Cross Breeds

Does anyone know anything about small dogs like a maltese or a lapso apso?

I'm in college and I'm a huge animal lover. I have two cats living with me who were used to having 2 big dogs running around the house. Now that I've moved into an apartment I can only have small dogs. I really want to get a small dog and I know my cats would love it. I want either a maltese or a lapso apso but I want to know some advantages and disadvantages of both. I'm trying to avoid a lot of barking or biting on your ankles. I need help choosing!!!!

Public Comments

1. then avoid either breed if you are looking for a non-barking, non ankle biting dog. Small dogs were usually bred as barkers. Why? they alerted bigger dogs who were bred to chew people to shreds.
2. I had 2 maltese. They are extremely cute as puppies, but their hair is a lot of work--especially when they poop. Mine would fall on their behinds and squish the poop in their white hair (I know it's gross) and I would have to bathe them everyday to get it out. I wince thinking about it. I also had a terrible time teaching them not to go #1 or #2 in the house. I do wonderif it might have been easier if I only had one. That said, they are good little guard dogs. They didn't bite but they did bark if anyone came to the door. They like to let you know someone is outside. I would still recommend that you read up on them, because I don't want to be unfair. I am not the best dog trainer.
3. Maltese are a little on the fragile side and high maintenance....not a real playful dog either (running around, etc.). Lhasa Apso's generally are barkers and don't think the breed is a good choice either. Why not a terrier like a Cairn or Norwich/Norfolk? Small dogs can at times be harder to housebreak....
4. ankle bitters are usually herding dogs. I would really go to websites of the breeds you are interested if you are set on them...and ask them there. they can better answer those questions. You will have a bigger cluster of people to answer who really know those breeds... I might add..a rescue site...where you might find a dog o those breeds who is already used to and loves cats... good luck!
5. Lhasa apsos attach to their owners easily and can bark a bit when new people come and see them (depending on the dog I guess). They have double coats that need to be groomed and probably clipped if they are not in the show ring, but they have wonderful temperments and are very loveable.
6. japanese speech.... they are sooooooo sweet......