Dog breed you would recommend?

Question

I'm thinking of getting a small indoor dog that doesn't need me to take it out to exercise a lot. I have a cat. I want a sweet, clingy dog that will want to be with me all the time.

Answer 1

Get a shelter mutt.
Talk to the shelter attendants, they spend a lot of time with the dogs and can show you exactly what you want.
Shelter dogs are temperment tested, inexpensive and you get lots of "extras".

Answer 2

I would recommend either a Cavalier King Charles spaniel or a havanese.

The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a small, affectionate dog that doesn't need much exercise, but its long coat needs a considerable amount of grooming. They are sweet, easily trained, and can get along well with just about anyone when well socialized. They're typically laid back and easy-going, preferring to be with their master when possible. On the negative side, they shed and are prone to a lot of health problems because they don't have a really natural build.

The havanese is a small, clownish dog with a high maintenance coat that doesn't shed. They're quite bouncy and lively and playful, but they don't need a lot of exercise. They can be difficult to housetrain, as most small breeds are, but they respond well to training when it comes to tricks and obedience.

My final recommendation is to check out your local animal shelter. Ask the staff to help you find well-mannered small dogs that would make good indoor pets. You'll find that there are a lot of sweet, clingy dogs in animal shelters. If they don't have any available that you like at the time, ask them to take your telephone number and contact you whenever a new small dog comes in.

Answer 3

All dogs need exercise. You won't get away with that one (if you want to have a healthy dog).

Some small dogs (non-terriers) can make due with 2-3 30minute walks every week. I would not recommend a puppy because they need exercise to develop their bodies correctly (and have a lot of energy).

I would recommend a Shih Tzu. If that doesn't sound too appealing, you can look here: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm and take the quiz to see what other small dogs would be good. Once you find one, look at http://www.petfinder.com/ and see if there are any of your desired breed available in a shelter or rescue group in your area.

I do NOT recommend: Terriers (in general) or Lhasa Apsos. Terriers need a lot of exercise because of their naturally high energy level and Lhasa's aren't clingy, they are very independent and stubborn.

Like another poster said, you may want to get another cat that is more clingy, rather than a dog. Dog's are a lot more responsibility than cats and they need more exercise (regardless of breed). They need daily training, to be taken out to potty (or their pads need to be cleaned daily), grooming, and will get destructive if you don't take care of exercise and socialization correctly.

Answer 4

This is a repeat of an answer I posted to someone else's question, but it seems to be applicable here too.

Teacup Chihuahuas are the smallest at a max of around 3-5 pounds. The characteristics I think you would most like about them are:
*Indoor dogs, ideal for apartment living / the elderly or handicapped / those confined to home
*Thrive on much attention and human contact
*Energetic, playful, can easily get all the exercise they need from playing with toys or roaming the house
*Chihuahuas prefer the company of humans to that of other dogs.

Other characteristics include:
*Good watch dogs (their bark is a good alarm)
*Courageous - aren't intimidated by larger dogs
*Well-rounded head, wide-set eyes, a saucy expression, erect ears that flare to the sides
*Short soft hair or long silky hair, some may be red, blond, blue or chocolate-colored, solid, marked or splashed
*Chihuahua puppies have a soft spot on the crown, similar to that of a new born baby
*Loyal, eager to please and highly trainable
*Fewer health issues then other toy breeds
*Longest-lived breed - known to live high quality life into their teens and some pass twenty

Precautions:
*They can be seriously injured or killed by being stepped on, sat on or squeezed too hard.
*They should not be left unattended on high surfaces (table tops, bunk beds, high sofas or chairs, etc). They have little sense of height and could easily jump off and break a bone.
*They do not store much energy and have tiny digestive systems, they need to eat small, frequent meals or may suffer from a low blood sugar attack (hypoglycemia). Dry food should constantly be available for them as well as lots of water.
*Chihuahuas shiver when they are excited, apprehensive, discontented or frightened - not just when its cold.

I don't know if there is any evidence on their compatibility with cats - my niece has a Teacup Chihuahua and sometimes leaves it with my Grandma who has a cat and they don't even pay attention to one another - the cat and the Chihuahua that is.

NEW NOTE ADDED: Shut up - my answer is soooo NOT a thumbs-down

Answer 5

Dachshunds are small and do not need much grooming, Chiququa and Pugs. Maltese, Shiatsu, and Poodles need more grooming but are definitely clingy. A good middle of the road is the King Charles Caviler Spaniel. They are also really growing in popularity.

Answer 6

My honest advice would be to get a second cat rather than a dog if you don't have the time or don't want to spend the time walking and exercising your dog. There are many cat breeds that are sweet and clingy, such as Abyssinian cats.

Answer 7

I would deffinetly reccomend a Coton de Tulear. Look them up. They are super cute and affectionate. Good with other pets. They come in Black and white and white. They average a size of 12-14 pounds. There fur is like cotton and they are fun happy go lucky dogs that love people and always want to be around them. They come from French Origin. I would deffiently look them up to see if you like them. They are sweet and loving and not to well known. Very cute. Long Haired dogs.

Answer 8

I have a dog that is a terrier mix but I don't know exactly what it's mixed with. It is a freindly dog, very clingy, and small. All dogs need to be out and have exercise regardless of what size they are.

Answer 9

I would recommend a maltese shitzu. they are full of love and wouldn't hurt a fly. When we first bought one from a pet shop. he was in with a kitten. Doesn't that say something about the character of a maltese shitzu? the only bad thing about them is they tend to be a bit difficult to train (as in teach tricks). As i said earlier. we have one and we also have a cat and they are best friends. they are sweet, loyal, friendly dogs that look at you as if you are there world. they absolutely love company and love nothing more than being with you. And another bonus is that they don't shed their fur! i would strongly suggest getting one. trust me. i have one and he is the sweetest little thing ever and you would not regret it.

Answer 10

A toy Poodle