I need puppy picking help?

Question

I am going to be a college student soon and I have decided that I would like to own a dog trough my college years and on...I make enough to own a dog but am not sure what type is the best. I want a dog that is small to tiny in size and has few health problems and does not need to be professionally groomed...please help!!

oh yeah and by the way...i didn't add in that I am staying home for college and living in the basement of the house i am living in now...so i will not be in a dorm

Answer 1

To find a pet I went to Petfinder.com. If you get a puppy you need to be prepared to spend several sleepless nights with it. You also need to do a lot of work potty training it. I would suggest that you maybe get a young dog, maybe about 2 years old. It's still young but you will know what the final size of it is. You will also know what the temperament is. Also it might already be potty trained for you. If you get a pet through foster care the foster mommy can talk to you and find out if you are getting a pet that is right for you.

There are certain breeds that have a reputation of being calm dogs or excitable. However they are just guidelines of how that breed normally is and there will always be a dog that is an exception to the rule of how that breed normally behaves.

Answer 2

I second fbuffalo01
You're going to be busy, involved in studies and socializing. A dog cannot just wait around and be there when you can spare some time for it.

Puppies are extremely time intensive and you CANNOT just leave a puppy alone or in a crate while you are in class.

You would be soooo much better off going to a shelter/humane society close to the university and asking if they have a program where you could take a dog for the weekend or walk one each morning or evening. You wouldn't have the total responsibility for a dog, but you'd be making a lonely dog very happy while it waits for it's permanent home. Puppy and kitten cuddlers are also welcome!

While on THAT subject, why not an adult cat from the humane society? They need much less care (but as much love!) and wouldn't mind hanging around all day if given enough balls and mice to chase while awake. :])

Answer 3

jack russell terrier
The Jack Russell is a happy, bold, energetic dog; they are extremely loyal, intelligent, and assertive. Their greatest attribute is their working ability, closely followed by their excellent qualities as a companion. Unlike some modern breeds, Jack Russells have one type, hunting. Hunting ability is bred into them. It is their nature. The unique personality of this feisty terrier is rapidly gaining popularity, but they are not a dog for everyone, especially first time dog owners. While adaptable to to a variety of environments, they are first and foremost bred to hunt.
These dogs come in three different coat types; smooth (recessive), broken (intermediate), and rough (coarse, longer straight hair, dominant over smooth). All coats shed, smooth coats shed the most. They are adaptable to most climates, and usually handle the cold fine, although some dogs will need a dog blanket or sweater if under 40 deg. Fahrenheit. The color of the coat must be at least 51% white, or all white. Black and/or tan markings are allowed. Height can be between 10" and 15", with a proportionate body length. For showing purposes, terriers are classified in two groups, 10" to 12 1/2", and over 12 1/2" and up to 15". Dogs should appear compact and balanced, always in solid, hard condition. Jack Russells have a short, upright tail, about 4" long. The tail is cropped shortly after birth, and front dewclaws are removed.

Answer 4

Just saying, a lot of the people that answer this question are going to say their kind of dog because they think its the best, nothing against them. But, I have a Sheltie and truthfully that kind of dog needs good grooming because of medium fur so that would not be a good kind of dog. Find a suitible dog look at these below:
Chiwaua: Very small not as much work as a big dog.
Jack Russel Terrier: Very energetic dog medium and a lot of work.
just comparing

you should get a small dog if you're in collage it's a lot less work.

also I know how cute puppies are and how fun it is to show your friends and family, and go on walks and everyone aww at them, they need potty training. Truthfully if you are in collage that isn't a good idea. Think about adopting one that is small or medium height, and needs less work

Answer 5

I would definitely wait awhile until you have actually gone to college, so you know what your schedule will be. If you will be going to school and have a job, then I would definitely suggest waiting on getting a dog. In the meantime you can research different breeds to find out what is right for you. You may even find a mixed breed at your local shelter that would be perfect for you. Mixed breeds are less likely to have as many health issues as a purebred and you would also be saving a life. Just keep your options open and take your time. There is no rush to find the perfect pet.

Answer 6

If you do get a dog go with a terrier without the pushed in faces, they have far fewer health problems. If you must get a dog, consider adoption of an older dog, a puppy is alot of work going through college, however you should just wait. I have seen far too many dogs turned in, because they don't have the time to deal with a dog. Almost all older dogs have all the training, so you don't have to worry about it.

Answer 7

I like big dogs but if you are going to get a small dog I would get an Italian GreyHound http://www.akc.org/breeds/italian_greyhound/index.cfm

or check out these other small dogs
http://www.akc.org/breeds/toy_group.cfm

My sister also has a Rat Terrier/ Chihuahua Mix
Its a pretty cool dog, generally very healthy,loving, and does not need to really be groomed
it looks like this http://www.dogoftheday.com/archive/2004/April/08.html

or you could just go to petfinder.com coz lots of dogs need homes! Oh, yeah.... Don't get a Boston Terrier like someone else said. They are filthy and disgusting...and this is being said by a true dog lover! Good Luck!

Answer 8

Then you want a dog with short hair.

There is chihuahua, toy fox terrier, pug, min pin, hairless chinese crested, etc

Make sure you do a lot of research on each particular breed before you definately buy. There is a lot you should know before you make such a commitment. Each breed is very different in it's own way. For example, min pins can be nice but are notoriously not because people don't expect their behavior and don't take the time to train them.

Good luck!

Answer 9

If you are going to school, studying, and working too, please do not get a dog. You will not have the time to give to it. Specially the smaller dogs like a chihuahua. They need and crave the attention of their humans. It is cruel to have one and not have the time to devote to it. If you are not working, maybe you could find the time to devote to a pet. If so, I suggest a Chihuahua because they are the ultimate lap dog. He can sit on your lap while you study and be quite content. A short haired chi requires little grooming. Good luck!

Answer 10

a small dog will bark constantly when your not home unless you talk mom into keeping it up stairs when your out. dont get a lab. and if you take any advice here , read about the type before you buy. they all come with huge needs, traits and problems. they are worth it but know what your in for so it doesnt get dumped at the pound when it turns out to be exactly how you were warned it would be. choose carefully.