I want a doggie! Help me figure out the best dog for me!

[missmich]

For a few years now I've wanted a dog and this want has gotten much stronger the past month or so. Possibly b/c my boy cat Jasper Jaxx just left me and I'm feeling that something is missing with out him. I do still have my girl cat Tybalt to care for and she is showing me a lot of extra love as well.

I know that right now I'm not ready to bring a new dog or any pet home to adopt. Emotionally or financially,but I want to start learning about dogs and dog care now. Perhaps in 6 months to a year I will be ready. I want to be prepared in case the perfect dog does come into my life though before then.

I'm waiting to hear from a foster agency about fostering a cat for them and I may ask about fostering dogs as well. First I need to make sure my own cat is up to date on her shots and that the landlord will be ok with me having a dog here. I know he's fine with me having a max of 2 cats at a time,but he didn't like that the neighbor downstairs had 2 large dogs. When it's time for me to ask about fostering or adopting a dog I hope he will be ok with me having a small dog.

So I need to be sure that my future dog and I are a good match and that they get along with my cat. I know at the start there may be some issues and I'm willing to work that out with them,it's pretty normal.

I'd love to have a small dog,like under 10 pounds. A sweet and cute little dog that I could carry easily in a bag,if he or she wanted to of course. Or just cuddle on my lap along side my cat. I don't have a yard so I assume that smaller dogs will be happy and healthy with 2-3 small walks a day and don't need to run around a yard all day.

Should I get a girl or boy dog? Will that matter to my girl cat? She was fine when I had a friends little boy dog come and visit me and spend the night.

Do smaller breeds of dogs need a special food? I have my cat food delivered and it's from a local company and is more natural then the other foods.They might have a small dog type of food as well,I haven't checked this yet.

Would my small dog need to be crated while I'm away or during the night? Or does this sorta depend on how well behaved they are? My friends small dog was never in a crate.

I know there is more to choosing a dog then how cute they are and that's why I'm asking questions now. I've never had a dog before and don't have a lot of experience with them. I may decide that it's not my thing. That's why if I can foster some dogs first it will help me decide. I don't want to adopt the sweetest dog I see and then 2 weeks later change my mind. I want to be a good responsible dog owner.

Oh and I will find my dog at a shelter or other animal rescue agency. I just can't allow myself to go to a breeder or a pet shop.

[missmich]

The landlord said....YES! I can have a dog!!! He said that I was a good tenant and that he knows how well I take care of my cat and he knows I will take good care of a dog as well. He's also willing to talk with the shelter or put something in writing saying that I'm allowed.

Also I found a sweet little Yorkie on Pet Finder that I called the rescue group about and am just waiting for them to call me back.

I'm so excited!!

[Ola_]

Have you had dogs before (as an adult)? I have to say I would recommend staying away from terrier breeds. A mellow large dog would be much easier in terms of training and behaviour. Or just a nice medium-sized shelter mutt. Plus I would be concerned about the barking since you mentioned you are renting.

[Oubliette8]

There are very few breeds that weigh in at under 10 lbs, so you've already narrowed the field quite a bit. Almost all of the suitable breeds will be toy dogs. Here are the breeds in the Toy group- http://www.akc.org/breeds/toy_group.cfm
You can read a little about each of them there. Be aware that if weight is very important to you, that you should get an adult dog. Even though Chihuahuas and Pomeranians, for instance, are suppose to be under 10 lbs, I routinely see specimens that are 20+ pounds. A dog for a reputable breeder would be more likely to stay in the right range, but since you want a rescue, an adult is the only way to go if you want to be sure of its adult size.

Also be aware that many dogs in the toy group are supposed to weigh MORE than 10 lbs. Cavaliers and Pugs for instance weigh between 10 and 20 lbs.

things to think about when choosing a breed-

Can you afford professional grooming? Do you have the time and desire to provide regular grooming at home? Long Coated breeds need regular grooming. You can have them clipped into a "puppy cut" but they'll still need some attention. If you prefer the long coated look, they'll need daily grooming.

Have you owned a dog before? Some dog breeds need an experienced owner.

Have you trained a dog before? How trainable do you want your dog to be? Toy dogs are notoriously hard to housebreak- and some of them are harder still on top of that! How patient will you be if it takes months to housebreak your dog? As a general rule, small dogs are difficult to housebreak. And some breeds are known to be even harder than others.

Also, a highly trainable dog may need constant stimulation. Their smarts can actually get them into more mischief, and lead to other behavior problems. Papillions, for instance, have a reputation for being highly intelligent. On the other hand, some breeds are known for being stubborn when it comes to training.

Another concern is that small breeds are very fragile. Some breeds are known to break limbs simply by jumping off the furniture. Could you deal with that? Would you be willing to change your home around to prevent injury from that sort of thing? Do you regularly have contact with young children? Tiny Toy dogs can be easily injured by well meaning young kids. What about the weather? Are you willing to train yours to use a litter box? Many small dogs simply refuse to go out in the snow. If it gets seriously cold where you live, exposure is also a very real risk. And if you go with a hairless dog or short-nosed breed, they need special care in the summer.

Also, many small breeds have inherent health issues- often they have terrible teeth- can you afford to pay for dental cleanings and tooth pullings? They are prone to heart issues- is that something you can deal with? They may also have orthopedic issues- a common one being luxating patella, which may require expensive surgery and is far too common. Is that something you could handle?

The other thing to think about is life span. Most toy breeds have very long lifespans- 15 years or more. Even if you adopt an older dog, you may have it a very long time. are you ready for that sort of long term commitment?

What do you want to DO with your dog? Some dogs are, for instance, higher energy and would want to play with you a lot. Others might prefer to sleep or cuddle most of the day. Obviously if you want a cuddler, you don't want to choose a breed that prefers to play all day long! do you want your dog to go hiking with you? Some dogs are "sturdier" than others- long hair might picks up burrs, some dogs tire easily, short nosed breeds have trouble with extended physical activity etc. Think about what you want from your dog, and then look for a breed with those characteristics. My dogs breed is known for being lap dogs for instance, and are known to dote on their masters and follow them around. I've actually seen them surrendered to rescue because "the dog follows me around all day" This is a breed characteristic, obviously some of us find it desirable, but if its not what you want, that breed, no matter how cute, probably isn't for you.


As far as food, for most regular adult food is fine. Some small dogs prefer "small bites" food, which is the regular formula in smaller kibbles. There are several brands with small breed formulas as well, and for a truly tiny dog like you want, I would certainly consider them. They tend to have tiny kibbles for small mouths and be higher in fat and protein, which can really help the tiniest guys who can be prone to hypoglycemia and have high metabolisms. Brands with specific small breed formulas include- Eagle Pack Holistic Selects, Earthborne Holistics, Wellness, Solid Gold, and Diamond Naturals. Royal Canin has breed specifc formulas (ie "Poodle food" and "yorkie food" ) but for the most part I'm unimpressed with those.

The other thing I would recommend is to make sure your dog gets trained and well socialized. Many owners think that because they are so small, bad behavior is ok. its not. It can get the dog in trouble and is dangerous. What if it gets out the front door and will not come when called? What if it needs medical attention, or grooming, but it wont let strangers near? What if it bites a visiting child? Little dogs can get into big trouble if they are not socialized and trained correctly. they do require slightly modified little dog training techniques, but a good trainer can help with those. There are also some books on the market specifically about training tiny dogs.

Good Luck! i hope you find the perfect dog for you.

[missmich]

Thanks for all that great info! I did learn some of those things all ready,but now have even more to learn. It's good though b/c I want to make the right choice.

I've never owned a dog before. Some of the foster homes I was in as a child had a dog and I've dog sat. So though I've walked dogs and helped care for them they weren't really my duty. I also need to learn how to walk a dog properly. I saw some videos on how it's done and learned I don't do it the right way and I let the dog lead me.

Looking over the adoption sites I realize that under 10 pounds may not be very realistic. lol I think I just said 10 pounds cuz I know that's small. According to the sites a small dog is less then 25 pounds.

I'd like an young,but adult dog rather then a puppy and one that all ready is pretty well behaved. I don't think I'd have the patience or the knowledge to train a new puppy on my own and can't afford a trainer. Even if I read a lot of books on it I don't think I could fully train a dog from scratch. I know that I could help reinforce some things that they all ready know though and help them that way.

I'm reading the descriptions of each dog that I think may suit me. I try and notice if each shelter describes ALL the dogs in the same way or they are a little more honest about any issues the dog may have. If that shelter says all their dogs are pretty much perfect then I'll avoid that shelter.

I really pay attention to the descriptions of the dogs and if I think they will be to much of a challenge for me,as a first time dog owner I pass even though I think we'd love one another. It's important that I'm honest with myself and the shelter so that I can be matched well.

There are 2 dogs that I'm interested in at the same shelter. They are both in foster homes now. Both are Yorkies and one is a purebread and the other a mix who looks like Scamp,the son of Lady and the Tramp. lol The description says neither is a barker or biter and they get on well with cats.

I also saw a free Shitzu dog on craigslist. I don't know much about it though,except that it's white. Is getting a free dog better then paying for a rescue or shelter dog?

If I did get a fragile little thing,should I crate them when I'm out so they won't be jumping on and off the bed and possibly breaking a limb?

[Oubliette8]

I would recommend reading up on each of the dog breeds you are interested in. While there is some variation within the breed, it will give you a good idea. Even if the description says they know 10 commands and love kids, if part of their breed identity is that they are reserved with strangers, like to dig, or tend to be independent, that's something you'll want to take into account too. Indeed, reading up on small breeds will help you narrow your search to a few instead of offering on each small dog you see. Most suitable breeds under 25 pounds will still be in the toy group, although there may be a few terriers, herding dogs, and non-sporting breeds that could fit the bill. Dachshunds from the hound group are also small dogs. And of course mixed breeds.

Myself, I knew I didn't want too much grooming, I wanted something sturdier, I disliked terrier attitudes and hound stubbornness, I wanted something easy to train and affectionate. I also knew I wanted a sportier dog that could handle long hikes in the woods. When I put those all together, I got a "short list" of 5 or so breeds. I then read up on those breeds which lead me to shorten it a bit further. Then I searched petfinder for dogs of those breeds or mixes of those breeds. I inquired and sent apps for probably 10-20 dogs before I got approved for one. And she has been just perfect.

If you can't afford a trainer, can you afford regular grooming? A dog like a Yorkie or a Shih Tzu will require it. In my area, you can find a training course for about $100 for an 8 week course. Regular grooming may cost $40 or more a month for a small dog. I knew I couldn't afford regular grooming, so I chose a breed that did not require it.

I would HIGHLY recommend trying to find a training course if you've never trained a dog before. Even a dog who is already trained can lapse if proper technique isn't used. It would be an investment for you and your dog. In some areas, the local humane society offers low cost courses. And its fine to let your dog lead in most circumstances, so long as they walk nicely and are not choking themselves, and will listen to your direction.

You'll also want to keep that in mind when you look. Some breeds, like herding dogs and some terriers and toys, even if they are well trained will constantly challenge you. This doesn't make them a good choice for someone with no training experience.

As for crating the delicate ones while your away, I think it would depend on the dog. Some dogs can be trained to stay off the furniture. They also make dog stairs, and if your dog uses them reliably, you could probably let them out then too.

Another thing to think about is how long are you gone during the day? It wouldn't be fair to crate a dog for 8+ hours a day. And some breeds don't do well when left home alone. Also, the smaller the dog, the smaller their bladder. Some of the smaller toys simply cant hold it more than a few hours, and in that case, you need to make an indoor potty area if you aren't home- either a litter box or pee pads.

A free dog is just as good as a shelter or rescue dog. One thing to consider is the differences in risk. Most shelters give basic temperament tests to all dogs. If a dog is aggressive, they don't make it up for adoption. Sometimes people will re-home animals that wouldn't make it in a shelter through avenues like Craigslist- either because they are aggressive, sick, or old. Of course, the Craigslist dog wont have been in a shelter environment and exposed to the stresses and diseases found there. There are probably plenty of nice dogs in both places, but its good to acknowledge the potential risks as well.

A dog from a rescue tends to be a somewhat safer bet. Generally its been to the vet and checked and treated for major health issues. Its been in a foster home and so they can tell you what it is like in a home environment. Dogs in a kennel often behavior quite differently, and former owners are occasionally less than honest. Its also probably had a little training, and has had a more through temperament test- with kids, dogs, cats, and in general. They do, however, tend to be a bit pickier in who they let adopt than the other two sources. Many have rules about fenced yards (not all!), small children in the home, etc.

I hope that helps some! At this point, I would probably recommend checking out some basic dog books from your local library and reading about the different breeds. Write down the ones you like, and read more on those. Also, make a list of traits you want or cant have. Be realistic and take dogs with the wrong traits off your list. I love hounds for instance, but can NOT stand having a dog a can't be trusted off leash, so as much as I love them, I will not own a hound. I probably wouldn't send out any inquiries until you've done some research and have a general idea what you want. You're looking at a 10-15+ year commitment, holding back and doing a little research now will pay off in the long run.

[missmich]

Awwwww....this is little Rocco! I saw him on the other site and have asked about him and just found him again on a site for "old,ugly and unpopular" dogs.

http://underdogclub.org/#s=dogProfile&did=142

Poor little man with bad owners who left him with the dog sitter while they went on a date!

[missmich]

I feel like I have a lot of breeds on my "not for me" list and am still trying to figure out what breed or mixes would be good for me. Purebred or mutt is perfectly fine for me.

I don't work full time so do have a lot of time to spend at home and take the dog for a short walk and a longer one in nicer weather. I hope to pee pad train them as well just in case I'm out longer. I'm not a high energy sporty person so a dog that needs a good run in the park or a hike wouldn't be right for me. I need a dog that will be happy in a home with no yard for them,otherwise it isn't fair. I don't mind if he or she follows me around the house,my cat all ready does. lol I want a cuddly dog that's for sure!

I think a small dog would need a coat for Winter and I prefer they have booties as well for walks. I live in Montreal and it gets cold here and they use salt on the roads and that's not good for them.

I know that shorter hair cuts are more appealing to me so I'll have to check in with groomers and see how much this would cost. I thought they'd need a cut every few months.

Each time I see a cute dog I read the description and then read about that breed and that helps me decide. I don't think I can say yes to any dog unless I've met them though and see how they get on with my cat and how well I do with them.

With the free dog on CL,I sent the woman an e-mail and asked a few questions including if I could speak to her vet about the dog. She's moving to the USA and this was her reason for rehoming him. I'm wondering if she will agree to a check up before I adopted him from her. I could ask for that.

I read a little about how the test dogs to see how they are about certain things so maybe I can learn more about that and try the little tricks if I meet him.

[Ola_]

Can I ask a question? You mentioned you've had cats, why do you want a dog?

I can tell you that as a first time dog owner (we had dogs growing up but that is nothing like having one of your own IMO) it was quite a shock to me. I didn't realize till after, but I had a very "romanticized" idea of what dog ownership would be like. All I thought about were walks, playing with the dog, and just generally being buddies. Instead it ended up being a lot of work and quite stressful! Don't get me wrong, I love my dogs and all the rough times helped build the bond that we have but I really had no idea what I was getting into.

So that's a little food for thought. As far as the specific dogs I would definitely stay away from Rocco. A separation anxiety dog will be very hard to work with in a rental - I've been there. There is no guarantee that you can improve it and it can be very destructive to your home and disturbing to your neighbours. Most dogs will bark and carry on when you first get them and leave home because it's a new place and they're adjusting, but to have that happen each day would risk getting you evicted. Some SA dogs will also injure themselves trying to escape or just because of the stress.

I find with most rescue group descriptions you have to read between the lines. Re: grooming, this is something I stay away from, brushing a shedding dog is much easier IMO than making grooming appointments, etc. But check with the breed info about how often it's required as I'm not sure. Also, re: pee pads, I don't recommend it. Frankly many dogs get confused about where they should potty and you have issues with them peeing in the house. Unless you are away for a very long time (over 8 hours for an adult dog with no health problems) it's not necessary.

[SquishyKitty]

Pee pads are a horrible idea, because the dog will often pee on anything that even remotely resembles a pee pad.

[missmich]

I filled out an application with a very good and well known rescue in my area. I was very honest since I want to get the best match for me and make sure the dog can be happy in my yard free home. They got back to me very fast and asked if I was interested in a giant schnauzer! She needs a home for tomorrow and was rescued from a back yard breeder and that's all I know about her. I replied that I'd consider fostering her,but not adopting since I'm really looking for a smaller dog. Then I did some research on this breed and my friend told me,begged me not to take in this dog unless I have a yard! I'm quite sure she wouldn't be happy here and I don't think I'd be able to give her what she needs in terms of enough walks and trips to the dog park and I'm not sure she's a good for a first time owner. Makes me wonder why they asked me if I was interested.

I also spoke with another rescue about a terrier mix who is older,about 7 maybe. I'm not sure why his owners gave him up yet. I'd have to go and meet him and he's an hour away from me and I'd have to pay the vet fee that day (pretty cheap for all the tests he'd have done) and bring him home that day. I'd also have to have my roommate go with me or at least have her write something to say she is ok with me having a dog here. There is a 2 week trial and I can take him back and get a refund,but that may not be given for a few months until he's adopted again. I don't drive and getting a ride there and arranging my roommate and my ride with the ride schedule is tricky. We may not even be a good match either.

I think I need to keep looking.

[Oubliette8]

I do not normally recommend pee pads. However toy dogs like the OP initially expressed interest in come with their own needs. Some simply do not have the bladder capacity to go any standard amount of time without a potty break. And if the OP lives where it gets extremely cold in the winter, I know many toy dogs who simply will not go out. Plus, its difficult for a less than 10 pound animal to regulate its body temperature for long in such extreme cold. In my experience, many toy dog owners find litter box or pad training is essential.