Which small dog would be best???

Question

I am debating between a few different breeds. One is the Yorkie Terrier, Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, Chihauha, Pomeranian, and Dachshaund. Which breed would be the best for apartment living, is friendly, doesn't yap (or bark) at any/everything (all dogs will bark I know this). I just worry about it disturbing my neighbors when I'm gone and it barking all day. Please advise.

Answer 1

From these, I'd recommend the Shih Tzu. They are less yappy than the others on your list, although I confess, I'm not sure about the Chin.

Every Yorkie, Chi, Pom, and Doxie I've met has been yappy. But, I own a Shih Tzu in an apartment and she is wonderful!

Good luck!

Answer 2

If you have to leave the pup more than 8 hours a day, I would advise you not to get one. But if otherwise, then should be OK. Most small breeds are fine being by themselves.As for which types of dogs, I'd say NEVER get a Pomeranian if you don't want a barker, because no matter how well you train them, they bark A LOT! Also, another problem would not just be the barking. It's how much time and money do you have to spend on grooming the dog. A Yorkie needs to have it's hair combed regularly, tied back or trimmed, Shih-Tzu needs lots of grooming and cleaning around the face area as well. Japanese Chin's are better, they need less time for grooming because their hair doesn't fall onto their faces like the other 2. Chihuahua's are less active and would make a good companion. There's the short and long hair breeds. Not much grooming even with the long hair Chihuahua. Dachshund's are active dogs so it's not good if you can't be with them all day. I would say a Chihuahua is the best choice. Before you buy a puppy spend sometime with it. See how they interact with other puppies. Are they aggressive,shy.. Get the quieter pup, I would say, if you are going to leave them home by themselves alot. A dog is a lot of responsibility so make sure you're prepared. Good Luck!

Answer 3

Most terriers bark like crazy so the Yorkie is probably a no. The quietest dogs out of your line-up would be the Japanese chin or chihuahua. I had have a chi...she's very quite unless someones at the door. She's just a sleepy lap dog that lays around until I come home from work. Toy dogs like to protect the home with a big bark....that really all they got. lol. Do you know what a Papillion is? You might look into that breed too.

Answer 4

Do not go with a chihauha or a pomeranian, if they bark while your not home they will annoy your neighbors. But then again my neighbor has a Chihauha and I never heard it bark. ( i live in a trailer park) Her house is probably 10 feet away. Shih tzus have lots of energy, so I would say a dachshaund would be best. but its really up to you, I would pick which ever one you like best. just give it lots of love and attention while your home, and make sure it has lots of toys to keep it company while your gone and you should be fine. get it a stuffed animal as a little friend to keep it company. good luck

Answer 5

Dachshaund are great but have a lot of back problems so wouldn't do well with stairs>>>
I have a Pom and she is great. She can bark alot at times though. Shih Tzu's are more quiet, I have had one of them too. Great family pet. I would say Pom, Shih Tzu, Yorkie, Chin or Chihauha would be your best bets. Lots of groom on a Yorkie, Shih Tzu and the Pom... so keep that in mind.

Answer 6

I have heard terriors are yappers, Dachsunds & poms I have owned and they get very irate & vindictive when left home alone. And are very good at revenge lol. shih tzu's tend to be a bit mean, possesive of you. I think I would go for the chihauha. Ofcourse i have a black Lab in an apartment and she does great, no barking, Is well potty trained & loves visitors. Smaller dogs tend to be a bit territorial towards guests.

Answer 7

If you wouldn't mind going with a slightly larger breed, I would suggest a Boston Terrier. I have one and she only gives a half-hearted bark when someone knocks on the door. They don't require a lot of exercise. They get along well with other pets, dogs, and children. Not much grooming is required. Occasional brushing should be sufficient. They learn fast. They are very sensitive to the sound of your voice. Boston terriers love to play. Their exercise needs are moderate. No long walks are necessary. And, as far a purebred you can get them from $300 and up because they are a popular breed they are usually easy to locate as well.

Answer 8

Of all the breeds indicated I'd probably go with either a Shitzu or Dachsund. Shitzu's are absolutely adorable with personality galore and although they can be barky...if trained from puppy hood correctly, they have a high intellect to learn and so will easily adapt to whatever behavior you have taught them is acceptable. They are high maintenance however so ensure that you are willing to take on the grooming that comes with them either by taking a course with a groomer who specializes in these charming fellows, or by locating a quality groomer who knows what he's doing and does it well.

Shitzus can have medical problems (eyes, hips in particular) so ensure that you are purchasing from a quality breeder...no inbreeding/overbreeding etc. My sister in law has two of these adorable sweethearts and except for the fact that my Jack Russell would not take kindly to sharing her home with a new friend, I would have one by now as well.

Dachsunds, another adorable little fellow...needs little grooming (nails, ears, eyes) that's about it...oh and of course teeth! Likes to bark but again lots of personality that is willing to learn what you have to teach him.

The Yorkie, Chihauhua, Pom...all very barky not good candidates if you can't be with them a lot during the day...Yorkie and Pom high maintenance.

Japanese Chins I am not as familiar with although the two that I knew were both quite ill early in their adult life, one was unable to walk for several weeks before she died the other followed soon afterwards when she refused to eat. I do know that the breeding techniques with these fellows has made for a weakened genetics pool making them prone to certain health issues however as with all the dogs, breeder quality is paramount.

Good luck with your decision

Answer 9

Sometimes it comes down to the individual dog.

Why don't you try talking to a couple of rescue groups in your area? "All-breed" rescue groups take in all kinds of dogs (mixed breed and purebred) and they foster them in homes so they can get to know their personalities and temperaments.

Then the rescue groups go to great lengths to match new owners and dogs.

So if you tell them you want a dog under a certain size who doesn't bark a alot and tell them how much how can groom and exercise the dog, they could match you up with one.

Big plus here: if you're gone all day you'll need an adult dog who is house-trained and a rescue group can help you find one. AND they offer ongoing support as you and the dog get to know each other, and they help with any problems that might come up.

If the group(s) closest to you don't have what you are looking for, they might be able to help you narrow down the breed and you could try a breed-specific rescue that just rescues one kind of dog. Same services---just with one breed.

Go to www.petfinder.com and look to see what is near you.

Good luck

Answer 10

If you are in the market for a small non-barking dog, its best not to limit yourself to a particular breed, rather open up to mixed breeds. Visit local shelters, they see many small dogs, purebred or mutt. The shelter workers spend time with the dogs, and have a pretty good idea of whos yappy and whos on the quieter side.