[Liberty]

Hi all,
I'm getting a new dog very soon, and am very unsure what and where to get one. I'm not a first time owner (I had a lhasa in the past who I got from what I later found out to be a pretty unreliable breeder). Now I am getting a new dog I'm torn between what breed, and shelter vs breeder. I would really truly love to rescue a dog, but all the ones I've browsed in my area have either a lot of terriers/jack russels or large staffies which would not work for me. I have some requirements I really need to consider:
1) A fairly small breed (10-25lbs)
2) Affectionate and loving but isn't prone to separation anxiety as I do go to work. Ideally fairly laid back and happy. No aggression or biting.
3) Doesn't need hours and hours walking each day
4) Is reasonably quiet and doesn't bark all the time as I am living with 3 other housemates.
5) Is safe with children
I've been thinking about another lhasa, but also perhaps a white west highland, and any other suggestions people may have?? I don't know if a shelter will have the right breed for me in the next four weeks (my deadline) so it may have to be a breeder, but if so, I would need a slightly older dog (10 months+), not a puppy. I don't know if breeders generally have dogs that old?

So does anyone have any ideas for a great breed to get, and opinions on whether I should go breeder or rescue?

Thanks guys!!

 

[SchnauzerGirl8810]

It's always exciting to start the journey of bringing a new dog into your life!

My first piece of advice is to nix the deadline. Unless there's some really unusual reason, a deadline will be counterproductive to the goal of getting the right dog.

Second, you should add to your list of criteria. Two major things you need to consider are:

Health (some breeds are more prone to having serious health concerns. If you have the finances and willingness to deal with this, great! If not, perhaps this will rule out a few breeds).

Energy level / exercise requirements (no sense getting a mini Australian shepherd if you're a couch potato OR a pug if you are an avid outdoorsman or hiker. If you and the dog are incompatible, you'll both be miserable).

As for a breeder having older pups, yes, this does happen. For instance, a show breeder may keep a promising pup, but then by 5-8 months realize that the pup is not a good show prospect for some reason or another (usually something minor and irrelevant to a pet owner). This is an excellent way to get a fantastic dog. Alternatively, a retired show dog may be placed in a pet home. This is another good way to get a fairly young dog that is well bred and well trained. However, both of these options will require you to be patient.

 

[SchnauzerGirl8810]

Ok, I just reread your criteria-

Based on exercise requirements and tendency to be vocal, I would not recommend a Westie, or nearly any other terrier.

 

[revolutionrocknroll]

I don't think you're going to find a reputable breeder that's going to have a dog ready for you in four weeks either. Usually they have waiting lists. I got my rescue because I um... didn't want to wait long enough for my breeder's bitch to go into heat and then for the puppies to be born and grow up.

You say you don't want a terrier but then you list a westie as a possible breed? What do you like about westies that makes them different from the terriers you don't want?

Another lhasa's a good option. You could also look into bichon frises, shih tzus, and havanese.

 

[SchnauzerGirl8810]

I agree with the previous poster. It sounds like a bichon, a shih tzu, a Lhasa, a havanese, or a Maltese would all be good choices.

Good breeders don't have pups available constantly. Most pups will be spoken for before they are born or very shortly afterwards. Wait list, deposits, etc.

However, you could check out a breed rescue for one or more of the above mentioned breeds. Perhaps they will have a dog that suits you and can be had quickly.

 

[MarleyGrace]

I have a shih-poo who meets most of your requirments but needs to be around people so the separation anxiety is most likely with smaller breeds I believe. I will be getting another pup soon and I am looking at either shih-poo or hava-poo. I really would prefer the mix over a pure bred. Good luck in your search. Our puppy has been the best addition to our family.

 

[travelingswift]

Yes I would think terrier is out as they do tend to be more vocal. A poodle cross would probably work, as would many of the other breeds already suggested. A cockapoo, maltipoo, yorkipoo, etc would also work.

What part of the country are you in? Perhaps a good rescue in your area can be recommended. Going through a rescue versus a shelter will help in the right personality being matched to you -- but may take longer for finding the right dog.

10 month old small dogs tend to be relinquished by owners less often then larger more high energy dogs...as the easier the dog the less likely it's going to be given up by previous owners.

Are you willing to adopt without meeting the dog in person first? I.e. having the dog shipped from elsewhere in the country?

 

[SusanLynn]

Hi Liberty,

I think you're headed in the right direction in terms of selecting a breed you would enjoy.

I'm concerned, though, about your timeline. Getting a dog from a reputable breeder in such a short amount of time might be difficult, and in your rush, you might unwittingly find yourself with a puppy mill dog. This thread explains how you can distinguish between reputable breeders and puppy mills:

http://www.dogforum.com/new-additions/bybs-puppymills-petstores-reputable-breeders-88226/

Also, I think you might want to consider looking for rescue groups that foster the dogs they adopt out. You can do a search for both dogs and rescue groups on: www.petfinder.com.

Other popular sites to look for adoptable dogs in your area are:

Pet Adoption - Search dogs or cats near you. Adopt a Pet Today. Pictures of dogs and cats who need a home. Search by breed, age, size and color. Adopt a dog, Adopt a cat.

― Rescue Me! ― Adopt Dogs, Cats & More ―

Again, I would advise you to take your time in choosing your next dog. Good luck!

 

[doglover2106]

Hi Liberty

As a former owner of a Westie, whom I loved dearly, I would not recommend it for you. Ours barked a lot and this is apparently normal.

Good luck in your search

John

 

[Liberty]

Thank you for all your opinions guys. They have been very helpful! Unfortunately, some of the websites suggested won't work for me as I am a Brit, I live in London and Norfolk, thankfully the chances of a puppy mill are slimmer here (we don't sell dogs in petshops so apparently there less puppy mills). But yes, I would still need a reputable reliable breeder. Are there any Brits who know good websites or methods of getting a dog?

I was considering a westie simply because I was looking on a dog breed website and it seemed to say they were quiet, chilled out dogs, clearly it was a little wrong. Thanks for letting me know guys, I'll have to steer clear.

I am now leaning more towards another Lhasa Apso or a Maltese as SchnauzerGirl8810 suggested! Does anyone have a Maltese that can verify what they're like? I have seen some recently while walking to work and they look like lovely happy little dogs!

I should also explain my deadline is because I have a holiday coming up, 2 weeks, to spend 1-1 bonding and welcoming a new dog in. After that I will be going back to work. I was hoping to have that real good quality time. I'll keep trying to do my best in finding the right dog.

 

[agility collie mom]

I have two maltese. They are wonderful, funny, loving dogs. They make great apartment companions. They are smart, clean and fairly quiet. They love people but will sound the alarm if someone knocks at the door.
Maltese Dog Breed Information, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts – Dogtime
the information on this web site it pretty accurate.

 

[MHDDOG2016]

Dogs & Puppies - Cats & Kittens - Pets for Sale at Pets4Homes UK

Just be careful that the puppies are not from puppy farms (the UK equivalent to puppy mills in the US)

 

[SchnauzerGirl8810]

I think a Maltese may in many ways be ideal for the OP, but can anyone speak to Maltese and separation anxiety?

 

[agility collie mom]

Have not seen s/a in any of the maltese that I know but, then again they all came from the same lines/breeder. Two of the ones I know compete in teacup agility.
Here is Sadie: Tiny teacup breeds twist, turn and jump their way through obstacle courses | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

 

[MarleyGrace]

I babysat a maltese and she was the sweetest thing ever! She certainly let you know when someone was at the door lol unlike my shih-poo. It was babysitting her and not wanting her to go home after two weeks that I knew I wanted a smaller dog similar to her.

 

[travelingswift]

Saw these three, two are said to be quite shy but you'd need more information. My girl was terrified of people the first 2 weeks but now (5 months later) you'd never know she was a stray earlier in her life.

Brenna-Cockerpoo located in Hampshire | London, South East London | Pets4Homes

Jody-female Poodle X located in London | London, South East London | Pets4Homes

Tina approx 8 month old female for adoption | London, North London | Pets4Homes