Very even tempered, gets along with all the dogs who live with our extended families when we visit. He very energetically plays with tug-toys. He loves to sit with people and everyone loves him. He sheds something awful, and has an embarrassing way of sitting that just looks sooo tacky. He steals cat food, but manages to look ashamed when he gets caught. Very smart, can find his toys when I hide them. Only barks at night when we let him out for his last comfort stop. Never barks any other time. Very expresive terrier face, almost looks like he could talk.
posted on September 4, 2001 10:00:07 PM new
I currently only have three dogs (my Shar-pei passed away last summer): a Great Dane 9deaf, from breed rescue), a Greyhound (retired racer), and a Jack Russell Terrier (given to me by a breeder who took her back from abusive buyers).
My Jack Russell is of the rough-coated variety. Her name is Elsie Crumpet Devil Dog & she lives up to it. Typical terrier, she is always on the go. *Very* vocal. And loves to dig (they're called "terriers" for a reason)--in fact has taught the Great Dane to dig which means that my backyard can sometimes look like a war zone under heavy artillery fire.
posted on September 4, 2001 10:00:29 PM new
Bunnicula, you are right, of course. My heart ruled, and I got a white dog on a burgundy carpet. When my heart chose him, I had no idea he would clash with my color scheme
posted on September 4, 2001 11:27:37 PM new
This is Susie, a bit of a mixed grill dog.
We bought her home from "death row" seventeen years ago this week. She was about a year old when we got her so that makes her eighteen.
She's not the brightest dog you've ever seen but a great family dog. She has been no trouble and loves everyone. Her brain is in her stomach!
Old age has slowed her down these days but she still has her moments.
Wasn't what we'd planned on getting but hearts ruled the head!
Bob, Downunder but never down.
posted on September 4, 2001 11:29:42 PM new
dellastreet
My family used to train dogs for obedience shows so I've been exposed to a lot of different breeds.
The best indoor dog I've ever had is a Rat Terrier. Ours is very intelligent (never been obedience trained) and usually does what she's told. Usually just a hand gesture is all that it takes. She has short hair and doesn't shed that much. The only time she's hyper is when I play with her. She makes a good lap dog if that's what you like.
Shelties are also nice dogs but kind of high maintenance….
[ edited by outoftheblue on Sep 4, 2001 11:37 PM ]
posted on September 4, 2001 11:33:26 PM new
Don't forget the hairless rat terriers
I must admit that I have a fondness for the hairless breeds (which usually do have some hair on their heads & have coated varieties, too). Love the Xoloitzquintli, Peruvian Inca Orchid, Chinese Crested, and the Hairless Rat Terrier.
Only trouble is, you've got to stock up on sunblock!
[ edited by bunnicula on Sep 4, 2001 11:49 PM ]
posted on September 5, 2001 08:32:09 AM new
Barry's right! Cats are a great choice (Great pic, Barry!!)
As for small breed dogs, some of them can be very nasty. Dachsunds (sp?) are mean. My brother got one and it killed his cat for no reason. And my mother used to have them with similar luck. Shitzus are nasty little dogs that will pee on your bed if you piss them off and do other vile things! Semi-untrainable as well. Have known several people with this kind of dog. Nothing but problems.
Or, get a larger breed such as a golden retriever or samoyed. Gentle dogs. Very trainable and pleasant dispositions.
Avoid Chows..They will maul children. Mean disposition!
posted on September 5, 2001 08:45:43 AM new
I love chihuahuas also. I had a male a long time ago who was more fearless than smart, but he was a love. The only two concessions we made to him (we had two shepards at the time also) were that we allowed him on the couch (not something the shepards could do) and we got him a sweater for winter. Because we treated him like a dog, he behaved like one and was wonderful.
Only one disconcerting habit. When we'd come home after being away all day for work, he'd get so excited, he'd fall on his back and pee on his stomach. It was just a few drops though.
posted on September 5, 2001 09:34:59 AM newTriggerfish
Wrong answer. It appears that you just don't like small dogs, which is the type of pet that Della specifically said she was interested in. Dachsunds are wonderful dogs and your comments about shih tzus are false and downright ignorant albeit due to the fact that you have had no personal experience with the breed. As a matter of fact, the shih tzu breed is known for it's especially sweet disposition, and I have NEVER EVER heard anyone familiar with dog breeds characterize the shih tzu as nasty little dogs that will pee on your bed if you piss them off and do other vile things!
ANY animal that is not properly socialized and trained can cause harm to children. Including Samoyed and Retreivers.
posted on September 5, 2001 09:38:30 AM new
We had a Samoyed Chow cross. He was a very nice dog but very quirky. I hear people say that about Chows being mean but I don't see it. They are a one person dog though from my experience. Our best family dog was a Great Dane German Sheperd cross. He was a big sweetie. Our worst was a medium size poodle. He was very mean. Don't shelter dogs generally live longer than purebred dogs?
posted on September 5, 2001 09:45:45 AM new
Wanted to add that nasty little dogs that will pee on your bed if you piss them off and do other vile things! actually would better characterize some chatboard posters here rather than shih tzus.
). This goes for all sizes of Poodle, from toy to standard.
! Convinced he'd win, too. His motto toward other males was c'mere & I'll rip your toenail off!
