What dog to go for?

Question

We want to get a dog for our family but we don't know what breed to go for. We work full time so the dog would be home alone for 9 to 10 hours every day. we want a SMALL dog that can be trained easily. We looked at teacup poodle and bichon but these 2 cannot stay alone for so long without being miserable. What kind of small breed could you recommend?

Thanks for answers so far. I'd like to set a few things straight too. I am thinking seriously about it: I grew up with large dogs and other pets: I appreciate that certain dogs cannot stay alone too long. But some breed can, I just don't know which ones! I aim at a rescue dog, more because I believe that these dogs deserve a home, a caring home (even if the family is not present 24/7) rather than a shelter or to be put down. If you want to judge me and tell me I should not have a dog, please abstain: I know the arguments. If you honestly think that some breed can be more independent or if you have more suggestion (day care, adopting sibblings...) please give me your opinion. Many thanks to all of you so far (and to the ones to come!)

Answer 1

No dog is going to be happy being home alone for 9-10 hours a day. Please don't get a dog, unless you will arrange for doggie day care or something like it.

Answer 2

we have two shih tzus that stay home all day. They have a fenced in back yard with a small cat door, but even if yours won't they don't bark much and ours were both trained fairly easily in basic obedience and one of them in agility. Also, unlike a lot of smaller breeds, once they're adults they aren't too hyper like terriers and breeds like that. You should definitely adopt from a shelter and maybe even rescue an adult dog. Then it may already be potty trained and much calmer than a puppy. There are many more adult dogs that need great homes!
Good Luck!

Answer 3

Large Dogs?

Answer 4

No dog should be left alone for that amount of time, especially a young or untrained one.

You'd be better off with a pet that doesn't require a lot of attention, like a cat or some fish.

Answer 5

No dog will be happy left alone for 9-10 hours. However, if you were willing to use a puppy day care service, your dog would be more happy. When raising a puppy, it is NOT good to have no one at home for most of the day!

Due to your present situation I would recommend a stuffed animal or one of those "webkinz" (a virtual pet) until you can put in the real time a pet needs.

(although...to answer your question, I love Cavalier King Charles Spaniels!)

Answer 6

hmm how about a chihuahua ... they take som time to train im still doing so with my dog. but they are fine they dont require a lot of excercise and when theyre not sleepin my chi does that she mainly just entertains herself to some of the toys. Plus theyre smart and make good little watchdogs and theyre easy to manage their coat is short ,if you get the shorthaired breed. Less maintance to do from a long days work

Answer 7

Why not get 2 dogs, especially if they are siblings...that will take care of the long days. Maybe then you can get the breeds you wanted.

Answer 8

No dog, big or small should stay alone for 9-10 hrs a day.
NO WAY especially with YOUNG puppies.
With an older dog, you can get by with a help of a professional dog walker. /10-15 bucks per walk/
Think twice before making your decision.

Answer 9

llahsa apso...(sp) i had one and we had to put it to sleep last week but he was by far the best dog. potty trained quick and GREAT family dogs. also very protective so that might be a good thing when your at work for 10 hrs a day. he was like my best friend and i dont know one apso that isnt like that. they're short too not big at all....kinda like a shitzu but without the funky over bite mouth lol

Answer 10

I recommend a mix.You won't have to worry as much about diseases or bad hips or anything. Anything mixed with a bulldog would be pretty laid back and wouldn't mind just sleeping all day.