What type of dog should I get?

[Rab]

Pugs are energetic, so they'll do that heavy snotty breathing thing when they're excited. If you can deal with that, they're wonderfully sweet dogs, pretty smart for something with a brain the size of a coffee bean, and a lot of fun. And shorthaired.

Yeah, they're short haired, but they shed a lot.

I like Bichon Frises, though I'm probably biased since I have one. They're small non-shedding dogs and many people with allergies are fine around them, though not everyone.



We keep her coat cut shorter since it's easier to groom, and in my opinion, a lot cuter.

Try doing a search on them as that will probably tell you a lot more about them than I could. ^^;;

[DM was on fire!]

Pappions, Bichon Frise, Teacup Poodles, Pommerainians (sp?) and if you want one with really short fur, you might want to try a Miniature Chihuaha. Or maybe if the breeder's good and you want a big dog, you can try Pit Bulls. My next door neighbor breeds them and thy're super cute as puppies. But, if I could get another dog, probably one of the first ones I named. I'm not sure on health though.

[meowth1982]

Pugs are energetic, so they'll do that heavy snotty breathing thing when they're excited. If you can deal with that, they're wonderfully sweet dogs, pretty smart for something with a brain the size of a coffee bean, and a lot of fun. And shorthaired.

Yeah, they're short haired, but they shed a lot.

I like Bichon Frises, though I'm probably biased since I have one. They're small non-shedding dogs and many people with allergies are fine around them, though not everyone.



We keep her coat cut shorter since it's easier to groom, and in my opinion, a lot cuter.

Try doing a search on them as that will probably tell you a lot more about them than I could. ^^;;

The only problem with Bichons is that you have to be REALLY patient with them as a pup. They're really hard to house train, but totally worth it once they get older. They're hyper as puppies, but as adults, they calm down and just want to cuddle with you. I had one...we had to get rid of him when we moved though...saddest day ever ;-;

[Christopher]

Pugs are energetic, so they'll do that heavy snotty breathing thing when they're excited. If you can deal with that, they're wonderfully sweet dogs, pretty smart for something with a brain the size of a coffee bean, and a lot of fun. And shorthaired.

I also suggest pugs, they are also very friendly but when I was little their loud snorting scared the bejezzus out of me. + Peter Jackson has 2 of them.

[hyperflutterby]

EDIT: Poogles are super cute if you leave their hair alone. A relative just got one a few days ago and he is so cute.. plus very loving and friendly!

I think you've been playing Neopets a little too long Medli.

[Amethyst]

Oooh...get a Boston Terrier! I have one and he's really sweet^^ He likes to play but he's not overly energetic, he's easy to take care of, he's really smart, and he's good around people. *goes off to rummage for pictures*

[Kitten Medli]

EDIT: Poogles are super cute if you leave their hair alone. A relative just got one a few days ago and he is so cute.. plus very loving and friendly!

I think you've been playing Neopets a little too long Medli.

Oh, word.

[White_Wolf]

I've always thought rat terriers were nice. They have short hair, which means that you don't have a hassle with them shedding and having to get their hair trimmed often. Also, most of them are pretty fun-loving, but because they stay small all their life, their playful attitudes don't result in much destruction of the home. Also, unlike big playful dogs, a little rat terrier wouldn't be able to knock you down or hurt you much. When they're not playing, they can be rather sweet. I've known them to curl up beside people and fall asleep, and again due to their small size, having this dog sleep by you isn't much of a problem. Plus little dogs live longer than bigger ones.

On the down side, these dogs have very sharp teeth, and their love to play can wind up to lots of bites to the hand. I had bite marks on my hands once for several days after just playing with one. But you can get the teeth filed if you choose.

[Kuri]

Personally, I love Cocker Spaniels. I have one right now, she's a very light buff colored. Some people say Cockers can be snappy and not good with kids, but mine is sweet and loving. She has never gone after anyone or anything and rarely ever growls. However depending on how you trim your cockers, you have to keep up SOME grooming depending on the style. We keep Shelly (my doggie) fairly short and curly because it is easier to maintain. We still have to give her a brushing at least once a week to keep mats from forming. Cockers have a nasty habit of getting ear infections if your don't watch them. It's important to put ear cleaner in their ears once a week and it helps prevent the infection. Also keeping the hair on the underside of their ear trimmed helps. Personally I just love Cocker Spaniels, but good luck with what ever you choose!

[Rab]

...if you want one with really short fur, you might want to try a Miniature Chihuaha.

Miniature Chihuahua? Meaning? I'm not really a dog expert but, Chihuahuas are the smallest breed, so in that sense you could consider them miniature. As far as I'm aware, there is no such thing as a "miniature Chihuahua" and someone advertising one is probably just trying to jack up the price. -.- Not to mention the fact that small dogs should usually not be bred smaller.

[Zero!]

What about a weiner dog?

[ahoteinrun]

http://www.akc.org/breeds/recbreeds/norwgnek.cfm

I suggest a norwegian elkhound.

They're amazing dogs. They're incredibly smart, very athletic, very curious.
They shed twice a year, over a period of two weeks, otherwise, not that much. A quick brush now and then, the birds will love you (the birds here stuff their nests with dog fur. heh... ew.)

Oh and they're one of the oldest breeds in teh world. I'd own another in a heart beat.

They like to bark. If you can't handle a dog that guards your house by barking, don't get one. Do yourself a favor and just go on by.

I suggest a book called "Paws to Consider". It lists all the good and all the bad about dogs. Including health issues (Who knew that Collies have a problem called "Collie Nose Problem" that amsued me). This book lists health and personality quirks you can expect from most breeds of dogs. The people who wrote it show and train dogs, and they really do know what they're talking about.
Most dog books gloss over the problems that many breeds have.
Like how Elkhounds bark.
You should be able to find it on Amazon.
If you're serious about finding a new breed of dog, go to a few dog shows if you can, and talk to some breeders. GOOD breeders will be concerned about where their dogs are going, so they'll most likely be more then happy to answer any questions about health problems the dog may have.
I know my dogs came with a two year warantee on hip dysplasia (since I own shepherds).
A BIG suggestion if you're going to buy a dog, meet the parents if you can. Or at least the mother. Often the puppies will be very much like their mother.

[Silja]

You know, I'd suggest a miniature schnauzer. Many say that they never learn to be that cuddly type of dogs but that's the biggest lie ever, we have one at home that practically lives on mom's lap.

Another option could be a dalmatian, they're incredibly social, loyal and child-friendly and not hard to manage at all.

And poodles? Please, spare the world from all of that horrible ugliness. Eww Of course, only my opinion, but anyway. Oh and don't get a king charles spaniel either, they're butt-ugly, too

[joe_malo]

I'm a fan of labs, as anyone who ever met Voot would know.

[tomatie]

I love Border Collies They're so sweet and pretty. Not that I have one though My mom hates dogs. And cats. And guinea pigs.