What dog breed is best for a beginning owner?

Question

My parents will finally get a dog, but we know nothing about them. Which small breed is the best for beginners?

Thanks!

Answer 1

A westie, it was my first dog when I was younger and it turned out to be a sweet 15 pound dog!

Answer 2

Miniature Dachshund. Shedding is almost nonexistent, small poo pile, even tempered, low cost for food, life span. First time owners will appreciate the ease of control and cost of crates, beds, toy life!!! Remember! Small dogs are not delicate dogs! Treat them the same as any dog or you will develop a diva demon! Dogs need leadership! Discipline is the key to any relationship.

Answer 3

pomeranians and golden retrivers are great dogs and are playful and easy to train!!!

Good Luck With Search!!!

Lucy.

Answer 4

A mutt. They are less hassle and have a better demeanor. With a pure bred dog, you are more inclined to take it to the vet for a runny nose, with a mutt, most don't. Also, mutts usually don't inherit the health problems of their parents.  

Answer 5

Different small dogs have different personality's. Take this helpful quiz

http://selectadog.pedigree.com.au/

Then research here

http://www.pedigree.com.au/breeds/

Answer 6

our first family dog was a Labrador- he was a beautiful dog- intelligent and good natured. But my first pet dog was/is a mini fox terrier. He is clever intelligent -short coat and only needs short walks for exercise. Don't let size fool you, he is very territorial and a good watch dog too. He is now 9 years old and still as bubbly as ever.

Answer 7

well i love all dogs but i especially love small dogs...if you dont want to have to like groom the dog then get short haired dogs...dachshunds, fox terriers, things like that...but i would suggest going to your local humane society or dog pound...they have a lot of pretty playful and loving dogs that REALLY need a home so plz go there...sometimes i volunteer there and it is really sad to see perfectly healthy and really sweet dogs have to be put to sleep because people think that mutts are no good...but not all dogs there are mutts they have full breeds too....both of my dogs are mutts and they r the best dogs u could wish for...so good luck finding a puppy!

Answer 8

1. NEVER BUY A PUPPY just LOOKS, colour along-COLOUR HAS NO INDICATION OF DOGS TEMPERMENT!

2. Consider your lifestyle-

4. Are you out more then 8hours a day

5. Consider your energy requirements, Size, Grooming.

6. Don't just buy because someone says this is the dog for you, people particular on yahoo answer will give you there particular favourite breed& what suits them, not what actually suit you.

7. Read all you can-THERE are alot of false information on the web and in books about different dog breed.

8 DON'T TRUST THOSE DOG BREED SELECTORS-MOST OF THE RESULTS ARE INCORRECT. Ex i search large breed dogs, and the Pomeranian came up, which of cause is a toy dog breed!!

9. NEVER BUY FROM A PETSTORE, BACKYARD BREEDER, PUPPY MILL OR NEWSPAPER, DON'T BUY FROM NEXT DAY PETS OR DOG BREED INFO, RESCUE AN ADULT DOG OR SHELTER PUPPY!

Adult dogs are the best option over 2yrs of age.

Oddly enough big dogs are generally more tolerant of younger children-Children grow to respect big dog more because of there larger size and are generally more cautious of them! Young children don't understand the fragile size of the Small/toy dogs and think there a toy, so they'll naturally play more roughly with a small/toy dog breed and are not as cautious and the small/toy breeds just don't understand the roughness or rouwdyness of young children and are too fragile for a 4yr old to handle-Small & toy dogs were breed for adults, so they are inclinde to be snappish if the going get rough! Larger dogs such as labrador and Golden Retriver Newfoundland and medium Collie were breed to tolerate families and young children under the age 8yrs, but are not suitable for people with allergies.

Shih Tzu-Suit children 8yrs+

Temperament:   The Shih Tzu is first and foremost a companion. They love nothing more than being indoors with their family. This breed gets along very well with older children and other pets. They are outgoing and self-assured, keen and alert. They make excellent watchdogs. They do not do well being separated from their owners and may become destructive if left alone for extended periods of time. They are docile and quiet, but they also love to play. The Shih Tzu is spunky and can be obstinate at times. They expect to be treated as royalty and are easily spoiled.

http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/bre...

http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews...

Pomeranians-suit children 8yrs+

Temperament:   The Pomeranian is confident, commanding, and outgoing. Due to the Pomeranians small stature they are not recommended for homes with small children as they may become temperamental. They make excellent guard dogs and will sound a bark when they sense danger.

http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/bre...

http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/dogbree...

fox terrier-suit children 8yrs+

If you want a dog who...

    * Is small, yet dynamic, sturdy, and tough -- not a delicate lapdog

    * Makes a keen watchdog

    * Doesn't shed too much (Wirehaired only)

A Wire or Smooth Fox Terrier may be right for you.

If you don't want to deal with...

* The dynamic terrier temperament (see full description below)

    * Providing enough exercise and activities to keep them busy

    * Aggression toward other animals -- chasing instincts

    * Stubbornness

    * Digging holes

    * Barking

    * Shedding (Smooth coat)

    * Regular brushing and clipping (Wirehaired coat)

A Wire or Smooth Fox Terrier may not be right for you.

http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews...

Mini Dachshund-Suit children 8yrs+

Temperament:   The Mini Dachshund is affectionate, devoted, and loving. Due to their small stature and tendency to be snappish when teased they do best in a home with older, considerate children. The Mini Dachshund breed is often aggressive or jealous of other pets. They are wary of strangers and will alert their family to visitors or out of the ordinary occurrences.

http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/bre...

http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews...

Small/toy dogs are fragile!

Bichon Frise-Suit children 8yrs+

Bichon Frise 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 Bichon Frise puppy who has been accidentally stepped on, sat on, rolled on, squeezed, or dropped onto the patio. Even Bichon Frise 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.

http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews...

Bolognese-Suit children 8yrs+

Bolognese 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 Bolognese puppy who has been accidentally stepped on, sat on, rolled on, squeezed, or dropped onto the patio. Even Bolognese 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.

http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews...

Brussels Griffon-SUIT CHILDREN 8YRS+

Fragility. Too many people acquire a toy breed puppy without understanding how incredibly fragile a toy breed is. You can seriously injure or kill a Brussels Griffon by stepping on him or by sitting on him when he's curled under a blanket or pillow, where he frequently likes to sleep. And Brussels Griffons can seriously injure or kill THEMSELVES by leaping from your arms or off the back of your sofa. A larger dog can grab a Brussels Griffon and break his neck with one quick shake. Owning a toy breed means constant supervision and surveillance of what's going on around your small dog. Brussels Griffons must always be kept indoors, in a safely fenced yard, or on-leash -- they are just too easy to injure when not under your complete control.

Brussels Griffon puppies 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 Brussels Griffon puppy who has been accidentally stepped on, sat on, rolled on, squeezed, or dropped onto the patio. Even Brussels Griffon 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

http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews...

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies-SUIT CHILDREN 8YRS+

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...

Chihuahua-Suit considerate children 8yrs+

Fragility. Too many people acquire a toy breed puppy without understanding how incredibly fragile a toy breed is. You can seriously injure or kill a Chihuahua by stepping on him or by sitting on him when he's curled under a blanket or pillow, where he frequently likes to sleep. And Chihuahuas can seriously injure or kill THEMSELVES by leaping from your arms or off the back of your sofa. A larger dog can grab a Chihuahua and break his neck with one quick shake. Owning a toy breed means constant supervision and surveillance of what's going on around your tiny dog. Chihuahuas must always be kept on-leash -- they are just too easy to injure when not under your complete control.

Chihuahuas 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 Chihuahua who has been accidentally stepped on, sat on, rolled on, squeezed, or dropped onto the patio. Most Chihuahuas 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.

http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews...

Chinese Crested-SUIT CHILDREN 8YRS+

Fragility. Too many people acquire a toy breed puppy without understanding how fragile a toy breed is. You can seriously injure or kill a Chinese Crested puppy by stepping on him or by sitting on him when he's curled under a blanket or pillow, where he frequently likes to sleep. And Chinese Crested puppies can seriously injure or kill THEMSELVES by leaping from your arms or off the back of your sofa. A larger dog can grab a Crested puppy and break his neck with one quick shake. Owning a toy breed means constant supervision and surveillance of what's going on around your small dog. Chinese Cresteds must always be kept indoors, in a safely fenced yard, or on-leash -- they are just too easy to injure when not under your complete control.

Chinese Crested puppies 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 Chinese Crested puppy who has been accidentally stepped on, sat on, rolled on, squeezed, or dropped onto the patio. Even Chinese Crested 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.

http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews...

Answer 9

The one at the humane society that, when taken to the playroom, goes to each member of the family and treats them as his or her very own human, and shows each of you that he/she has love enough to go around the entire family.

Answer 10

well, the first dog I had was a golden retriever that I got from a shelter, but unfortunately didn't go to well so we gave him to one of my mother's friend. We just found out that he was just needed to be around another dog whom we couldnt' give him at the time. He was such a good dog though. But the first small dog I've had was a miniature dachshund who is so loyal and very intellegint, just depends how you teach them. Good luck with your new dog.

Answer 11

Shih Tzu!

My first dog is my 3-year-old Shih Tzu, Milo. Shih Tzus are a small breed. Milo weighs 9 pounds. They are very gentle and loving. Wonderful personality - they are happiest when with you. I work from home and Milo is with me every minute of the day. He is great company and very devoted.

He isn't just a lap dog. He loves to play and go on walks. My kids enjoy playing with him. They are fragile, however, when small puppies so something to consider if you have small children who may play too rough.

If you keep your Shih Tzu in a long coat then plan on devoting a lot of time to grooming. We live in Arizona, so because of the heat I take Milo to the groomer every three weeks and keep his coat in a short puppy/teddy bear cut. This is very easy to maintain at home. Because their eyes are prominent they are susceptible to irritation and should be rinsed with saline daily - easy to do.

Do you have allergies? Shih Tzus are very allergy friendly. My husband is allergic to dogs, but has lived with Milo for 3 years with no allergy flare-ups. Also, Shih Tzus do NOT shed!

Shih Tzus can be a challenge to housebreak, but with patience and perserverence it can be done. They like to pee on carpet even after being housebroken, so you might want to consider that if your entire house is carpeted. We take Milo for walks twice a day which really helps regulate his potty habits.

I got him from the following breeder and highly recommend:

http://www.arizonashihtzu.com/

We're also considering expanding our family with a Boston Terrier. I also love Bulldogs.