I'm considering buying a toy dog, wondering which is best suitable w other pets and has best temperament?

Question

I'm considering purchasing a toy dog, and I want to do as much homework as possible to find which type would best suit my household. I am often over at my mother and 17 year old sister's home who have a cat and chocolate lab who are both very sociable, so it would be best to get one that got along with other animals. I also am looking for a mild and very loving temperament. Any advice?

Answer 1

Toy dogs can be a whole lot of fun - if you remember that they are dogs first and toys second. I know an awful lot of toy dogs that are big dogs in very small packages.

My first suggestion is to adopt a homeless adult toy at the local shelter. Second option would be to research the breeds you like (which you're doing) and then contact a rescue organization that focuses on that breed.

forget that baloney about "My puppy will grow up with my personality imprinted on it." Hogwash. Pure hogwash.

I know people adore puppies - but they don't STAY puppies - and an adult dog will be more settled, stay the size she is and you'll know right away what temperament she has from the rescue's foster parent.

They also come spayed/neutered, up to date with shots, health and temperament tested, socialized, can be left alone for longer periods (while you're at work perhaps?) etc. etc. - there are a lot of "pluses" with adopting an adult dog (of any breed).

Plus, with their popularity - toys can be quite pricey. So adopting an adult dog can be cost effective.

Answer 2

Why not seacrh the internet, my dear, and select an already socialized, homeless animal? I see many sites that have dogs of ALL kinds that come from homes where they are exposed to cats and dogs. You'd be the perfect owner for one of these abandoned pets. You know, some times owners die and there's no one to take their pet. Also, Hurricane Katrina made many pets homeless and displaced. There are lists in every city of adoptable animals. It doesn't make any sense to buy a pedigree pet from a puppy mill when you could give a homeless animal, one's that's already socialized and might be put to sleep, a GREAT home sharing all that love. I have seen Yorkies up for adoption and all kinds of toy dogs. Give CraigsList a shot, too. Usually people there may be allergic or moving and seek a good home and charge a small adoption fee...which BTW, is a very good idea because there are some very sick people who use helpless animals in rituals or for lab experiements and they love to get free animals. So, please, give a homeless animal a second chance? I know you will. Anyone who loves pets has a GREAT heart. Also, take a look at the photos at the homeless sites. I have a feeling one little dog is going jump off the page and say, "Mommie, I am the one for you!" Best wishes to you and your new pet. I KNOW the perfect one is waiting for you. GOOD LUCK & GOD BLESS!

Answer 3

Of the 3 breeds you mentioned, go with the Boxer. Shepards are very hard to train (although very smart), husky's are good but always trying to get off the lead or out of the yard and naturally aggressive towards other animals. The Boxer tends to be a little hyper for the 1st year but they don't shed much, easily trained, eager to please, great with family and your 2 oldest would consider it a dog to be proud of (tough and intimidating looking). If you like the husky type, look at a Samoyed, they are bigger than a Siberian Husky but easier to manage and more loyal. Consider a female dog regardless of the breed,.since it is your 1st. They are easier to train and manage. You may also consider a Standard or Giant Schnauzer (almost shedless), Labrador (sheds a lot, but easy to train) or even a Golden or Labradoodle. Chow Chows can be great dogs and are hardy, but DO NOT get a male. Check out breeders or the local shelters and spend some time with different breeds. Breeders can tell you almost anything about what they breed.

Answer 4

I dont want to sound biased but I just bought a Shih Tzu and shes 5 months old and I could not be any happier with her. I have a cat and another family dog and she gets along GREAT with them. Shes playful and a lot smarter than we give her credit for. I nanny an 8 month old baby and she is great with her as well. Before I got her I was told Shih Tzu's dont get along with others, but mine has been amazing. My family dog is a bigger dog a retriever/collie mix and they are the best of friends. I would go with a Shih Tzu, they are loyal, intellegent dogs with great temperament.

Answer 5

My sister has Cavalier King Charles spaniels and I think they are great toy dogs. They are loving, smart, gentle and affectionate, get along with other animals and are very people oriented. They don't bark much and they train easily. They seem like little golden retrievers in personality to me (I have goldens). Defintely my choice for a toy dog.

Answer 6

well you could go to nextdaypets.com this site has dog breeds that you could read about their temperment
Also gotpetsonline.com is a site where you can look at pictures of dogs and see which one you like the most there's categories
Here's a list of teacup or toy dogs i know:
Yorkshire terrier
Shih Tzu
Pomeranian
Toy Poodle
Pekingese
Biewer Terrier
Silky Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Scottish Terrier
Chihuahua
Maltese

Answer 7

I just recently bought a baby pomeranian and at home i have 2 cats and a yellow lab. they all get along great. the cats dont particularly like the little dog but they dont really mind. my pomeranian doesnt bother them either, chases them once in a while and looks at them but has never hurt them in any way.
the yellow lab i have LOVES playing with the pomeranian, and they get along great. the only issue i have seen with my puppy is young children. he gets very annoyed around them and tends to growl.

Answer 8

West Highland White Terrier, a Bechion, a Silky Terrier, a Yorkie, DO NOT GET A POODLE!!!!!!!!! I personally recomend a Westie because they are very sweet loving pets.

Answer 9

This is a good site:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm
Anyways, I strongly recommend a Silky Terrier. They're small (for easy travel), but strong. They have hair, not fur, so they don't shed and they're good for allergies. they're EXTREMELY smart, and easy to train because they will listen to you. they are great alert dogs, they bark a little, but not so bad if you teach them "quiet". and they're really cute and affectionate. they usually become attached to the family so they don't have a tendency to run away.

Answer 10

A Shih Tzu would be nice