My sister's dog died last night and she is devastated, will you please help me pick a miniature breed to ....?

Question

give her as a "distracting" gift? … I know she prefers a miniature breed (the smaller the better) that is easy to take care of and carry around, relatively free of genetic diseases, don't shed much, and is affectionate. Kindly, justify your answer. Thanks in advance for your help.

Just a lil' note, for now, to thank you ALL for your kind words and great suggestions. The one she just lost was a 9-month old Malty (a most adorable little creature) that I had bought for her (from a reputable breeder with all the papers and what have you, no less - oh well, I guess that sort of thing happens). In any event, knowing my sister, I think a new puppy would be the best thing to help get her mind off the one that just passed away. Once again, thank you ALL.

Answer 1

I wouldn't give her a dog to "distract" her. Let her adopt one *when she is ready*. Offer to take her to the shelter, or go to adopt-a-pets, but don't just "pick" a dog for her, especially when she's mourning the loss of her pet.

Answer 2

If you want to help your sister I would let her grieve over her loss. What a lot of people don't realize is that dogs are extremely receptive of emotions. They can sense when humans are grieving and will see this as weak energy. If the new dog see's your sister as being weak she will automatically feel the need to protect her which can and usually will result in unwanted aggression later on down the road. It isn't fair to bring a puppy or new dog into a situation like this, often the new owner who is still grieving may not emotionally be ready to take care of a new puppy resulting in the pup being neglected emotionally and sometims mentally.

I fostered for shelters for a few years and have seen the effects that this type of situation can have on a dog, 8 out of 10 times it ends up in aggression problems or major anxiety. I have also seen this first hand when my Min pin died, and from experience I can say it would save your sister a lot of time, money, and stress if you wait until she is over her loss.

When she is ready I would suggest you call or email breeders (they usually know more about a breeds personality than anyone else) in your area to get info on their personalities. I would highly recommend Miniature Pinschers...as a breeder I know first hand how loyal, affectionate and loving they can be. They, of all the small breeds I've owned are by far the best!

Answer 3

First, are you sure she's ready for a new dog?

Min Pinschers and Deer-Faced Chihuahuas are very simular with nice temperments. You may get less shedding with a poodle, but they require grooming to keep from becoming mops. Shi-tzus are really charming and playful, and require less grooming than poodles; she could probably groom one herself. Pomeranians are great little dogs for just being cheerful, but they shed.

Raking the undercoat of thicker furred varieties reduces the shedding. Min Pins and Chis require little more than a quick swipe with a soft plastic curry comb to reduce shedding.

As for diseases, buy from a reputable breeder, ask around. Investigate the puppies at home if at all possible and look to see that the parents are in good shape. It is best to take the puppy to your vet to get a check up before purchasing (just like a car).

Or, do what I do: Watch the puppy closely. The personality should be outgoing. The animal should show some interest in you after it is sure you are okay. It should play with its siblings. Feel of the animal; does it whince if you touch it anywhere? Offer it a treat; does it have a healthy appetite? Is it free of external parasites? Does it rub it's butt across the carpet? Is it's belly hard?

In general, a dog over five pounds will have fewer health problems than a dog under three, so how big are the parents? How big is your puppy in relation to the siblings? (I personally prefer dogs in the ten to fifteen category, for this reason.)

For purebred dogs and first generation crosses: Research the breed(s) standards; how well does your puppy seem to conform? Look at the parents' papers; are they related? (First generation crosses are almost as uniform as purebred animals. In plant biology, these F1 crosses are preferred because of something called hybrid vigor, but I don't know if this applies to animals.)

Hang out at the pet store for a day or two and watch some of the animals that come in to shop. Talk to the owners about the animals, and where they got it. Ask about the pros and cons. Finally, whoever reminds you of your sister the most should have the most weight given to his or her answer.

Good luck, and I hope your sister feels better!

Answer 4

What a sweet a and thoughtful person you you are to think of your sister and try to ease her pain. I'm sorry for her loss, as I can tell, it also is kind of a loss of you because you don't want to see her suffer more than she has to.

That being said, have you thought that maybe your sister may need time to grieve before you think about getting her a new dog? . Of course, you know your sister better than anyone here, so the decision is really yours and yours alone. , If you're determined to get a new pup, I would suggest that you suggest looking around your local shelters or humane society first.

Whatever you decide to to do for her, don't get a pup from a pet store, unless it is from a place such as Petsmart or Petco, which both adopt dogs from local humane societies and shelters. . Otherwise, you will will more than likely end up with a dog that is far from being free of genetic diseases.

As I said, the decision is really up to you. Most people here know how devastating it is to lose a beloved pet, but no one truly knows your sister's heart as you do. Do what you feel is best for her, whether it be giving her time to grieve or getting a new pet.

Best wishes to both of you.

Answer 5

Hi, I'm so sorry about your sister's dog. My little one passed away on the day after Christmas so I know how it is. He was a yorkie maltese mix. I just bought a little female yorkie pup but I have had experience with many small breed dogs. Of the dogs I've worked with I really like the yorkies. They don't shed much and are smart and very loyal to their owners. They are a bit spendy (many small dogs are), but I think they are well worth it. Make sure you work with a reputable breeder and check their references. Definately stay away from pet stores when purchasing your sister's new companion. Good luck in your search.

Answer 6

Well you might want to let her mourn a little bit but she is your sister and you know her the best, getting her a new puppy won't replace her lost friend but will comfort her and give her the joy she needs if she is a dog lover.....Of course it would be nice to let her pick out her new puppy but then again it might be really hard for her to go to the shelter to see all the dogs there cause she'll want to bring them all home..I think it's very sweet that you want to do this for her:)

Maltese are very small dogs that are usally very kind,affectionate and the best thing is they don't shed like other dogs with fur (of coures you'll find some hair once in a while but their hair is alot like human hair very soft, long,one layered & beautiful) they go for at least $1500 dollars if not more for a pure breed with papers but sometimes you can find them at shelters. most of the time they are mixes but have the same qualities. There
is alot of great small puppies/dogs you can get her and that'll be fun to choose maybe even ask her what kind of puppy she would get if she were to get another one....and then suprise her!,now that would be awesome:)
.

You are being very thoughtful and I beleive your sister will be very happy with what ever kind of puppy you get her...I know I would.

Answer 7

Are you sure she's ready for another animal? Sometimes people need to grieve first.

You might want to consider a mixed breed to minimize genetic complications.

That said, minature dachshunds are nice dogs and good for an experienced dog owner (they can be stubborn.) Don't get a dappled, though, as some of them have a few problems linked to genetics to get the dappled coat. They aren't as high energy or as yappy as some breeds (jack russells or chihuahuas). Depending on how large you want to go, I understand pugs are nice dogs. And, although long haired, Tibetan terriers are sweeties.

Whatever you decide, you might want to try to get one from a rescue group that specializes in that breed. You can find one by searching the net. The reason I say this is not only would you be helping a dog in need, but it might be a way to help your sister accept a new dog: she wouldn't be replacing her lost one, she would be saving a dog in her pet's honor.

Answer 8

I love Chihuahuas. I have owned 2 and am getting #3. I know people say they are yappy, nervous, and snappy, but neither of the ones I have were like this. My Chihuahua does not even bark when someone is at the door, and he is great with all 4 of my children, of course I do monitor their interactions for the safety of kids and dog. They were both very easy to train with crate training, puppy pad use, and taking them out to go potty. I did not think I would like them. I have always liked big breeds, but I got one as a present and they are probably my favorite breed now. I think they are awesome little dogs. I do not think I will ever be without one now. I think they are by far the best small breed dog.

Answer 9

I did a lot of research before I bought a dog. I decided to get a Shih Tzu. They are very affectionate, don't shed, don't bark much, great with kids and are absolutely adorable. As far as genetic diseases, the only thing that Shih Tzus have been know to inherit is kidney problems. But this is something that, if you feed them right and take them to the vet for checkups, it can be monitored. Mine is about 12 lbs and this is about as big as they get.

Answer 10

It is very kind that you want to help your sister but having lost a beloved pet, I think its best for you to tell your sister that when she is ready you will go with her to find another pet, but dont push the issue. I know that I didnt want another dog for a long time after I lost my peke. Just allow her to go through the mourning process naturally. It would not be good for your sister or the dog to a "distraction gift".

Answer 11

I know you want to help your sister .. very kind of you .. but I would recommend to NOT purchase another dog for her yet. She needs time to grieve for the dog that she just lost. Feeling sad and hurt and missing that special pet is painful .. just like losing a person that is close to you in life. She will heal. She probably does not want a new puppy at this time. Just be close to your sister and ask her if there is anything special you can do for her to help. Let her know that if she wants someone to talk to .. you are there for her .. tell her you are sorry for her loss. You are a good sister ! God Bless You . :)