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Toy Breed Selection


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Hi guys,

I have recently moved out of home with my dog (a bitza rescue 'Malcolm', who looks like a backyard breeder's idea of that mythological 'breed' the 'deer nosed chihuahua" <insert eye roll here> but who knows what is in him).

Well, a home is not a home without a dog and so my parents are now looking into buying or rescuing an adult companion dog and your suggestions would be appreciated!

General requirements/info:

- must like cuddles and being a lap warmer

- any grooming requirements considered, however must not shed to the degree of a fox terrier, pug, etc. My mum says she is willing to learn how to clipper a dog if need be, but honestly I suspect she'd much rather brush and she does have a preference for dogs with soft fur to stroke.

- desexed, probably a female as a girl may get on better with my boy dog?

- not a nuisance barker; alarm barking would be tolerated

- happy, friendly, social, easy-going, affectionate, non-aggressive, no tendency towards nervousness/neurosis

- my parents currently have a big yard with many different areas to explore, but may downsize in the (not near) future. Their yard is fully fenced but not suitable for a houdini dog.

- indoor/outdoor dog as he/she pleases

- the dog must get along with my dog as I will be minding it whenever my parents go on holidays. My dog absolutely ADORES Cavaliers, his eyes light up whenever he sees them. He also loves 'small white fluffies' except those which are neurotic... He dislikes and is reactive to 'in your face' dogs and bull/muscly breeds. He does not particularly care for terriers.

- my parents are quite active, so regular brisk walks are not an issue, but if the dog would prefer to lounge around that is ok too.

- my parents are semi-retired, so someone is usually at home, but the dog should be able to cope with some alone time

- they will do some training if required, but don't want to start from scratch with a puppy or un-housebroken dog.

- does not have to be good around children (since there are none!)

We had a Papillon growing up, my heart dog who lived to 17 years. Although it has been 4 years since his death, I'm not sure we are ready for another Papillon. Also while our Papillon adored being around us and would sit, gazing lovingly in our direction (honestly, he radiated love!), he was not much into cuddling, simply putting up with it for a while. I'm not sure if all Paps are like this?

The only breed I can think of so far is a Cavalier. I'm sure something small white and fluffy would also be suitable, perhaps a Maltese?, but I am embarrassed to say that I have trouble discriminating between small, white fluffy breeds since so many that I see are bitzas. :o (please don't flame me!)

Breeds which I don't think would be suitable are Pekingese (sorry, don't like their temperament!), anything terrier and Italian Greyhounds - while they are adorable, I understand that they are very cat-like and mum couldn't stand all the jumping on and off furniture etc, also while their yard is fully fenced I suspect a hound would have no trouble escaping.

I am trying to gently push them into getting a pedigree or breed rescue dog as having a rescue myself, I know how hit and miss it can be with regards to their health and temperament. If going for a rescue, I would prefer a rescue where the people really know the dog. My mum was formerly thinking of something like a Cavalier x Poodle but has since been educated...

Anyway, i look forward to hearing your ideas! My parents are in no rush and are happy to wait until the right dog comes along to add to their family. :heart:

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I think a Cav would be ideal. Would they consider a Shih Tzu? Long hair, but they would have the ideal temperament. A well socialised long haired Chi might also suit.

That would be my suggestion, though I have only had the pleasure of knowing one personally. She was a cuddlepie, total lapdog, yet with a big personality, who is happy just to lie around, or go for walks & play.

I can't believe how much I have fallen in love with a SWF. :rofl:

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Mantis, is that you? Or has an unknown entity taken possession of your body?? :confused: Mantis, are you in there? Do you need help? Excorcism?

Pretty cute!! :)

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Do you think a Toy Poodle's grooming requirements would be too much? My little Toy would be perfect for this situation - I got her at 3 years, after she had had 2 litters, and she is a very calm and loving little thing.

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Sheltie!! Fluffy but easy to groom, a brush every couple of days and maybe some minor trimming around foot pads and butt is all mine needs. Dirt drops off him, doesnt shed day to day although I'm still yet to experience a coat drop. He's sweet and cuddly and from what I've heard most male Shelties are. Think I've said on here before he's the one who comes over to check on me of he thinks I might be upset :)

Having said that he's a big yappy barker but he's just turned one and I'm trying a citronella collar on him, which is helping. I let it go to long when he was a baby tho so I think of literally day one at home you worked on the barking it could be prevented.

Oh and I don't think Toy Poodles generally have separation anxiety as a breed, it really depends how they are treated. Treating them like a dog not a toy, and being super consistent with how you want things to be with them should work but they are smart and stubborn in my experience so you can't give in to them!

My Sheltie is much softer and cuddlier than my toy poodle x Maltese but not as clever, hehe.

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Oh also my male poodle x and male Sheltie get on brilliantly, and I know plenty of other 2 male households that get along great so I would look more at temperent than gender. And I've also heard that female Shelties can be a bit different to males but I haven't had one so can't say personally :)

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A Lowchen would fit all these plus a little extra

For starters they don't have to keep their breed trim they look just as cute in a teddy ear clIp. They are low shedding and just require A brush a few times a week if you keep them in coat but have the softest fur. They are very social little dogs, our little one loves to have snuggles on the bed and couch but is happy to head outside and play with our other dogs too. She is not a digger, they are little guard dogs at times and will alert you to strange happenings.

A bonus is they love children and are a great children's dog as well our girl LOVES our nieces and nephews, just last week when they stayed with us she spent the night IN the bed with them.

My OH is a groomer and he was saying that he finds cavvys to be a high shedding breed and sadly as well for me currently having a dog to handstrip lol handstripping ain't that fun and is fiddly, much prefer a good old clip and brush dog lol.

But all in all a very intelligent breed who would benefit from training but don't require it as such maybe a sit and come when called but they are the kind of dog who is happy to do what you want, you can get super lively lowchens like we have or you can get super quiet ones or middle in between.. Theres a lowchen for every personality lol

Oh and did I mention they are little hoovers, we call ours pig lmao cOs she will even eat cauliflower off my plate lmao! And they come in a rainbow of colours :)

If you want anymore info drop me a pm but I really think this is the breed for you!!

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Sounds like an adult pug would fit the bill perfectly. My pug doesn't shed much - some say blacks shed less than fawns (but then the black personality is crazier to make up for it!)

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Don't know if anyone has already suggested a hananese. My brother & family have one. Great little dogs. Excellent temp. Very lay back. Fairly long coated but doesn't seem to shed much. Very smart & faithfull.

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A Lowchen would fit all these plus a little extra

For starters they don't have to keep their breed trim they look just as cute in a teddy ear clIp. They are low shedding and just require A brush a few times a week if you keep them in coat but have the softest fur. They are very social little dogs, our little one loves to have snuggles on the bed and couch but is happy to head outside and play with our other dogs too. She is not a digger, they are little guard dogs at times and will alert you to strange happenings.

A bonus is they love children and are a great children's dog as well our girl LOVES our nieces and nephews, just last week when they stayed with us she spent the night IN the bed with them.

My OH is a groomer and he was saying that he finds cavvys to be a high shedding breed and sadly as well for me currently having a dog to handstrip lol handstripping ain't that fun and is fiddly, much prefer a good old clip and brush dog lol.

But all in all a very intelligent breed who would benefit from training but don't require it as such maybe a sit and come when called but they are the kind of dog who is happy to do what you want, you can get super lively lowchens like we have or you can get super quiet ones or middle in between.. Theres a lowchen for every personality lol

Oh and did I mention they are little hoovers, we call ours pig lmao cOs she will even eat cauliflower off my plate lmao! And they come in a rainbow of colours :)

If you want anymore info drop me a pm but I really think this is the breed for you!!

Just wondering why they clip the Lowchen's like they do. Also who is the first little dog in your sig....I think he is georgous :)

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