[leaveittoweaver]

Would like to hear people's experiences with this breed.

I currently have my Greyhound, Vee. Looking to maybe add a second dog but it has to be small. Would like something with a sense of adventure and not typically noisy. I debated a Cavalier but the boyfriend isn't as fond of the idea of a Cavalier.

Thoughts?

 

[traciek88]

I've never owned any but I've worked with a lot of them. They're excellent dogs in my opinion. Often very affectionate, playful, cute, and it's nice that they don't shed. They do need to be groomed every 6 weeks or so though. They can have eye issues, and some issues that go along with brachy (flat nosed) dogs like breathing problems. They're typically pretty personable dogs in general and they're a breed I would definitely consider myself. You can also find a lot of them in rescues and shelters if you'd like that.

I do think they're a better choice than Cavaliers just because Cavs have SO many health problems that they're just a money pit.

I also want to ask about your Greyhound. Is it a retired racer? If so, you need to be careful. You know your dog best but often retired racing Greyhounds (or just Greyhounds in general) have a very high prey drive toward small dogs, and would go after and possible kill a dog like a Shih Tzu. If your dog is like this it's best you go for a dog that's smaller, but not small.

 

[Embersmom]

I personally do not have one, but my best friend does.

Her dog Snickers is sooooo sweet! (not the brightest bulb though, and pretty stubborn) She is currently 14 and I have known her her whole life.

While she is sweet, she NEVER has been able to be fully house broken even with access to a dog door her whole life. This is not my friends first dog, and she knows how to potty train, but for whatever reason it never has become 100% reliable for Snick. I'm not sure if that is common or not, but besides that she is a nice little dog who at 14 has still never had a major health problem. Which would most likely not be the case if she was a cavalier.

 

[Embersmom]

I would also like to add, since she has a short snub nose she is not really and adventurous dog that you describe that you want. She has always tired easy and would rather snuggle up on the sofa and have a short walk around the block. Obviously every dog is different, but if you want an adventurous dog to go hiking or outdoorsy things its just something to keep in mind.

 

[LuvMyFluff]

In my family their has been a few .........all have been very sweet, but very very hard to potty train! Out of the 3 different ones I've known only 1 was reliably housebroken.
If you want a small dog I am a little biased but look into mini poodles......they are not the yappy foofoo dogs people seem to think they are...and the haircuts are entirely up to you...most people keep them in a short kennel clip if they are outdoor minded! They don't shed, and are noted for being super intelligent, very people oriented, amazing at most dog sports too!

 

[traciek88]

@leaveittoweaver If you want one now I know someone in northern NJ who is trying to find a home for a 9 month old Shih Tzu. PM me ASAP if you're interested!