All beef, kosher, or vegan hotdog
June 13, 2011 9:45 AM Subscribe
I'm not a small dog person but Mrs Doorsfan is...Help!
I've never been a small dog person but the Mrs is. My wife's dog is a grumpy 10+ year old 6lb Chihuahua, and we also share our home with a 6 month old, full of energy, female boxer. We're kicking around the idea of adding to the litter but my wife wants a small dog and I'd prefer a large one so what to do???
Please share with me your medium to large, Stocky, dog breed suggestions.
Also in our home are 2 kids - 2 and 4.5 years old
We have a decent sized fenced yard
The dogs stay indoors during the day (it's just too hot in TX)
Boxer training is going well - we'll soon be able to go on extended walks/hikes
We did have a Boston Terrier (that size works) before the kids, but we had to relocate him to my brother's because he didn't get along with our 1st child
Please, lets not debate about the merits of small dogs. I agree that they are wonderful, however I prefer a larger breed at this time.
Also, we'd like that the next addition to the family be an older puppy, we just can't put ourselves through housebreaking again. And we'd like to adopt a rescue or shelter dog.
Oh yeah, Mrs. Doorsfan was looking at greyhounds but me, ummm not so much despite fully appreciating the million reasons why adopting a greyhound is a great thing to do. I'm looking for a stockier dog.
I've never been a small dog person but the Mrs is. My wife's dog is a grumpy 10+ year old 6lb Chihuahua, and we also share our home with a 6 month old, full of energy, female boxer. We're kicking around the idea of adding to the litter but my wife wants a small dog and I'd prefer a large one so what to do???
Please share with me your medium to large, Stocky, dog breed suggestions.
Also in our home are 2 kids - 2 and 4.5 years old
We have a decent sized fenced yard
The dogs stay indoors during the day (it's just too hot in TX)
Boxer training is going well - we'll soon be able to go on extended walks/hikes
We did have a Boston Terrier (that size works) before the kids, but we had to relocate him to my brother's because he didn't get along with our 1st child
Please, lets not debate about the merits of small dogs. I agree that they are wonderful, however I prefer a larger breed at this time.
Also, we'd like that the next addition to the family be an older puppy, we just can't put ourselves through housebreaking again. And we'd like to adopt a rescue or shelter dog.
Oh yeah, Mrs. Doorsfan was looking at greyhounds but me, ummm not so much despite fully appreciating the million reasons why adopting a greyhound is a great thing to do. I'm looking for a stockier dog.
Yes, can you elaborate a bit more about yours and your wife's reasons? Not being sure what the issues are exactly makes it harder to help.
My frist thought was, what about getting a small dog with a larger dog personality, like a corgi, but that may not be the solution you are looking for, especially if you want to adopt a shelter dog.
Labradors and lab mixes always make good family pets, especially because they tend to be good with children.
Is this really just about you and your wife having a who-gets-their-way disagreement? Thats a different ball of wax than picking out a dog.
posted by annsunny at 10:01 AM on June 13, 2011
My frist thought was, what about getting a small dog with a larger dog personality, like a corgi, but that may not be the solution you are looking for, especially if you want to adopt a shelter dog.
Labradors and lab mixes always make good family pets, especially because they tend to be good with children.
Is this really just about you and your wife having a who-gets-their-way disagreement? Thats a different ball of wax than picking out a dog.
posted by annsunny at 10:01 AM on June 13, 2011
Cocka-poos are pretty sweet dogs. They're big enough to be sturdy and small enough to sit in your lap. They usually love kids and playing.
Small and sturdy is basically the definition of a Bulldog. I love Bulldogs but haven't owned one yet so I can't really comment on how well they'd go with your lifestyle. A French Bulldog would be about the size of a Boston Terrier, but a regular Bulldog is the kind I prefer.
You might also like having a Pug, but I had a hard time potty training ours and had to find him a new home. YMMV.
posted by TooFewShoes at 10:07 AM on June 13, 2011 [1 favorite]
Small and sturdy is basically the definition of a Bulldog. I love Bulldogs but haven't owned one yet so I can't really comment on how well they'd go with your lifestyle. A French Bulldog would be about the size of a Boston Terrier, but a regular Bulldog is the kind I prefer.
You might also like having a Pug, but I had a hard time potty training ours and had to find him a new home. YMMV.
posted by TooFewShoes at 10:07 AM on June 13, 2011 [1 favorite]
A Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a great medium-sized dog. My sister got an older rescue Corgi and he is the most awesome dog ever; not too big, not too small, gets along with other dogs of all sizes. I heartily recommend the breed.
posted by OolooKitty at 10:09 AM on June 13, 2011
posted by OolooKitty at 10:09 AM on June 13, 2011
It's really difficult to recommend a dog when you've spoken more about what you don't want/like than what you do. That said, I have a rescued lab/chow mix who does pretty well in my apartment, though chows and chow mixes can be tempramental. I like labs, and think they make good family pets. Whatever you do, make sure you and the dog do at least some training together.
posted by Hylas at 10:18 AM on June 13, 2011
posted by Hylas at 10:18 AM on June 13, 2011
Response by poster: You cracked the case @EmpressCallipygos I'm just not a lapdog kinda person. In reference to my wife's chihuahua she loves that he just curls up besides her but i'm looking for a more active larger breed.
Our Boston, before the kids, was great - lap and action dog, medium build and just fun. I'm not sure if emotionally we could have another Sully running around though.
No @annsunny it's not a win or lose issue. I'd like to be able to research both sides but at the same time us both be completely satisfied with the new 10-15 year addition to our family.
posted by doorsfan at 10:24 AM on June 13, 2011
Our Boston, before the kids, was great - lap and action dog, medium build and just fun. I'm not sure if emotionally we could have another Sully running around though.
No @annsunny it's not a win or lose issue. I'd like to be able to research both sides but at the same time us both be completely satisfied with the new 10-15 year addition to our family.
posted by doorsfan at 10:24 AM on June 13, 2011
I was going to suggest a Corgi, but OolooKitty beat me to it. A friend of mine has a Corgi and it's hilarious. It loves to herd children and has the durability of a cinderblock with stubby legs. It's more a small to medium dog.
You want bigger? Black labs are the best dog ever.
posted by It's Never Lurgi at 10:28 AM on June 13, 2011 [1 favorite]
You want bigger? Black labs are the best dog ever.
posted by It's Never Lurgi at 10:28 AM on June 13, 2011 [1 favorite]
You cracked the case @EmpressCallipygos I'm just not a lapdog kinda person. In reference to my wife's chihuahua she loves that he just curls up besides her but i'm looking for a more active larger breed.
Actually, often larger breeds tend to be less active than some smaller ones, in my experience. This isn't to say that the teeny little lapdogs and "purse dogs" get inactive either; but some tiny dogs can be really hyper.
But if you want active, there's dachshunds, there's Jack Russels, someone mentioned cockapoos (which despite the cutesy name have been around before people were doing the whole "crossbreed everything with a poodle" thing), cairn terriers....actually, terriers in general tend to be active.
Or just go to a pound and get a mutt that seems to be lively enough for you, but small enough for your wife.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:34 AM on June 13, 2011 [1 favorite]
Actually, often larger breeds tend to be less active than some smaller ones, in my experience. This isn't to say that the teeny little lapdogs and "purse dogs" get inactive either; but some tiny dogs can be really hyper.
But if you want active, there's dachshunds, there's Jack Russels, someone mentioned cockapoos (which despite the cutesy name have been around before people were doing the whole "crossbreed everything with a poodle" thing), cairn terriers....actually, terriers in general tend to be active.
Or just go to a pound and get a mutt that seems to be lively enough for you, but small enough for your wife.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:34 AM on June 13, 2011 [1 favorite]
I will suggest the breed that turned me into a dog person: the Glen of Imaal Terrier. Short but substantial dog, weighing 30-40 pounds. In other words, it looks small but is muscular and strong and is definitely not a lap dog. We have two. They are always up for some activity and love w-a-l-k-s, but if you're not, they will happily curl up on the floor next to your feet. They are very laid-back for a terrier, great with kids, don't shed, and are very smart. Plus (or minus, depending on how much you like attention) everyone will ask you what the heck it is, as it is not a common breed. We have two (a 7-year-old male and his daughter, a 10-month-old puppy) and I love 'em both to death.
posted by kindall at 10:40 AM on June 13, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by kindall at 10:40 AM on June 13, 2011 [1 favorite]
Yes, Corgis are the perfect inbetween! Smart, sweet, great personalities. Mine weighs about 35 pounds.
posted by radioamy at 10:44 AM on June 13, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by radioamy at 10:44 AM on June 13, 2011 [1 favorite]
I second the "terrier" suggestion. We have both a Pomeranian and a Rat Terrier mix. The Pomeranian will happily follow me around and sleep next to me all day. The Rat Terrier seems to have a very actice "inner life." He is constantly exploring, finding new toys (for better or for worse) and LOVES going on long walks, playing/wrestling with other dogs, getting into mud, water, etc. The Pom is sweet - the Terrier is smart. On the other hand, when the Rat Terrier does come curl up in my lap to chew his bone or falls asleep with his head on my shoulder it is somehow infinitely sweeter and "aww" inducing than when the Pom does it.
There are a lot of Jack Russell, Rat, and Fox terrier mixes up for adoption most of the time. I'd suggest finding one on the larger end to be physically in between you and your wife's preferences.
posted by ohsnapdragon at 10:45 AM on June 13, 2011 [1 favorite]
There are a lot of Jack Russell, Rat, and Fox terrier mixes up for adoption most of the time. I'd suggest finding one on the larger end to be physically in between you and your wife's preferences.
posted by ohsnapdragon at 10:45 AM on June 13, 2011 [1 favorite]
I am going to second Daschunds, a big standard doxie can be around 25-30 lbs, and if you get a well bred one they are just about the most entertaining dogs out there. I was NOT a small dog person until my parents brought one home when I was 12, and 16 years later he was in my unbiased opinion the greatest dog of all time.
posted by BobbyDigital at 10:46 AM on June 13, 2011
posted by BobbyDigital at 10:46 AM on June 13, 2011
I'm kind of confused though - are you asking for recommendations of small dogs that act like big dogs, big dogs that act like small dogs, or just how to convince your wife to get a big acting, big dog?
posted by ohsnapdragon at 10:49 AM on June 13, 2011
posted by ohsnapdragon at 10:49 AM on June 13, 2011
not quite as big as you are thinking, but Westies are great dogs. It's that terrier attitude.
posted by domino at 10:58 AM on June 13, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by domino at 10:58 AM on June 13, 2011 [1 favorite]
Pugs! All the fun of a boxer in a small package!
posted by bolognius maximus at 11:16 AM on June 13, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by bolognius maximus at 11:16 AM on June 13, 2011 [1 favorite]
The only problem with the Glen of Imaal terrier is that it's a pretty unusual breed and you very likely won't find one in your local pound. I just checked Petfinder for Glen of Imaal terriers in Houston, Texas (don't know where in Texas you're located) and only 9 dogs came up, none of which are in Texas. Most of them are mixes as well. So since you don't want a puppy from a breeder, you would either have to hope they would ship the dog to you or find a retired Glen of Imaal show dog.
I'm on your wife's side with the little dogs :) But why don't you like Greyhounds? Do you prefer a more "substantial" dog? (Greyhounds are quite sleek) Or do you dislike their couch potato personality and want a more active dog?
posted by lovelygirl at 12:04 PM on June 13, 2011
I'm on your wife's side with the little dogs :) But why don't you like Greyhounds? Do you prefer a more "substantial" dog? (Greyhounds are quite sleek) Or do you dislike their couch potato personality and want a more active dog?
posted by lovelygirl at 12:04 PM on June 13, 2011
Well, OP, I am not sure how much this will help, but here is what I did when looking for a dog.
I went to the local shelter with some characteristics in mind. The AKC has a website that talks about what the different breeds are like.
I knew that I wanted a herding breed, because they are smart, and I have fond memories of an Australian shepherd I had as a kid. The shelter tries to classify what the main breed of a dog is, but it's extremely inaccurate. You will probably get a Heinz 57, with certain breed characteristics more dominant. I selected a medium sized heeler mix, with approval from Mr. Sunny. I got an adult dog, because I just didn't want the potty training issues. It was all flexible from there.
You already have a list of characteristics you would like. This should not be a huge deal between you and your spouse, as she already has the cuddly lap dog she wants. If she has other concerns, I am sure it can be worked out.
Why not go take a look at what is available? Shelters are good, but the Humane Society is a great place too. Sometimes you find an animal, and just know it's the right one, no matter what size you were thinking about.
posted by annsunny at 12:41 PM on June 13, 2011
I went to the local shelter with some characteristics in mind. The AKC has a website that talks about what the different breeds are like.
I knew that I wanted a herding breed, because they are smart, and I have fond memories of an Australian shepherd I had as a kid. The shelter tries to classify what the main breed of a dog is, but it's extremely inaccurate. You will probably get a Heinz 57, with certain breed characteristics more dominant. I selected a medium sized heeler mix, with approval from Mr. Sunny. I got an adult dog, because I just didn't want the potty training issues. It was all flexible from there.
You already have a list of characteristics you would like. This should not be a huge deal between you and your spouse, as she already has the cuddly lap dog she wants. If she has other concerns, I am sure it can be worked out.
Why not go take a look at what is available? Shelters are good, but the Humane Society is a great place too. Sometimes you find an animal, and just know it's the right one, no matter what size you were thinking about.
posted by annsunny at 12:41 PM on June 13, 2011
I was in somewhat of a similar situation when my partner and I were looking to adopt - I've always been a fan of big, playful dogs, while she, having never had a dog before, wanted something more laid-back and in the medium range ... what helped us the most was repeatedly volunteering with the local shelter and interacting with the dogs who were there, putting the idea of breed type on the back burner for a bit. We ended up adopting a ~40 lb, 1 year-old "potpourri mutt" with a little bit of everything in her (the shelter halfheartedly identified her as some sort of Shepherd/Feist mix, but I think that was mostly because they had to put something down - people have guessed everything from Husky, to Cattle Dog, to some sort of Terrier or possibly Corgi(!) mix). In the end we have only the vaguest idea of what she really "is," breed-wise, but I really couldn't imagine a more perfect dog for both of our needs - Mozilla is absurdly snuggly and will flop like a ragdoll into your lap if you let her (she's right here next to me on the couch, leaning against me as I type this) but is always up for a walk or tug-of war and absolutely LOVES getting rowdy with the big dogs at the dog park.
I'm certainly not saying that it isn't worth having an idea of certain breed types you would consider - obviously that is useful in determining potential temperament and size (if you're set on an older puppy - although I'd also suggest considering a slightly older dog if you hope to avoid a lot of the puppy issues) ... but don't discount those unidentifiable mutts as well. I'm not sure there could have been a "recognizable breed" dog that would have been as good of a match for my family as our Moe is.
posted by DingoMutt at 12:55 PM on June 13, 2011 [1 favorite]
I'm certainly not saying that it isn't worth having an idea of certain breed types you would consider - obviously that is useful in determining potential temperament and size (if you're set on an older puppy - although I'd also suggest considering a slightly older dog if you hope to avoid a lot of the puppy issues) ... but don't discount those unidentifiable mutts as well. I'm not sure there could have been a "recognizable breed" dog that would have been as good of a match for my family as our Moe is.
posted by DingoMutt at 12:55 PM on June 13, 2011 [1 favorite]
Yeah, I did neglect to mention that the only problem with the Glen of Imaal Terrier is getting one. We are friendly with several breeders, though, so if you decide it's definitely what you want, drop me a line.
The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a more common breed that has some similarities to the Glen of Imaal Terrier, although it's rather more active and high-strung. Still a fun dog, though. About the same weight as a Glen of Imaal, but taller.
posted by kindall at 1:45 PM on June 13, 2011
The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a more common breed that has some similarities to the Glen of Imaal Terrier, although it's rather more active and high-strung. Still a fun dog, though. About the same weight as a Glen of Imaal, but taller.
posted by kindall at 1:45 PM on June 13, 2011
I'm partial to the terriers as a group personally, but I train with a Keeshond (actually a couple of "Keeshonden") in obedience who might fit the bill for you -- medium size, a bit stocky, good personalities.
posted by cairnish at 2:16 PM on June 13, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by cairnish at 2:16 PM on June 13, 2011 [1 favorite]
Poodles are great dogs, even the smaller varieties. I have a Jack Russel/Rat Terrier (stray - not sure which) who is an awesome dog, a big dog in a small body. Sites with 'calculators' for dog breeds. That said, I went to a shelter, met 3 dogs I could easily have brought home, and the decision was made by the need to bring the dog on an airplane.
posted by theora55 at 2:41 PM on June 13, 2011
posted by theora55 at 2:41 PM on June 13, 2011
Beagle and basset hounds (mixes or not) can be found by the dozens in shelters. I have a large beagle (probably mixed with foxhound or something - he's tall for a beagle). He likes nothing better than sunning himself in the yard on the couch. But he also loves to go for walks. (Or, rather, to take me for walks...)
He's strong as an ox but gentle, and would not be offended if a small child tried to ride him or fell over on him or accidentally whacked him with something. (That's what I worry about with terriers. IME - which admittedly isn't as an owner, but as a rescuer/transporter - terriers can to be jumpy and nervous, which would concern me around young kids.)
The stereotypical hound stubbornness (and food drive) is one of my dog's problems, however. We never really spent much time training him when he was young, which we regret now. But he is still a great dog. If you are an experienced dog owner/trainer, you should be able to coax some good manners out of a young hound.
Another dog you might consider is an American Eskimo dog (not the same as a husky or malamute). They tend to be small, but are strong and active. I don't know much about them as pets though.
posted by SuperSquirrel at 3:19 PM on June 13, 2011
He's strong as an ox but gentle, and would not be offended if a small child tried to ride him or fell over on him or accidentally whacked him with something. (That's what I worry about with terriers. IME - which admittedly isn't as an owner, but as a rescuer/transporter - terriers can to be jumpy and nervous, which would concern me around young kids.)
The stereotypical hound stubbornness (and food drive) is one of my dog's problems, however. We never really spent much time training him when he was young, which we regret now. But he is still a great dog. If you are an experienced dog owner/trainer, you should be able to coax some good manners out of a young hound.
Another dog you might consider is an American Eskimo dog (not the same as a husky or malamute). They tend to be small, but are strong and active. I don't know much about them as pets though.
posted by SuperSquirrel at 3:19 PM on June 13, 2011
...sunning himself in the yard OR on the couch
Another thing about the Eskimo dog - they're like big Pomeranians, since both breeds are related to the Spitz. So it might help convince your wife, since she already has had a good experience with a Pom.
posted by SuperSquirrel at 3:21 PM on June 13, 2011
Another thing about the Eskimo dog - they're like big Pomeranians, since both breeds are related to the Spitz. So it might help convince your wife, since she already has had a good experience with a Pom.
posted by SuperSquirrel at 3:21 PM on June 13, 2011
Terriers are small and the ones I have had were not lap dogs. They were big concentrated dogs in little packages. You can get small terriers and medium-sized terriers. I have had both. The small ones are the most concentrated per ounce.
posted by fifilaru at 3:37 PM on June 13, 2011
posted by fifilaru at 3:37 PM on June 13, 2011
What about a beagle?
We have a basset hound--they get bigger than they seem because their legs are so short (ours is about 50 lbs). However, he loves children and is very snuggly. This may or may not be something you want out of a 50-pound dog, but ymmv.
posted by thinkingwoman at 3:56 PM on June 13, 2011
We have a basset hound--they get bigger than they seem because their legs are so short (ours is about 50 lbs). However, he loves children and is very snuggly. This may or may not be something you want out of a 50-pound dog, but ymmv.
posted by thinkingwoman at 3:56 PM on June 13, 2011
I have a beagle mix who fits the bill pretty well. She's short but sturdy, small enough for a good cuddle but big enough that I don't want to pick her up too often and has none of the yip yap lap dog attitude that I myself really dislike. She's a very doggy dog, probably because she's a hound. Best of all, I managed to get one who almost never barks and she's great with kids.
That being said, she was not at all what I thought I was looking for (I went to the shelter to look at a greyhound mix. I was dead set against beagle anything), and I think the very best thing you can do is go to the shelter as someone said above, tell them what you want, and see what they've got that fits into your life.
posted by rosethorn at 4:31 PM on June 13, 2011
That being said, she was not at all what I thought I was looking for (I went to the shelter to look at a greyhound mix. I was dead set against beagle anything), and I think the very best thing you can do is go to the shelter as someone said above, tell them what you want, and see what they've got that fits into your life.
posted by rosethorn at 4:31 PM on June 13, 2011
We adopted a dog last year from the RSPCA (pound).
Being big dog people with a newly small yard (to us- others get by with smaller) we started looking. One day we went to the RSPCA and looked at the dogs, our requirement was a dog that would be happy to sleep outside. None of the dogs seemed right. We asked the staff, and they had overflow kennels as well. They brought out our dog, Buddy out and let us take a walk around.
We clicked. He was able to "shake/give five" which sealed the deal. He was six(?) and of unknown heritage- they think kelpie (has white tail tip) healer (has splotches) lab (has webbed toes) but they don't really know for sure. he is a medium sized dog, very active.
he is also ridiculously snuggly. Ridiculously! He is pretty obedient and great.
Oh yeah- this is askme, not rave about my dog! (sorry!) the reason I am writing this to remind you that no matter what size of dog you get, you are adopting an individual, not a type. :) Big dog could want to be a lap dog, Medium dog may need a crazy amount of exercise, Small dog may be anti snuggle!
The shelters near us do the "online dating thing" - what I mean is they have photos and profiles of their dogs that you can browse- however we totally skimmed over our dog on the website. It's the in-person interaction that will choose your next dog.
posted by titanium_geek at 6:03 PM on June 13, 2011
Being big dog people with a newly small yard (to us- others get by with smaller) we started looking. One day we went to the RSPCA and looked at the dogs, our requirement was a dog that would be happy to sleep outside. None of the dogs seemed right. We asked the staff, and they had overflow kennels as well. They brought out our dog, Buddy out and let us take a walk around.
We clicked. He was able to "shake/give five" which sealed the deal. He was six(?) and of unknown heritage- they think kelpie (has white tail tip) healer (has splotches) lab (has webbed toes) but they don't really know for sure. he is a medium sized dog, very active.
he is also ridiculously snuggly. Ridiculously! He is pretty obedient and great.
Oh yeah- this is askme, not rave about my dog! (sorry!) the reason I am writing this to remind you that no matter what size of dog you get, you are adopting an individual, not a type. :) Big dog could want to be a lap dog, Medium dog may need a crazy amount of exercise, Small dog may be anti snuggle!
The shelters near us do the "online dating thing" - what I mean is they have photos and profiles of their dogs that you can browse- however we totally skimmed over our dog on the website. It's the in-person interaction that will choose your next dog.
posted by titanium_geek at 6:03 PM on June 13, 2011
Have you considered a Border Terrier? Or another Boston?
posted by Nickel Pickle at 6:22 PM on June 13, 2011
posted by Nickel Pickle at 6:22 PM on June 13, 2011
My experience with Bassett Hounds is that they reek and they can have foot problems. Also past puppyhood they are not very good walkers. Beagles are very noisy and can be hyper.
The dog we have now is the best dog I ever had (although I did have a Maltese that ran a close second but more on her later.) Fanny is a Boxer-Bulldog (3/4 Bulldog, 1/4 boxer.) This is becoming a very popular mix because of the bulldog health problems. We really love bulldogs but didn't want the increased vet bills and this mix is wonderful. She is extraordinarily quiet, even surrounded by other barking dogs. She is much more active than a regular bulldog (for example she can go hiking on trails with us even in summer) but she can also be a calm couch potato. Plus she was house broken so fast it was like magic (we used a crate) with only one pee accident.
She loves people as much as any lab I ever had but is a lot smarter. She is good with our two cats and good with children. She does weigh in at a hefty 60 lbs but very obedient. She walks on a leash like a dream dog and is not allowed on the bed but does snuggle on the couch.
Her faults are she can be a fatal farter. Also it took us forever to train her not to jump on people and we still haven't been able to train her not to run off if the gate gets left open. She is also impervious pain which can be both good and bad; she is very stoical and once it took me 15 minutes to discover that she had been bitten by a copperhead because she just continued to run along the trail as though nothing had happened.
The second best dog I ever had was a Maltese but she was an exception-- the other two that I had (her mom and her sibling) were both bad tempered dogs that would snarl at the slightest provocation. Margarite was the complete opposite and never, ever growled but was a silent, always sweet companion who followed me everywhere. Maltese are the quietest of toy breeds and if you don't want the hassle of dealing with their long hair, they look adorable with short clips.
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 6:15 AM on June 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
The dog we have now is the best dog I ever had (although I did have a Maltese that ran a close second but more on her later.) Fanny is a Boxer-Bulldog (3/4 Bulldog, 1/4 boxer.) This is becoming a very popular mix because of the bulldog health problems. We really love bulldogs but didn't want the increased vet bills and this mix is wonderful. She is extraordinarily quiet, even surrounded by other barking dogs. She is much more active than a regular bulldog (for example she can go hiking on trails with us even in summer) but she can also be a calm couch potato. Plus she was house broken so fast it was like magic (we used a crate) with only one pee accident.
She loves people as much as any lab I ever had but is a lot smarter. She is good with our two cats and good with children. She does weigh in at a hefty 60 lbs but very obedient. She walks on a leash like a dream dog and is not allowed on the bed but does snuggle on the couch.
Her faults are she can be a fatal farter. Also it took us forever to train her not to jump on people and we still haven't been able to train her not to run off if the gate gets left open. She is also impervious pain which can be both good and bad; she is very stoical and once it took me 15 minutes to discover that she had been bitten by a copperhead because she just continued to run along the trail as though nothing had happened.
The second best dog I ever had was a Maltese but she was an exception-- the other two that I had (her mom and her sibling) were both bad tempered dogs that would snarl at the slightest provocation. Margarite was the complete opposite and never, ever growled but was a silent, always sweet companion who followed me everywhere. Maltese are the quietest of toy breeds and if you don't want the hassle of dealing with their long hair, they look adorable with short clips.
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 6:15 AM on June 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
I get the sense that you may not be into the "lap-dog" type of behavior -- in that case, maybe a dachshund or a dachshund mix. One of the things I love about dachschunds is that you can just tell that they all have a massive self-delusion thing going on where they are convinced that they're the size of Irish Wolfhounds, and they act accordingly.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 9:52 AM on June 13, 2011 [1 favorite]