I'm thinking of getting a small dog?

Question

i have a medium size hound cross and i'm thinking of getting a friend for him (in about a years time) i can't handle 2 dogs his size so i thought a small one would be better. he is a neutered male and at first sight looks aggressive around dogs. he then sits and waits to say hello, but the owners are usually put off by his firts reaction. can you suggest a few breeds? the dog needs to be able to cope with long walks.

forgot to say... the picture representing me is him :-)

Answer 1

I'm partial to cocker spaniels. They are small, sturdy and love long walks. They are also so darned cute.
-MM

Answer 2

It is easy for a male to accept a female as a long life companion. The breed is not so important, nor is the size of the dogs. The most important is that the dogs can develop a friendship and go well along. If they go well together it is easier to handle two big dogs then a big one and a small one with hate each other.

I don’t advice you to take a second dog if you are not prepared for the bad behaviour that may occur. I am a Dog Trainer and Behaviourist. Most of my clients who have 2 ore more dogs have problems with the dog’s behaviour.
We consider that the old dog needs a companion. But in the most cases he will not accept an intruder in his life and territory. You will not be happy with a new housemate force into your own house. Do you? And dogs can be very territorial.
Most of the dogs will put on a fight and tray to drive the intruder away. You may need dog‘s kennels to separate them. And if you keep them in the house they may teach each other, bad behaviour.

Answer 3

I believe that dogs should have the company of other dogs but that's a personal thing. As for getting a ***** because two dogs won't get on, that depends on the dogs and you may get a ***** who is dominant so I wouldn't generalise. The problem with getting a ***** is obvious, seasons! Look around, maybe visit a dog show in your area and talk to people who have dogs you like the look of. Check out your local shelters but don't get emotional and pick the one you feel sorry for (that's what I would do :-)). When you find the breed you want take time finding a breeder, check out the dog magazines for the breed club and puppy register. Good luck, enjoy your walks.

Answer 4

As a Border Collie, I love long walks, am I too big for you? I am 14 months old and weigh 26 kilos. I am about average size for a Collie and not in the least aggressive. I like to chase trains and golf buggies. We live close to 3 Golf Courses, in fact the Open will be held here this year. I am not allowed around the house on my own as I have chewed through the BT landline, I was bored. I have a large cage from Doggiesolutions in Guildford in Surrey, he got it on line. This is my bed and I sleep in the conservatory at night. Otherwise I am part of the gang. There's me and the Boys Tomo and Ado, they're 6 and 3 and brothers, his grandsons. They go to school. Other dogs sometimes do not like black and white dogs, strangely enough and I have been beaten up by a boxer on the ranges and a nasty Jack Russell had a pop at me. I ran away. I think a dog like me would be fine for you because we love to run.

Answer 5

Golden Retrievers are my favorite dogs. I've had three already and I haven't found anything wrong with them yet.

To have the best golden I would make sure that they're AKC registered. The AKC registered ones don't have problems that the mutts.

There are two different types of goldens; a golden golden, and a copper penny. A copper penny is more of a showy dog and I prefer them over a regular golden.

They need lots of love and attention. They also make great hunting dogs and are very quiet and kind. They are great with kids.

For a calmer golden I would get an adult puppies take lots of patience.

Answer 6

Go to your local shelter and take your dog with you. Let him have some say! The employees can help you pick out a friend for your dog. They will not be "put off" by your dogs initial behaviour, they know better.
Also try something like this: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

There are others, this is the first example that I could find. The Canadian kennel club used to have a very good survey but it's not there anymore. Most important is that your dog likes the new one. Good luck.

Answer 7

Sounds like a great idea. Since you have a male, you could go with either male or female companion.

I would suggest that you start by making sure your dog is receiving MORE than sufficient exercise every day for about 2 weeks prior to starting to look for a companion. I would also introduce him to potential dogs on territory that is neutral to both dogs, and ideally, a very large fenced area, where he could just drag a leash, but really feel as if he is off-leash.

As far as breeds, there is more variety within any given breed than there is across breeds as far as dominance level and energy requirements. I would look more for a specific DOG, whose energy/exercise needs matches your present dog's, than for a specific BREED.

Have fun with your new friends!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 8

depends how much time you have to spend with the dog. Terriers can be difficult to handle as they tend to be rather stubborn and like doing thins their own way. My mom has a poodle cross tibetian terrier who is quite small and an absolut sweetheart most of the time. Try going to your local rescue and discussing your requirments with them. As for long walks, as long as the dog is fit and healthy, almost all breeds will absolutly love long walks. Good luck finding your new friend

Answer 9

Please think very carefully about this. Small animals require a lot more care and training than you think. They need to become part of your pack and so you have to spend a lot of time with them. It is very necessary to take them outside. ALL Little dogs think they are BIG dogs. You just have to watch them and make sure they are not put in a dangerouse position. Many small dogs get along well with larger breeds amazingly enough the little ones usually are the dominant. Good Luck to you just remember have a lot of time to spend with a smaller dog and you have to give them more love and attention than a big dog PLUS they know you think they are cute so they try to get away with as much as possible. GOOD LUCK!!

Answer 10

Maybe try a toy poodle. My sister breeds Eng. Mastiffs and toy poodles. The poodles rule the roost. They have a big personality and will hold their own with larger dogs. They are also full of energy, so the walks should be no problem.

Answer 11

i have a whippet crossed with a bedlington terrier, she has shaggy grey fur and looks like a small lurcher, adorable dogs and the bonus is they dont shed any hair at all, she stands about 18 inches high, she loves long walks and the rest of the time curls up on the sofa next to me, no trouble at all, best dog ive ever had and very obediant, i would recomend a bedlington/whippet to anyone.