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amandaslabs06, stocktonsretrievers, wbenglishbulldogs

I want a puppy.
thought please
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Found [27] Posts :: Page 1 of 2
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Posted: 10:28:06 PM 6/2/2008
So, I've been getting more serious about adding a new pup. While I absolutely adore Harley and would love another big dog, I think a small dog would be a better choice now. Small dogs are just more convienent and adaptable to certain situations. I'm seriously considering a Shih Tzu b/c I like their coat type, size, personality and variety of colors. They seem to have a easy going personality as opposed to some other toy breeds. I fully understand that training and socialization play a big part in a dogs final personality though. Harley is great with Bailey, although I never let them play unsupervized and never would. Harley would never hurt Bailey out of aggression, but he is much larger and can be clumsy. I believe that finding the right breeder and the right dog are top priorities, but if I have the choice I would prefer a chocolate female. The only reason I want a female is that I've always had males, even growing up, and would like a change.

The other breeds I'm considering are yorkies, maltese, miniature schnauzers and toy poodles. My understanding is that Shih Tzus tend to be less vocal and less high strung than the other breeds. If any of you can offer any thoughts or advice I would appreciate it.
shelties=love
Posted: 10:32:09 PM 6/2/2008
If you plan to get a Shih Tzu, let me tell you one thing. Yes, they are a very good dog and I love my Suzie to death and she is a great dog. But, you have to be consistant with potty training, Shih Tzu's are stubborn and like to do things on their own time. But, other than that a think a Shih Tzu is a great choice, they are sturdy ebough for you bigger dog to play with. And with kids too.
http://twloha.com/index.php
Rescue is possible <3
Posted: 10:33:19 PM 6/2/2008
I wanted to add that I'm am keeping an eye on petfinder.com and will thoroughly consider rescue as well as a reputable breeder. I honestly would like a puppy though. I've gone the rescue route and the puppy route and I honestly had better results with the latter. I would love to save a life life too, so I'm kind of torn. I've decided I will keep looking on petfinder and keep an open mind.
shelties=love
Posted: 10:46:58 PM 6/2/2008
Well we found Suzie in a rescue. She was only 6 months old, still puppy. But, we got lucky, she just kinda fell into our hands, we knew someone who hooked us up. Because other people wanted her but we got to her first. lol
http://twloha.com/index.php
Rescue is possible <3
MericoX19
Posted: 12:10:48 AM 6/3/2008
I would suggest a miniature schnauzer. Not only because I am partial to them... but even though they are small in stature they are FAR from a little dog. You'll see them often refered to as big dogs in a little body.

Stryder.. he's on the bit of the taller size for a miniature schnauzer.. almost the size of a standard schnauzer. He measures about 15" at the shoulder. But he will take on the biggest dog at the dogpark no problem.
http://agilitytheschnauzerway.blogspot.com/
scout1
Posted: 11:18:35 AM 6/3/2008
does it have to be a certain breed or can it be a mixed breed small dog ? you may have much better luck finding a small mixed breed pup on petfinder than you will a shihtzu puppy.

when we were looking for a dog for our son, i just googled "puppy rescues" and added my state to that and came up with a few. our three other dogs are all over 80 lbs and we adopted max, a 20 pound daschund mix, and it has worked out great for us. he is a tough little sh*t and gets along well with all sized dogs.

it is nice having a smaller one. like you said it is much more convenient to tote around a little guy than it is sometimes with the larger ones. max has been going everywhere with us so he is very well socialized now.
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
Pen2
Posted: 11:25:50 AM 6/3/2008
I'm going to recommend a Boston, just because they are tough as nails, and will play with the big dogs, until they are totally sick of the little terror. They are smart, quick to train, and the most affectionate little dog.
Posted: 12:25:06 PM 6/3/2008
I just bought a Shih Tzu for my mom and dad. My mom is battling breast cancer and I thought a puppy would help both my mom and dad tremendously. Now I am in dilema. My mom has an infection in both of her legs and she will not be able to care for the puppy, such as potty training. I already have two big dogs (one Siberian Husky and the other a Chow mix) and I honestly don't think either of my dogs would get along with this little girl. I am totally stressed out right now because this little girl is the cutiest little thing.
catlover
Posted: 12:31:50 PM 6/3/2008
Majorla, I'm sorry to hear about your mom. Why don't you just explain the circumstances to the breeder that you bought the pup from? I'm sure they would take her back. We had to sign contracts with both of our breeders-if we EVER, for ANY reason, can't keep the dogs-we have to return them to the breeder, no matter the reason, no matter the age.
The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.

Andy Rooney
Drogheda Bullmastiff
Posted: 8:14:19 PM 6/3/2008
I do pet sitting in my home so I get to experience first hand a variety of breeds . I have cared for several Shih Tzus and all have been very sweet and have gotten along with my personal dogs also. As I have BullMastiffs, a Chihuahua, and a Rat Terrier and several house cats it can be a mad house around here at times. The only noisy one is the Rat Terrier and she doesn't like children. She was given to us by a neighbor and has made some progress since coming here but there is still a lot of room for improvement. I think because the Rat Terrier wasn't bred to be a house dog and companion animal may have a lot to do with her temperament so I would not reccommend this breed especially with small children.If barking is something you want to avoid I wouldn't suggest a sheltie or any size schnauzer.What about a minature poodle? They can be great dogs and are usually very smart and easily trained.
Posted: 9:55:14 AM 6/4/2008
Just a little bit bigger but a whole lot more loving
companion and protector....the world renowned

American Staffordshire Terrier! I never even had a dog before just cats..now I wouldn't even consider any other breed of pup as family member!
Rusty.rescued Am Staff I would die for!
Posted: 7:26:25 PM 6/4/2008
Thank you all for your great advice! I will definately take it into account. I'm really leaning towards a small dog mainly b/c they are easy to travel with. Even if Harley enjoyed riding in the car I would have to own an SUV to travel with him safely and comfortably. Boarding one dog isn't cheap and I miss Harley terribly no matter how much fun I'm having.

I enjoyed the suggestions, it's alway nice to hear a different point of view. I love Am Staffs but have serious concerns about dog aggression and prey drive. I also really want something substanially smaller. Pen, don't hate me for this but I never found Bostons that appealing, sorry. I personally like fluffy dogs. I love schnauzers and they were one of my top picks but the noise could become a problem in the future. I have not ruled out rescue or mixed breeds either one.

Thank you for the replies and I continue to appreciate all advice!
MericoX19
Posted: 10:21:21 PM 6/4/2008
On good days.. mine will shut up when asked. You've just got to train them properly as pups.. as to that.. I did not do. LOL.
http://agilitytheschnauzerway.blogspot.com/
dusty082155
Posted: 11:06:40 PM 6/4/2008
" Pen, don't hate me for this but I never found Bostons that appealing, sorry "

I had to laugh when i read that. I wonder what and when we decide what type of dog we like. Its a good thing that we all dont share the same taste. I have always been attracted to the flat faced breeds. Had Pekingese for many many years until my hands went bad and i had a hard time with the grooming. When they passed away, i considered a pug or boston. Then Quinn and i were watching the Westminster dog show, and out pranced the cutest little dog we had ever laid eyes on. She was a cream French Bulldog. Had never heard or seen this breed before , but knew we had to have one. Now we have three and and i am just in love. I never have cared for the poodly-bearded-mop type dogs. My parents have a poodle mix, and although i love animals, i cant stand the scraggly little yapper.
If you are a dog and your owner suggests that you wear a sweater, suggest that he wear a tail.
Posted: 5:57:51 AM 6/5/2008
I have a friend that feel the same way about fuzzy dogs. She's always had chihuahuas and rat terriers. I could never see myself with a chihuahua, even a longhaired one. I'm just a sucker for a fuzzy face.
Pen2
Posted: 8:17:58 AM 6/5/2008
It's o.k Rottluvr. I used to despise little dogs, until I got my first Boston...and that was it.
How about a Havanese?

***Edited By: Pen2 on 6/5/2008 8:37:32 AM***
Reason: addition
mypoodlerocks
Posted: 9:20:56 AM 6/5/2008
Poodles are awesome doggies, they are easily trained, sweet, energetic, and just a joy to be around, but the other breeds you like are great to :)
my poodle Angel crossed the rainbow!

Cookie is my new miniature poodle
Posted: 11:37:56 AM 6/5/2008
Am Staff
http://s296.photobucket.com/albums/mm164/dedesert/
Posted: 5:59:16 AM 6/13/2008
Thanks again for the replies. I enjoyed reading the responses. Havanese are neat, but they seem to be pretty rare. They also look like a grooming nightmare, I could be wrong about that though. I still like the Shih Tzus. Unfortunately all puppies look so cute. I've been looking at a few Schnauzer site and the puppies are irresistable as are all puppies. Poodles sound really cool too; they come is so many colors and I would love grooming one. So many styles to choose from! I just saw a pink one on TV.
Posted: 3:19:47 AM 7/10/2008
I've seen quite a few cute Pekingese lately and would love to know more about the breed. Dusty, you used to have them didn't you? What type of grooming needs do they have? I'm used to silkier coated dogs and they look more rough coated. I've heard mixed things about their temperments. Most of it was child related and I have none so I'm not that concerned. I am concerned about shedding and the heat though. It would obviously be and indoor dog, but I'm still kind of worried about it.

My SIL's friend/coworker (dog groomer) has the most adorable Brussels Griffon. He is poorly bred though; oversized with skin problems. He is just so darn cute. I'm still leaning toward the Tzus, but Booger kind threw a wrench in things. I want to enjoy his affectionate kitten months and would rather not have to pay for two sets of baby shots and two surgeries so close together.

***Edited By: Rottluvr on 7/10/2008 3:53:32 AM***
Reason: add
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