Am I being indulgent to want a tiny dog to travel with me?

Question

I know I'll be traveling each summer and yet I still want a dog. I'm thinking of a tiny dog that can ride in a small space underneath the seat ahead of me on the airplane. The carrier can only be 13L X 9H. Is there even a dog that could fit in this small space? The rules are that it should be able to stand up and turn around. I measured my cats and they are taller than 9 inches at their highest point. What kind of dog would fit in this space and am I being self-indulgent to expect a dog to ride up to 5 hours in a space like this?

Answer 1

It's honestly not the best situation for the dog. And dogs that are that small are much more prone to separation anxiety. And what do you plan to do with the dog once you arrive? You can't go to restaurants, many shopping area, and most indoor attractions with them. Also, hotels will not let you leave the dog alone in the room. You'll have to either kennel him (at a kennel) or hire a pet sitter each time you leave the room. Many dogs that small are barkers, so it's not really like you can sneak out. If the dog starts barking and security discovers the dog alone, you can be thrown out on your tuckus in the middle of the night.

If you decide to go ahead with it, rescue an older dog that fits your needs. There are loads of chis, poms, yorkies, and similar dogs up for rescue through various sources. Get one that's already grown so that you aren't disappointed if a puppy grows too much. DO NOT shop for a "teacup" dog as they are only sold by crappy breeders selling sickly dogs.

Good luck to you

http://www.petfinder.com (don't forget the "classified" section here"

http://www.chihuahua-rescue.com/

http://www.ytca.org

http://www.americanpomeranianclub.org/rescue_contacts.htm

Answer 2

To previous answer, I agree on teacup and issues, yet whilst there are not toy breeds...then why are numerous those canines categorised by utilising the AKC and everywhere else as a toy breed? Affenpinscher Brussels Griffon Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Chihuahua chinese language Crested English Toy Spaniel Havanese Italian Greyhound jap Chin Maltese Manchester Terrier Miniature Pinscher Papillon Pekingese Pomeranian Poodle Pug Shih Tzu Silky Terrier Toy Fox Terrier Yorkshire Terrier

Answer 3

Sounds like fun, but if you are planning international traveling, you might want to look a little further into it. Some countries don't allow foreign dogs, and some require quarantine before entering, and some just require immunizations. Please think hard about this! You wouldn't want to leave your pup behind for a mistake that could have been prevented. If you are to do this, I would recommend a Yorkie or a small poodle, possibly a chihuahua.

Answer 4

You might want to wait until the traveling stops, and you settle down. That way you can give a dog a proper home. No animal is going to enjoy traveling on a plane constantly on & off.

Keep in mind... "tiny'' dogs, have tiny bladders. Up to 5 hours without a potty break, and your carrier is going to start stinking.

Answer 5

Well you can ask others opinions but look what happens, people are rude and mean and don't always give the answer you are looking for.
I have a small dachshund. She travels everywhere with us, but not on planes. She loves the van and loves coming with us. We have all her shots up to date, and always make sure she is harnessed when traveling. She loves it, and we love it. I think its a good idea, but not the idea of traveling via plane with an animal. 5 hours is a long time for a pet on a plane. When you travel via car, you can stop and let your animal get some fresh air, food, a little exercise, etc. Its really up to you.

Answer 6

If you truly want the companionship of a dog when you travel, I say go for it. A teacup poodle would fit the bill. Would there be accomodations for her when you travel, or would you just stick her in a kennel atmosphere. If you are able to travel and spend time with her...do it. As long as her travel space on the plane is comfortable and you talk to her & reassure her frequently, and she has water in there, she'll be fine. I would visit a vet and see what he recommends. Visit websites on Dog breeds, and look into the toy breeds and see what will fit your lifestyle. Good luck.

Answer 7

I think your being selfish if this is the only reason you want a dog. I think your also being unrealistic when it comes to a dogs needs while you are traveling. What do you plan to do if the dog has to go to the bathroom and you can't take them outside? Make him go in that tiny crate? What does the dog get out of it?
If you want something to do while you travel get an iPod.

Answer 8

You should probably wait until you can give him the love and affection he needs in a place where he knows is home. Traveling can be very stressful for a dog so I would reccomend waiting. I don't think you are being selfish, you are just trying to find a loving companion.

Answer 9

A teacup poodle or a yorkie, maybe? Why not drive? We just took a driving trip with out dog and we had sooo much fun. If you drive the dog can sit on the car seat using a special seat belt. You can get out for frequent walks. Dogs love exploring new places.

Answer 10

I miss my dogs like hell when I'm traveling but I would never, ever subject them to airports and airplane travel. It's way too stressful for them and for me. If I'm going somewhere in my familiar car and they can come along...no problem. But if it's a plane or train trip, they go to the kennel.

That said, if you insist on a bio-accessory, you're going to have to go with the teacup yorkies or similar. Check the AKC website for breed standards (how big they get, personality and care, etc.) and for links to reputable breeders.