The best breed for me.

[charlene]

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping to get some advice from toy dog owners about the different breeds.

My husband and I are looking for our first dog and we can't decide which breed is best for us.

We live in an apartment, so we're looking for a small dog, though
my husband prefers larger dogs.

The qualities we are looking for is a small dog(under 30lbs), who is affectionate and sometimes playful. We want companionship and a dog that really enjoys human attention, one who wants to cuddle up at night. Grooming is not a problem.

Some of the breeds we've been looking at are:

Pug
Pekingese
Boston terrier(not sure if they are in the toy group)
(I think we like the mushy faces)

I don't think the really tiny breeds like chihuahuas or poodles are what we're looking for.

He really wants a pug, but I'm leaning towards a pekingese. Maybe we could get one of each! I had a pekingese when I was little and she was the sweetest dog. But, I've been reading that they usually aren't too affectionate and are more independent, so I don't know.?

If anyone has any experiences with different breeds to share, please do.

[linnie]

I have the ideal dog for you... A tibeetan Spaniel here is a picture of my Isabella.



She weighs 7kg is a healthy breed that loves to be with her owners...she is in bed with me as I speak. Loves to play and has a great temprement with kids
Very alert and inquisitive.
I will say this though.... Tibbies hate being alone for long

I wish you all the best in your quest for a dog.

[Pugdawg1]

You mentioned a pug... pugs are awesome house dogs.. I have three, two fawn pugs and a solid black. They are stout, but smallish... the breed standard is 14-18 lbs. They are EXTREMELY people oriented. I cannot stress that enough. My pugs are my shadows. They are comical & outgoing. They make good indoor lap dogs, but are great for a good walk as well. I like the pekes, but I don't like the grooming. Pugs are a little more wash and wear, aside from keeping an eye on the noseroll. Although they have short hair, they do shed. A lot. Pugs have double coats.. so twice the 'fun'.

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

Both the Tibbie and the Pug are excellent apartment dogs and meet some of the things your looking for in a family pet. Another breed I'd also add to the list is the French Bulldog.

[2pups622]

what about a silky terrier sounds like what your looking for they love to cuddle and they very much want to be with you all the time there not to big nor to small they are the most loving dogs ever !!!!!!!!!!

[linnie]

hey have you guys noticed how we all lean to the breed we own ROFLMAO
Even sonja managed to get bulldog in there

[GreenleafGreyhound]

Welcome! My breed is the Pekingese, so I can answer most questions you have about them.

Regarding their attitude towards humans and human interaction: In the Peke standard, it specifically calls for a bold dog. Dignified, not dainty. A strong, willful dog. As such, Pekingeses have a bold temperament to match their outward appearance.

Each Pekingese’s personality is special. The Pekingese personality is a combination of regal dignity and self-importance that makes for an opinionated canine companion. The Pekingese is generally a good watchdog even though it may think it is larger and braver than its size warrants.

Simply put, the Pekingese is bold and alpha dog. They typically do not need a lot of cuddling and I truly do not believe it when people say their Peke is content as a lapdog. My own HATES being fondled in your lap. He would much rather boss around my Greyhound and sleep in his own dogbed and have you tending his every wish. However, I like to compare the Peke to a little lion. Though they love to keep an outward appearance of bravery and vanity, they do love being around their humans and are fiercely attached to them (but not to the point of jealousy like a Chihuahua or something). They are loyal and make incredible watchdogs. Their barks are not high pitched and they are very protective of their special human. With their family, they are proud little clowns and I truly love this breed. I don't know if they would like sleeping under the covers, cuddled next to you, but they do love being pampered. They demand respect, so you typically can't dress a Peke in a bonnet and doggy dress. Diamond-studded collar- Sure! Pink froo-froo dress with bows at the hem- Not if you want your fingers. Once you earn your Peke's trust, however, they would defend you with their life if at all possible. They're so loyal and incredibly loving. They don't shower you with licks and kisses, but you know when you've earned their trust. The bond is so strong, but suddle. I really can't explain it. You just have to experience it for yourself I hope this helps you get an overview of the typical Peke.

[calgal]

Maybe you should check out the West Highland White Terrier and the Scotty. I don't think they are big on shedding either, but the Westie needs a grooming every so often. They are a very playful, loyal and hardy dog.

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

Originally Posted by linnie

hey have you guys noticed how we all lean to the breed we own ROFLMAO
Even sonja managed to get bulldog in there

LOL Linnie! I didn't even think of that but now that you mention it I guess I really did!

[Pugdawg1]

Actually though, I think I've done a lot more persuading a person to NOT get a pug, than to get a pug. This particular situation though, seems pug-feasible. lol If they can handle the shedding, and understand that pugs have zero tolerance to heat, that is.

For the record, my boys love to be dressed up. You should see those curly tails WAG when they see their clothes. I think they associate clothes, with human attention, the cooing, oooing and awwing, so that they love it. Little attention hogs. LOL

[charlene]

I've never seen a tibbie before, they're so cute. They look a little like a pekingese. Someone also mentioned a french bulldog, which I would love to have. But, I can't see myself buying a $2000 dog.

We're thinking we might chose a pug. They have such great personalities. The only thing about a pug is that from what I've read they seem to love everyone equally, so I'm worried it might be hard to bond one on one with them.

But, I really think a pug is the way we're leaning. Like I said this is my husband's first choice out of the toy breeds. He lived next door to one a few years ago and fell in love with her. They seem like great little snuggle buddies.

[BellFounder]

for a little dog with the personality of one of your bigger dogs you cant go far wrong with a cavalier king charles spaniel, they're the only toy breed i would ever willingly entertain having in my home. They bond strongly and are content lap-dogs but still love a good long walk every so often. It is almost like having a small gun-dog type around.
The norwich or norfolk terrier is very much a snuggle dog as well, and they are very playful.
The pugs i have encountered have actually always been quite aloof - especially the females.

[LuvMyPups]

PUGS...they are great. My parents have four. They do shed a lot but since you said grooming is not a problem that should work out. They are absolutely snuggle bugs ....often referred to as snuggle pugs. I do not have one of my own but have to go home to visit them often. I have never met on aloof pug. We have three females and one baby boy. It is said that Pugs never meet a stranger and for my parents four that is definetely the truth. On the loving everyone equally, all my pugs have bonded extremely well with my family. While, they love new people I truly believe they would be lost without someone from my family around. Each pug has a kind of unique bond with each member of my family. Lillie (the oldest) is my shadow when ever I go home. Lanie sits on my laps for hours...she actually lays on it while we eat dinner. She also has an unbreakable bond with my mom. The bond with their family and also like to meet new people.
As for the Boston Terrier's my sister and brother in-law have one, he is a sweet sweet dog but a little (putting it nicely) on the hyper side. He is a really sweety though just needs some exercise. I don't know if that is a true characteristic of the breed or not. But I am glad that you are leaning towards a pug....they can definetely still your heart. Look at my avatar and you will see my baby bro Leo. Happy Hunting

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

Originally Posted by charlene

I've never seen a tibbie before, they're so cute. They look a little like a pekingese. Someone also mentioned a french bulldog, which I would love to have. But, I can't see myself buying a $2000 dog.

We're thinking we might chose a pug. They have such great personalities. The only thing about a pug is that from what I've read they seem to love everyone equally, so I'm worried it might be hard to bond one on one with them.

But, I really think a pug is the way we're leaning. Like I said this is my husband's first choice out of the toy breeds. He lived next door to one a few years ago and fell in love with her. They seem like great little snuggle buddies.

No matter which of the breeds you research and think might be a good match don't let their possible cost get in the way.....rescues are available in all the breeds mentioned with plenty of dogs needing a second chance at a loving forever home.

[Michelejc]

Chihuahua.............they cuddle at night..they are playful.....they are wonderful little fur babies.......