i'm looking for a small-sized dog - like a westie or a king charles spaniel, perhaps. i need the dog to be of calm, quiet temperament (so not a jack russel) - i don't want it to be tearing the place apart if it's left alone for more than a minute. responsive to training, gentle and loving - anyone know what type fits the bill - and if possible where the best place to buy a dog like this might be? i've looked at a lot of rescue sites but the dogs all seem to have emotional issues that it would be unfair of me to attempt to address.
2006-10-11 01:35:36 · 16 answers · asked by soph 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
dear purrrfectsandcastle - gee, you're right - instead of asking responsible questions to realistically assess what kind of dog will suit my lifestyle - i should just, like, go out and get the one that looks the cutest!!!! how sad, when people have nothing better to do than sit at home all day being sh***y to everyone..
2006-10-12 05:34:59 · update #1
My suggestion if you want a calm, quiet dog would be not to look at any of the terriers. You have to consider what they were originally bred to do, so I don't think they'd be what you want.
Of the breeds you mentioned, a cavalier king charles spaniel sounds like a breed you might like, but there's so many more out there. Why not get a good all-breed book, or better yet, go to a dog show and see all the breeds out there. Find the one you like the looks of then research that breed as to health concerns, temperament, energy levels, grooming needs, etc. Talk to people who have these dogs and actually meet the dogs and interact with them. That way you'll be sure of getting just the right dog for you, not relying on someone else telling you about their favourite breed.
2006-10-11 03:51:54 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A westie is a hyper dog, and is one of the most prone to food allergies.
A king charles spaniel may be a better choice since they are usually friendly and non aggressive.
Any of the greyhound type breeds will be high maintenance because they are what is called thin skinned...they break toes and legs easily and bleed at the drop of a hat.
A schnauzer may be a good choice
A corgi can also be a good choice.
I think it's smart to consider emotional issues from rescues when making your choice.
The place NOT to get a puppy is a pet store of any kind. Usually the breeding is not quality and you can't see the breeders facility. Vet approval is strictly a health certificate for the actual pet store. It doesn't account for anything genetic.
A quality breeder will accept the dog back at any time. They will check your references. You will be able to meet both parents and see the facility. They will know the life history of almost every dog they have bred, and they can discuss at length what they breed for (disposition, health, show). They will also be happy to give you references for people who have gotten dogs from them.
If a breeder can't discuss this stuff excitedly to you, and at length...find another one.
2006-10-11 09:32:21 · answer #2 · answered by scuba 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
PUG..... no other breed will do. Seriously I have owned two with a golden and a beagle/basset in between.... I will NEVER own another breed. LOW mantinence, loves to play, is gentle, EASILY crate trained. Loves kids. Could snuggle, or be a lap dog if you wanted. Mine is very responsive to training... loves it in fact, kinda proud he is, to show off his new tricks. Not yappy, does not bark alot... that is the one trick I have not been able to teach him... "speak." Definately an indoor dog.
Only one pitfall...hair. They shed year round... So you will need to keep up regular sweeping. Some say snoring with this breed is an issue, I have not had that problem.Yeah, he sometimes snores but it is not an "issue"
If you seriously want to look into this breed I can let you know where I got mine and also let you in on a breeder near to me as well .... just e-mail
Breeders are best... not puppy mills. and rescues can be positive, but sometimes not.
Just e-mail
PUGS ROCK!!!!
You will not regret this selection.
2006-10-11 08:53:05 · answer #3 · answered by DrVodka 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a great suggestion...get an Italian Greyhound. They are small, calm, and lovable. They are smooth coated, so you don't have the shedding to deal with as much as you would other breeds. I speak from experience. I have a 17 year old Italian Greyhound, named Mitzi. She is the best dog I have ever had. I will get another one when Mitzi "goes to dog heaven".. They love humans and are dedicated companions. Just look into the breed. I would not go to a pet store to purchase a pet. I would look for a reputable breeder. The AKC or other dog associations can help you. You could google for information. Speaking of emotional issues, we all have them, humans and pets, it is just a matter of dealing with them fairly from both sides. Be sure you don't project YOUR issues on the dog and claim it to be the dog's problem. Cesar Milan's book could benefit you also. You have heard of Cesar , the Dog Whisperer surely. His philosophy is to remain calm and assertive...you will have to be willing to invest some time and emotion into the relationship in order to reap the benefits. Good Luck...
2006-10-11 08:50:41 · answer #4 · answered by Birdie58 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are looking for a calm dog, stay away from any terrier and working breeds like the jack russel and schnauzers. Also, look at the health problems that the breed is predisposed to. Dachsunds are prone to back problems and you have a 30% chance of having to have very expensive back surgery (IVDD). Pugs have very sweet dispositions, but their pug nose predispose them to all sorts of breathing and overheating problems. Malteses, in my opinion, also have good dispositions and are relatively healthy. If I ever decide to have a toy dog, I think I'd go for a Maltese. Owners of shi-tzus say they are good with them (although many of them are evil at the vet's office, so I don't have a good opinion). Find a good reputable breeder, you can find lists of breeders on the AKC web site or a google search of the breed you want to check. Ask specifically for their HEALTH certificates, longevitiy of their breeding stock, had any of their breeding stock needed corrective surgery for any health defect, etc. Many of the AKC breeders and such want to breed a "champion" that looks like the standards and don't consider all the genetic health problems.
2006-10-11 09:38:37 · answer #5 · answered by kitty98 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a miniature schnauzer or a dachshund. Between our mini schnauzer, our dachshund and our basset hound, I'd say the schnauzer is the calmest and easiest to handle. A King Charles is also a good option. You could also get a Papillon.
2006-10-11 08:42:30 · answer #6 · answered by moya 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest a Corgi. They're small, calm and fit the profile of what you'd like. Enjoy whatever dog you get. They're amazing companions.
2006-10-11 08:54:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I say miniature schnauzer. Smart, loyal, cuddly and no shedding. Like most small dogs they do bark to protect their owners and their "turf".
2006-10-11 08:40:52 · answer #8 · answered by etilyad 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Buy a stuff dog. You will have everything you want almost wrapped up in one package. You don't need a dog you need a puppet.
2006-10-11 09:48:03 · answer #9 · answered by purrfectsandcastle 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't buy, If you really love pets feed those which are wondering in streets without any owner
2006-10-11 08:44:05 · answer #10 · answered by Arif 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋