Dog Community

researching small dog breeds

Posted : 11/13/2006 5:20:41 PM

Hi everyone.

I am a senior in college and at the end of this year my fiance is giving me a puppy as a graduation present. I am interested in small dog breeds. I want a lap dog, but a second consideration is that we have a 2 year old (will be 2 and a half or older when we receive the puppy) golden retriever named Lola. Lola can be kind of fiesty at times and sometimes I have worried how she would adapt to a new puppy.

We live in a house with a moderately sized backyard and a neighborhood suitable for walking. So although I primarily want a dog to cuddle with, any puppy would receive exercise and socialization with Lola as well. Brandon and I would be working during the day but we could make accomodations for the puppy either in Lola's company or by itself, whichever would be more necessary and beneficial. One or both of us would be home at lunch for potty breaks and feeding/playtime.

The breeds I am considering as my top three so far are Bichon Frise, Maltese, or Papillion. I am also looking at terrier breeds and Shih Tzu's. My question for you is if one of these breeds sound better suited for our lifestyle than another, or any websites that would be helpful in further research on small breeds, particularly these. Thanks!

TexasDaisy

Posted : 11/13/2006 10:39:33 PM

Ok, I'll go ahead and say it, because I know it's coming... Have you ever thought about an older dog instead of a puppy? If you're not sure if your golden retrevier is going to be too rough for a puppy (which is good thinking on your part), an adult dog might be less likely to get hurt. Going through the exciting, yet oh-so stressful time of graduation AND finding a real job after college AND getting ready to be married could easily make training a puppy a real pain. There are tons of super sweet adult lap dogs waiting in shelters--if you get lucky, you might even find a cutie who's already housetrained!

I can't say I know much about smaller breeds, but here's a link to a really helpful website where you can look up and compare what you're interested in: [linkhttp://www.dogbreedinfo.com]www.dogbreedinfo.com[/link]
Just my two cents worth. Good luck!

Xebby

Posted : 11/13/2006 10:49:56 PM

I scound the older dog idea, look on www.petfinder.org to see what might be a good match. One of the best things about older dogs, and I mean dogs around 2 or older, is that most are already trained and housebroken. Basicaly, what you see is what you get. Older dogs are already adjusted to being around others dogs and you already know what their temperment is going to be. Unlike puppies that are unpredictiable about everything.

If you go through a foster program they can match you with a dog that fits well into you lifestle. The foster homes evaluate the dogs and know what kind of environment they should go to so it's a great way to find the perfect dog for your needs.

Laurelin_429

Posted : 11/14/2006 12:55:50 AM

Assuming you are in the US- [linkhttp://www.papillonclub.org/]http://www.papillonclub.org/[/link]
Has lots of information including a list of PCA breeders and a link to the PCA rescue. It also has helpful articles on choosing a good breeder and assessing whether or not the papillon is the breed for you.

[linkhttp://www.papillonclub.co.uk/]http://www.papillonclub.co.uk/[/link] The Butterfly Club (UK) is also a great resource.

Papillons are wonderful little dogs and I've really enjoyed my two boys. Papillons aren't for everyone, however, so make sure to do your research. Also, be aware that any small breed can be fragile and you'd need to monitor them around a large breed. It can be done, my vet has three 'big black dogs' and a little papillon and they get along fine. Papillons are very snuggly, as both mine will attest to, but they aren't by any means your average lap dogs. They're highly intelligent and very athletic and active. Good luck researching and finding the perfect dog for you.

Michelle H

Posted : 11/14/2006 7:56:26 AM

ORIGINAL: TexasDaisy

Ok, I'll go ahead and say it, because I know it's coming... Have you ever thought about an older dog instead of a puppy?

And miss out on puppy breath! Egads!

No just kidding, that sounds like a good suggestion and I will consider it. I have thought before about getting one from the humane society but of course then you have to wait if you want a certain breed and all of that. And there's the upside of getting it from a breeder from a health standpoint.

But, as much as I hate to say it, there is the downside of a very high fee, which as you mentioned, with my life factors of planning a wedding and looking for my first job, is something to weigh heavily. Unfortunately right now money IS an issue. Combined with the fragility of a puppy this might be a good route to take and I will think about it. Thanks

Thanks for all your advice, please keep it coming.

christie clark

Posted : 11/16/2006 1:40:17 PM

check into French Bulldogs. i adopted mine @ 4 1/2 years old. she can be a total couch potato and play with my 11 mix and 1 1/2 year old mix too.
she is now almost 10!
best thing i ever did. she was already housebroken too![

]

anne

Posted : 11/16/2006 2:27:29 PM

I am not sure where you live..

Your best option would be to go through a breed rescue (once you decide what breed you want).

We have a small breed rescue (who also pulls of all sizes dogs from our high kill shelter), and she ALWAYS has a shih tzu around. I went with her not a month ago with her to pick up a pure bred OS 2 year old Shih Tzu. This lady also has a lot of yorkies, pomeranians, exc. They truly arent that hard to find. Check out petfinder or if you know what breed you are interested in, there are lots of breed specific rescues out there. PM me if you need any help

Christina

Posted : 11/23/2006 11:09:19 PM

Newbie here, but I have heard that Papillons are great little dogs and know that Bichons can be less yappy and more 'big dog like' than a lot of other small breeds. A lot of it is training though and exercise never hurts either. Terriers can be a little less sensitive than some other small dogs though, so you might go with a terrier. You'd have to be prepared for the 'terrier-mentality' too though.

Chanel01

Posted : 11/25/2006 10:45:35 PM

I own a japanese chin and she is such a sweetie pie,she loves big dogs {she lives with 2 labs} and she loves everything and anything.

[linkhttp://www.dogbreedinfo.com/japanesespaniel.htm]http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/japanesespaniel.htm[/link]

this passage is taken from the website above
The Japanese Spaniel is a charming, lively, and happy animal. Pleasant, loving and intelligent. Affectionate and extremely devoted to its master. This breed loves everyone. With its gentle ways and charming manners, it is perhaps best suited to homes in which there are no small children. If you do have small children, teach them to be nice and gentle with the dog. They are good with other dogs and pets. The Japanese Spaniel has a mind of its own and likes to be the center of attention. This breed is not a barker. Mild mannered, elegant, yet playful. Sensitive, agile, dainty and clean. This breed is more obedient than most toy breeds and are good dogs for learning tricks. They are also good watchdogs.
Here are some links to learn more about Japanese Chins:
[linkhttp://www.japanesechin.org/]http://www.japanesechin.org/[/link]
[linkhttp://www.japanesechinonline.org/]http://www.japanesechinonline.org/[/link]
[linkhttp://www.chinpuppies.com/]http://www.chinpuppies.com/[/link]
[linkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Chin]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Chin[/link]