Need your opinions on a smaller dog

C

Cheech

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Jan 13, 2000
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Montreal, Canada
My wife and I are ready to purchase our first dog. Thing is, she's afraid of larger dogs. Ideally I'd love a boxer, but for the moment, we'll get something smaller and see how comfortable she is with it.

Can anyone recommend a dog for us?

I'll be sure to walk it every day (we got lots of parks near the house). We have a yard, (small one, but still a yard). ideally we're looking for something that sheds very little.

I don't want one of those tiny little snotty white dogs...

We were looking into the miniature schnauzer. Anyone have any experience with them?

I like the beagle as well...

Can anyone share some experiences or give some opinions?
 
How about a miniature poodle? They're very smart and don't shed. They do need to be groomed monthly because their hair (not fur) grows, but you don't have to do the foo foo stuff -- just a nice sport curt.
 
I have a mini Schnauzer. I think he's mixed with something, but his papers don't mention anything else.

Honestly the best dog ever. Very smart, loving, full of personality. We taught him to not bark (something many small breeds need).

brockhawk.jpg

Give them a little mowhawk and he becomes an instant chick magnet.


Lady G said:
I was going to suggest a toy or miniature poodle, mainly because they do not shed! My mom has a toy poodle...smart lil thing she is, and nope no shedding at all!

I really don't have "personal" experience with small dogs (just my moms), as I have always had bigger dogs myself. If you do look into boxers down the road keep in mind they are pretty hyper and need LOADS of exercise, but they are great dogs!
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Another great point, Schnauzers don't shed either
 
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lookit said:
How about a miniature poodle? They're very smart and don't shed. They do need to be groomed monthly because their hair (not fur) grows, but you don't have to do the foo foo stuff -- just a nice sport curt.
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I was going to suggest a toy or miniature poodle, mainly because they do not shed! My mom has a toy poodle...smart lil thing she is, and nope no shedding at all!

I really don't have "personal" experience with small dogs (just my moms), as I have always had bigger dogs myself. If you do look into boxers down the road keep in mind they are pretty hyper and need LOADS of exercise, but they are great dogs!
 
Mini Schnauzers are great small dogs. I've never owned one myself but I have an aunt that has two. I also do a lot of breed research as dogs are my other obsessive hobby.

I don't recommend a beagle unless you're prepared to deal with the chaos a hound can bring. They aren't bad dogs, its just you add the nose to the prey drive to the baying they do and you might become overwhelmed. They are very good natured though.

I will strongly suggest visiting any animal shelters in your surrounding areas and see if any of the dogs there catch your attention. You might be surprised at what you end up with. My dad, who is big into German Shepherds, ended up with an older pomeranian because he fell in love with her personality. A lot of times you can find a dog that is already housebroken and that usually comes with knowing a few commands such as sit or down. Or if a puppy is what you are after, you can find them in shelters as well. Not sure if Petfinder is available to Canada but you could give it a shot.

Edit: I want to add that the breeds that don't shed are going to need regular grooming/trimming. These are your poodles, schnauzers, yorkies, etc. To keep a normal coated dog (beagles, chihuahuas, dachshunds, etc) from shedding much then regular brushing will help with that. Just keep the grooming in mind to decide whether or not you want to pay for a groomer or try to take on trimming yourself. I prefer normal coated breeds myself but it's a personal preference. Some breeds also shed more than others.
 
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I'd get a basset hound. It's not a large dog but it's not a small dog either. I agree with going to the pound and picking out a dog. You never know what dog you'll click with.
 
{{dont take this as being rude...:)}}
A little dog can be just as scary as a big dog. Just because you can kick it down to the end of the hallway or pick it up and run it away from someone it is going to bite/hump does not mean that 'smaller is better'.

A properly trained dog, no matter the size, is a great and happy dog and will become a respectable part of your family.

IMO, little dogs generally get no training but need training the most. They exhibit all of the traits of a large dog but are ignored because of their size. Get the size dog that you want, and train it to be the dog you want it to be. This involves spending money on the dog for training and it can range from 300 to 5,000. depending on the classes that you want to go through.

we'll get something smaller and see how comfortable she is with it.
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Do not get a dog if both of you are not on board with getting one. A dog isn't something you can buy and return, or pick up from the shelter and bring back because 'you weren't comfortable' with it. It is an 8 to 18 year commitment. I would suggest you make the right decisions before making the decisions to get a dog. Go spend some time at the pound. Babysit a friends dog for the weekend. Talk to some dog trainers. Do all of this to see if she wants a dog, and then you can pick the dog that is appropriate.

-Chris
 
^^ thanks for the advice everyone.

Chris, I know what you mean, but try convincing my wife! lol. I know smaller dogs can be a handful to train, and we're taking it very seriously. I've been researching this for months, and I know it's a commitment we'll be making for years to come.

I don't mind getting a *smaller dog, and I will definately take the time to train it (or send it to a training school. Surprisingly, I got one across the street of my house).

I really want a dog i can bring to a park, go for a hike with. I want to be able to push it around, let it get dirty, and not treat it like a little toy dog. From what I read, miniature schnauzers kinda fit this bill. They're still terriers, they're intelligent, energetic, but still cute. (I won't be shaving it like the ones setup for showdogs, however, that mohawk looks pretty cool lol!)

only issue I have with it is that it might be a little too small for my taste (not Rosie's).

But, we're still researching. Going to some shelters is a great idea. I'll check it out.


My brother has a king spaniel. What a great dog... so friendly, always willing to please.. But man, does it ever shed.
 
A mix breed might suit you well if you're interested in going that route. Something about 20-30 pounds wouldn't be too big but yet is plenty big enough to rough and tumble with. Then again, my 15 pound chihuahua/rat terrier mix can get pretty rough and tumble when playing with my husband. Loves to hike but also loves to relax in the house.
 
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