If a dog is gotten, which breed should it be?
OK so I'm stuck living with my mother due to my financial situation not being that great (I'll be 23 in a month and 3 days) she admitted to me that she was thinking of getting another dog. Would like it to be a small one. Not a Yorkie, not a chihuaha kind of small but slightly over 10 pounds. If we were to get one we'd do it in May, she mainly wants one right now so that I have a companion when I'm at home. I already take care of the cat majorly but he just...lies around all day and plays with me an hour a day minimum on a sporadic basis i.e. starts chasing me at random all around the main floor.
She suggested a Shih Tzu because they apparently make good companions, however I'm very much aware that these dogs have long fur unless you get it groomed every 4-6 weeks. I told my sister mother was thinking of getting that tyoe of dog and she suggested a Westie. Upon further research I think a Westie would be more suitable partly because I haven't read of t having tolerance issues with hot, humid or very cold weather which we have all of the above here. As for barking and everything else...Every dog barks, the ones who bark more than others in most cases is due to lack of training, exercise, a case of boredom, etc.
So...What sort of dog would you get? Westie or Shih tzu and why?
She suggested a Shih Tzu because they apparently make good companions, however I'm very much aware that these dogs have long fur unless you get it groomed every 4-6 weeks. I told my sister mother was thinking of getting that tyoe of dog and she suggested a Westie. Upon further research I think a Westie would be more suitable partly because I haven't read of t having tolerance issues with hot, humid or very cold weather which we have all of the above here. As for barking and everything else...Every dog barks, the ones who bark more than others in most cases is due to lack of training, exercise, a case of boredom, etc.
So...What sort of dog would you get? Westie or Shih tzu and why?
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Replies
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A pound rescue. They need you as much as you need them. It doesnt have to be a purebred to be a wonderful addition.0
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we haven't had much luck with rescues in the past...Not sure where we'd be getting it from0
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I'm a BIG advocate of rescue/adopting dogs, that's the only kind of dog I've ever had. I do some volunteer work for a large no-kill animal rescue organization---spay and neuter your pets, people!!
Anyway, if you're insistent on getting a pure-bred non-rescue dog, a good option for a small indoor dog is a Maltese. They have longer hair and need to be groomed regularly (just so the fur doesn't get matted) BUT they are hypo-allergenic dogs and do not shed or have dander. Plus they're super cute and cuddly. But definitely do your research on breeders and do NOT get a dog from a puppy mill. Fair warning though, most of these types of dogs are NOT cheap.0 -
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What does that mean? You've gotten animals and given them back? Repeatedly?we haven't had much luck with rescues in the past...Not sure where we'd be getting it from0 -
Out of the two you mentioned, a Westie... my mom had one and she was the sweetest thing.
However, my vote is for a Sheltie. We have one and even though he is still very much in his puppy phase, he is a great dog and small.
But I agree, do not get them from a puppy mill... those poor dogs are treated cruely.0 -
It VERY much depends on your personality, the place you live and the time you have to keep them busy with activities.
Try this site. It will help you determine some of those things. http://www1.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm There are others out there on many sites.
It does matter, but rescuing a dog can be a good thing. All of ours were either dumped on the side of the road (we live in a rural area), or someone was getting rid of them and needed a home. Definitely spend the time to find the dog that is right for you. There is no one breed, mixed or otherwise, that is perfect for everyone.0 -
No! We've never given a dog back, however everytime we've went and got a dog from a rescue it had issues to the point where we had to modify behaviors around the dog for a time and even then had to either shut it away when people were over, have it stay at a friend's overnight, etc. Not because we didn't love the dog but because it had HUGE socialization issues. And my aunt also hasn't had much luck, her first one was hyper all the time - the second one yips as though he's being murdered when people come over and he's a nervous wreck.
SO if at all possible we won't be getting ANOTHER pet from a rescue and will be getting from an in-home breeder like we did my last dog. She lasted 12 good years and passed away peacefully one night.
So then, back to my question: Not looking at where we'll be getting the dog from, aside from Shih Tzus, westies, Maltese...Which other small/affectionate dog would you go for?0 -
It VERY much depends on your personality, the place you live and the time you have to keep them busy with activities.
Try this site. It will help you determine some of those things. http://www1.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm There are others out there on many sites.
It does matter, but rescuing a dog can be a good thing. All of ours were either dumped on the side of the road (we live in a rural area), or someone was getting rid of them and needed a home. Definitely spend the time to find the dog that is right for you. There is no one breed, mixed or otherwise, that is perfect for everyone.
I agree... most of my parents dogs have all just "found" us one night because their owners have dumped them on the side of the road... that's how we got our westie (that unfortunately died of lymphoma a couple of years later).... we also got a puppy that was part Great Dane, Black Lab, and Charpey (?)... both the sweetest and most loving dogs....
But again, I also love my Sheltie... Shelties are one of the smartest breeds, easy to train. But can be a bit hyper, while they are puppies... our dog is more on the average side of 15-20 pounds... He is very loyal and loving... in fact, my husbands side of the family have all Shelties... and I have never seen nor heard of a problem with them. But then I'm just a bit biased... If we got another pure bred small dog it will either be a Westie or a Sheltie.0 -
Yeah that "everytime" still makes me think you've had several dogs.No! We've never given a dog back, however everytime we've went and got a dog from a rescue it had issues to the point where we had to modify behaviors around the dog for a time and even then had to either shut it away when people were over, have it stay at a friend's overnight, etc. Not because we didn't love the dog but because it had HUGE socialization issues. And my aunt also hasn't had much luck, her first one was hyper all the time - the second one yips as though he's being murdered when people come over and he's a nervous wreck.
SO if at all possible we won't be getting ANOTHER pet from a rescue and will be getting from an in-home breeder like we did my last dog. She lasted 12 good years and passed away peacefully one night.
So then, back to my question: Not looking at where we'll be getting the dog from, aside from Shih Tzus, westies, Maltese...Which other small/affectionate dog would you go for?0 -
The cat breed.
Dogs are gross, I hate them. But to each their own. 0 -
Westies and Shih Tzu's both need groomed regularly.
Brushed daily and taken to the groomers every 4 - 6 weeks.0 -
I personally like King Cavalier spaniels.0
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I like hot dogs. I'll take 2 with mustard & relish please.0
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A pound rescue. They need you as much as you need them. It doesnt have to be a purebred to be a wonderful addition.
yep, rescue one!0 -
Ruthe8, I'll have you know I've had at least 8 dogs in my lifetime along with several cats as well. While I'm not against getting dogs from shelters/pound whatever you call it, we've had some bad experiences so if you please don't walk around with a chip on your shoulder on this topic. All I'm asking is opinions on breeds for small-er dogs essentially, I don't require an opinion on where I should be getting them from.
The family likes both cats and dogs, have had both gel pretty well together in the same house on many occasions and the cats always ruled the house and bossed the dogs around. However mother would like to re-explore the idea of dog ownership and my being home regularly would mean I would have the main responsibility of it, and so I get to have a say in this as well. We've had larger dogs, never small ones. Aside from a heinz 57 which I'd like to call medium. We've had Dalmatians, Labs and that sort of breed.
In terms of grooming obviously it needs regular brushing and tooth cleaning at-home, etc. I already do it with the cat daily as he sheds quite a bit and has gingivitis in his line. In terms of the grooming obviously you have to bring it in every 1-2 months depending on the breed, some need it more than others in my experience. Ideally though we'd be looking for something which can handle hot humid weather and cold winters fairly well.
In terms of trainability we could handle some stubbornness, but if there's dogs out there who can be fairly easily trained - especially at a heeled walk and is one that I might not have thought of or hasn't been mentioned please do pitch in I'm visually impaired and the reason why the walk would have to be a heeled one is so i don't have to worry about the doing going after my cane or getting hit by it/the lead getting in my way, etc. 0 -
We have two dachshunds and they are wonderful companions.....not to mention they have the funniest personalities...they think they are human!!0
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No! We've never given a dog back, however everytime we've went and got a dog from a rescue it had issues to the point where we had to modify behaviors around the dog for a time and even then had to either shut it away when people were over, have it stay at a friend's overnight, etc. Not because we didn't love the dog but because it had HUGE socialization issues. And my aunt also hasn't had much luck, her first one was hyper all the time - the second one yips as though he's being murdered when people come over and he's a nervous wreck.
SO if at all possible we won't be getting ANOTHER pet from a rescue and will be getting from an in-home breeder like we did my last dog. She lasted 12 good years and passed away peacefully one night.
So then, back to my question: Not looking at where we'll be getting the dog from, aside from Shih Tzus, westies, Maltese...Which other small/affectionate dog would you go for?
Considering the amount of homeless pets in the world, going to a breeder is kind of selfish.
It's true, sometimes rescues do have some behavioral issues due to their past - if this is a concern, consider an older dog who is already trained, etc. Find an organization that will let you spend some time with the dog - taking him on a walk and such. If you don't have the time to dedicate to training your new dog, then maybe now isn't the best time to get one.0 -
Both breeds are very friendly. I had a Westie years ago - only issue is they very often have skin problems. I have two shih tzus now - one is 7 and the other is 8. They are fabulous dogs - very friendly, great lap dogs and sweet as can be. They do need to be groomed, but so do Westies. I would probably never get any other breed other than a shih tzu just because they have the best disposition. Good luck with your decision.0
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Two of our dogs came from pounds. One was found by a friend, wandering in the park, in the middle of a below zero cold spell. They couldn't keep him, so we took him. All three have been great dogs! We like big dogs, so I really haven't any advice on what breed to get, just to tell you not to give up on shelter or pound dogs. They have lots of young dogs too--which may help with behavioral issues.
Really do consider it. There are so many great dogs that need homes!0 -
poodles - super smart (second smartest dog next to german shephards) and they dont shed. Great family dog, very loyal, hypoallergenic, just perfect (IMO).
my family has had at least 8 and every single one of them was/is amazing.
I am the very proud owner of a 10lb Toy Poodle (and a 70lb Boxer)
Yes, you have to groom them 6-8 weeks, but thats NOTHING compared to the amount of dog hair I have to sweep up everyday with our Boxer.
also ---- Im on the same train with adopting a dog instead of going to a breeder. You are going to have issues when you rescue a dog - they are damaged/have issues - duh - but if you're patient and can give enough of your time/attention, it will be corrected.
If you dont think your family can handle that - maybe you should just stick with the cats (and "entertain" yourself at the gym).0 -
Shiba inu.
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I'm a fan of rescuing fur friends that need a home from anywhere. I've had all types, but if I had to get a smaller one I'd go for Corgi. Very loyal, great companions and smart as whips. If you could go bigger I'd say border collie. We have a Border Collie/American cattle dog mix about 45 lbs and while medium sized he is the smartest furball I've ever encounrtered. Folks ask how I trained him and I tell most folks talk to the dog it's taken him forever to get me to understand what he can do, he's the trainer. I'm just his human!:laugh:0
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In-home breeder= family looking to give a litter of puppies away. Not an actual breeder - as for getting them from shelters we will if we find that there is one of suitable temperament. Shelters will always be overflowing with dogs/cats who require a home. For those who think me selfish, to everyone their opinions...Breeder/bought from an owner with litter of puppies/gotten from the local shelter, either way any dog in these environments need homes. And thank you to those whom have given their opinions on their own dog breeds.0
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I noticed on your profile you like paddling, so assuming around water a lot. Have you considered some that tend to enjoy water? I think a rat terrier does out of the smaller breeds, but not sure of the rest from that group, maybe some of the spaniels.
Most of the water dogs tend to come from the sporting group and Labradors are great, but on the larger side (depending on the line you get them from) and you have obviously had one before so are familiar with their temperament. I would still consider a lab just because they may have most of the traits you are looking for. The thing I would do their is get the lineage from the breeder and see how many companion dogs rather than hunter masters are there.
Take your time and bred dogs need good homes too so they don't become strays or discarded pound animals that have problems.0 -
We are partial to Bichon Frise....... :drinker:
This is Abby or oldest of 3.... She weighs 13 lbs. and is absolutely a delight. We put her and her siblings through puppy school and basic obedience and CGC. They are big time lap dogs and want to be by your side every chance they get. We live in Ohio and get all the extreme weather and they do fine gong out in it.. They do not shed, so they need groomed every 4-6 weeks and we get the Pet Cut hairdo. If you let them grow out to there AKC standard they are little puff balls... attached a few photo's... Best of Luck
Abby:
All 3 on vacation @ OBX 2012:
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If all your dogs have been out of control, I wonder if the problem was the dogs. Do you teach them their place in your family? How do you discipline and reward them? How is food controlled?0
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Ed, your babies are so cute!0
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Ed, agree your dogs are cute.
Not all my dogs have been out of control - just a few out pf them. In terms of how food is controlled...When my siblings were younger they would give one of our dogs either table food or extra food when we weren't looking, however they would be fed about 2-3 times daily depending on their size and the amount given.
And yes we do tend to teach them their place/ make sure they don't have authority however some were just too stubborn and no matter how many times they were admonished my then younger siblings would either cuddle with them right off the bat and we would then chastise the child and explain why we punished the dog initially and tell them to not comfort/cuddle right away.
Discipline would be carried out by your tone of voice, not speaking loudly like I see some handlers do but just change my tone followed by a Sit command. You could tell the dog understood this as punishment by their body language i.e. staring down at the floor and looking sad.
For a reward system my parents would occasionally give them a bone to chew on, and the thing would last them DAYS and they'd take away as soon as something 'bad' was committed. As for me I don't really believe in food rewards, I'd give physical and verbal praise which made them just as happy0 -
We rescued a lhasa apso when I was younger. It was my first dog, and she was the best small-sized dog I've ever had or been around. She just recently passed away.
Anyway, they're incredibly adorable, very playful, and sweet. I think they're an excellent breed to look into if you're trying to find a house with puppies. I notice them occasionally when doing the Sunday crossword puzzle in my area, so I don't think they're horrible uncommon to find from non-breeders. But, either way, I wish you the best of luck finding a good fit for your home!0
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