little, cute playful, for a pre-teen
2007-12-26 05:25:23 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
http://www.petfinder.com
http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm
Since you don't have a breed in mind, start by clicking these two links and look for dogs that fit your needs.
But, I do have to say, that a "pre-teen" should never own a dog. They can't afford vet care. Their lives are too busy. They don't have the time to potty train a puppy. They don't know *how* to train a dog correctly. They'll be moving/leaving home in the dog's lifetime.
Instead, find several dogs that you are interested in and present it to your entire family and consider it a "family" dog. You can still be primary caregiver and the "parent" to the dog.
2007-12-26 05:34:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
No dog, not even a chiHuaHua, will be a total lap dog. Almost every dog needs exercise and playtime. A dog is a ton of responsibility, not just a stuffed animal to snuggle with.
Are you sure that you've thought this through completely? Are you financially capable of taking care of a dog? Do you have at least 2 hours a day to dedicate to exercising your dog? Will you be able to pay for any medical emergencies that might occur? Have you spent at least a couple of months, researching basic dog behavior? Have you researched the particular breed that you want?
A dog is a huge responsibility. Please make sure that you and your family are 100% ready for it.
If you do decide you are ready, why not go down to your local shelter? Mine always has plently of little dogs (poodles, bichons, min pins, yorkies) that are waiting for a home. You should go to your shelter and see if there is one that you connect with. Please, do not buy a "designer dog" from an irresponsible breeder. No good breeder will breed these "designer dogs". Also, puppies from pet stores are often very unhealthy. Avoid pet store puppies at all costs.
Good Luck!
2007-12-26 13:39:20 · answer #2 · answered by Ya 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Go to the shelter and check out what is available. Really small dogs are NOT good bed partners because they are so fragile. Broken legs in a Chihuahua are almost impossible to fix.
My bed partner is a 50 pound clunk. But he only comes up when he is cold and needs my body heat.
Watch for a dog that doesn't hang back in the cage and is extremely shy, one that comes forward and greets you but is not overly aggressive. Look for a calm, submissive dog who will hopefully be a good companion and not a "test case"
luck
2007-12-26 13:39:04 · answer #3 · answered by Lyn B 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
My mom and I just rescued an adult poodle mix, and it is the sweetest thing in the world. A miniature or toy poodle would both be great, as they are small, they don't shed, aren't yappers at all, easily trained, and love to be cuddled. Best of all, they are lap-sized!
Only con is that they need to have their coats trimmed about once a month. But other than that, they are fine!
2007-12-26 13:37:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I recommend a Lhasa Apso. They are little (less than 20 pounds), cute, and playful. And the best part? They don't shed!
They look very similar to a Shih Tsu but are a bit larger and much less hyper. My Lhasa finally got out of her puppy phase and spends most of her time chewing on a toy next to my feet, lying on the couch near me or doing "sofa laps" in my living room.
They're hearty little things, too. So you don't have to worry about the dog jumping off the bed and hurting itself. They're bred to be guard dogs in Tibet; they climb mountains. My vet told me that this particular breed has very dense bones, so injury to bones is unlikely.
The only "downside" is grooming expense. They are long haired dogs, so you either have to pay a groomer once a month to trim the floor length hair, or you have to pay a groomer to shave the body hair short. Still, it's SO worth it! Because that long hair doesn't get shed all over your furniture or you.
This is my 2nd Lhasa, my parents have one, and they're the best little dog I could ever want.
2007-12-26 13:53:03 · answer #5 · answered by sukatx 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I also have a Cairn terrier. I think shes perfect size-and she is fairly calm for a small dog, and has a terrific personality. She loves sleeping at my feet, and is big enough I don't have to worry about accidently kicking her off the bed, but small enough that if she lies on my feet they dont go numb.
2007-12-26 13:42:38 · answer #6 · answered by Dottie928 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Why besides a Chihuahua they are soo cute!! But maybe a Pomerain. Just think of cute small playful puppies!
2007-12-26 14:05:23 · answer #7 · answered by danielle!(: 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Well, you shouldn't let dogs sleep with you on your bed, because dogs that sleep with you think their the "leader of the pack" this will mean demanding and being brought whatever he or she wants.
2007-12-26 14:24:40 · answer #8 · answered by Sophia 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a Cairn Terrier (same breed as Toto) and I think he's perfect as far as that goes. He's little enough to curl up in my lap nicely, which he loves to do, but he's also sturdy and active. I can wrestle and play with him without worrying about him breaking. Perfect.
2007-12-26 13:32:52 · answer #9 · answered by Jamie F 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
a cavalier, they are devoted lap dogs ( if bought from a reputable breeder) all of mine are lovely, snuggle up when you need them, they are small, playful, amusing, adorably cute, love walks (not long walks tho) and they are real people dogs. their are four colors to choose from but i find the Blenheim to be the nicest.
look on my profile to see a picture, if your not familiar with cavs
if i was to choose another small breed i would probobly go for pugs!!!
2007-12-26 13:57:54 · answer #10 · answered by little miss cavalier 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋