Which small breed to get?

Question

I'd like a small dog who doesn't really shed, doesn't need a lot of grooming, is playful, friendly, affectionate, and intelligent. I was thinking about a beagle, chihuahua, pom, shitz tzu, and yorkie.

Answer 1

one of those robotic dogs they sell at sharper image or similar electronic stores. I hear they act like real dogs but you don't have to feed them and they don't shed or poop.

Seriously though, you're going to have to be more flexible. Your dog expectations are too high. Of all the breeds you mentioned, forget the long haired, that is a lot of grooming. Beagles are OK but they can howl a lot. Still, you have to clean out their ears since they're so floppy, they're prone to ear infections if you don't keep them clean. You didn't mention poodles but I hear they don't shed but you still have to groom them. Chihuahuas don't shed, you don't have to groom TOO much but they aren't that friendly unless you socialize them a lot...and I do mean a LOT. They're playful but you have to be careful since they're so little. This goes for all toy breeds, not just chi's.

I have seriously affectionate pomeranians but they require a lot of grooming since they have long hair. My mom has a chihuahua but he's not that affectionate, he's OK with her, but he hates everyone else. They tend to be a one person dog. That's why I say, socialize a lot and you'll have a friendly chi, which doesn't happen often, but I have seen them.

Answer 2

Here are some dogs that i would consider getting :

Beagle: they are pretty small, they don't shed as much as the other dogs i'm going to list, i heard that they require a LOT of exercise though because they love to roam and sniff sniff sniff everything lol

Pomeranian: I want one of these :( they are soo sweet and affectionate and all the things u listed above. the only thing is, they SHED a lot, and u would probably be better off clipping it's coat so it wouldn't be so hard to keep up. they are also really hyper though..lol..but most small dogs are if u think about it...

Shih tzu : since you don't want a dog that has to be groomed regularly, i'd suggest not getting one of those because they NEED grooming because their fur is soo long. however, you can still keep it's hair cut, but u would have to cut it frequently since their hair grow really fast..

yorkie : this is a good choice (along with the pom and the beagle) unlike other dogs, yorkies have real hair-not fur. that means they barely shed...

Pugs: playful, affectionate, and friendly. lots of people love pugs :P they don't require much grooming...

Maltese: maltese are really nice dogs too! they are really really sweet and gentle and they make friends with everybody. just like yorkies, they have real hair too, so they barely shed.

Answer 3

Shitz tzus and yorkies require a lot of grooming, their hair grows and gets matted very easily. You'll either have to brush them or take them to the groomers every 6-8 weeks. I'd rather deal with the shedding than the long hair, trips to the groomer.

Answer 4

We have 2 toy fox terriers and they are the best ! They are very loving and loyal. They are smart and easy to train. They are a short hair and need no grooming. They love their toys and love to snuggle on your lap. Our grandparents breed them and mini dachshunds for over 40 years. The yorkie and shitz tzu need lots of grooming but all the dogs you are thinking of are great.

Answer 5

None of these dogs listed meets your requirements:
Beagle-intelligent but they shed
chihuahua-not the smartest, difficult to train, often not affectionate
pom-Lots of shedding
shi tzu-thought to be one of the least intelligent dogs, needs grooming, little to no shedding
Yorkie-REQUIRES grooming (have 2), no shedding

Decide what is MOST important to you then choose. The AKC's web page has a breed finder you can fill out to help match you with the best type of dog for your wishes.

Answer 6

Poms are adorable. However, because of all the hair, they do shed a lot. If you do get one it's best to keep the hair but short. They are wonderful dogs...playful, affectionate, and highly intelligent.

Answer 7

My favorite is the Papillon.
Why?
This is one of the smallest dogs bred today, and most stand between 8" to 11" to the shoulder blade, with a weight about the same as a new born baby, 3 to 9 lbs.

The Papillon is a small, friendly, elegant Toy dog of fine-boned structure, light, dainty and of lively action. He is distinguished from other breeds by his beautiful butterfly-like ears. Paps are very devoted to their masters, with a hearty spirit making them desirable for show or companionship. Papillons are hardy and usually long lived.

They adapt to almost any climate and are comfortable in an apartment as well as the country. They are good travelers. They love to be with their family. They are friendly, happy and eager to please.

It is a relaxed, quiet dog which generally likes people and tends not to bark much. It needs little exercise and is happy living in an apartment or small house.

I have allergies. What I really like about pappy's though is they are really a "wash & wear" breed. They clean themselves like cats and has never needed a bath.

I would definately suggest a Papillon to anyone who wants a dog for the first time...
Research and learn, see if the papillon is right for you
See photo : http://askedweb.com/askedweb/Image:Papillon.jpg/
Jason Homan

Answer 8

I have a mini rat terrier. Great little dog. Very smart and playful. He's about 9 pounds and doesn't shed at all. It's a rare breed, but they are pretty cheap. You might have to go to a farm to get one though. That's where I had to get mine. For some reason farmers love them.

Answer 9

Go the beagle. Small hounds as opposed to toy breeds, i think are better all round (temperment wise). But then again i am a large dog owner and cant stand yap yap dogs which a beagle isnt(they bay, not bark)

Answer 10

I think you should get a shitz tzu, they are sooo cute and fun and playful! I love those dogs.