What dog should I get?

Question

Okay, well I am a 14-year-old girl who has just been granted permission to get my own dog! [woot] I really want a tiny dog that I can 'snuggle' with, that is lively but is also a lap dog who loves to give out their love! I don't want it to be big on barking all the time because I understand that tinier dogs tend to bark, and I also don't want it to have loads of fur that needs to be cut at a groomer constantly. What kind do you guys think I should get? Price really isn't an issue because my parents are willing to buy it for me. Thanks!

Answer 1

The best dog I ever had was a pomeranian. They do have a lot of fur but I never had to take mine to the groomer, I'd just give her a bath when she got dirty and she'd look fine. Most get between 2-10 lbs. Mine was sooo sweet, loving, and smart. She was like a little human following me everywhere. I swear it was like she knew what I was thinking sometimes. She would bark when someone would first come over, but only for a few seconds and she'd hush. Really, you can't be too sure if your new dog will bark or not b/c every dog is different and have different personalities. Good luck and congrats!

Answer 2

You might want to look on-line for a local small breed animal shelter. Shelter dogs are there for a number of reasons. It could be that their previous owner was elderly and had to go into a nursing home. It could be that someone in the family was allergic to the dog so they had to give it up. Most shelter dogs are really sweet and it has been my experience that they know how lucky they are to have a second chance with a happy family and will shower you with love.

I was a Foster Mom for a small breed animal shelter in my city and have had quite a few little ones come and go. I know that the barking thing depends on the breed, but also it depends on the personality of the dog. We have adopted a 12 year old female Maltese/Poodle mix and she is as barky as can be. We adopted an 8 month old male cocker/poodle mix and he only barks when someone is at the door.

Both of our little ones have to be groomed, but luckily I'm pretty handy with clippers so we don't have to take them to the groomer.

Personally, I like the cocker/poodle mixes. I have allergies and the poodles tend to be lower on the allergy scale. Poodles are also one of the smartest breeds. The cockers tend to pick up on what you want to do. They can be sweet and snuggly or they can be excited and playful depending on your mood.

As for being a snuggle dog...my sister has a 14 year old female pitbull/boxer mix who thinks she is a lap dog. My brother's female black lab was the same way. Our two are are big time suck ups who will snuggle with anyone!

Good luck finding the right dog for you. I know you can buy a dog from a breeder, but honest to goodness you can find one at least as good at a shelter...and these have usually already been potty trained.

Answer 3

OK, I'm probably going to get lots of bad ratings for this, but here goes. I don't think that you should get a Chihuahua. They can be a little bullying and tend to think that they are in charge. They can also be yappy and tend to bite. I would also avoid the terrier group--these dogs also tend to try to be the boss of everyone. They also are very smart and need jobs to do in order to stay happy. If you want a dog that is even tempered, you might look at pugs or shih tzu's (but these of course have long hair that needs grooming). Both are derived from mastiff breeds (a long time ago so they are still really little). That is just my opinion, though. No matter what breed you do get, please enroll it in training classes. I'm glad that you get to have a puppy, but remember they are not babies or dolls. They need to earn your affection. You can turn a very sweet dog into a monster by giving it control of the house.

Answer 4

I have two Cocker spaniels They are both great! They are hi per and layed back do not shed very often they don't bark unless they feel thretend scared or they think you are scared of something they have long ears curly hair and they only get to around 12 pounds and they snuggle and love to play they only have to get a hair cut around every 3-4 months not counting when they are puppies. The price usually ranges from $200-$500.
Hope this helps! Have fun with your new dog!

Answer 5

Many factors go into picking your dog. It is a major responsibility. Dogs are long term up to 15 years or so. So don't feel you have to rush to decide. You are not only picking a pet you are picking a best friend who is completely dependent on you for everything.
I would recommend that you do some research into the many factors that need to be considered when getting the dog.
I found that the site iselldogs.com has a lot of helpful information. There is information about training, good reputable dog breeders and much more.

Answer 6

Well I would say Pomeranians! I know there on the furry side of things. BUT they are great tiny dogs and are full of personality. Plus there soft and love cuddles!

BUT....If you dont want a pom =( you can get a Yorkshire Terrier! They are so cute and adorable! They are tiny and they come in either short or long hair. Plus they would make a good cuddle buddy. Good Luck with the dog shopping! Either dog you go with will be a good choice because doggies rock! =D

Answer 7

Chihuahuas are tiny and have short hair. They love to snuggle. You can train it not to bark too much. I've had 3 of them (and currently have 1) and they are wonderful. Just make sure you get one from a good breeder and that the parents have good temperaments and good health. Have a health check at the vets to make sure there are no knee problems or hydrocephalus.

Answer 8

try getting a Chihuahua, they love to sit in your lap or snuggle under the covers at bed time and any dog can be trained (properly) not to bark all the time. yorkies, shih tzu's, any dog that has pretty long hair will need regular trips to the groomer's. If this is your first pet, start out small, show mom and dad that you're a responsible care giver and later on, get a "fru-fru" dog.

Answer 9

Okay, well congratulations! I have a Yorkshire terrier mix, she is small and very sweet. she loves to cuddle and be petted. she does bark but only if there are squirrels otherwise she is pretty quiet. You might even try finding one at the pound the dogs there often have very sweet temperaments. well hope you find the right dog for you!

Answer 10

Please consider rescuing a shelter dog. Check on www.petfinder.com for rescue dogs in your area that need a home. You might be able to save a dog from being put to sleep. You can get adorable dogs (I know, I have two of them) from shelters. You can sometimes even find purebred dogs there too. But these dogs need homes and you can save 2 lives by adopting a shelter dog - the one you adopt, and the one that gets to take his place.