dog question

Ok Fh and I, well I have been looking into getting a dog. We wantt o get a small breed dog that would get along with my Limerick. Limerick seems to tolerate dogs prety well. He had no reaction to my neighbor's dog who wandered in the house. Any ideas on breeds we should consider?

Thanks!!

What kind of lifestyle??? Do you hike or boat??? Do you want a couch potato or an athlete?? Do you want to have grooming appts>>>???is a shedder okay or prefer a non shedder??? Do you walk the block daily?>?

I just want to know what breeds to look at. Any ideas?

I would go to this site here, it gives a lot of information on each breed, but doesn't overload you. Small breeds like Maltese or medium-sized breeds like Miniature (NOT toy) poodles are always a safe bet. If you want a delightful, charming little dog you can't go past a miniature Schnauzer. There's so many to choose from - you'll have a lovely time deciding!

But Sharky's questions were highly relevant. Dogs are all so different there's no point suggesting a breed(s) unless you are aware of what you want from your dog and what kind of lifestyle you live and are prepared to provide for it. If you have never had a dog you need to ask yourself some very serious questions about what you have to offer. Dogs are extremely, diametrically different from cats in all ways. In their needs, their habits - everything. They require a great deal of time, for the entirety of their lives.

They are much less independent than cats and require a lot more work in terms of training (including toilet training). They are more destructive when young (and also when older if they're not adequately cared for) and require exercise on a daily basis - EVERY day - and a decent amount of exercise, no matter what the breed. They have to be a part of your family and your life, and not just left to their own devices, which is the quickest way to end up with a lonely, miserable dog. They are more expensive in terms of vet care, and most importantly, they are highly social creatures that MUST be a part of your family and be allowed to spend a large proportion of their time inside your house.

They are, of course, worth every single second you put into them and spend with them. But you have to know what you're getting yourself into before you get a dog. They change your life in a number of ways, and are a huge commitment and responsibility.

Lastly, I cannot recommend highly enough to research your breeds and then try to find a rescue that suits you. There are literally millions of desperate dogs who need homes - and dogs are much harder to home once they've been abandoned than cats are. Shelters would be my first piece of advice to you as to where to start looking. It breaks my heart, and if you could give a poor, lonely, abandoned or abused dog or pup a home you'd be doing a wonderful thing.

I had a dog for 10 years. I know what they are like. I know what goes into taking care of it.

Thanks Kit for the imput and the website!! We were actully looking at mini poodle puppies, that is what got us starting on the idea. On the website,I did see a schweenie, a Schnauzer- Dauchshund mix.... OMG too cute!!!

But remember don't buy mixes from breeders, only mixes from rescues. Without knowing more about your lifestyle you could go with any breed that is small. Knowing more about activity levels, grooming requirements and all around personality you are looking for would help. the site kit gave you is great but if you are looking to get from a breeder stick to the purebreds http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/purebred.htm

if looking for a shelter pup then look at whatever breeds or mixes you desire

Originally Posted by eburgess

I had a dog for 10 years. I know what they are like. I know what goes into taking care of it.

Thanks Kit for the imput and the website!! We were actully looking at mini poodle puppies, that is what got us starting on the idea. On the website,I did see a schweenie, a Schnauzer- Dauchshund mix.... OMG too cute!!!

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Yes, if you're going to go for a cross, PLEASE go to a shelter!!

Lol...and sorry if I sounded like I was lecturing. I have seen it too many times, where people just don't understand what goes into looking after a dog, that I can't help myself and end up blabbing all this advice... woopsie!

Mini poodles are an absolute delight - we wanted two but ended up with a larger breed. But they're soooooo gorgeous. So are Schnauzers. LOVE Schnauzers

Will tell you what small dogs to avoid (with cats) - JRT's - you have to be very careful as they have a high prey drive being terriers and you cannot leave them alone with cats. They may be ok for years, and one day - snap and you'll have a dead cat. Most terrier types would chase cats more then you want and should not be trusted. Be careful of the terrier types.

I would say King Charles Cavaliers, Bostons, Pugs, Poodles, Doxies might be good choices for small dogs that get along with cats.

Also keep in mind that small dogs (puppies) are harder to train for potty outside then the larger breeds. Might look into adopting an older dog who is used to cats and already trained.

http://animal.discovery.com/breedsel...dogselector.do

If you are going to get a cross, go to the shelter. Those are "fad" crosses, and if you are looking for a healthy long lived even tempered dog going with those type of crosses from breeders don't put the odds in your favor.

Just be aware of what breeds you are looking at. I've seen Rat Terriers who are awful with cats & some who are good with cats. I guess, IMO, I'd adopt a small shelter dog who has a history of being good with cats. One can never be too careful!

Originally Posted by white cat lover

Just be aware of what breeds you are looking at. I've seen Rat Terriers who are awful with cats & some who are good with cats. I guess, IMO, I'd adopt a small shelter dog who has a history of being good with cats. One can never be too careful!

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In my area small dog s are placed in a rescue not the actual shelter so ask

Many Small breeds are highly highly active...so Please do read up ... My yorkie is wither 9.5 or 11.5 yrs old and she can still walk a mile a day

Good advice here and the main thing I would echo is to research the breed thoroughly. I have a Lab (11 months old now) I've had since he was 7 weeks and he is worth every bit of effort. I am more a large breed dog person and dogs are higher maintenance than cats. I think most of us love both species and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Good luck and sounds like you are on the right track! When you get your new little furkid, post lots of pics!