What's a good breed of dog for my couch-potato mother?

Question

She told me that she weants a BEAGLE, but I am trying to talk her out of it because she has a small yard, is in i pretty small house, and likes to spend most of her freetime inside. Is there some kind of a lapdog who might be relatively happy to sit and snuggle with her for most of the day?

You guys are right; she IS more of a cat person and even has two. She's got her heart set on getting a dog, though.

Steph P, DON'T WORRY! I have talked to her and talked to her about beagles and she knows deep down that I am right, so I doubt she will be stupid enough to bring one home.

An adult or elderly dog might fit the bill. Thanks for the suggestions, you guys....

I really do not want her to get a dog, either....but if she does, I just want to make sure it is not going to end up completely mmiserable. It's not like my mom NEVER goes outside, so I think she could take care of a dog really well as long as it's a mellow breed. She's a great mom to her animals, but I don't want her to set herself up for trouble.

Answer 1

I don't know about lap dogs because all of the ones I have had have been extremely high maintenance -- But I do know that greyhounds, despite their size, are the ultimate couch potatoes. They desperately WANT to be lapdogs -- they just don't realize how big they are! They're loving, loyal, need very, very little exercise and love to be with their owners snuggling. Most people think that because they're "racers," that they need to run and exercise a lot, but that just isn't true -- they don't need and don't want to exercise much. AND they also don't chase after any small animal like most people think. They can tell the difference between "family" (other pets) and animals they're allowed to chase (ones that appear in a specific situation like at the racing track or in an open field -- which reminds them of a racing track). They're very smart and require very little maintenance. I have a shih tzu now as well as three cats, and we're going to adopt an ex-racer greyhound.

Beagles are good dogs, but if they're bored they get destructive as do all hunting or "work" dogs -- just a thought.

Answer 2

I'm with you on the adult and elderly dog idea. A puppy wouldn't be a good idea. How about a special needs dog? Some of those dogs just don't get around very well, but they still need loving homes. Sounds like a perfect fit!

Answer 3

I would look for a more low energy sort of dog for your mom. Also, I would suggest that she looks for an adult dog, instead of a puppy. I have a pekingese that I adopted from a shelter when he was seven, and he is the best dog ever. Low energy, doesn't need a huge yard or house. I wouldn't call him a lap dog per se, he'd rather sit next to you than on you, but thats ok.

Another thought would be to adopt a cat instead of a dog-- if it is an indoors cat, they will not care the size of the yard.

In any case, please tell your mom to check out www.petfinder.com

Answer 4

There are plenty breeds of dog that could fit your mother who loves to snuggle with her pets. Some include:
1. Maltese
2. Yorkshire terriers
There are plenty more, but I believe a Maltese would be the best breed. Their hair can be cut short, (they look like a ball of fluff), which makes their hair manageable, do not need as much walking and out door stimulation. They also love to spend time with people, and be pampered. I have attached a link, I hope it helps...
http://www.akc.org/breeds/maltese/
pictures--> http://www.toypuppies.com/images/maltese.jpg
http://internationalkennel.com/images/maltese.jpg
http://www.pups4sale.com.au/maltese_05.jpg
*Any of the dogs from the "toy" group are also lap dogs who love to be pampered and cuddled with. You can also get a mutt rather than a purebred if you like a mix of character traits.
This is a over view of the beagle which is part of the herding group and do need lots of stimulation...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beagle
I hope this helps! If you need any more help please let me know :) Good Luck!

Answer 5

Toy breeds were developed precisely to be a lapdog/couch potato/snuggle buddy.

Of course they're still dogs so they need exercise. But I'd definitely go through the breeds in the Toy Group.

The breed that immediately comes to mind for me is the Japanese Chin, but there are a lot of breeds that qualify.

Answer 6

DO NOT LET HER GET A BEAGLE! I have a beagle.. he is soooo active even at 8 years old he can out run me way to easily. I'd say adopt a senior or adult dog at the local humane society

EDIT: Anyone who says she should get a teacup dog doesn't know what they are talking abuot.. teacup dogs do not exist.. so do research before getting a dog so your mother wont be one of millions of horrible dog owners who buy on impulse and don't know anythign about the breeds needs

Answer 7

I have a Maltese and he is the best lap dog, he also follows me everywhere I go, he is actually laying right behind me while I'm on the computer, he goes outside to go to the bathroom and has a quick walk in the morning and the evening and he is perfectly happy with that!!!

Answer 8

I would suggest a toy poodle or a taco bell dog. The poodle won't shed. Beagles can be very active and since she has a small yard I would suggest a small breed dog.

Answer 9

All dogs need to get SOME exercise. If you think she can properly take care of the dog I would suggest a Cavalier King Charles or a Shih-Tzu. My parents have 2 Cavalier's and they love to snuggle all day long.

I grew up with a Shih-Tzu and they are really mellow and sweet.

Answer 10

If she wants a dog, try a Maltese. They are small (around 5-12 lbs) and are bred to be "a ladies lapdog".

The only bad issue with them is they require constant grooming and clipping.
Other than that, they're good dogs. Not very hyperactive and not as yappy as other small breeds.