Getting a new dog, need help

swaggz

Me and my younger sister have always wanted a dog since we were younger but my parents never went for it. Finally, mom is interested in getting a puppy and after several pet store/shelter visits my mother has fallen in love with toy breeds. She is very picky and does not like big dogs. She has her heart set on a yorkie, but also would like a maltese, maltipoo, morkie, poodle and pretty much any breed similar to those other than shit zhus. Im not as picky and we wouldn't mind welcoming any breed into the family. My sister like the same types of breeds my mom does plus a few more. My father would rather get a large dog if we got one(he likes big breeds dobermans, bull mastifs, presser canarios etc.), but he understands that we dont have the space a large dog would need. He actually never even wanted one right now, but since my mother does, he'll most likely go for it being that its 4 against 1 lol. I also have a little brother who wants us to get a dog. He is 8, my sister is 11 and im 19. This will be our 1st dog and most likely we will be getting either a yorkie or a maltipoo(out of many selections, we picked out 1 of each of these breeds at two different places that my mother and sister fell in love with). They seemed calm and relax which is what my mother is looking for in temperament, since it is our 1st dog. Although she wants to get us a puppy, there will always be someone at home while it is home.

I've heard that yorkies being they are terriers can be very energetic but are also easy to train and are very loyal. Someone also told me that their like "crackheads" lol, always moving around bouncing off walls, and always busy, so we might not want to get one for our 1st dog. But I also heard that being that they are easy to train u can cut out any bad habits they may have from young, ex. chewing on everything. I would like to know some general info about the breed and how we should take care of one. I would also like to know the same about maltipoos (maltese + poodle mix) and also any other breed suggestions you might have for us. I have done a lot of research and I'm excited about getting a dog, and would appreciate the help.

Are there any breeds that you would generally suggest for novice dog owners that are small in size?

Mikey

Welcome!! And congrats

First, I always warn any new dog owner-stay away from Jack Russel Terriers. They are REALLY high energy and you have to be pretty much a professional to have one

I haven't owned a toy breed, but a few things with any breed-they'll need exercise (walks at the very least) every day. Even if everyone is tired, they still need to go, and with some you may have to get up early and walk them before everyone goes to work or school. EVERY day Major major is exercise -to keep them fit, healthy and keep them from developing problems and neurosis.

Most dogs are easy to train-if you do it correctly.

Have you given though to potty training, socializing (with people and dogs) and puppy classes?

I'd look into that now rather then breed-more important is how you are going to train to potty outside and where your going to take puppy classes. Even experienced owners should do at the very least one set of classes for each dog-I really recommend it.

I totally haven't answered your question on breeds! I haven't owned any of the one's you mentioned, but I can give you some links.

Yorkshire Terrier - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maltese_(dog)

But I'm sure your looking more for personal experience-so I'll let others answer you on breed characteristics



I also want to chip in here-do not buy from a petstore. Breeders do not (and legally often can not) give dogs to pet stores. SO all those cute pups come from puppy mills-meaning that most likely you are going to have medical problems from inbreeding, behavioral problems from improper socialization by mom (mom is there for life and neurotic and ruined) and illness from lack of clean conditions. Not to mention not wantint to support that industry if your a dog lover. Say No To Animals In Pet Shops - Put A Stop To Puppy Farms and Mass Breeding
Instead choose a shelter dog or buy from a breeder who is registered with AKC or CKC or UKC etc.

MySoulmateEmmy

a small poodle mix I think would be ok as a first dog, but since they don't shed and keep growing hair, keep in mind that they will need regular grooming and brushing.

I echo mikey, be wary of petstore animals.

and it never hurts to research research research about possible breeds that interest you, most shelters and rescues are willing to work with the family to match the right dog for the family and usually there are many little sized dogs at shelters that could definitely fit your family's lifestyle.

good luck, let us know what happens

~MSE

ps- oh! and welcome to dogforum!!

Criosphynx

Yorkies can be alll over the map. Calm to nutso. LOL

that said I have never met a maltese i didn't like. They are nice dogs as are the toy poodles.

and yes don't buy a petstore dog, you're in for a world of heartache if you do.

verarenczi

I'm with everyone on the pet store puppies. Noooo no no. I'm a big dog person myself so I can't be too much help here.

fawkese1

i'm going to echo everyone else...stay away from anything from a pet store...

breed rescues may be a good option for you to look into. often the dogs are in foster and so regardless of breed you can get a good idea of the individual dog's personality...they will also be likely to make suggestions for training and vets...

puppies are cute but for a first dog, i'd suggest a younger adult....(i know...and no one wants to hear this...but...it is true )

like mikey said...look into all of the places that offer services for your dog before you get it...puppy classes are really important, vet, dog parks, groomers etc...

one last thing...when you do get your new dog/puppy it is critical that you post pictures of him or her asap...we love em!

stumpy

Echoing everyone else's answers, stay away from pet stores. I like rescues (as opposed to shelters) because most rescues have a trial period and provide support. I am not putting the shelters down, but for a new dog owner it can be a real crap shoot.


there are a few breed matching quizzes on line, that may help you choose. i found this one to be pretty thorough.

http://www.selectsmart.com/DOG/

A malti-poo, provided it's from a rescue or a shelter could be a good choice. If you pay for one from a "breeder" you are supporting someone who contributes to the problems of overpopulation and kill shelters.

A yorkie is going to cost you a pretty penny, if you go to a reputable breeder. Not a bad thing, just be prepared.

Also research the genetic problems of the breed you choose. The breeder should have proof of screenings, for several generation back in the litters history. Small dogs are prone to luxating patellas, which over time probably will need surgery, and are subject to arthritus, with or without the surgery. Yorkies are also prone to liver shunt and open font.

It will be difficult to get medical history on a malti-poo or any "designer dog" They are as prone to genetic disorders as any purebred dog but you don't have the option of asking for family history.

swaggz

thanks for the suggestions

expatdoggieluv3r

Hello! Sorry, this is a smidge late, but I just stumbled upon this thread. May I suggest breeds in the bichon family?

My very first dog was a bichon frise. Unfortunately, I was just a little kid and my parents weren't really educated about responsible breeding, etc. so they found him from a breeder listed in the local newspaper. He was from a backyard breeder and wasn't a "typical" bichon but he did have the badly bred bichon problems (skin issues and epilepsy). STILL, despite his health issues, he was a good first dog.

The thing about bichon breeds is that they are small dogs, but they're not overly high-strung or yappy. My first bichon lived in harmony with the rottweiler I owned at the time, and my second bichon loved my lab. They're sweet and charming but can also be tough--they're not as fragile as some of the other small breed dogs. They can handle some light rough-housing, unlike the more fragile maltese or yorkies.

Anyway, I'm pretty much a bichon frise addict--they have such happy personalities. Some say they have potty training issues, but I didn't have more problems with my bichon than I had with my lab. You might want to consider bichon frises, coton de tulears, bolognese, or havanese. Just remember to get your dog from a RESPONSIBLE, ethical breeder (unless you go for a rescue dog). Unfortunately, cotons, havanese, bolognese are usually extremely expensive because they're considered to be rarer breeds...but as rarer breeds, they also have fewer health problems (so long as you get one from a responsible breeder who tests for health conditions).

That is why, as everyone else has said, you MUST NOT fall for the puppy in the window! Pet stores are bad news...I've had friends who've purchased pet store puppies only to wind up with huge vet bills within the first week.

alfi

I agree with everyone lol!
Mikey is right about JRTs...!!

I would also suggest a poodle or poodle mix or if you want a "big" dog a Standard Poodle. I love this breed cause they don't shed at all!!! You can have him/her in the house and never find hairs on your clothes or floor and furniture and having your mother yelling lol. They don't smell like other dogs do. Very easygoing and very easy to train. In many lists 2nd most inteligent breed. Very friendly with everyone...they want to do whatever you want them to do. Very good watchdogs! If you want an alarm system get yourself a toy/mini poodle...lol.