Dog help?

Daughter is moving out at the end of December and taking her (well, seems like ours, but it was bought for her) Yorkie with her. We have a teacup black poodle, female, and she is a very quiet temperment. Looking for a companion. Ideally, non-shedding or low shedding, and small, say under 15 lbs. Also, a dog that can stay home while we are at work, will not chew furniture (toys we buy it are okay) and would be a lap dog. So what is out is a golden retriever, a lab, boxer, and a german shepherd (oh how I wish they had teacup or toy german shepherds!!). Some grooming is okay, but major grooming, like a cocker spaniel or bichon frise would be out. Maybe that kicks out a lhasa apso or a shih tzu.

Here are some I am thinking of: pug, another poodle, cavalier king charles spaniel, chihuahua mix, yorkiepoo, and a puggle (pug and beagle mix). I also think a mini schnauzer or a scottish terrier might work.

"I know that everyone thinks that their own breed of choice is the perfect breed, but why not look at an Italian greyhound? no grooming required, lightweight, small, very affectionate."

How about a French Basset Vendeen - they come in two or three different sizes (Petit, Grand). Grooming? Forget it, they are supposed to look like that.
They are splendid dogs - with a great sense of humor.
But since they are hounds (hunting dogs originally) they do need some exercise and action now and again...


The day I retire from advertising and get more time on my hands, I am going to have one.(Again)

How about a mixed-breed dog from the shelter? I could go on and on about my Australian shepherd-golden retriver mix, but let's just say that with patience and training, she's become a wonderful companion.

How about a Brussels Griffon! They are little dogs which can stand up to a big dog roughhousing but are in a little lap dog body. Very playful, very loyal, hysterical expressions, low shed, few health problems. I get mine groomed about every 5-6 months. I'm biased - even though the few shown so far are great too. There is a wonderful National Rescue as well. Many many people stop me on the street asking about him as well as making a few converts at the vets office since they met mine. Him with longish hair.

Paisley said:

How about a mixed-breed dog from the shelter? I could go on and on about my Australian shepherd-golden retriver mix, but let's just say that with patience and training, she's become a wonderful companion.

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I second this. There's something special about rescuing a dog, since the dog rescues part of you, too.

Pugs are absolutely the best dogs ever..

here is Cherry Lips giving my pug a squeeze (sadly he couldn't move with me to London).

Darhling's pug is toooo cute <3

Forget Schnauzers, they require tons of grooming or else they stink!

How about a Cavalier? They're small, friendly, only require brushing once a week, minimal shedding, and are adorable! They'll get along with your teacup poodle too.

The Shirt...I LOVE your Griffy! If I had room for another dog, I'd consider a Griffy, absolutely.

I hope I don't sound preachy, just trying to be helpful because I LOVE dogs (all animals really) and it's so exciting to choose a new family member. You should have fun researching. If you are looking for a pure bred dog and you want to stick with toy size, start here:

http://www.akc.org/breeds/toy_group.cfm

If you work with a breeder, ask them tons of questions. You can also check out breed specific rescues too. Not all placements are adults with issues. Rescues sometimes find themselves with young, cast off breeders and already pregnant girls, so once in a while puppies are available.



Here are some I am thinking of: pug, another poodle, cavalier king charles spaniel, chihuahua mix, yorkiepoo, and a puggle (pug and beagle mix). I also think a mini schnauzer or a scottish terrier might work.

Pugs: bred for companionship, short burst of energy and great couch potatoes, love to eat so watch their waistline, low coat maintenance but they do shed some, they snort, grunt and may bless you with flatulence on occassion, some may require surgical correction of elongated soft pallete and stenotic nares (not a life threatening condition but an added expense you should know going in), as a flat faced breed, they cannot cool themselves in hot temps so caution must be taken to keep them cool in summer and avoid heat exhaustion, this is not the dog to take running at the beach, lol, ask breeders about a condition called Pug Encephalitis, it's rare but it happens so a breeder should be able to tell you if this is an issue in their lines.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: another awesome companion breed, they do shed and you will need to keep them groomed but you should be able to do it at home, as with all spaniel ears keep 'em clean to avoid ear crud and infections, 99.99% of this breed has the potential for cardiac issues with their mitral valve, it's genetic and it's IN the breed but in the best lines it does not actually express itself or only expresses in old age (which lots of dogs get heart problems as seniors), you need to work with a Cavalier breeder who has been doing this a while and KNOWS their lines way back and can give you an honest expectation when it comes to this issue, some Cav owners opt for annual cardiac screening just for awareness.

Chihuahua: Okay, I have a 4lb Chi who thinks she is large and in charge, lol! We call her the "brains" of the family, she is wicked smart but when you are that small, you need to be smart and aware of your surroundings, with the really tiny ones you have to watch for hypoglycemia so frequent small meals and treats are necessary, the breed may also have a "molera" or open fontanel (soft spot like on a new born baby's head) some close and some don't, if you have a Chi with an open font you have to be a little more cautious, you already have a tiny poodle so you are used to life with a wee one....I learned to shuffle my feet a lot in the early days and we had playpens and baby gates everywhere

Puggles: There are awesome Puggles out there, but for me personally, the beagle part makes them a little too vocal.

Sorry, not familiar with Schnauzers or Scotties. Just remember that the Terrier group is designed to be a bit more active and spicy (ratters) than some of the toy breeds who were only bred as companions.

Another breed I live with is the Japanese Chin. They are small, elegant dogs, not very demanding, I have yet to meet a nasty one (but a breeder pal tells me they do exist but it's rare). Mine are so sweet, they get along with everyone and are very communal, they groom each other. Chin are very neat and cat-like but not aloof. They are known for getting excited and doing "chin spins" and they sometimes "wooo" at you, very cute. The sizes vary in certain lines...I have a "chubby chin" at 19lbs while her full blooded sister is very delicate at 9lbs. The ONLY negative I can find is that they shed like sonofaguns. The coat although long, is single coated and meant to fall naturally, so basically bath and drip dry works here with brushing inbetween. Again, this is a flat face breed, so special attention to high temps.

23skid: informative. I wanted a chihuahua but wife says no. Also, we had a chorkie that died after 3 days and we got the full blood yorkie to replace it. Pugs, wife says no. I can find a puggle for $40, but wife is worried about its tendency to bay or howl or bark, and then dig or chew.

She wants a Cavalier and we found one that is a 2 hour drive, 11 wks old. Breeder says she breeds only them and has a great dane, and this is the 2nd litter for her pup and will rest a year. The father is 5 and mom is about 3. Says vet checked them out. I worry about that mitral valve thing, but I know there are no guarantees with any breed

Everyone's dogs are beautiful! But remember, while pugs are adorable, they do shed a lot. Puggles don't shed as much, but being crossed with a beagle would make me nervous because beagles can be a handful.

We have a silky terrier. It's a cross between a yorkie and an australian terrier. They weigh from about 9 to 12 pounds and don't shed (and don't annoy the allergies). They're also known for being pretty sturdy for a small dog and for having a good temperament. Ours is great. He has times when he likes to play and be active, but he prefers to just lounge around.

As for grooming, some say they require a lot, but I don't really think so. We brush our dog as needed, bath him every every 2 to 3 weeks, and get him groomed at Petsmart when the budget allows. While they're shown with really long hair, I actually keep our dog's short. He's not being shown anyway, and it keeps the maintainance down. It's also cooler for him in the summer.

Here are a couple of pictures. In 2 of them he's riding in the car with us to Vegas. He's traveled with all over the west coast and does great. In the last picture, he's hanging out on my daughter's giant toy sheepdog.

PS: A couple of positives to any of the combo-breed dogs are that they often have more balanced personalities and temperaments, and they tend to have fewer health issues.

Good luck in your search!

memphislawyer said:

She wants a Cavalier and we found one that is a 2 hour drive, 11 wks old. Breeder says she breeds only them and has a great dane, and this is the 2nd litter for her pup and will rest a year. The father is 5 and mom is about 3. Says vet checked them out. I worry about that mitral valve thing, but I know there are no guarantees with any breed

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Yup...no guarantees. That's why I'm big into knowing "worst case scenario" going in. At least then, you are prepared. I work for an Emergency Vet and it's tough to see people struggling with emotional/financial decisions over something that a breed is predisposed to, but they had no idea could happen.

I commend you for doing your homework! Just ask questions, and if you can meet the breeder and the parents...although, I'd be done for the second I saw the puppy. I mean, how do you say "no" to those deep liquid eyes????

23SkidooWithYou said:

Yup...no guarantees. That's why I'm big into knowing "worst case scenario" going in. At least then, you are prepared. I work for an Emergency Vet and it's tough to see people struggling with emotional/financial decisions over something that a breed is predisposed to, but they had no idea could happen.

I commend you for doing your homework! Just ask questions, and if you can meet the breeder and the parents...although, I'd be done for the second I saw the puppy. I mean, how do you say "no" to those deep liquid eyes????

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Wife is indulging me, as it is a boy (she wants a girl) and I will let her pick the coloring (tri color is cheaper than the Blenheim)

To 23Skidoowithyou-
Yup Japanese Chin is my next one. They are so incredible - everyone I've met. Elegant little quiet ones. If I was allowed a houseful - it would be griffys and chin spins all the way.

MemphisLawyer - Sounds like you have done your homework. Dogs cost money. That's all there is to it. But you already know that I'm sure. Perhaps look into an insurance plan - as a puppy you can sometimes get a pretty good deal going into it. Cavaliers are quite lovely too. Almost cat-like in a good way!

Your dog

memphislawyer said:

Daughter is moving out at the end of December and taking her (well, seems like ours, but it was bought for her) Yorkie with her. We have a teacup black poodle, female, and she is a very quiet temperment. Looking for a companion. Ideally, non-shedding or low shedding, and small, say under 15 lbs. Also, a dog that can stay home while we are at work, will not chew furniture (toys we buy it are okay) and would be a lap dog. So what is out is a golden retriever, a lab, boxer, and a german shepherd (oh how I wish they had teacup or toy german shepherds!!). Some grooming is okay, but major grooming, like a cocker spaniel or bichon frise would be out. Maybe that kicks out a lhasa apso or a shih tzu.

Here are some I am thinking of: pug, another poodle, cavalier king charles spaniel, chihuahua mix, yorkiepoo, and a puggle (pug and beagle mix). I also think a mini schnauzer or a scottish terrier might work.

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Memphislawyer,I Happen to be a large breed dog lover!my "Beau/Bo" (Beauregard T Bones) was a Newfoundland,I had Sara (after Sarah Ferguson -Princess Fergie) she was a Golden Retriever, then Wally (after Wall E yellow Lab/Austrailian shepard) then came STARR (After BELLE STARR,she is a shitzu/chiuaha mix).I tell you all of these to tell you that Starr is THE BEST DOG! she's so Mellow!(I call her my 'little 'Mellow-Yellow') shes so quiet,she never barks (well i can't say NEVER but you know!)I left her hair un groomed as to groom them 4x's a month dries out their skin & causes "other" issues.I also call her "rod-weena" when she gets to looking more like ROD STEWART than a dog!oh! & then we just adopted a Chiuaha/Miniture pincer(min-pin) mix TACO.
So my vote would be anything mixed with a chiauha since the 2 I have that are Chiuaha mixes are great, their lap-dogs,quiet (I like that!no barking!Unless it's to ward off 'snakes'[2 legged & slitherns]) & they are MELLOW!they are smart & just really all the way around good dogs!another PLUS is whatever they are bred with the coat is Hypo-allergnic!
Well, there you have it! good luck & I hope I've "helpped" a little bit! also, please try to adopt an older dog from a shelter as there are so many because of the economy that are thrown to the wind due to their owners plight.
I thank You & they Thank YOU!
Rita

memphislawyer said:

Wife is indulging me, as it is a boy (she wants a girl) and I will let her pick the coloring (tri color is cheaper than the Blenheim)

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Well, you can get one color this year and the other next year.

we got a male Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Need a good boy name

He's adorable!

How about calling him Rex.

11 weeks old, and I had picked out

Winston (for Churchill)
William
Byron, or Lord Byron
Barkley
Marley (wife likes, as well as Riley)
Trevor (since daughter spent 6 weeks in summer in Rome and loved the Trevi fountain)
Maxwell
Daughter likes Atticus, since I am an attorney and she is in law school.

Paisley said:

How about a mixed-breed dog from the shelter?

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Seconding. All dogs need love.