Cross Breeds - what are the different types of small dogs for household pets?

what are the different types of small dogs for household pets?

im trying to buy my GF a puppy for her birthday but i don't know what type of dog would be best?

Public Comments

Get her a Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie). They're small & adorable. Or a chihuahua. They're small & cute too, but they can be a little too yappy for my taste. <3
I have a Tea-Cup Yorkie, it stays small and is easy to take care of.
I LOVE Australian Silky terriers - we had them as kids and they are the coolest smartest dogs. Not as hyper as Chihuahua's and not as dumb as poodles. Check them out they are the coolest!
A dog from a shelter. You're saving a life, and you'll get major sensitivity points.
Westies (west highland white terrier) are cute. White and fluffy and a little bit bigger than yorkies. The perfect small dog. Yorkies are also good though a little bit too small. Miniature schnauzers are the same size as westies and v. adorable. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are small, pretty, and very soft to touch. But in the end it is your decision,and it always helps to visit lots of breeders to see what the dogs are like as puppies and meet parents as well.
Think Before Giving Adding an animal companion to the family is an important decision. It means making a permanent commitment to care for and spend time with the animal and to provide for his or her lifelong care. Why Animals Do Not Make Good GiftsBefore adopting, consider the time and money involved in proper animal care. Will your loved one have the time and patience to exercise and housetrain the animal? Is he or she prepared to pay for food, accessories (such as toys, grooming supplies, leashes and harnesses, and bedding), inoculations, and veterinary care, including spaying or neutering, flea treatment, deworming, and emergency care? If a family decides to adopt an animal, every member of the family should go to the local animal shelter together to choose the animal, having already discussed the obligations and long-term commitments involved. Please, never buy from breeders or pet stores, and always practice your ABCs—animal birth control. For every animal purchased from a breeder or a pet shop, a potential home is taken away from a homeless dog or a cat at a local animal shelter. Children May Not Be Ready Small children may unintentionally harm animals, even breaking their fragile bones or causing other fatal injuries, when they think they are playing. Puppies, kittens, bunnies, chicks, baby ducks, and other young animals are especially vulnerable. We have heard too many stories about families in which the child has lost interest in an animal, and the adult is forced to make the difficult decision on the best way to "solve" the problem. Often this means turning the animal over to a crowded shelter or pound or—worse—passing the animal on to a series of homes, causing trauma, psychological scarring, and behavioral problems. Too Few Happy Endings Animal shelters are filled beyond capacity with homeless animals, many of whom were former "pets" who, for one reason or another, didn't fit into someone's lifestyle. No matter how much they would like to, many people who receive animals as gifts find that they are unable to make the lifelong commitment to care for their new companion. Sadly, many people end up turning animals they received as gifts over to an overburdened humane society or animal-control agency that is likely filled to capacity. In worst-case scenarios, some people even abandon animals on the road or in the back yard when they move away. What You Can Do * Don't ever give an animal as a gift. If you have discussed the idea with the prospective recipients and know that they have the time, willingness, ability, and resources to properly care for an animal and make that serious commitment, consider offering them a gift certificate from the local animal shelter.You can also PAY FOR the animal SHE CHOOSES * If you attend a fair, flea market, or other event at which animals are being given away, educate those who are responsible. If people are offering free kittens or puppies, for example, explain the risks of giving animals to unknown passersby—some people sell dogs and cats to laboratories or dealers, and others abuse, neglect, or abandon them. * Sign our pledge saying that you will never buy an animal from a pet store or a breeder and that you will always practice your ABCs (animal birth control) by spaying or neutering your animal companions. http://www.helpinganimals.com/animalshome_gi_badgifts.asp http://www.barkrescue.net/teacup.htm http://www.petstorecruelty.org/14%20Day%20guarantee.htm Your girlfriend personality should be her decision in choosing the dog, also the dogs exercise requirements and size and also the grooming requirements. Remember please NEVER choose a bred based on looks alone, please research the breed carefully and remember people on yahoo answer will suggest their favourite bred, not what actually suits you or more to the point what suits HER! Affenpinscher,Brussell Griffon,Chihuahua Cavalier King Charles Spaniel,Chinese Crested English Toy Spaniel,Havanese,Italian Greyhound Japanese Chin,Maltese,Manchester Terrier Minature Pinscher,Papillion,Pekingese Pomeranian,TOY Poodle,Pug, Shih Tzu Silky Terrier,Toy fox terrier,Yorkshire Terrier Australian Terrier,Bedlington Terrier,Border Terrier Cairn Terrier, Dandi Dinmont Terrier,Glen of Imaal Terrier Irish Terrier,Kerry Blue Terrier,Lakeland Terrier,Manchester Terrier,Minature Schnauzer,Norfolk&Norwich terriers
To future fate. Poodles are not dumb. They are the second smartest dogs in the WORLD. They are ten times more intelligent then the Australian Silky terrier. Just so you know. To the question- i suggest a dog that fits her lifestyle. You cant buy a dog based on looks.
you should take her and let her pick out her own puppy or dog. you cant really pick one for her because the personalities have to click or she will not have such a great time! good luck!
Get a Bichon Frise. They are adaptable, loyal, and don't shed hair. If you need more convincing see http://www.bestfamilydog.co.uk
There are many great small dogs and it's a matter of personal preference (I had a Yorkie which is billed as having a "big dog's brain in a small dog's body" and I found that to be true). Does your GF WANT a dog? What kind has SHE hinted at??? Before you buy, why not check out www.AKC.org ? Their site had profiles on every breed and I believe they have a "Which Dog is Right for You" questionnaire. Purina.com also has this same kind of questionnaire. Also, check out Dog Training Schools in her area and find out their Puppy Kindergarten Class start dates and agree to attend with her.. If you do your research and craftily pick her brain, you'll end up a hero by getting her the "perfect" puppy!
All dogs should be household pets. I very much discourage buying dogs or puppies as gifts. Here's why...http://stoppuppymills.org/ http://saynotopetstorepuppies.com/ http://millbusters.com/ If she wants a dog, she can get one at http://petfinder.com/ and get one from a shelter and save one from being executed. There are a lot of puppies scheduled for execution. She should also research potty training. If she's getting a puppy, she's going to take on a lot of work and responsibility, and most people give up and surrender these puppies to shelters. Your heart is in the right place. You are a good boyfriend to have.
Patterdale/Fell Terriers Breed Origins: England Breed usage: Hunting Small Game and vermin Dog Weight: 11 - 13 Pounds Dog Height: 12 to 14 inches to the shoulder Cost of Puppies: Cost of puppies varies depending on location and breeder Description of the Patterdale Terrier Dog and Puppies Temperament The Patterdale Terrier dogs are smaller than most terriers and are often described as fiery or feisty. The smallest terriers are ready to take on any opponents - a necessary attribute when hunting and killing vermin but not so good for a family pet! Some terriers are yappy and are known to nip boisterous children. They can also be quite independent and difficult to train. On the positive side Patterdale's can be friendly, stable and loyal pets. Description of the Patterdale Terrier Dog and Puppies - Coat and Colours information The Patterdale Terrier's coat is normally a shade of black but other colors include red, liver, grizzle and black and tan. The coat is normally short, coarse and wiry.
That is a very good question, my favorite small dog is the toy poodle, for one they are very smart, they are a great lap dog. very playful at times. They like to be around people but they tend to be really protective and jealous of the one they love. They are hypoallergenic so if she has allergy's then this is the puppy for her. Also they don't shed like other dogs. Because they have curly hair, when they shed their hair comes out in little curl clumps which are really easy to pick up and throw away. Also they are very easily trained. They almost train themselves, when they get out of the puppy stage. They also love toys so get them many stuffed toys to play with. The downsides to them are if you get a girl unless you are going to breed her you need to have her fixed because if they don't have a couple of litters they can develop uterus problems. Oh and you don't have to get them poodle cut, they give the puppys what is called a puppy cut and that is what I still get for mine, I like it better than the normal poodle cut. Here are some other breeds you might be interested in besides the poodle, but remember if you are going with anything smaller than a toy like a tiny toy or a teacup, then they have a whole lot more problems than toy dogs and they tend to have a shorter life span. A toy breed will live 13 to 20 years old whereas anything smaller tends to live around 8 years. Yorkies are companion dogs and are very affectionate and intelligent. They are adaptable and will mirror whatever your family life is like, be it quiet or more lively. Yorkshire terriers can be easily trained especially in agility, obedience and tricks. Contrary to popular opinion they are not indiscriminate barkers, but are protective and make good watchdogs, seemingly unaware of their small size. They love companionship and are very loving and affectionate in return. They are very energetic and playful indoors, They have a long silky long coat that needs regular grooming, although the amount of shedding is very light, as they have no undercoat. Chihuahua think they are much bigger than they are with strong personalities, both feisty and mischievous. While being the smallest dogs ever recorded, they have a distinct boldness about them and can be aggressive with other dogs. They are very loving with family, but somewhat wary of strangers and make good watchdogs two coat varieties, one short and smooth, the other longer with feathering on the tail and neck. Both have undercoats and shedding is about average. There are two coat varieties, one short and smooth, the other longer with feathering on the tail and neck. Both have undercoats and shedding is about average. Grooming needs are easily handled. They are clean little dogs and like to stay that way a brushing about twice a week will do the trick along with attention to ears, nails and teeth. They can always use a coat or sweater because they lose body heat easily due to their very small body mass, not to mention that they look awfully cute in them! They are very alert, energetic and fast-moving little dog. Pomeranians are cheerful little dog, affectionate, full of personality, and a wonderful companion that "can" be obedient. With a history of performing in the circus, it is easy to accept that the Poms are very intelligent and enjoy the spotlight. They have been known to do a little dance that is very entertaining. Take advantage of their intelligence early on to teach them the rules and establish that you are the boss, or they will surely try to train and dominate you! They make good watchdogs, but can get carried away with their barking which is rather high pitched. Early training to curb extreme barking is a very good idea! Cuddly and cute, they love being lap dogs. They do well with minimum exercise as they are generally very active and busy-bodies indoorsThe Poms are double-coated dogs. The outer coat is very full, straight and harsh in texture, while the undercoat is soft and fluffy as is the tail. They are constant shedders. To keep the coat in good condition, frequent brushing is recommended. Pekingese has a very long double coat which should be brushed a minimum of three times a week. tends to be stubborn and independent, but they do train well if you establish yourself as the boss early on. In fact, if you do not train a Peke, he will develop a bad disposition and dominate you! When it comes to housetraining, you have to be especially diligent and observant because this dog is very quick and can go in a heartbeat when your back is turned. They are very faithful and loving toward their guardians, but they tend to be cool and cautious around strangers, which is a normal part of their persona. Socializing them early on is very important. Health problems that may concern the breed revolve around the eye disorders and breathing difficulties. Now the pug is short haired but almost like the pekingese they two have the health problems around the eyes
Well you have to keep in mind her ability to train a puppy. If she doesn't have a lot of experience with dogs, I would recommend a sheltie. Shelties are the smartest breed and the easiest to train, so if she doesn't have a lot of experience, that would be your best choice. Keep in mind that it is only 1 hour for each month of age, plus one hour, so a two-month-old puppy can only be alone/hold its potty for 3 hours at the most. Keep that in mind with her schedule. The puppy can only be alone for a few hours when it is first little, so she will need a dog walker, pet sitter, come home during lunch to let the puppy out, family help, something like that. You need to consider things like energy and special needs. I have a cavie, but she is a high maintenance breed. She needs her eyes and ears cleaned daily and her hair combed daily, and she needs special shampoos and things like that. I would avoid terriers for a first time owner. There are web sites that can match up what she is looking for with a breed, and then research that breed well.
Hi, Check these smallest dogs that you can give to your gf. Here's the link: http://tinyurl.com/bq6dwx
Do NOT buy her a puppy as a surprise - she may not be prepared for it and it may end up in a shelter...or worse. But try malteses and poodles...poodles especially don't shed much Answer mine? http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ai_IXIuO_8iuaxgxz7QBhVfL7BR.;_ylv=3?qid=20090125013914AAZ8L0V http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Av.SWPyU.qKp5oj3pPZa9FrL7BR.;_ylv=3?qid=20090125015002AAi3oxP http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090122215002AApKHyd&r=w
I recommend a Jack Russell. They are just the right size. And they are very loyal and supposed to be one of the more intelligent breeds.