What Dog Breed Is The Right Choice?
Filed under Care & Training Q&As
my mum said it has to be small , good with kids , quite fluffy and cute . She would realy like a bichon frise , but after some research we realised they are way out of our budget and we would not be able to keep up with the care of the coat.
i was thinking maybe a westie , yorkie or king charles .
i was wondering how much training these breeds need , what is the average price and which one would suit our lifestyle and requirements.
we can give half hour to exersize , someone is home for most of the day apart from when my mum goes shopping and picks up me and my bro from school . I am a responcible teenager and we have a bouncy but freindly two year old, and a fast learning and gentle six year old .
I have asked my mum to consider a pup for my b.day in april and she sed maybe . we have a spaciouse house and garden with a dog park near by .
we just want to make the right choice of dog , so that we can fulfill its life as well as we can.
any suggestions and info is greatly apprieciated
thnx
bye
Related West Highland White Terrier posts:
- Seven Year Old West Highland White Terrier?
- What Is The Weight Of A 9 Week Old West Highland White Terrier Puppy!? Grown They Are An Avg Of 17 Pounds?
- How Do I Stop My Dog From Jumping Up?
- Is A West Highland White Terrier Good For Allergy People
- What Dog Is Better For Kids, A West-highland White Terrier Or A Yorkshire Terriers?
I thnk it’s awesome your asking these questions and want to give the dog the best life you can. Major props from me
Most of the breeds you referred to are going to require regular grooming, and getting one from a breeder will be pretty costly.
If you want to cut down on the grooming part, a less “fluffy” dog is going to help. (Have you ever considered a long-haired dachshund?).
Honestly, just doing your research to see what breed will fit your life situation best is going to be your best bet. I also hope you’ll consider checking out a shelter. They have many little mixed breed dogs that could fit in great with your situation, but they do also have some purebred. Talk to the employees there about what you want and they can match you to a few dogs that will work great.
go on temprement not breed. every breed wether pedigree or mongrel can turn out to be a nice or not so nice dog. if you have kids sometimes an older dog that has lived with kids before is the best idea as all puppies go through teething and will chew on things/people around them.half an hour a day excerscise is not enough for a young dog, or for a larger dog so i would think small and 6yrs plus would be your best bet.
I don’t think you are ready to get a dog. sorry I’m just being honest. Its a 15 + commitment so are you going to able to take it on. What about long term finances vet bills etc. It possibly cost hundreds a year to look after a dog. Please please please think. Why not volunteer in your local shelter for a while and this way you can get some insight into this huge task.
depending on where you live there may be a bichon frise rescue near you if you want i can give you an email address of a guy in england who deals in bichon rescue bichons are wonderful little dogs as i had two and i adored them as they are great with children and people are smart intelligent and love doing tricks if you want the email address send a message through answers
I actually wouldnt suggest any of those. The gentler dogs tend to be bigger than that, labs and goldies are a family favourite. Little dogs are yappy, fearful and tend to be less tolerant with children. Everydog needs long challenging walks so dont just say half an hour. Think more.
Good luck
Westhighland Terrier (Westie) seems like the best choice.
Temperament: The West Highland White Terrier needs to be trained at a young age not to try to dominate other dogs or chase cats. If you have children, it makes a good playmate because it can handle rough play.
getting a dog because it is cute and fluffy is for the wrong reasons.
look into the actual temperament and health problems instead of the looks.
Ive just got a shih tzu puppy and he’s not to hard to groom etc he does need grooming and eyes cleaning daily but that doesn’t take very long. He is very playfull but doesn’t need long walks.
Some nice small breeds are:
Yorkie
Shiatsu
Welsh Corgie
Lasa Apso
A CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL they are great dogs and very affectionate
yorkie and golden retrievers are fluffy
a staffordshire bull terrier is a wonderful loyal family dog and they are great with children.
well I think you should get a la pa-so but
getting a dog becuz it fluffy and cute is the wrong reason
yorkie
dachshunds has to be the best
mistake post!
Why does it have to be a breed?
You can get plenty of mixed breed dogs that fall into those category’s & don’t have the same health problems.
There are also plenty of little dogs that need homes at rescue centres, come with lots of extras like neutering and vaccination. Adult dogs are assessed to see if they will fit your family situation, often house trained & with basic obedience training & with lifetime support from the rescue home to help you resolve any problems you may have. There also lots of pedigree dogs available because people rush into buying a cute puppy and get bored.
If you are choosing the long coated breed, do take into account either the grooming aspect or how much it would cost for clipping etc.
1/2hr is not a lot of time for exercise. Your dog will need to go out at least morning and evening and would you be prepared to do that in weather like we have recently had, about 30mins a time, everyday for at least 12 years.
Also you need to take into account the cost of vets bills, food, vaccination, neutering, worming, fleaing, microchipping, training, bedding, bowls, brushes, boarding, insurance, toys, collars & leads etc.
You also need to access your lifestyle and whether or not it would be fair to any dog if it will be left alone for long periods of time like over 4hrs.
I glad your doing research on these breeds. You may want to look at a Maltese. If their coat is kept shorter it is relatively easy to maintain(weekly brushy and weekly baths/ bi-weekly baths). Also they very smart and are great companions, although they could take a little longer to house train. If you get one from a show line breeder you may be looking at 800-1000 dollars but could easily get one for 400-600 or less. My only concern would be their fragility. O ya and all dogs need at least 45min or more walk a day(on leash or treadmill). Also research these breeds they have most of the same qualities as a Maltese:
-Affenpinscher
-Bolognese
-Chacy Ranior
-Chihuahua (long haired if you want fluffy)
-Coton De Tulear
-Havanese
-Japanese Spaniel (Chin)
-Kyi-Leo
-Mi-Ki
-Papillon
-Pekingese
-Pomeranian
-Shih-Tzu
-Silky Terrier
-Toy Poodle
-Plus the ones you listed-yorkie or king charles (Westies need a little more excercise than these breeds, but would still make a excellent choice)
-Also many more that I didn’t list (These are just small fluffy ones with low-exercise needs)
I would also consider checking out the nearest shelter, you never know you may fall in love with one of those puppy dog stares (Also much cheaper then buying a puppy)
From one dog loving teenager that wants a dog to the next,
Good luck
Any breed would be good if you can meet its requirement,shelties need a little more exercise, but they are great dogs and if you train them properly and be their pack leader, they will be your best friend. (this is going for all dogs)
Remember on yahoo answers people will suggest their favourite breed, not what actually suits you. Remember toy/small are incrediable fragile and can easily be killed by a child dropping them on the patio or seriously injured.Also small breeds are inclined to nip.Larger breeds are generally better with small children and are more tolerant of younger child roughness.Cute is NOT a valid reason to get a dog, remember puppies are cute, but that doesn’t mean they’ll stay cute? 99%grow out their cute factor!Also remember most of these fluffy dogs will require 3-4monthly clipping and daily grooming.
yorkie
Yorkshire Terriers are NOT suited to children, no matter how well-meaning the child. Children cannot help being clumsy, and that a child meant well is little solace to a Yorkshire Terrier who has been accidentally stepped on, sat on, rolled on, squeezed, or dropped onto the patio. Most Yorkshire Terriers feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that children can’t help making — and stress and fearfulness (even defensive biting) may be the result.REQUIRE daily grooming-3-4monthly clipping.http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews…
Westhighland White Terrier
I do NOT recommend terriers for small children. Many terriers will not tolerate any nonsense from little life forms whom they consider to be below themselves in importance. Many terriers are quick to react to teasing, and even to the normal clumsiness that comes with small children (accidental squeezing of their ears or pulling of whiskers or stepping on their paw). Many terriers are possessive of their food and toys and will defend these from all comers, including children.http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews…
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu puppies are NOT suited to small children, no matter how well-meaning the child. Children cannot help being clumsy, and that a child meant well is little solace to a Shih Tzu puppy who has been accidentally stepped on, sat on, rolled on, squeezed, or dropped onto the patio. Even Shih Tzu adults may feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that children can’t help making — and stress and shyness (even defensive biting) may be the result.Require-3-4monthly clipping and daily grooming. http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews…
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
If you have small children, I do not recommend Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppies. The temptation to grab or nip at moving people is simply too strong in many young Corgis. Small children may also lift and hold a Corgi puppy incorrectly, which can damage his long back.http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews…
Lhasa Apso
I do NOT recommend Lhasa Apsos for small children. Many Lhasa will not tolerate any nonsense from little life forms whom they consider to be below themselves in importance. Many Lhasas are quick to react to teasing, and even to the normal clumsiness that comes with small children (accidental squeezing of their ears or pulling of hair or stepping on their paw). Many Lhasas are possessive of their food and toys and will defend these from all comers, including children.http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews…
Cavilier King Charles Spaniel
If you have small children, I do not recommend Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies, no matter how well-meaning the child. Small children cannot help being clumsy, and that a child meant well is little solace to a Cavalier puppy who has been accidentally stepped on, sat on, rolled on, squeezed, or dropped onto the patio. Even Cavalier adults may feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that children can’t help making — and stress and shyness may be the result.http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews…
Top children dogs for under 8years old
Labrador
Temperament: This breed is highly intelligent, loyal, and deeply devoted. The Labrador Retriever is reliable, affectionate, and thrive on human companionship and attention. They are absolutely wonderful with children and get along exceedingly well with other dogs. They may be reserved with strangers and make good watchdogs. If this breed is left alone for extended periods of time without attention or stimulation they will become lonely, bored, and destructive.REQUIRE a minimum of 30mintues daily and loves to run in a secure fenced in yard.http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/bre…
Golden Retriver
Temperament: Golden Retrievers are loveable, polite, and highly intelligent. They exude charm and confidence. They are sweet, eager to please, and devoted family companions. They do not do well if left alone for extended periods of time or they will become mischievous and destructive. They have a tendency to be overly exuberant and distractible. They are always gentle and patient with children. They are friendly with other pets. In fact, they are friendly with everyone. They tend to bark as a form of greeting. The Golden Retriever is not well suited for a two career family as they require an inordinate amount of human interaction and companionship.REQUIRE a minimum of 30mintues daily and loves to run in a secure fenced in yard.http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/bre…
Collie
Temperament: The Collie has a very even and well-mannered temperament. This dog is regularly seen in homes with other animals and children, as they are very gentle and passive. Originally bred for herding, this dog has the tendency to nip at ankles as a pup, however most grow out of this stage. Willing to learn and very loyal, this dog will surely provide you with a lot of love.REQUIRE a minimum of 30mintues daily and loves to run in a secure fenced in yard.http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/bre…
Newfoundland
Temperament: The Newfoundland is generous with love and affection. They are very sociable and friendly to visitors they know. They have a keen sense of responsibility and are excellent with children. They become so attached to their families that they cannot ever adapt to a new home or environment. They are generally good with other pets. This breed thrives on human companionship. They are gentle, heroic, and docile. Newfoundlands are extremely protective and will place themselves between their family and any danger that appears to be of a threatening nature.REQUIRE a minimum of 30mintues daily and loves to run in a secure fenced in yard.http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/bre…
Dogs for older considerate children
Pugs-Remember pugs eyes can easily be poked out-Is a blind dog good with kids?
Small children and pugs are not a good combination. While pugs are not generally aggressive dogs, young children tend to be fascinated with their curly tails and bulging eyes. Pugs eyes are very sensitive and easily injured, and having their tails pulled can make even the most easy-going pug snap at the person who is doing the pulling.http://frankthepug.com/
Boston Terrier
Temperament: Highly intelligent, alert, and enthusiastic, the Boston Terrier is affectionate and loyal. This breed is quite animated and has a lovely sense of humor. They thrive on human interaction and on being an integral part of the family. They do best in a home with children over the age of eight years and are exceedingly good with the elderly. They will generally get along with non-canine pets, although males may fight with other dogs. The Boston Terrier has a very sensitive nature and will be affected either positively or negatively by tone of voice or the home atmosphere and environment.http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/bre…
Border Terrier
Temperament: Friendly and playful, the Border Terrier is very affectionate and thrives on human interaction and attention. This breed is more placid than is typical of the other terrier breeds. They do best in a home with older considerate children. They will generally get along with other dogs but are not recommended for homes with cats or other small household pets. The Border Terrier does not do well if left alone for extended periods of time and will become destructive and bark excessively if bored or lonely. For this reason a two-career family is not an ideal situation for them. They are wary of strangers but are generally not aggressive. This breed is not recommended for the novice, apathetic or sedentary dog owner.http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/bre…
French Bulldog
Temperament: This hilarious little dog makes a wonderful playmate and is very affectionate. Alert and clingy, this breed does require lots of human attention to thrive. This is not a kennel breed and should always be kept in a family environment. Given proper socialization the French Bulldog can do well with other dogs, but should not be around small children, as they do not tolerate rough play.http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/bre…
Sheltland Sheepdog-Remember shelties have a long back and young children tend to hold them incorrectly which can damage there long back.
If you have small children, I do not recommend Shetland Sheepdogs. The temptation to nip at moving children is simply too strong in many young Shelties. And the temptation to play too roughly with this sensitive breed is simply too strong in small children. Many Shetland Sheepdog feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that children can’t help making — and stress and shyness may be the result.http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews…
Affenpinscher
Affenpinscher puppies are NOT suited to small children, no matter how well-meaning the child. Children cannot help being clumsy, and that a child meant well is little solace to an Affenpinscher puppy who has been accidentally stepped on, sat on, rolled on, squeezed, or dropped onto the patio. http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews…
I personally would discourage anyone from getting a king charles my nan has had several,all from different breeders and has had no end of health issues with them, ranging from eye and ear problems to more serious heart and joint problems. Cocker spaniels are a lovely breed as well as westies, shelties are good too but can be very nervy with strangers.
To be honest though your best bet is probably going to a rescue centre if your not sure what breed you would like, they often do most of the hard work for you narrowing down breeds according to temperament, exercise required etc. that is as long as your prepared to wait for the right pup to come along!
Good luck and take your time the right dog is out there!!!
Corgis.
they are short and sweet and tolerant
i have one myself and they are very mellow
hardly ever bark but are ready to play whenever but wpnt bug you to play with them
you can get them for about 4-$500 i believe
look in the Bee in the pet ads and search around a bit
look them up on the internet
they are really good dogs
you can get them with a docked tail or with a regular tail
they come in tri and fawn and kinda dark brown
they’re really sweet:)
im not really into small breeds im more of a dobie and rottie person.
But i think the yorkies are cute.
they can be pretty snappy with children though.
At my local pub there is one that runs freely called cookie!
and i have to admit i wouldnt mind 1 if i didnt have a house full of larger breeds.
they dress it up on special occasians (sp) like halloween, this year it was wearin a cape and had a mask on the top of its head.
but this 1 isnt so keen on small children.
like mature older teenagers
hope i helped
Half hour exercise! HALF HOUR EXERCISE??!!! Even Bichons and Yorkies need more than that. Either commit an hour a day (in two or three sessions) or don’t get a dog. If you can commit to an hour a day, do you realise ALL the breeds you mentioned (except the KCS, which have lots of health issues) have to clipped/stripped/groomed? So you will have to budget for that. Why not try a smooth-coated breed instead? They can be just a cute as fluffy dogs! (Min Pins, Pugs and Boston Terriers all have good temperaments)
Forgetting all that, if purely for temperament, I would go for a Westie or a Cairn Terrier – Borders need oodles of exercise – we do about two-three miles a day and Smiffy could do three times that, which we do some weekends.
If you want a dog that you can play with and have a good romp with then a King Charles Spaniel would be a good choice, however, these dogs need more than 1/2 an hour walk they need to run and play and would require several hours at the dog park, a back yard is no substitute for exercise. They do however, suffer from mitral valve disease which affects the heart, so if getting one it’s best to make sure the breeder has bred dogs that have been tested negative for this disease or you’ll be inheriting a lot of problems.
Yorkies are yappy and while playful can nip and might not be the best dog for small children as small children tend to pull ears and fur and can easily get bitten.
Westies are very high energy dog but don’t always do well with small children, they are non shedding dogs but require regular grooming, they are prone to allergies and skin conditions so regular bathing will make matters worse. They are a terrier breed which are usually bred to be very independent so training is a little tougher with terriers.
Whatever you decide do a lot of research to see if that particular breed is right for you.
Good luck