[doggiedoggiedoggie]

In order of importance:

• Small - Pref under 20 lbs.
  
• Little grooming,
  
• low shedding,
  
• min. exercise needed,
  
• low separation anxiety,
  
• easy to train.
  
• Doesnt bark a lot.
  
• Hypoallergenic and watchdog are also nice to haves.
  
• Can tolerate heat/cold.
  
• Minimal health issues.

Not about all these criteria, but a few like mi-ki seem to fit most important criteria. Bolonoodle and Cavachon arent bad, but larger and need more exercise.

Norfolk-terrier seems interesting, but requires lots of exercise, and concerned about it tolerating being alone even though a dog encyclopedia says otherwise.



Any advice?

 

[doggiedoggiedoggie]

Thanks

Bichon Frise has high grooming requirements, according to couple sources I read.

If these are your expectations, I would opt for a different type of pet.

No, but I believe in planning for absolute optimal results, instead of using the "how much is that doggy in the window"

Dogs with hair don't shed

Good to know.

This also doesn't make them "hypoallergenic"

True. According to ACK "While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, there are a variety of breeds that do well with allergy sufferers. "


According to Dogtime, whose data is apparently flawed (but trying to get some books instead):


Small dogs that dont do well alone (obviously training, and specific personalities matter too):

• pomeranian
• yorkshire-terrier
• havanese
• maltese
• Affenpinscher
• coton-de-tulear
• Bichon frise

Maybe somewhat better being alone:

• Lhasa Apso
• Brussels Griffon
• peekapoo
• norfolk-terrier (I think this is wrong actually)

There are breeds that require little exercise, but these are usually companion breeds that are pretty prone to separation anxiety due to their nature.

Good to know too

 

[doggiedoggiedoggie]

Agree with what others have said, no dog is going to meet your criteria in every category.

I am not looking for that. I am looking for a "whats a better choice from available breeds" E.g. Yorkshire Terrier is a nightmare to groom, but Westie is much better.

Barking: While some barking is acceptable, constant barking is not. Yes, I understand training/dominance has a lot to do with this.

 

[doggiedoggiedoggie]

Went to all shelters today in my large metro. Almost no small dogs, and ones they had were mostly kid unfriendly or other unmanagebles

 

[doggiedoggiedoggie]

Mail order puppies....Sounds good considering dogs are bred for various purposes. Hmmm, breeding people for specific traits, thats a good idea....

Actually, I have owned dogs before. It was fine and fun. I am not ignorant.

"Ideal" okay, let's move on. Focus on the positive. I cant tell you how everyone in my industry is basically a naysayer, and I am the opposite, and I find answers where others tell me its impossible.

 

[doggiedoggiedoggie]

Checklist complete. I have eliminated breeds that have items that conflict heavily with the list. E.g. Super-shedders are gone.

As per advice here, cross-breeds are gone because they are unpredictable.

BTW, I dont want a dog. My family does. However, I am smart enough to know I will probably end up doing some of the work, therefore minimization of work is ideal.

Refined list includes:

Bolognese
Brussels Griffon
Norfolk-terrier
West-highland-white-terrier
Norwich-terrier
Cairn-terrier

Yes, some of those are unlikely due to cost/availability.

Terriers seem good all around, but more exercise than others. True, having a few acres to run around should help (not replace) exercise somewhat.

If it wasnt for shedding, the Pomeranian seems pretty good.

 

[doggiedoggiedoggie]

Yorkshire terrier = I read lots of work to groom. Otherwise, fits into my last post.

No dog is perfect, but I can get closer than not.

E.g. Norwegian lundehund is a terrible family pet choice IMO. If I want to hunt puffin eggs, thats another story.