i want to get a dog... a small dog... any good ideas on what kind ???

Answer 1

Depends on what you want to do with your dog, how much you're home, and what you want to do with your dog.

The smarter the dog, the more s/he wants you around, notices when you're gone, needs a hobby. Great, if you want to do something with your dog (even very small dogs participate in agility, for example). Not so much if you just want someone to sit with you while you watch movies on t.v.

How small? Be aware that some of the very small breeds have inherited health problems (pugs are great - they often wheeze and have breathing problems, though, which is no big deal if you don't mind it, a big deal if you do).

Your best bet is to check your nearest library for a breed guide book to read the pluses and minuses. Pedigree.com used to have a nice online guide. Once you've narrowed it down, breed club web sites can provide good info. That said, here are a few smaller breeds I have had:

Dachshunds - like to dig, posessive, smart, affectionate. Sturdier than they look (they were made to go into holes after badgers), stubborn. Can have back problems (that's a long spine, there). Can be snappish, so socialization is a must.

Boston terriers - sweet, playful, affectionate. Can have breathing problems.

Toy poodle - very bright, very playful. Love to yap. Socialization is important. They take a lot of grooming - and you have to learn to clip them, or pay a pro to do it. They can't go without it - they mat something awful. Really not prissy dogs - they're athletes, bred from water retrievers, do really well in agility.

Basenji - a small, African hound dog. Very smart, very playful, difficult (but not impossible) to train, need exercise (great if you like to take walks or jog). Clever, mischeivous, affectionate. Like living with a human being who likes to play practical jokes. Don't bark, but do make noise - they chuckle, yodel, and ours has a play growl that sounds like a sound effect from The Exorcist. Easy to keep groomed - pretty much a "wash and wear" dog.

Japanese Spitz - a mini version of the Samoyed. Reserved with strangers, very affectionate, very smart, stubborn, gentle, talkative (not so much barking, but ours "rooooo's" a lot). Need grooming - lots of fluffy, soft white hair.

When you narrow it down, you might try breed rescue groups for those breeds you are interested in. Our dogs have all been rescues, and we've been blessed with incredible dogs. Good luck!

Answer 2

depends...
What KIND of dog are you looking for...
how small is small? are you looking chihuahua smalle (3-6 lbs) or are you looking cocker spaniel small (under 25lbs)
what kind of Coat are you looking for? long or short, wirey or silky, straight or curly? how much grooming and excersize are you hoping for?!
do you have kids? live alone? looking for a frinedly social dog or one thats gonna be yours and not want to go to anyone else...
its not quite as simple as , "i want a small dog" because everyones version of small is different, to someone that owns a great dane, anything under 50lbs is small.

I have chihuahuas, long haired.
pros:
wonderfull companion dogs
small (standard calls for 2-6 lbs) DO NOT FALL FOR THE TEACUP SCAM!
Fairly Hardy once in adult hood (watch for luxating patella and heart problems)
Low grooming, i bath once a month followed by a comb out, nails trimmed once a week, teeth brused once a week.
Fairly easy maintence, feed a good quality diet and provide lots of love and good vet care.
Long lived, up to around 20 years
Very much YOUR companion

Cons:
Puppies prone to heart problems bad knees hydrocephalus and hypoglycemia
Lots of bad breeders out there trying to charge big bucks for "teacups" (aka badly bred runts!) Do your reaserch and NEVER buy a "teacup"
they are VERY small, i suggest a bell on the collar as they get under foot! (even an 8lb dog is TINY!)
The nails grow Fast, clip once a week to keep them shot
Prone (as all toy breeds) to bad teeth, brushing and dental chewies are a MUST as is a once yearly teeth cleaning on older chis.
prone to impaction of the anal glands
Very long lived breed, (do you knwo where youll be in 20 years?)
Bond very strongly to one person, this is not a pass around throw away type dog, they get depressed when their person leaves for 5 minuts...ive seen chis mourn their persons pasing and die of depression when left in a shelter!

Check out AKC.org, look at the toy dogs, teriers and some of the working breeds, many are small enough and itll give you some idea of the breeds to look into when on your search...

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

THe first girl took my idea!A chewawa .I can't spell the name.I asked my dad to get me one on my birthday witch is on OCTOBER 23!!!!!I no soon!!!!3 more school days!!!I have fall break so ONLY 3 schooldays.but 22 in all and 19 off school days.

Answer 4

I would definitely recommend getting a Bearded Collie. They are a medium sized dog...but they are great with kids, other animals and people. They are smart, energetic and very loving.

Answer 5

i have two yorkies....my male: sky is 2.5 pounds, my female: coco is 4 pounds...and i love them, i can take them anywhere and they really are great company dogs.. i have only had yorkies and i wouldnt have any other breed.. just be careful because they are like babies....they require a lot of attention here....take a look and good luck! http://www.yorkiebabiedolls.com/index.html

Answer 6

get a kitten and dress it in a dogs costume.

or a chiwauwau. I don't know how to spell!! Help!!!

Answer 7

Personally, i like Shih Tzu

Answer 8

i have a small Jack Russell (spelling?) but they can be some trouble if you want a really small dog go for mini shanuzer (spelling?) srry if there are any spelling mistakes !!!!

Answer 9

Yorkie.

Answer 10

get a pug or a dashed(hot dog lol)