Hi everyone...I am , obviously new to this forum. I have a few questions, if y'all could help me out a bit I would appreciated it greatly!
The family (the hubby and the nine year old daughter) have been riding me for a dog for a very long time, to which I have successfully held my ground. Until lately...lol
I have always been more of a kitty type person, but, unfortunately, I think I am allergic to them, so that pet is a no go. We do have several fish tanks....fresh, marine, and seahorses...I also have a Parrot named Rosie who is 12 years old, and I hand fed her as a baby. So, while I can take care of the pets, I really am not sure about a dog. I know they are higher maintenance than probably all the pets I currently have combined.
So, to my story, while visiting a friend of mine, who has a 3 year old Yorkie, my daughter fell in love with the dog. I have been reading and researching trying to find a reason NOT to get this dog, but it seems to be a fairly perfect dog! Apparently it does not shed, per se, does not need tons of excercise, and is not an excessive barker. Is this all true? (understanding dogs within a breed vary, just a parrots within a species can do same)
We do go camping, and there is little tolerance for barking dogs (altho, my experience seems to tell me there is less tolerance for large barking dogs than the small) So I would like to take it with us camping...do they tolerate car rides fairly well? There is someone home 95 percent of the time, as Grandma lives with us, and in the family vote, she voted yes for the Yorkie.
Don't get me wrong, it's not that I do not want a dog, I just want to be sure IF we get one, that it is the right dog for us.
Here is what I would like in a dog....tell me if I am just nuts please! LOL
Friendly and sweet (esp with kids)
Non-barker (as much as can be expected)
Playful and somewhat energetic
Not needing walks every day (altho, there will be walks aplenty, just not in bad weather, etc)
Fits in with the household which consists of Mom, Dad, Grandma, and 9 year old begging for a dog...
It seems the Yorkie fits the bill. Are there others I should be considering? Lay it on me, I can take it! Let me know if I seem out of line at all. I am seeking info, in part, because as a child, I had a Siberian Husky that ran away several times, and we eventually gave it to a local farmer with a small 10 acre place with pond and horses, and he ran away from there. I was just broken hearted and don't want to to the same to my child.
I do have a vet I use regularly for my parrot (yes there is a dog guy there too...) and am well aware that it will require regular visits, and good food, and potty training (my biggest fear), and of course, lots of love! Thanks for any help and guidance!