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We are looking for the right breed of dog for us. Over the past year we lost two larger dogs and now think we should ge
ran out of words. Anyway, we think we should buy a smaller dog (we're going to get two at the same time) about the size of a terrier. All of our dogs over the years (8) have been rescued, but this time we think we should pick a specific breed and raise them from a pup. We are looking for a friendly, bright breed (we have young nieces and nephews) and short hair would probably be best. The teeny breeds are out for us (no offense to those who love them!). We have homes in South Dakota and California, so the dogs would be in some cold weather occasionally. We are fairly active and are in our 60s (hikes, etc.) Any suggestions would be gratefully received. Thank you!
Asked by
Guest 248028
on Mar 15th 2009
in Choosing the Right Pet
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Im very sorry about your loss and complety understand your situation. Last year, during spring break, we lost our daushund due to cance at the young age of 5. We were devestated and so was our other dog who seemed to go crazy after he died. We looked around and decided that we wanted a cockapoo because they dont shed or smell!
she is really smart and a wonderfull pet!
you should defentily consider two cockapoos they are a cocker spanial and min poodle mix
acura-cockapoos.com is the breeder which we got our wonderful puppy (the breeders name is dee van laan.) from and she is great! she hand raises all of the puppies and gets all the shots and stuff taken care of
they are adorable, quality dogs. they are great with everyone, even kids and will give you unconditional love. feel free to ask if you have any more questins.
I have a cockapoo and a springer spanial and they get along great and emma is very loving.
Emma
answered on 3/15/09.
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Hi there!
I am also researching smaller breeds, because our vet told us that Katie would be happier during the day if she had a "little brother" to play with. I would suggest finding a rescue group for the breed you're looking for - it's a good way to get the breed you want, without paying a breeder (which encourages more breeding). With over 2 million unwanted dogs put to death each year, I truly believe that rescuing is the best way to go!
OK, so here are some smaller breeds with short hair: Boston Terrier (not as feisty as most terriers, as they were created from a mix of English terrier and bulldog), Pug mix (purebred pugs can't breathe well enough to hike), French Bulldog, Italian Greyhound or Whippet (or a mix).
If you don't mind some grooming and would like a hypoallergenic coat, Poodles and poodle mixes are smart and fun. Also, Bichon Frise and Maltese or mixes with those breeds are great little dogs.
All the breeds I recommended weigh at least 10 pounds. Good luck!
Katie
answered on 3/15/09.
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I'm biased but have you considered poodles? We come in three sizes, four if you count the smallest, tea-cup variety, but you already said you don't want a teeny-tiny dog.
Miniature is probably the best for you.
We don't moult, and we are hypoallergenic, which means we won't make those nephews and nieces sneeze or itch. We are highly intelligent dogs, and like regular exercise, but we also train easily.
One thing to consider is the cost of grooming. If you don't want to learn how to do it yourself, you will have to send your dogs to a groomer at least once every six weeks, for a bath, clip & blow-dry. Ring your nearest poodle palour and check out the cost.
If you're choosing two, best pick a girl and a boy and have them neutered early. This will reduce dominance battles which can be stressful.
Good luck.
Roger
answered on 3/15/09.
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Poodles are great. and since they are non shedders they should work great. No gobs of hair floating around. And the Standard is very athletic. I knew some people who ran everyday with their standard and she was very fit. They are also smart and very loving.
When you are not outside you can tie their forehead with a fancy ribbon. good luck:)
Dieta
answered on 3/15/09.
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I agree with the above posters in that Poodles make a great all around companion. They are not as feisty as a terrier and come in three perfect sizes!
One thing to watch out for in a cookapoo is that they may not be hypoallergenic because the dog is a cross between a poodle who is a non shedding breed and a cocker spaniel who definitely sheds. There is no guarantee that the result will be non shedding.
Grooming costs are the only issue, but if you don't mind, then the Poodle is perfect for you.
Leon
answered on 3/15/09.
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This is a great way to get some suggestion on dogs that are right for you and your lifestyle.
www3.dogbreedinfo.com
Quincy Sebastian
answered on 3/16/09.
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We love Miniature Pinschers! They are VREY smart and so great! But please research the breed. They are very active and I cant work full time with2 in the house. They are adictive! You should consider this breed. Small dogs are the way to go! You will see why...
Ginger Smiles Primm
answered on 3/16/09.
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I know you said you want a small dog but if you change your mind i recemend a boxer but if you still want a small breed how about a Jack Russel Terrier? they are both really good dogs I have a boxer and they are very easy to train!
Guest 662128
answered on 3/16/09.
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My family has always had large dogs, but since I live in an apartment, my dog had to be smaller. I went to Animal Control and happened upon a beagle. People told me not to get her; that she would be loud, etc., but in my experience, a beagle is an AMAZING dog. With proper training, they are not loud. They're very playful and affectionate, have short coats and shed little, and also are big enough to play with! (Mine is 25 lbs.) Beagles are very friendly to new people and are intelligent. They are stubborn, though, and like to follow smells, etc. Beagles are not docile; they are more companion than pet. The only "special" care required for beagles is ear cleaning. The ears have to be cleaned frequently because they are so floppy! Hope you consider a beagle!
♥Nimh♥
answered on 3/18/09.
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My husband and I are in our sixties, too, and we have two pugs. They fit our lifestyle beautifully, but while we are certainly not sedentary we don't jog or play tennis or anything that active. Taking a walk with them is great, though. Pugs love children, well, pugs love everybody! They are quite sturdy, very smart, and trainable. They have been bred for many centuries as companion dogs, People complain about their shedding but if they are brush once a week or so, they aren't that bad.
Amazing Gracie
answered on 3/21/09.
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Me personly............. i think you should get a staffy they arnt to big and are extreamly loyal! they have a short coat and can be left! They are a quiet breed and love kids! In some peoples eyes they are horrible but they are the ones that have been brought up wrong! Its the owner not the dog! I have a staffy and she is calmer and nicer than some other dogs ino! Hope this helps x
Guest 417968
answered on 8/5/09.
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