I am currently saving to buy my first puppy ever. I am looking for either a Maltese, Chihuahua or maybe a mixed breed. I am single have no children and thought this would be a good start. I have never had a pet before in my life. Any advice?
2006-07-12 03:25:32 · 11 answers · asked by Love United 6 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Get a Maltese! I just got a Maltese a couple months ago. Malteses' are cute, loving and fun dogs to have and they don't need much maintanance. They don't shed and they are hypo-allergenic so even if someone is allergic to dogs they can still be around a maltese.
2006-07-12 03:32:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say get a maltese or a mixed breed. Maltese are non-shedding and hypoallergenic. The down side is they tend to have ear problems and sebacious gland cysts. A mixed breed would tend to be healthier due to the genes being spread around a little more. Specific breeds come from inbreeding to get certain traits to show up.
I grew up with a maltese/bichon frise mix that was an absolutely wonderful dog. Here only issue was ear problems. We had to clean her ears every couple days. She lived to be14 which is pretty good since she came from a really bad situation when she was a puppy.
Also, before you buy your dog, puppy proof the house. Anything on puppy level is fair game for the puppy to knock over, chew on or scratch. Basically do the same things you would to child proof a home. Find a good vet, groomer and kennel in your area as well and look into obedience training once you get your dog. Obedience training is a great way to build a healthy relationship with your dog and to teach it proper behavior.
What ever breed you get, make sure you study the nature of that breed so you are prepared when the puppy moves in. For example, Jack Russel Terriers tend to be hyper and jump. Malteses tend to think they are a big dog trapped in a little dog body.
Good luck with your first pet. Just remember, you will basically be that pet's parent. Most dogs think a lot like a 2-3 year old child so it is like having a 2-3 year old child for 12 years.
2006-07-12 10:35:47 · answer #2 · answered by Be_loislane1 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Never owned a Maltese, but do have a Chi and a Yorkie. I've said this in another answer, and will again - it all depends on what you're looking for. Chi's can be aggressive and they shed, alot. Mine is short haired. They are innately nervous dogs and generally don't take kindly to strangers (mine does, but she is the exception to the rule). I also have the Yorkie - not shedding not allergenic dog. Their hair is the same make-up of human hair. Good disposition dog. Can be aggressive as well due to size, but generally not as much as the Chi. The yorkie is higher maintenance as their hair, being like ours, never stops growing. If you never cut their hair it will just grow and grow and grow. So, if you can handle chopping around their butts so they can poo without it tangling up in their hair, I would personally recommend the Yorkie. Like i said, no maltese here so cannot comment but it looks as though you're considering a small dog breed.
Whatever you do, dont get it from a pet store. Go to a breeder or rescue one.
2006-07-12 10:37:33 · answer #3 · answered by Sebring 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Daschunds are very loyal and sweet I have one. Or you could get a mix from a local shelter so it doesn't have to be locked up in a cage all it's life or until it gets euthanized (put to sleep) for not getting a home. Just go see if you click with any of them.
2006-07-12 11:29:17 · answer #4 · answered by Chloe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How about a Golden Retriver. (Sorry if that is too much out of the question. But a Maltese is good too, my friend has one.)
2006-07-12 11:04:40 · answer #5 · answered by Maddee~Mar 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WELL A LOT DEPENDS ON HOW MUCH MAINTAINS YOU WANT. LONG HAIRED DOGS NEED MORE GROOMING THAN SHORT. ANOTHER FACTOR IN DOG SELECTING IS HOW ACTIVE YOU ARE. SOME BREEDS NEED A LOT OF EXERCISE. I WOULD ADVICE YOU TO LOOK UP THE BREEDS THAT YOU ARE INTERESTED IN AND READ ABOUT THEM , TO LEARN THEIR PERSONALITY TRAITS AND HOW MUCH GROOMING THEY WOULD REQUIRE. AFTER YOU FIGURE THAT OUT I WOULD HAVE YOUR PUPPY SPAYED OR NEUTERED. GOOD LUCK AND ENJOY
2006-07-12 10:47:47 · answer #6 · answered by momwith2suns 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My daughter has the cutest, most lovable Papillon. It is very smart and doesn't require grooming. It loves to take a bath. And at 8 lbs, it is easy to handle.
Here's a picture of one below.
2006-07-12 10:35:28 · answer #7 · answered by justcuriouslikegeorge 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a dog from your local animal shelter. It won't cost a lot of money and you will be saving the dog's life.
2006-07-12 11:37:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chihuahua. They are very sweet little dogs.
2006-07-12 10:58:19 · answer #9 · answered by Niki W 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get a Shih-Tzu! The don't shed, are smart, loyal and are not yappy.
2006-07-12 10:28:48 · answer #10 · answered by Ron T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋