which dog?

Question

Im thinking of getting a dog, either shih tzu, yorkie or bichon frise. does anybody own any of these dogs and would they be able to tell me anything about their temprements. i work 8-4 weekdays but have holidays off, would these breeds be ok during the day if someone came and checked on them?
p.s. i cant rescue a dog as i work full time.
thanks!

Thanks for everyones advice... by saying i can't rescue a dog as i work full time, i simply meant a lot of rescue centres that i have looked at dont consider anyone that works full time.

Answer 1

Seeing as they won't let you rescue a dog right now is a sign that you probably should wait to get a dog. I know that yorkie's need a lot of time being with someone, they can't be left alone in the house because of their bladder size, etc. I used a site to figure out about which dog breed to select when picking for my last dog, it helped to understand a few things about mine.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/shihtzu.htm
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/yorkshireterrier.htm
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/bichonfrise.htm

EDIT- lol, wow that's weird when looking at the person above me and what they said and what I posted.

Answer 2

Small dogs thrive on a lot of attention, so its hard for them when their person is gone all day. However, if you do end up rescuing one, it would better than their alternative! Have you looked at petfinder.com? I have three yorkies and I love them to bits... very intelligent and loyal... not to mention adorable! Yorkies can be hard to potty train, however... I'm not sure about the other two breeds. If you do get a dog, don't leave it in a cage all day... put up a babygate in the kitchen or something, so it can move around, but won't make a mess. Don't get one from a pet store, because they are often not really yorkies and end up much bigger than they should... also, they are inbred and have health problems.

The shih tzu I know are pretty hyper and a little dumb, but good natured. I've met a few bichon frise and they seemed good natured enough... it might also be better if you got a dog that was a little older (5 months+) because their personality is more concrete. Good luck!

Answer 3

Well I don't know if you have allergies or not. But Bichon Frise are the only dogs that are hypoalergetic. I think they are a little more pricey because of that.

Yorkies are cute little dogs. A little bouncy. But if you don't care, then thats great.

Shih Tzu's have short noses like pugs. They tend to have watery eyes and noses. They may snort a little. But I'm not sure if the short nose can cause them problems. You may want to find a book at the library or online info on the shih tzu.

I think any of these 3 dogs would be a great choice. You should just read up on all 3 and weigh your options and see what qualities you like the best. Good luck.

Answer 4

Hi, I've used this website in the past - it has reviews of the personalities of various breeds that are written by actual owners of the breed - seems to cover both good & bad points:
http://www.hoflin.com/BR/Shih%20Tzu
http://www.hoflin.com/BR/Yorkshire%20Terriers
http://www.hoflin.com/BR/Bichon%20Frise

Hope that this helps you to make up your mind.

If you still cannot decide ... after all, there are good points for all of the ones that you've selected ... why not see what is readily available in your area & make a few enquiries of breeders. I think that I would probably be swayed in my decision by the breeder who gave the most favourable impression - both in their knowledge of their breed, how they were bringing the puppies up & in how friendly they were to me. Another point to consider is which breed of puppies are available at the time that you can get your holiday. You'll need to take your holiday when you first bring your pup home - thinking keeping bewildered & lonely puppy company, toilet training, bonding, etc. So that could also be another consideration.

Personally, though, I'd favour the Shih Tzu or the Yorkie. I've met both of these breeds & found them to be delightful little dogs. The Shih Tzu was by far the chunkiest & great to feel a solid little dog on the end of the lead, he felt like a protector as well as a friend - whereas the Yorkie could be scooped up & put in a shopping bag & felt more like child - though I must admit she certainly sounded ferocious when the doorbell rang!

Good luck. Hope you find the perfect companion.

Answer 5

Ive had 2 llaso apsos (similar to shih tzu but little bigger) and both had excellent temperaments and could both be left alone for some time (whilst I was at work) and never had a problem. Both dogs (in fact one was a girl not a boy) were not yappy like some yorkies, and a very important point this breed does not shed hair even though it is a long haired breed. Excellent dog I would always recommend them. I rescued both my dogs never had a problem with that either. Try and save one if you can, but normally the shelters try and get you to take "any breed" not selected. I was very lucky both with my first in the UK, and my second here in Spain. Good luck.

Answer 6

Do not get a dog please! the hours you work are far too long to leave a dog alone every day and it would be very selfish of you to do so .Dogs are social animals who need company and leaving them alone all the time simply causes behaviour problems like messing in the house and destructive behaviour.Why do you think a rescue centre wont let you rescue a dog?..it is not because they are being mean it is because they have to re home the end result of dogs who have behaviour problems when there owners can no longer cope.It is very hard to solve some of these problems and many dogs end up destroyed.I am not trying to be cruel to you just fair to the dog.How would you house train a puppy if your out all day?they need to go every hour when little and how will they learn if they are alone.Put your self in the dogs place and you will see its not fair.If you really want a pet get a cat..they can be as loving and rewarding as a dog.

Answer 7

Smaller dogs tend to have smaller bladders. If someone can let them out during the day you should be OK.

All of the dog you mentioned require regular grooming so make sure you have time/money to do that.

dogbreedinfo.com gives info about temperments, health problems, etc. You should check them out there.

Not sure what working has to do with rescuing a dog. Often times that's better because the dog is house broken and someone has temp. tested the dog so you know if it barks a lot, what behavioral issues (if any) it has. Getting a puppy leaves all of that guess work up to you.

My husband & I both work full time and have no time to house train which is just one reason why we prefer to adopt grown dogs than get a puppy. (And there are puppies you can rescue.)

Answer 8

i would get a Bichon. thats what i have and her name is Chloe. They have very nice temperments, they really like to play! I taught her how to do tricks...they are really good! One thing is that because they are fluffy dog they will need to be brushed often unless you get them shaved a little...mine was for the summer but she was still fluffy..they are usually good with about 1-2 inches of fur. they like to run...mine does. she is pretty quick
she also loves to be walked.they would be fine at home if someone comes to check on them every couple of hours...i have school from 8:30-3:00 so my mom lets her out sometime between then . they are smart dogs that just wanted to be loved. brushing and a little exercise is all they need. might want to concider getting an underground fence...they work will just open the door and let your dog out
my friend has a shih tzu it isnt as nice as my dog...it is pretty wild.it somethimes bites..when i wants to play
NO YORKIES they are really mean they look cute...BUT NO WAY!!
******************STICK WITH THE BICHON FRISE******************

Answer 9

Dogs arent decorations or accessories. If you work full time, the reason you cant rescue a dog is because PEOPLE WHO KNOW BETTER know that it a bad idea for you to keep a dog.

However. If youre dead set, then get Pomeranians, if its a small dog you want. The others are clingy and needy and will be very unhappy without someone at home. And they nip.

Better yet, get two pomeranians. At least then theyd have each other.

Answer 10

What you mean you cant rescue a dog?

I have 2 rescued German Shepherds, got them both as pups, and you feel rewarded like you have done some good giving a rescue dog a good home. There is no difference they all need training, good home. I work all day. Go out and rescue a dog put your money to good use helping a rescue centre instead of buying a dog.