Tell me about your small dog(s).

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

I’ve never had a dog and I’d very much like to add one (for now) to our family. Norwegian Blue and I are both primarily cat people, but we also both like dogs. He likes bigger dogs, but I’m leaning towards a smaller one to start out with (although I’m very much in love with the idea of having a Boxer). We currently have two adult female cats.

I’ve got my choices narrowed down to either a Pug or Boston Terrier. Since our cats are indoor and we have no fenced backyard, it’s got to be an indoor dog. While I’d like a walking-around-the-neighborhood companion, I’m not sure I’ll be up to a dog that needs a LOT of exercise initially. And it’s got to be a family dog since we have a six-year-old daughter who’s still learning pet etiquette. She’s taking over feeding responsibilities for our dieting cat and is getting to know dogs on our frequent trips to PetsMart and rescue facilities. I’d like to foster in her a lifelong love of animals that my husband and I share.

Should we spend the money on a puppy from a breeder or rescue an older dog? Any preference between the two breeds? Other breed suggestions? (I’ve also considered MinPins, but I think they may be too hyper, as are JRTs. My daughter fell in love with some Papillon puppies recently, but oh, the grooming!) A friend introduced me to her Yorkie last night and other than the long hair, I can’t think of anything that turns me off of this breed so far. Still, I think BTs and Pugs are cuter. Male or female? Pure-bred or mix? I know about the health issues. Experiences?

I’d like to know what it will be like having a Boston or Pug for a pet. So, folks, tell me about your baby. I’m really looking forward to a new addition to the family soon.

2

Well, mine’s a shih-tzu, named Houdini.

They are a friendly breed. My family had two shih-tzus when I was a kid, also. Houdini is playful, and has plenty of hyper moments, but is basically quite friendly and loves attention and loves making friends with everybody and everything.

The usual picture you see when you do a search for “shih tzu” is the fru-fru picture of a show dog with insanely long hair and a bow on its head. Houdini wouldn’t be caught dead with a bow in his hair, and I keep him cut relatively short. One nice thing – no shedding. The fur just stays on him, but when it grows out, it does mat easily, so a shorter cut keeps him tidy.

He’s about 12-13 pounds, and I’m pretty sure that the typical size for a shih tzu is in that 10-15 pounds vicinity.

As for rescue vs. breeder… I adopted him through the local Humane Society, so he was a rescue. However, I got him at about 1 year old, and I think I was really lucky – because the demand for small dogs like this are high.

3

Pug advice coming up.

I of course can’t be unbiased, but I’ve told the story here before about how my big dog-lovin’ husband fell deeply in love with pugs starting with the first pug girl we bought. He was a convert from the get-go, and perhaps Athena may drop by later to relate her similar story. As far as a comparison between the two breeds, I do believe that pugs are not as hyper as Bosties, and are ideal couch potato dogs. They also are very gregarious and get along with everyone and everything (at least mine always did). However, pugs do shed, so one must get used to vacuuming more often. Probably Bosties are not great shedders.

What else? Both pugs and Bosties can be prone to eye problems, as they don’t got no nose to protect their eyes from the twigs and toys and whatnot.

4

My Cherry is a Maltese. When you look for pictures of Maltese on the Internet, they have this looong hair that looks like a mop. But, if you keep it short, the dog will still look adorable. Just remember to brush it before and after baths. They don’t require much outdoor exercise and even if you live in an apartment, they’ll still be fine. They don’t shed, which is a good thing because my father has a mild allergy to dogs. Cherry isn’t extremely hyper, but she does want to play sometimes. She’s about 6 pounds and very intelligent. It only took us about half a week to train her fully. She’s alright with children, but she doesn’t like it if she’s bothered by anyone, child or not. Maltese are prone to skin problems, but as long as you keep them clean, they should be fine.

I also got Cherry from a breeder.

5

I have a boxer. Do a search on “separation anxiety” to see my experiences with him. And it isn’t just him. It’s damn near all boxers. I love the guy to death. He’s the friendliest, happiest, stupidest dog in the world. But, for the love of crap, I wish I could leave the apartment without it being a big deal.

Not sure if that’s a hijack, but you mentioned boxers!

6

My experience with Boston Terriers probably isn’t very fair because for some gawd awful reason, back when my niece was a baby, my brother-in-law came home with one. His name was Bob, and he was very sweet but hyper. Like I said, some of that was definitely breeding, a lot was lack of training, but I thought I’d thow that in. Oh, and just to back you up, my mom has a minpin and two Jack Russells. They are definitely not cat-friendly dogs, though I think you could train either one given enough time. Jack Russells also tend to be nippy, not the best dogs to have around kids.
-Lil

7

One thing about Pugs is that they think they are big dogs. Ginger who weighs all of 14 lbs (she’s skinny for a Pug) won’t back down from anything. She’s got more personality than you can imagine and is probably the most person-like dog I’ve ever lived with. I love her. I got her from a friend who was moving and couldn’t take her along. She lived with a Shih-tzu and two cats without any problems.

8

I have a mini daschund- about 8 1/2 lbs. Her main job in life seem to be to sleep…on my lap, under the covers, in the pillowcases, etc. She’s not much of a barker and doesn’t dig at all. She is 100% snugglebunny.

I used to have an Italian Greyhound- about 9 lbs. He was a beauty, but dumber as a rock. He was not unfriendly exactly, but he only liked one person (me) and was also a lap dog. Everywhere we went, someone would say “Wow, is that a deer or a dog?”

I prefer small, short-haired dogs. My friend got 2 pugs last year and does not seem to be enjoying them very much. They are very hyper and cue each other to reach new heights of barking and jumping frenzy. They are also somewhat stinky. Perhaps two at a time was too much?

9

Pugs are not dogs, they are addictions. If you need any more convincing, go read Clara, the Early Years. If you still doubt, you can look at pictures of my pug puppy.

So yeah, I’m biased, but I do love my puggies. My husband, the weight-lifting Harley-driving guy, was a convert long before I. He went to a hunting cabin where the owners had a pair of pugs, and came back determined to get not one, but two pugs. Took us a few years, but we’re there, and it’s more fun than you can imagine.

They can be a little hyper at times, but within ten minutes they remember that there is a couch in the house, and soon enough their little pug butts are back on it. They sleep a good 18 hours a day, eat another 2 hours a day, loll about and look cute for another 4, play together quietly for 90 minutes, and are barky and hyper the remaining 30 minutes, in intervals, typically when such awful things happen as someone comes to the door, or Mr. Athena or I attempt to go to the restroom without them. Or take a shower.

They are truly the best dogs in the world. Stinky? Edith smells like a muffin. Frodo smells like a mini muffin. Neither smell anything like dogs.

10

Our small dog is a miniature poodle. She’s about thirteen pounds, very lovable and very smart but I don’t think she’d be a good dog around small children. The long legged breeds can be prone to injury if dropped or mishandled and a child might not yet have the dexterity for them.
As far as I know pugs were bred solely for companionship so that would probably make them a good choice for a family. I don’t personally know any pugs, the only one in my neighborhood shares a yard with a shepard/husky mix so I haven’t gotten close enough to meet the dog.

11

Monstre, Houdini is adorable! You guessed right. I don’t like the frou-frou look in dogs at all, which is probably why I hadn’t much considered long-haired breeds like Shih-tzus, Maltese, and Yorkies. Also, one of my cats was a long-hair who so refused to be brushed, she’d practically dislocate any joint to squirm away. The resulting matting was pitiful. However, the lack of shedding is a plus. And Houdini is much more attractive than any frou-frou showdog Shih-tzu.

Thanks, pugluvr, for your take on Pugs. In my mind, pugs are running neck and neck with BTs for most desireable dog. It’s pretty darn close. At this point, I’d take either one that came first. Maybe one of each. :wink:

dare_devil007_, Maltese are teeny weeny dogs, right? If I had a dog that small, I’d carry it around in a purse everywhere I went. People would realize I was a little loopy, but I’d get kicked out of restaurants anyhow. I once carried around a very young kitten in a towel like that. Even took her to the carnival. She ended up never leaving my side and would jump in my car whenever I opened the door, sitting on my shoulder the entire ride. At night, she slept in the crook of neck. Now, that’s companionship. I could handle a dog like that. :slight_smile:

Fiveyearlurker, no harm, no hijack. I don’t think separation anxiety would be a problem. Hubby and I are tag-team parents, which means the only time someone isn’t home is when we go shopping or out on other errands. When he’s at work, I’m home and as soon he get’s home, I go to work. Generally, the dog would find itself home alone not more than maybe a couple times a week for not even a couple hours at a time. I’d probably take the dog with me on running around town errands anyway. Hope it likes car rides and meeting people. There are two boxers at the shelter right now. One is five years, brown, and totally mellow and friendly. The other (Scooby) is one year old, all white except for a brown/black eye patch, and friendly but very, very active. Slobbers like mad. How, I wish I had a fenced yard. sigh

I have noticed that about there are precious few small dogs at the shelters. The ones that are there are either older or mixed breed. Lots of beagles (cute, but meh). I think I will be very, very lucky to find one at the shelter, which would be my first choice. There is a local Pug rescue as well as a BT rescue that I’ll be looking into.

Is it bad, though, to say I’m not really interested in an older dog or one with serious health issues? This being my first dog, I think I’m not up to that extreme kind of devotion. Heck, I’d even take a blind cat, but I’m still too green at dogs. I would also like to enjoy being a part of shaping the dog’s personality and experience. I’d like to watch the dog grow and mature. I feel kind of guilty about wanting a “perfect puppy” to start out with. I know, though, that once I connect to an animal, those pre-requisities usually go out the window. I’ve been visiting a 5-year-old beagle mix at the local shelter who’s a perfect little doll, well-behaved and social. Even though she’s not what I want, I’m so tempted to bring her home. Instead, I’ve been visiting her and taking her out for a few laps around the parking lot. I don’t think I’m going to be able to take it if she ends up on the destroy list before somebody takes her home. Don’t know if I can let that happen. Sheesh, who are these people who have the emotional fortitude to work in animal shelters?

Athena, I knew you had pugs as I ran across your thread about your loss of your Basenji (right?). I’m so sorry. :frowning: (I lost my kitty, Shoeshine, inexplicably last year. They can never be replaced.) But happy to see that you ended up with another pug. I totally believe anyone who says two pugs are better than one. That’s what worries me. Nice description of life with two pugs. Sounds right up my alley. But, how do you get your babies smelling like muffins? I wouldn’t mind a dog that smelled like muffins. Especially banana nut. :wink:

Dog smell is probably one of the bigger turn-offs for a cat person. Seriously. I don’t have to have a dog that smells like a dog, right? Although, farting I can live with. I doubt any dog, even a pug, could out-fart me. Fleas, slobber, humping everything that stands still and chewing everything else to bits are contenders with dog smell for undesireables, though. Dog must be supremely huggable, intelligent but happy to please, able to stand up to bitchy cats without hurting them, tolerant of exciteable children, enjoy people and going out for relaxed walks, and equally playful and mellow. Unusualness of appearance (i.e., smushed face, buggy-eyed, or smiley-faced) nets bonus points.

Still no word from Boston Terrier fanciers?

12

Well, that’s the nice thing – you don’t have to keep them long-haired like the show dogs. I prefer him to stay short enough so that I don’t have to worry about constant grooming, or getting things tangled in his fur on walks. And I’m sure he likes it fine, too. And yes, the no-shedding is a definite plus.

For me, the biggest plus is his temperament. Some small dogs are too wired up (Jack Russells come to mind). Houdini has his Psycho Dog moments, but they are controlled psycho. i.e. he’s playful, not unpredictable.

And he knows it, too! :slight_smile:

13

More links to pictures, please! Pretty please!

My favourite small dogs are pugs and toy Poms.

We are Dogless (not practical yet to take on the responsibility) and need to “aw!” and “ooh!” at the adorableness.

What small dogs are best for working people?

14

Yes, thank you, Savannah. More pics, please. :slight_smile:

Oh, yeah. Speaking of Shih-tzus, I met a lady at PetsMart the other day who had her Shih-tzu/Poodle mix in for grooming. Just what do you call this ‘designer’ dog? I had to stifle a giggle because the first thing that pooped into my mind was “Shit-poo.” Now, I know that’s not right. It just doesn’t have the same ring as Labradoodle. Could it be a Shoodle? Or how about a Shihtzle? Snoop Doggy Dog’s best friend, fer shizzle, my Shihtzle.

Cute dog, but I don’t think this mix is going to make it without a snazzy name.

15

AAACCCK! :smack: :smack: :smack:

popped into my mind. POPPED, I meant! :smack:

16

I have two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels that I adore…Olive and Jane :slight_smile: :slight_smile: :http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v468/Shanadana/Apr_15_001.jpg

They’re great because they hardly ever bark. As you can see from the picture, they’re fairly laid back! They are fun and sporty though. Non aggressive and SWEET. I like that I can just scoop them up when I want to, but they are still rather substantial as far as dogs go. They have the funniest personalites. My husband and I are always laughing at their antics. I recommend them highly. And yes, I’m biased :wink:

Shana

17

[QUOTE=Cinnamon Girl]
I had to stifle a giggle because the first thing that pooped into my mind was “Shit-poo.” QUOTE]
You’ve gotta admit, it was a very thematic little typo. :wink:

I’ve seen such a mix referred to before as a “shih-poo”.

And most people pronounce “shih tzu” wrong. Namely, they pronounce it like they want to pronounce it – sounds naughtier that way.

18

[QUOTE=Monstre]

Yes, I know. It’s sheet-sue, right?

And, of course it’s more fun to pronounce it wrong. :smiley:

Oh well, she-poo sounds amusing too.

19

Well, here’s one source’s pronunciation – which is pretty much the way I first learned it. Although I’ve seen a few slight variations.

This one basically says “shee dzoo”

20

I’m a former and future Boxer owner myself. The best defense against separation anxiety is a crate, because a dog can’t destroy what they can’t get to. People outside of the dog world think of crates as jails, but it just isn’t so, provided you don’t use the crate as punishment. I’ve had 3 boxers of my own over the past 12 years, plus several dozen fosters, and I can count on 2 fingers the number that didn’t like crating. One was a dog that went through the Northridge earthquake, and spent 3 days trapped in an armoire. He was naturally claustrophobic after that. The other was breeding stock at a puppy mill; she didn’t like men either. When I got her broken of the male phobia, I also managed to get her to like a crate.

What’s the secret? Make sure they’ve been outside before hand, and have had food and water. When it’s time to put them in, be happy about it, and give them some treats. We also said “Time to go to bed”, and they associated this with the crate. Put in an old blanket or two for comfort, and chews or toys for entertainment. Don’t leave them in any longer than necessary; if you’re close enough for a lunchtime potty break, let them out for a few minutes.

My old girl, who was put down on Valentine’s Day, ran to her crate whenever she heard ‘bed’, regardless of context. All of the permanent dogs would run and sit in their crates whenever the treat jar was opened, even if we weren’t crating. You can’t convince me that crating is cruel.

I’ll also second boxers as a breed to consider, even though they’re not a small breed. They’re goofy, incredibly smart and unbelievably stupid at the same time, amazingly social, and loyal to a fault. They also burp, fart, chew up at the drop of a hat, think with their stomachs, and you’ll run up quite a tab on running shoes trying to keep them exercised. Old Sadie the VunderDog fell in love with the beach when we moved to Virginia, and was a known regular there.