Suggestion for small lapdog?

Question

I want a small lapdog. Short-haired that doesn't have to be clipped. Affectionate, loyal, even-tempered. Not hyper. Any suggestions?

Please....no suggestions for dogs which require haircuts. I've already had a poodle and would like a short-haired dog this time.

Answer 1

No one has mentioned the French Bulldog yet--those are terrific little dogs, smooth-coated and snuggly. Italian Greyhounds are another excellent suggestion. You could also go with one of the hairless breeds, like the American Hairless Terrier or the Xolocuintzli. I grew up with miniature dachshunds, so I am partial to them and they make excellent pets. Stubborn, though--you really have to be more independent-minded than they are. There is also a smooth variety of the Brussels Griffon. One of my favorites, which has longer hair but is not traditionally clipped (hair is longer but not much upkeep), is the Papillon. Sweet, sweet dogs! You could also look at Boston Terriers--they tend to be really hyper outside of the home, but in my experience are nothing but big snuggle-bugs inside. And of course you can always browse petfinder to locate smaller, smooth-coated mixes. If you go with an adult who's been temperament tested you'll better know what you're going to get. Good luck with your search!

Answer 2

Unfortunately, most small dogs tend to be a little on the hyper side & unless you would be happy with a chihuahua or a short haired dachsund, the majority of little dogs do require regular grooming. It's going to depend upon the amount of committment you're willing to make. There's also a wide range of small dogs. Do you want a dog that could fit in a purse, like a toy poodle or a maltese, or are you looking for just a small dog, like a bichon frise, shitzu or even a corgi? All questions that you need to think about. Also, you shouldn't pick a dog depending on it's size or grooming requirements, you should research the different breeds to find out which temperament will best fit your life style, because if you provide the right training & discipline, you can get almost any dog to be affectionate & loyal.

Answer 3

I don't think there is a lap dog that fits your description....anything real little will be pretty high strung. I'd say a pug may be your closest shot to a match, but they're not all that small.

Although, if you don't mind a dog that doesn't love everyone he meets, miniature pinschers are great little dogs... loyal and affectionate, but only for you.... they could care less about your friends and houseguests.

Maybe an Italian greyhound, but I'm not sure how even tempered they are..... I've never met any personally.

Answer 4

You should go to a animal shelter and adopt a small older dog that is already even tempered. I have a Jack Russell. I found about ten years ago an older dog. they are very loyal, have short hair. they also make great watchdogs.

Answer 5

I am sorry, small lapdog are usually hyper to a certain degree. They are almost never as calm as big dog. I suggest Malte-poo. Maltese and poodle mixed. They have approx. medium length hair. They are not as hyper as normal poodle because they are part maltese.

Answer 6

Most smaller dogs require grooming, as they tend to belong haired. The only ones I can think of that might work are a doxie, chichiuaua, a boston terrier or a pug, all short haired and small.

Answer 7

I love my lapdog,he is a Pekingese,I wouldn't trade him for anything in the world,I have had alot of dogs in my life,He is the most loyal and affectionate dog,they love to be held and loved.....Will gladly send you pictures,You might not like him tho,as he does have long hair,but he is worth every penny in my book to keep him groom...

Answer 8

If you want the best of everything, you'll have to settle for a non-shedding small pet. If you think that short-haired dogs don't shed, you are so wrong.

My suggestion would be a Shih Tzu. They are small, seem to be universally good natured, respond extremely well to training (intelligent) and are simply adorable. I keep mine in a "puppy cut." I have her groomed every 2-3 months and when she's grown out she looks teddy-bearish and very much like "Gizmo" in the motion picture "Gremlins."

With any lap dog...the answer is training, training, training.

No matter how cute, you have to think of them in "doggie" terms, not wanna-be human babies.

If you want the pet of your dreams, watch the "Dog Whisperer" on Animal Planet. Believe me, his techniques work.

If you do the right thing for your dog in terms of training and environment, it won't matter much what breed you choose and non-shedding is probably the best answer for you.

Answer 9

Most terriers are full of energy, so that rules them out.
Maybe a chihuahua? You can get them either with short or long hair, in just about any color. My friend has two, and they're really cute and affectionate.

Answer 10

I have a chihuahua that surprisingly is houebroken, not a yapper, doesn't bark at people and haas short hair, so no clipping. He is affectionate, loyal and great tempered.


he happens to be for sale. he is 4 months old, and solid black.