Looking for a small dog...?

Question

My husband and I both work full time but we want a small dog. Any suggestions. Right now it's just the two of us but we plan on starting a family in a year or so. We need a baby friendly dog. Something small like a poodle (he hates poodles but something that size). Anyone know much about shih-tzus? Any suggestions on a good, small, family dog?

Please don't tell me to not get a dog... I'm getting a dog. I have time for a dog. So please either suggest one or don't leave a comment. Thanks

Answer 1

Shi tzu is a great choice. I have two one is 3 years old boy and 6 months old girl. we live in an appartment and newly married, we dont have kids yet, but int he near future we will. they are friendly, barelly bark at all, and are jsut great pets. I dont work so i stay at home and its good, but when we got our first dog we both had full time jobs and he was perfectly fine. I wouldnt get mad though if people tell you not to get a dog. its a FULL time commitment. I would suggest getting at least 3 weeks off work with a new puppy, just to train properlly and make sure he/she is ok. I noticed a lot people dont fully understand what having a dog means. First you pay for the dog, our 6 month old was 2 month when we got her and we paid 1200$ for her, to only realize same night that she had kennel cough. I took her to the vet next day and had to return her to the store same day to be treated, because if we were to do it ourself it would be at least 500$. after that you have to take them for shots all within next 4 months totalling about 700$ and then you have to fix them and it cost us another 600$ with microchip. all along traning her every day and having a lot of accidents. Our dogs are our babies and i would never discourage someone from getting a dog, but i think you need to fully understand what that means and be prepared for it. if you need more info please feel free to contact me. and if you decide on getting a shi tzu well then thats just wonderful.

Answer 2

shih tzus can be awesome little dogs, we have one she is going to be 3 soon we got her as a puppy she is small and never barks but I do know someone that had one that was very yappy, the only draw back we have with ours was she was very hard to house train we had to be constantly on her and its like that to this day although she is better the breed can be very stubborn when it comes to house training shih tzus are also very good with kids we have 3 the youngest being 11 mths and we have never had a problem with the dog and the kids our shih tzu is so gentle, she does not shed but you have to take care with there coat it can get mated if you don't keep it trimmed and brushed often. I know your going to get a dog regardless of what anyone says but if your getting a puppy you should really make sure someone is able to be there at least every 2 hrs for the first few months when they are puppies there bladders cannot hold it for long periods of time. good luck

Answer 3

If you work full time, both of you, I would not recommend getting a new dog unless you can take some time off. If you get a dog, it will need time to adjust to the house and people, but not as much as a puppy would, but it would still be nice to have someone home with the dog, depending on how many hours you work.

But if your planning on getting a puppy, and both of you work, forget it. Puppies need to be watched a lot more then dogs do, they need a lot of care, attention, and need to be house broken, so if you work more then I'd say 2 hours at a time, forget getting a puppy.

Now if you work say, during the day, and your husband during the night, which leaves time for one of you to almost always be home, ignore what I said above, and go for it.

But if there is a time frame of like 5 + hours that both of you wouldn't be home, it may not be a good idea for a puppy.
If you both won't be home for 8+ hours, it may not be a good idea for a dog.


The website below has a list of small dog breeds for you to look at.

Answer 4

The best way to find a small dog that should be child friendly is shop around for small breeds you like - when you find a puppy you fall in love with lightly but firmly pinch the skin between its toes if it winces or pulls away it will not be a good choice to have around children, and really you should avoid getting a poodle they are a one person dog and possesive, they won't want to share your affection with children or your husband.Good luck in your search.

Answer 5

I'm a fan of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, it's a very family friendly dog.
All the info you should need is below

Answer 6

Daschunds are nice. But there kinda in the small-medium range. But there very child friendly. And they are a awesome family dog.

Answer 7

shih-tzus are great dogs, i used to have a half shih-tzu half maltese hybrid. There independant enough to be left alone (without destroying you home) and are very affectionette when they're in your company. They also are easy on potty training.

Answer 8

Go to: www.puppyfind.com You can see all the different breeds and find one that would work for your family. I have Yorkies. Just love um... Papillons are great, long haired Chihuahua, Japanese Chin, Pom's, Little girls are much better, they don't lift their leg on everything.

Answer 9

well if you are working full time i would suggest not having a dog. imagine if you were left alone all day long (unless you get two) . i like westies, teacup pomeranians, and there are cute mixes between little dogs. but if yuo dont have time to spend w/ it i wouldnt let it suffer (unless u get 2 =])

Answer 10

i suggest a chiuaua/beagle mix, i own one and she is very loving and cute. Personally i dont like chiuauas because they arent very cute, but my dog is very cute with the whole beagle part. Plus she is little, and isn't going to grow any more.