Monday, May 24, 2010

What kind of dog should I get?

Ok so I will most likely be getting a dog soon, but I don't know which one I want!!! I really want a small/tiny dog that I can carry around (not for show, or because Paris and Britney have one, I think they are losers, I want one simply for love and companionship, and smaller dogs appeal to me), but it would still be able to go for walks if need be. I need a dog that is very loving and attached, but wouldn't mind being home for around 6 hours a day or more since I'm still in school. I also need a dog that would not be agressive since I already have a cat aswell and I want them to get along. Most importantly the dog would need to be able to use some sort of indoor potty since it would be alone for 6 or more hours a day. If there are any dog experts who can help me choose, that would be great!!!

Thanks, all feedback appreciated!!
Answers:
First, I am glad you thought about what will do well in your home and how much exercise your dog will need.

Do you have a fenced yard, or even a small pen to put him in for a few hours of exercise and sun ?

I am thinking your family or friends agree, too, if they will live with the dog ?

Do you want short hair or long hair ?



The first place I would check is the nearby humane society and animal shelter.

Everyday cute dogs are killed in the U.S. You can also put down the type of dog you would like and be called.

Next, try PetFinder.com and put in your zip code and type of dog. Try different words like Pom or Chi or Papillon.

Go to akc.org and look under Toy Group. Read the health problems so you can check for these when you talk to a breeder or rescue. Read the breed "Standard" and look at several photos to see what they are supposed to look like. Remember a Chihuahua is a Chihuahua, and not a teacup, toy Chihuahua, or a miniature Chihuahua.. those came into being because of unhealthy or runts of the litter and people thought they were cute and would price them HIGHER ! These little guys have way more problems than a normal Chihuahua. So beware that other breeds will do this, too !

Look up the breed you like on the internet put in the breed name, America, and Club and you will get the 'parent' club that protects its breed. Lots, and lots and lots of information!

Get your new pup checked at a veterinarian as soon as you can after you get one. You need to make sure he/she's healthy.

Neuter at about age 1 year. If you have a female, she may go into heat once. At age 1 year, their hormones will have allowed them to grow up and mature.

Next, find an obedience class and take your new dog to at least 2 of them.. about 6 to 8 weeks long.

Good luck and have fun !
i would definetly get a toy poodle.
they are the smartest, cutest, most easily trainable small dog.
they range from 3-15 pounds.
extremely loyal

of of corse
ADORABLE!
Perhaps a Papillon? They are a toy dog, adorable, and intelligent. They also excel at agility. Here's a link to their national club: http://www.papillonclub.org/
Happy dog shopping!
I wouldn't recommend a Yorkshire Terrier.

Yorkies are prone to hypoglycemic shock, which happens when their blood sugar falls too low. This will result in death. Don't deprive them of food, and don't leave them alone for extended periods of time (not a good dog to have if you have a 9-5 job). They are also prone to luxating patellas (knee problems) and dental problems (teeth falling out, diseased gums), which cost $$.

I'm not 100% sure, but a Maltese or Shi-Tzu might be good? Or even a Papillion.
Please look for a reputable breeder! Not the newspaper, not the pet store. Don't look for the cheapest price. That will usually result in a dog that is not up to AKC standards, (don't buy UKC/CKC registered dogs, those organizations basically register anything with 4 legs, while AKC has regulations). They might have temperament problems, and health problems because the breeder has not taken the time to properly breed those negatives out, and is only in it for the money.

A good dog will be around $1000+. Check the breed you want, and find the average price of them and go from there. Don't be fooled into buying a "teacup" or "tiny" dog, those are usually runts of the litter. Responsible breeders will not purposely breed for that trait, but occasionally they do get some in a litter.

You will have to train a dog to use an "indoor potty". Dogs, like humans, are not born knowing where and when to poop.
Mini French poodle or a Chihuahua (Chihuahua is the obvious choice, thats what I'm probably going to get)
A Pug, Yorkie, or Pomeranian. Adorable.
You can type in the search Westminster dog show and they have the different types of dogs i.e. toy, sporting,herding,working and so on. if you press the toy section it will show you the different types of toy breeds and the information about them. I hope this helps.
just go to the shelter an somebody with help you
All breeds can get along with other animals, if they are trained to. If you wanted a big dog, I would recommend a Aussie, (Australian Shepard I have one!)
but here are some small dogs I recommend:

West White Highland terrier
DESCRIPTION: Very intelligent, fairly easy to groom, lives up about 13 years. May be a good watch dog or aloof with strangers. In the terrier group.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi
DESCRIPTION: Calm, affectionate, easy to groom. Part of the herding group. Color: tan, with white blaze and stomach, different colors may be seen.

Schnauzer
DESCRIPTION: Affectionate, silly, grooming may vary. Color: may be smoke grey, and other colors may appear.

There are alot more dogs that will fit well into your household.
If you choose to get a big dog, get a Aussie! If you live in California here is a great breeder (i got my aussie from them): www.hallsaustralianshepherds.c... and if you live in colorado, ww.trademarkaussies.com

Good puppy luck!
A toy or teacup poodle or even a Yorkie it depends how welll you take care of it.

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