lhaso apso, shih tzu, minitaure schnauzer etc..

boydE

I have looked and looked and have shortlisted to these few as a family pet.

I prefer the lhaso but got told they are yappy.
my next favourite is the miniature schnauzer, they look sweet.
the shih tzu looks nice but they seem to have a few problems breathing, eyes etc..

I have also looked at the cavalier but has too many heath issues.
pug is really cute but sheds alot
maltese too expensive.
chiuauaua and papillion look fragile.

just looking for owners of these breeds to give their views, the negatives I would rather

thanks for looking

Pthree

I have never met a Chihuahua that I liked, horrible vicious little things, yet because they are so small people seem to think it's funny when they bite and growl at you.

I will sit back and await the outcry from Chihuahua owners but I refuse to change my mind about them.

krlyr

Pthree wrote: »

I have never met a Chihuahua that I liked, horrible vicious little things, yet because they are so small people seem to think it's funny when they bite and growl at you.

I will sit back and await the outcry from Chihuahua owners but I refuse to change my mind about them.

I don't think this is a Chihuahua-specific issue though, many smaller dogs get away with this kind of behaviour as people find it more humourous to have a small dog "thinking it's a big dog". Less amusing and far more risky for a Rottweiler or German Shepherd to exhibit the same behaviour in public so generally not encouraged or laughed at!


Any dog has the potential to be noisy and expensive, and many of the dogs will shed. If these are that offputting, I'd reconsider your choice of pet straight away.
What it might be worth doing is looking out for dog events you can get to and chatting to owners/breeders of the breeds you're interested in for their experience, meet some face to face and so on.

If you decide to go down the breeder/puppy route, research carefully - the health problems that put you off in breeds like the Cavalier etc. won't just be limited to those breeds, poorly bred dogs can be sickly, costly things so spend lots of time doing your research to find a good breeder. The initial outlay may be more but overall you're likely to save not just money but heartbreak by avoiding health problems (as much as they can be avoided in the unpredictable nature of a living being).

An alternative option is to contact some rescues and let them know of the traits you do and don't want, and they may find an individual dog to suit your needs rather than focusing on the specific breed.

boydE

krlyr wrote: »

Any dog has the potential to be noisy and expensive, and many of the dogs will shed. If these are that offputting, I'd reconsider your choice of pet straight away.
What it might be worth doing is looking out for dog events you can get to and chatting to owners/breeders of the breeds you're interested in for their experience, meet some face to face and so on.

shedding, some dogs shed really heavy so that wouldnt' be ideal for me or the family, I have had german shepards and cavaliers, the german shepards shed loads wheres the cavaliers were ok.
I do alot of walking and there is a lab that goes and he sheds really bad.

If you decide to go down the breeder/puppy route, research carefully - the health problems that put you off in breeds like the Cavalier etc. won't just be limited to those breeds, poorly bred dogs can be sickly, costly things so spend lots of time doing your research to find a good breeder. The initial outlay may be more but overall you're likely to save not just money but heartbreak by avoiding health problems (as much as they can be avoided in the unpredictable nature of a living being).

I am researching but nearly every breed has either problems or too expensive, I will not be paying over £700, it is tough though and tempting with some of these authorised kennels

An alternative option is to contact some rescues and let them know of the traits you do and don't want, and they may find an individual dog to suit your needs rather than focusing on the specific breed.

I have but no joy as yet

replied in bold, thanks

Sharon140

I have a 5 yr old Shih Tzu and she is the sweetest girl you could ever wish to meet a healthy happy little dog who loves her toys and her family, no health problems at all we have never had to take her to the vet unless its for her vacination and to be spayed. We had our older Shih Tzu PTS last November at 13 and she was a typical small dog with a big attitude but she was also very healthy until she got to 10 and then had all the typical old age problems with arthritis, cataracts ect. The older one was a typical lap dog and very yappy liked to be heard and barked at the slightest noise, the younger one will only bark when there is someone at the door other than that we dont hear her. Neither of them moulted as they have hair and not fur, if you keep the hair long it is very time consuming grooming them everyday so I dont tend to let their hair grow too long. They are a nightmare to train as puppies though so stubborn and will only learn things in their own time.

I know I am biased but Shih Tzu everytime

MatyMoo

I am a mini schnauzer owner :wave:

Wonderful, characterful, bundles of gorgeousness

Disadvantages: They need regular grooming, not just 6-8 weekly visits to a groomer but daily brushing. Can be noisy but with proper training most people can get this under control. Can be stubborn and have selective deafness.

Advantages: Very loyal, will take as much or as little exercise as you like. Cheeky, playful, funny.

I, personally, wouldn't have any other breed.

Errata

My Llahso lad isn't yappy and they're not known for it; he's a good watchdog, which is what they were bred for, and gives a single warning bark. He's smart, amazingly patient, supercilious, does things in his own time and believes I should bow to his wishes at all times and without question!

SnowyOwl_2

£700??? You could get a perfectly fine and healthy pedigree or pedigree x dog from a rescue centre for as little as £100. The dog would even be vaccinated, microchipped and neutered as well. You wouldn't get pedigree papers as these, in the wrong hands, could encourage back yard puppy breeding, but since you want a pet that wouldn't be an issue. The remaining £600 you can spend on dog kennel, blankets, bed, insurance, bowls, food, collars, leads, boarding for when you go on holiday - it'd soon get used up. Or you could make a sizeable donation to Dogs Trust or similar charity who make so much effort taking care of unwanted dogs and finding decent homes for them.

It's puppy season now, I'd be very surprised if you couldn't find a puppy or adult dog you love at a rescue centre.

Well, this is a money saving website, so just pointing out there are alternatives to buying a puppy when others which are just as beautiful and puppyish are being thrown out like rubbish.

Nearly forgot.... you could try https://www.streetdogrescue.com - they rescue dogs from certain misery and almost certain death from the streets in Bulgaria. They have loads of puppies due to the puppy season just starting. They are desperate for homes for them - nothing wrong with the puppies, they are just unwanted where they were born. And you'd still get heaps of change out of £700.

Sooetie

My dad had a schnauzer

They apparently have hearing problems and dislike loud noises

nonnatus

If you want a well bred, pedigree dog of those breeds you'll pay more than £700 for it! If pups are offered at less than this, please, please check that they're not puppy farmed.

A pedigree Chihuahua from a responsible kennel would cost around £1200. Puppy Farmers are aware of this so get several female Chi's pregnant, keep them in apalling conditions and wait for the puppies to start appearing. They then charge "only" £700 so customers feel like they're getting a bargain. Those puppies are NOT a bargain.

Take a look at the Kennel Club website to see how to avoid this trap.

Good luck with your search.

Katiehound

Just to say you will be very lucky getting a small dog from most rescues as they just fly off the shelves.. leaving the larger dogs behind.

My friend has a min schnauzer and he is very cute. Another has a wired haired dauchshund also very cute but has been a very slow learner in the house training department!

If you must have a named breed, as said before, please buy from an accredited breeder. Check with the breed societies.

You might also think about going to Crufts in March as all the breeds are represented in the Discover Dogs section- you get a chance to talk to owners and breeders and meet the adult dogs too. You might change your mind, or you may come home with an out right winner!!