Looking for ideal breed based on following traits

3651 Views 27 Replies 12 Participants Last post by cos, Oct 10, 2015

doggiedoggiedoggie

Discussion Starter · Oct 8, 2015

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?

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kiranghumxn

· #21 · Oct 10, 2015

To be honest a Yorkshire terrier would be at the top of the list for you.
The only thing I'm a little confused about is why you want a dog? (Not trying to be rude

) there's no dog that is perfect and they all come with issues, it's about overcoming them. I understand the things that you can't change in a dog but you work on things like independence in dogs.
Is this your first dog?
Hope this helped x

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doggiedoggiedoggie

Discussion Starter · #22 · Oct 10, 2015

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.

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doggiedoggiedoggie

Discussion Starter · #23 · Oct 10, 2015

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.

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traciek88

· #24 · Oct 10, 2015

What large metro area do you live in? If it by crazy chance happens to be NYC I could help you find a dog. And yes, we get purebreds, kid friendly small dogs, MANY non-shedders and a fair number of terrier mixes.

Also I don't think anyone was saying anything bad about you. It's just that many people come here with unrealistic or incorrect ideas about what they can find in a dog. Also, we asked more about why you want a dog and what you want it to do because that's easier to think of a good breed match if someone says "I need a dog that can be ok alone for 9 hours while I'm at work" instead of "I need a dog that doesn't have separation anxiety"

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PoppyKenna

· #25 · Oct 10, 2015

Something else to consider: rescues. There are so many rescues out there, especially if you live in a larger area. Not only do they often foster out their dogs (so they can tell you exactly (or nearly) what that dog is like in a home environment) but they also network fairly well and can tell you about other dogs in the area that might fit the bill for you. Plus, they're more willing to transport dogs if need be.

I would honestly consider a small breed adult dog, of whatever mix appeals to you. I've found heinz 57 type dogs can be pretty fantastic themselves

. Google dog rescues, check out adoptapet.com and petfinder.com and start sending out messages telling them what you want.

I wouldn't recommend a puppy, as others have said they are unpredictible as to how they will turn out and are a lot of work, not just to start but for months to years after you bring them home, depending on how long it takes them to "mature".

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Hannahspups

· #26 · Oct 10, 2015

Basically you're going to have to
-groom any dog you get (unless it's a really short haired dog there's probably not gonna be a 'minimum' brushing. My dogs get Matts if I don't brush them for three days straight)
-exercise any dog you get (every dog has some energy)
-train any dog you get (the breed could be easy to train but your dog might not be lol. My neighbors got a golden retriever thinking she was gonna be easy to train, five years later, she barely knows sit)
-any dog could have health issues, even if they don't have them when you get them they could have it later on in life.
Are you prepared to devote time to your new dog? you seem to want to do as little as possible! In the end it all depends on the dog you get, not the breed, the individual dog.

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icemaiden

· #27 · Oct 10, 2015

doggiedoggiedoggie said:
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.

How many dogs have you owned? What breed/type? Who did most of the looking after these dogs? Did you like the dogs? If so, why not choose the same breed/type again.

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cos

· #28 · Oct 10, 2015

I agree with Hannah, it really sounds like you're trying to put in the minimum amount of care for your dog. Low energy do you don't have to walk the dog, easy to train so you don't have to train the dog, easy to groom so you don't have to groom the dog... No dog fits under those categories.

Why do you want a dog? What can you give to a dog that betters their life than if they were in a shelter where they would get minimal training grooming and exercise anyway? What are you planning on doing with your dog? Are you prepared to walk your dog every day? Are you aware of how expensive vet bills can be and how long dogs live? Small dogs live a long time, and 14+ years is a long commitment to something. Will your dog end up in a shelter if they're hard to groom or won't pick up on everything you want them to do with the minimal training you appear to be willing to put in or if they're too hyper and you don't feel like walking them more often? I've seen a lot of depressed small dogs who owners assume are fine laying around in the house all day. My boyfriends mom has two and Maggie stopped engaging in anything long ago because she is never stimulated. She's withdrawn and sad, and I try to take her out when I can but that's wrong. Jasmine get overly stressed when anyone leaves because she wants to go and she will cry when we close the door. Is that what you're wanting for your dog?

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