small inside dog recommedations

[Rokkitsci]

We have had both a Maltese and a Miniature Pincer. Both are excellent, but the Maltese requires much grooming attention. The long hair is hard to manage without a constant grooming.

The MinPin has been fantastic. Short haired - no trouble at all. Very energetic and playful. I recommend it highly.

 

[vettechick99]

Originally posted by Rozzie
Our cat pukes more than the dogs mess.....

Have you gotten some of the Iams Hairball Control food? Our long-hair cat was puking once a month and ruining the carpet. We tried the hairball remedy, but she won't get near it (can't blame her).

So I bought some of the Iams food and she loves it...better yet, she hasn't vomited in months!

 

[Disney Enthusiast]

I would say not to get this dog........

My friends have a Wheaton Terrier who doesn't shed and is sweet as can be. You might want to look into that breed.

 

[sheilarose2]

I really appreciate everyones input and suggestions. As far as the care of it I would more than likely be the one to care for it since my kids are in school during the day and my youngest is only 2. I don't want to deprive my children of having a pet when they want one. I do realize they are like having another child and it would be another responsibility for me.I think another thing that has me on the fence is that they do actually become part of your family and if something were to happen to it then that would be very hard to deal with(As a child growing up I had serveral pets that died or dissappeared and it was devastating). So if "I" decide to get them one then it will ONLY be when I'm 100% sure that that is what "I" want to do. I have thought about a Min Pincher. As far as getting a cat my Husband had asthma as a child and though he hasn't had an attack since childhood I just don't want to chance him having an attack. He is an animal lover as well and he has also suggested getting a dog but only when I'm ready to. I would never in any way be cruel to it or consider harming it just because it barks when I don't want it to or pees on the floor. I also don't have a fenced yard and live by a main road so I couldn't keep it outside. Again I appreciate all the input and advice. If I do decide to, then I will post the outcome and come to ask advice if needed on how to handle "dog" situations. You all are a great bunch of people and very caring. I enjoy coming here reading posts. Thanks again!
Sheila

 

[EsmeraldaX]

MinPins can be very delicate, so keep that in mind with kids.

Here is a page with some info. http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/miniaturepinscher.htm

They are adorable little pups aren't they?

Are you sure your husbands asthma will not act up because of a dog?

 

[JessetheCowgirl]

I just wanted to recommend to you what a friend of ours did. They got a "rescue" dog from one of the organizations that "saves" certain breeds of dogs from the pound and finds a home for them.

She told the kids that the dog was just visiting for a while until another home could be found (and was also honest with the rescue organization that this would be a trial run for a month or so). After the month (or sooner) they decided they adored the dog and did keep him. SURPRISE!!!! for the kids, who were thrilled.

The rescue organization said that it was not uncommon for people to ask for a "trial run" of sorts, but did want it to be at least a few weeks.

Just wanted to mention that idea.

 

[Crankyshank]

mini pins can be very yappy and they are delicate. They are also very high strung and not the best dog with kids.
What about a pug?

 

[laurie31]

No one has mentioned poodles! They have a reputation for being hyper yippy little dogs, but I have owned 4 and none were that way. I got my first poodle when I was 7. My dad felt like the OP and did not like the idea of an animal in the house. She did grow on him and he actually cried when she died.

Poodles do not shed. They have hair instead of fur. They are very intelligent and can understand a lot of words. You can almost have aconversation with them

When I finished college, I bought a teacup toy poodle from a reputable breeder who had both parents on the premises. She was the best dog ever. No one could believe she was a poodle - she was quiet and sweet. She was patient with my kids, who did dress her up and push her in their doll strollers. She weighed only 3 pounds. She lived to be 12 and we were all very sad when she died. It took me a couple of years to be able to get another dog, but the girls begged for anothe rpoodle, so we adopted a rescue poodle (read:housebroken - I didn't think I could handle a puppy and small kids) He's very sweet and follows me around all day and keeps me company. He sleeps with one of the girls and is also crate trained. He's lying at my feet right now.

I second the idea of getting a rescue on a trial basis. Then you can see what it's really like living with a dog and if it's something you can deal with. (or try pet-sitting for a friend )

Your kids won't be deprived if they don't have a dog; they could maybe volunteer at a vet, shelter, or kennel when they are old enough.

Good luck with your decision!

Laurie

 

[Aimeedyan]

I don't think you should adopt a pup right now... I know that your kids want one, but I remember as a child wanting pets and my parents said no, and I understood that and just adopted a pup once I was out of their house. Meaning, adopting an animal is a HUGE lifelong commitment, and children don't understand all the ramifications of it. I don't feel deprived because my parents said no, and now that I have a dog of my own, I don't blame them one bit! They are also very expensive, and our life now revolves around our dog. Many kids ask for ponies as well, but parents have to tell them no... they are still okay! If you kids would love a pet, what about a hamster that they can help care for and watch? Or another caged animal? What about spending time with friends that have a dog so they can play? Children just don't fully understand what it all entails - I'm an adult and I didn't until he was here in my house!

That all being said, if you are still going to consider a small pup, I highly recommend Shih Tzus, which is what I have. Harley has been a joy, and i'd get this breed again in a heartbeat. He's content inside, needs little exercise, travels well, very adapatable to diff situations, playful, doesn't bark, loves all people. There are many drawbacks to small breeds, most are very delicate and children should not be left alone with them, as the pup will be easily overwhelmed and unable to defend themself. But I believe ALL dogs should be supervised when with children, for both parties sake. Harley needs grooming, but he does not shed as he has hair instead of fur. He is also hypo-allergenic. I have asthma and allergies, and am allergic to dogs and cats, but not him. The breed lives a long time usually, and have little genetic health issues. He is a toy breed, which are notoriously hard to train. Adopting an older trained pup may be better for you, since you REALLY have to want a pup to train them, it's a lot of work. A LOT.

Check out the AKC website, and search by size. You can get alot of info there, and then do individual searches on those pups. Good luck in your decision =)

 

[laurajetter]

I haven't read all of the responses, so I'm sorry if this is a repeat. If you do decide to get a dog, I would recommend getting one that is already housetrained, maybe from the pound or shelter. If you can bypass the housetraining/chewing stage, I think you would be much better off. I'm sure there are many loving dogs who are old enough that they have calmed down from their puppyhood and already are housetrained, and would make wonderful pets.

-Laura

 

[MerryPoppins]

We have two bichons. Bichons are great with kids! They are very sweet and agreeable. Mine don't shed or bark much. They want to please. But they take frequent grooming and they are a little harder to train.