Any other dog breeds I should consider?

Question

I want to choose from the smallest dog breeds. Just plain small dogs, toys, or teacups.

I prefer dogs with smooth or short hair. That means little to medium grooming.

No chihuahuas!!

I've narrowed it down to these breeds so far. If you can come up with more I can consider that would be great!

beagles-standard/pocket
boston terriers
dachshunds-standards/miniature
jack russell terriers
manchester terriers
miniature pinschers
norfolk terriers
(toy) fox terriers

If you can tell me any interesting information you know about these, or new, breeds that would be good.

I've looked these dogs up. But I still want as much information as possible.

I'm concerned about knowing health issues these breeds may have.

I don't have any children so I don't need a dog that's good with kids or other pets. But a loyal watch dog type would be great.

I'm looking for a dog that likes to cuddle and show affection.

A minimal barker would be best but not too important.

Thanks for any info you can give.

long hair means grooming. that's a no.

yorkies have very long hair if you don't cut it. and yes, they do bark. they're one of the cutest darn dogs out there tho when groomed.

i heard that italian greyhounds are prone to broken bones. i looked at that breed too.

poodles of any kind are a no. they aren't my type of dog. and they need grooming. i don't want a ball of fur.

miniature schnauzers need grooming too, unless you want a fluff ball for a dog. they're really great dogs tho. i just can't put up with regular grooming.

same with west highland white terriers. it gets long and shaggy. they look nice tho. if i wanted a longer haired dog i'd consider it.

Answer 1

I have a Boston terrier and have always had bostons. They are very protective, loyal and shed very little. They require very little grooming. They are high energy dogs and will require daily exercise. They also have large bulging eyes that need to be protected from cats etc. If you live in an area w/ extreme heat they need to be kept indoors because of their flat noses. I love my boston :) I also have a dachsund and he is pretty good too. Some have problems with their backs though. He is also bad about going potty in the house.

Answer 2

All of the breeds you are considering are known to be very active and quite vocal. Have you thought about a papillon or a Cavalier King Charles spaniel?

Personally, I would go with an adult (so you know the size and temperament) mixed breed from a shelter or rescue group. Mixed breeds have far fewer genetic defects and often better temperaments. Plus, you will be saving a life rather than encouraging the breeding of dogs when there are so many put down every day.

And size isn't everything -- unless you are restricted where you live. For example, a greyhound is gentle and quiet, curls in a ball to sleep 18-20 hours a day and needs surprisingly little exercise. They are usually retired from racing at 2 to 3-1/2 years of age and live an average of 10-12 years.

Good luck with your selection.

Answer 3

Do the places which state they do not allow aggressive dogs have a list showing which breeds THEY consider aggressive? If any of them consider a Siberian Husky aggressive, what you CAN do is take him to the training so he can get a Good Citizen Award. With this award in hand, you are in a strong position to validly state that your dog should be allowed in this residence. I have looked at some of the aggressive dog lists, and I disagree with some of the dogs listed. I see the Siberian Husky on the first list, which has the St. Bernard that I would contest being on the list. Several of the dogs on the Aggressive Dogs Lists are dogs from breeds with a strong prey drive. Others are dogs who tend to be nervous in temperament. Dogs on these lists can be fine, IF the owner knows how to train the dog that the owner IS PACK LEADER. Any dog who acknowledges you as Pack Leader properly and completely, will be a good dog unless you are an aggressive person. I think your best bet is to get the GCA for your dog. It's a 10 part test and will be a real asset to you when you need to PROVE your dog is well behaved.

Answer 4

I raise several of the breeds that you have listed above. First of all you should consider that the short to medium coated dogs do not require a lot of grooming but they shed terrible. I completely 100% think that the most loving lab dog is a toy poodle. They do not shed at all and you only have to take them to have them groomed about every 6-8 weeks. They are not a hyper dog and do not bark very much at all. The miniature pinscher is a wonderful little watch dog but are more hyper as is the case with most terriers. Another little dog that you should consider is a Brussels Griffon.

Answer 5

Hi Audra!

Please, listen: There is NO such thing as a TEACUP anything. Not Yorkies, Maltese, Poodles, Chihuahuas.

Many breeds have "Mini" or "Toy" attached but it does not excist in particular breed either.

You got to be super careful, or you may end up with a sick bred puppy which ends up giving you grief with severe health issues.

My personal favorites:

Corgi
Dachshund (Miniature/Standard. NO such thing as Tweenies or Toy Dachshund)
Papillon
Boston Terrier (Also, no such thing as minis or toys)
Australian Terrier
Pug
German Pinscher
Miniature Pinscher
Beagle (Never met an aggressive Beagle - there is NO such thing as a pocket Beagle!)

The Norwich and Norfolk Terriers are very, very hard to find.

The best way to find out about each of those breeds is to go to:

http://AKC.org

they also lead you to the links of the Clubs, which is always the best idea for your research and to find ethical breeders.

Do NOT buy from a PETSHOP!!

http://nopuppymills.com

Do NOT buy from a broker (If you can't see the mother dog, can't touch her, can't interact with her, do not buy. If you can't go the the breeder's home, do not buy. If there are to many dogs, to many breeds, if it is filthy, do NOT buy!).

Now, I have seen some say: "Get a Yorkie! Don't get a Terrier! Don't get a Dachshund!".

You need to learn the up's and down's of any breed you may consider.
However, NO matter the breed: A Great Dog has always a GREATER owner!

I owned Dachshund all my life, and they were NEVER aggressive by any means. Well trained and socialized.

Many Mini Schnauzers come from aggressive parents.
Find a good breeder close to you who has friendly parent dogs to show.

West Highland Terriers are in general cute. Scottish Terriers are much tougher to train and control and need an educated owner.

Italian Greyhounds are great, but often pose potty issues, as they have severely small and sensitive bladders.

Yorkshire Terriers are overbred and to many are wayyyy to small and come with terrible inherited issues, like heart illnesses, deformed bones and problems with the jaw/teeth.

Again: Quality puppies from quality breeders, who do NOT breed puppies for profit or to make a living off them.

You need to find out what your match is.

Go and visit a dog show in your area. Talk to people.
True fanciers won't lie about their breed to make fast cash.
They will be honest with you and tell you if you are a match to the breed you may desire.

Answer 6

Any terier breed is good for the home and the female of the breed is dominant so if you dont want controll issues then get a male. in natural habitat they run in packs of 20 or more so are very social and teritorial (good cuddle and defender)
rat terrier has a hairless breed and is toy size very smart.not much of a bark(some breeds have to be trained to bark)
only dificulties would be that they dont care to be left alone for very long and will seek revenge on shoes, pillows or your fav chair.Some stuffed animals will usualy placate its pack instincts especialy if you leave the radio or tv on
Aus. bluehealer is more patient and just as inteligent

Answer 7

It seem as if you have done your homework however it doesn't matter the breed you choose-it will still need regular grooming to maintain the health and happiness of your pet. There are short haired Jack Russell terriers that would not require daily brushing.

Answer 8

English Toy Terrier/ Toy Manchester Terrier

I have one of these I have had many dogs but this has been the most:

Alert very good watch dog, small dog 25 - 30cm / 2.7 - 3.6 kg, smooth hair black and tan in colour, Undemanding dog to feed with no special dietary requirements; they generally have a good appetite. On the whole they are affectionate, friendly and totally devoted to their family.

This is what my dog looks like
http://users.tpg.com.au/mjwills1/Pictures/Roy.JPG

I have attached some links about this breed. I hope this helps

Good luck

Answer 9

How about a West Highland White Terrier. Cool little dogs.
Yorkies BEWARE yorkies are very hard to potty train. I owned a Yorkie for fifteen years. Cute as a button but very bad potty manners. Looked at getting another until breeder told me that most yorkies are hard to potty train. So we got a westie. Great little dog. Norfolk terriers are awesome to but a bit pricey.

Answer 10

Have you thought about a yorkie. They are a really cute and lovable dog. I dont know if you live in an apartment or not but the yorkie is great for apartments. And they are pretty smart dog even though some like to try to fool you into thinking that they dont understand. if you keep their hair at a med length grooming will not be a problem, and they love to cuddle and show affection.