So this year, Santa left me an "I.O.U." for a puppy underneath my Christmas tree. Santa said, and I quote, "the puppy must be one that only grows to be less than 11 pounds in weight, and must by hypoallergenic and have a low-shedding coat".
I've been poking around and can't seem to find exactly what I'm looking for. I don't know a thing about small dogs. I've only had "gentle giants" that were outdoor dogs (practically horses) in the past. I'm really looking for one that's not a yapper, and has a mellow temperament...which I hear is hard to come by in a teeny tiny dog breed.
I've found them on websites where you can kind of order them and they ship you your puppy, and I have friends and family members that have done it, but that just makes me nervous.
So I thought, hey, why not ask for some advice on lymenet? I know so many of you love your dogs...they're like your little companions when you're sick and stuck at home. That's what we're looking for. A little furry someone to lay next to me on the couch.
So I'm looking for breeders in California...but I'd take suggestions for breeders who ship too I guess. I don't even know WHAT I'm looking for. Any suggestions?
I'll take any advice I can get. Lol! Thanks you guys...and Happy New Year. I'm hoping and praying that this is our year.
Posts: 710 | From West Coast | Registered: May 2008
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randibear
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i wish i could help but i'm a big dog lover -- labs, shepherds and goldens.
you might just ask on the web.
hey don't forget the shelters. those little babies need a good home too and they've got plenty of small ones.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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Carol in PA
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Poodles have a good coat.
Greyhounds lounge around alot.
Carol
Posts: 6956 | From Lancaster, PA | Registered: Feb 2004
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posted
Randi, you're right... Petfinder.com is great for finding pets in shelters that need homes. I can't quite find one in California right now that seems to be "perfect" in terms of what I'm looking for. That site is so great though, I think I'll check back every day to see if there's any new puppies available. In the meantime, I'm on the search for a breeder...
Thanks Carol...Poodles and Greyhounds are kind of big...I was thinking more like Bichon, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Westie, Maltese...
Anyone else have any experience with small dogs?
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lymednva
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Poodles do not shed, and there are other small dogs in that category.
I'm a dog lover, but all but one of the dogs in my life have been rescue dogs. I've seen some great designer breeds.
Some of those mentioned in your post on Facebook looked like good possibilities, although a bit expensive. They seemed to have good temperaments.
Good luck! My "little" dog, who had a Chihuahua as her mom, grew to 30 pounds! Obviously her dad was a bit larger!
My dogs are great companions and my little one likes to be up on my bed with me, or guarding our house from anything and everything. However, she's the biggest chicken you will find!
-------------------- Lymednva Posts: 2407 | From over the river and through the woods | Registered: Apr 2006
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merrygirl
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a great dog thats supposedly hypoallergenic is a goldendoodle.
poodle golden cross. but they are over 11 pounds.
I second petfinder.com
my dad just got a puppy and it is a lot of physical work. Just be prepared.
please do not order and ship a puppy. that would likely come from a puppymill
good luck
Posts: 3905 | From USA | Registered: May 2007
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merrygirl
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if i had to pick a puppy from th elist you provided, I would prob pick a cavalier. nice lap dogs. also when you get a pup got to vpi pet insurance and get insurance on him/her it is about 40$ per month and you will get reimbursed for medical bills.
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lymednva
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Poodles come in small sizes, not just the large standard poodle. When I was growing up my next door neighbor had one and dressed her up and took her out in a stroller!
I believe someone mentioned one that is a cross between a King Charles Spaniel and Bichon. They provided a link to the breeder on your Facebook page.
I looked at it and then looked some more to see what else I could find. I think that breeder is in AZ, so not a long trip to you in CA. Seemed to be good-natured dogs.
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sutherngrl
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I've had several poodles. They are very smart and they don't shed, but are high maintanence as far as grooming goes. Super great pets though.
We now have a dachshund. This is a great lap dog and very low maintanence if you get a smooth hair. They do shed though. My doxy weights 15 pounds. Doxies are just too cute for words!
Posts: 4035 | From Mississippi | Registered: Jul 2008
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joalo
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I've had small dogs all of my life.
Tina- poodle 8 pounds Gina- poodle 5 pounds Tobie- poodle/yorkie 16 pounds Rufus- yorkie 5 pounds Logan- yorkie 7 pounds Lucky- long coat chi 7 pounds Silver- long coat chi 4 pounds Ginger- long coat chi 3 pounds Mouse- long coat chi 3 pounds Cookie- long coat chi 3 pounds
In my experience, females yap more than males. Socializing your puppy as much as possible from the very beginning makes for a much better dog who yaps less.
Please do not ever buy a dog online and have it shipped unless you want to support puppy mills. If you don't know what a puppy mill is you can "google" it but be prepared to see sickly dogs living in filth.
My poodles were probably the yappiest dogs I've had. Dogs all have such different personalities, even within the same breed, that it is hard to pick a least yappy breed.
Cavaliers are usually 10 to 18 pounds. Westies are usually about about 15 pounds.
-------------------- Sick since January 1985. Misdiagnosed for 20 years. Tested CDC positive October 2005. Treating since April 2006. Posts: 3228 | From Somewhere west of the Mississippi | Registered: Aug 2007
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We had a poodle mix who weighed about 14 lbs. She was great!!!
What I REALLY want is a border collie!!!! ( used to have one .. he was one heck of a dog! )
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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sammy
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How about a Yorkie? They are hypoallergenic and small. They are also cute and smart and fun...
No matter what type of dog you chose, try to buy from a local breeder so that you can meet the puppy's parents. You will want to see the dogs so that you can get a feel for what the puppy's temperament will be like when it is full grown.
Puppies from a small/local breeder are more likely to be from healthy blood lines. Try to avoid puppy mills and pet stores, they are not happy places.
Little, I'm so happy for you I think that everyone needs a pet. A puppy will certainly brighten your spirit and give you something to look forward to waking up to in the morning.
Have fun finding your new best friend!
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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posted
When you decide on a breed, go on line and search for a rescue group specific to the breed. This is a great way to get a dog, as they are fostered for a long time prior to being placed. The foster "mother" can tell you if the dog jumps fences, has issues with other dogs or kids, etc. You may not get a brand new p[uppy, but sometimes they have ones months old, and occasionally they get a litter too.
I got a rescue dog from a family whose dad was allergic to her-broke out in hives. But a poodle they got later did not bother him.
Keep us posted-many dog lovers here!
Posts: 283 | From where the ticks are! | Registered: Oct 2009
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I think a rescue would be the best way to go. I would never ever buy a dog when there are so many needing homes and being put to sleep each day.
Going through a rescue means you will not be supporting pet stores/puppy mills or backyard breeders, those who really don't have the animal's best interests in mind. All kinds of sad and horrible things go on because it's all about the money for them.
You will also know more about the puppy or dog you are bringing home because as Sick Tick mentioned, the fosters have experience with them in a home setting already.
I've got three mixed breed rescue dogs and they are the best girls ever. Two are terrier mixes and hardly shed a hair. The other is a border collie mix and sheds a TON. We've just grown accustomed to black and white hairballs all over the place. :b
Good luck to you. I'm sure you'll find the perfect pup for your family. I think it's great that you're doing your research and taking your time.
Posts: 423 | From Upstate NY | Registered: May 2009
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posted
Hi! Glad you are thinking about getting a dog, they are awesome.
Please listen to everyone who is recommending a rescue group or shelter dog. A reputable breeder would never ship a dog to someone sight unseen. Just think of a puppy just separated from mom and siblings in a cargo area of a plane, with no temperature control. You have no idea where or who the puppy came from, 99.9% chance a puppy mill. Not to mention health problems, or in-breeding.
Please remember no dog is perfect. It is good you know what traits you want in a dog. I think animal planet has a series on the different types of dogs and the needs and the good and bad points of each breed.
Rescue groups will have you meet with the dog and see if it is a good fit for the dog and you. And if it doesn't work out they will take the dog back. Same with shelters.
See if you can read the book good owners, great dogs by Brian Kilcommons from the library.
Sorry I am so passionate but it comes from experience. I rescue beagles. They are great dogs but they do shed and need lots of exercise.
Good luck and keep us posted! Grace
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MADDOG
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I got a 15 pound lizard,she never yaps ,and only once in a while hisses at me.
She only sheds her skin, no fur.
How ever not a huggable pet at all.
We do have a no hitting with the tail truce.
MADDOG
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Hoosiers51
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How exciting!
You could look into a miniature greyhound (aka Italian greyhound)...they have very very short hair.
It says on this site that they are 2.7-4.5 kilograms, so not sure what that is in pounds.
One of my very close friends got one last year.
They can be a little hyper though, that is the downside. They have a lot of energy. But they seem to do fine being inside all day. They're balls of energy though, they like to play fetch inside, etc.
My friend's dog might "yap" some, if the doorbell rings, but when I'm actually there, at the house, I don't ever hear the dog yap.
Seems like it fits most of the criteria to me. It says, "only bathe when absolutely necessary." Hmmm...that sounds nice!
"The Italian Greyhound is one of the easiest dogs to groom. All that is needed to keep the fine, silky coat gleaming is a rubdown with a piece of toweling or chamois. Only bathe when absolutely necessary. After bathing make sure the dog is thoroughly dry and warm. Trim toenails regularly. This breed sheds little to no hair."
It says under temperment they can be difficult to housebreak though....but my friend seemed to have it under control. She had some kind of disposable pad thing that the dog pees and poops on, and they give the dog a treat when it does.
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Leelee
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What a nice thing to look forward to! I have three dogs and four cats.
My dogs are medium sized and have tons of hair so I don't think they meet your criteria, but I think the suggestion others made about the Italian Greyhound is a good one.
Not sure if Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are hypoallergenic, but if they are, they might be worth considering. They are very cute and very sweet.
Please let us know when you get your furry baby. It's such an exciting event!
-------------------- The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Martin Luther King,Jr Posts: 1573 | From Maryland | Registered: Feb 2009
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lymednva
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Just a note about Greyhounds, not sure if applicable to the small ones. My older son is allergic to dogs.
When he was interviewing for grad school the first time around he went to a party one night and the people who owned the home had a greyhound.
His allergies and asthma really acted up. Until that time he had thought about getting a greyhound one day. Now he has a cocker and has had no trouble with her for the past 5 1/2 years. Who knows?!
-------------------- Lymednva Posts: 2407 | From over the river and through the woods | Registered: Apr 2006
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kam
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Haven't read what others wrote so don't know if this has been mentioned.
But, there was a web site you could go to in order to find the best dog for your lifestyle.
You could check that it needs to not shade or be a dog a person with allergies could be around.
Other factors were how often and how long you would need to exercise the dog.
And grooming needs which with lyme and company or a factor or can be
If I run across the site I will let you know. But, for now you could do a search and see if you can find a site that narrows breeds down for you according to what is best for you.
Intelligence was also a factor for me which was something that was included in the questions.
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feelfit
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Hey ya Little,
I have a maltese (highly recommended)male, he is my constant companion, loyal, loving, non-shedding, don't know about the allergy part, but most non-shedders tend to be on the low allergy side.
I couldn't ask for a better companion. He is very content just to 'be' with me. I rescued him and he was about 11 months old....very easy with bathroom issues etc.....did I say he is LOVING?
yeah, so that is what I would recommend. My vet actually told me that the Maltese was a good companion dog when I was looking to rescue.
I also have a poodle-yorkie mix...6 pds. of smart, fun, spoiled dog....he is very active and does not like to sit around much.....the maltese does.
Oh I'm so excited for you! So nice to be loved unconditionally by a furry friend....
keep us posted on what you decide! Hoping 2110 is the year for all of us as well Little.....
(((((hugs))))) Feelfit
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kam
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If I recall correctly, the web site I answered the questions for was with the AKC...but this site looks like the same questions
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Hoosiers51
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From what Feelfit said, you might be better with the Maltese....my concern with the Italian Greyhound is that they might be a little too hyper, especially as puppies.
If you're really tired, all that energy from the Italian greyhound could be annoying...but if you are moreso just sick and stuck at home and feeling under-stimulated (aka bored), the energy might be uplifting.
At one point, when I was at my sickest, my family's cat was my only companion. Sometimes I'd be sitting on the couch, wishing she would just DO something to entertain me, but other times, when she was really active, and swatting at everything, I would be like, "wow, she's annoying."
But that said, sometimes when she was just laying on the floor sleeping, I'd look at her and think, "she's so adorable" and just that would bring a smile to my face.
If you want a dog to keep you entertained, (a dog that wants constant attention) the greyhound might be better. If you want a dog that likes to snuggle, not sure about the greyhound.
My friend does sometimes call me and say her dog is cuddling with her on the couch...so they do sometimes, but when I'm there at least, the dog likes to play. Could just be because I'm a "new person" though.
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RDaywillcome
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Try, adoptapet.com
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LabRat
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For my 2 cents, Chihuahuas make the most sense in this day and age. They eat whatever you eat, (off your plate), they don't need a bed cause they're in yours and you always know where they are, just look down in your lap! They can read your mind, my wife believes they read body langue but I have tested them and without moving I think about feeding them roast and they come running! Females tend to be plump and passive, males tend to be thinner, taller and more possessive. Peppi, (mama's little boy dog) sets on my lap and ``points'' my wife as she moves about the house out of his line of sight. Traveling by car or motor home, they snooze in your lap and all is right with the world.
Rescuing a dog from the pound or the side of the road, while it sounds and is considered very noble may not be a wise move. There is probably a reason they are in the pound or beside the road. I have not had good luck rescuing animals except for a little owl that moved in with us for about ten years! All things considered from my point of view, a five dollar dog is as good as five hundred dollar dog. A special one is rare but a treasure! Good luck with your quest.
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just don
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My daughter has a Wheaton Terrior and it is very nice dog and non allergic type.
ALL puppies fit your less than 11 pounds so that doesnt count when they grow up right??
I would RATHER have a mid size dog as one of those noisy small yip dogs as I call them.
On what NOT to have,,another daughter has a boxer,,,poor choice for a house dog and prone to ALOT of health probs. Hyper as to new people in the house.
-------------------- just don Posts: 4548 | From Middle of midwest | Registered: May 2001
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posted
We have a poodle, but a standard poodle (the biggest time). They are extremely hypoallergenic, but the smaller ones do tend to yap more. I'm not sure if that's because their owners don't train them (because they are so small) or not.
I LOVE standard poodles. They have the sweetest temperament. And even the one miniature poodle I know, who wasn't trained at all, is a pretty good dog.
Toy and miniature poodles are definitely in that category. There are very few dogs as hypoallergenic as poodles- not only do they not shed, they don't have dander.
Wheaten terriers, as Just Don said, are also hypoallergenic. Just because a dog doesn't shed much, or doesn't shed at all doesn't mean they are hypoallergenic.
Many people are allergic to dog dander, and not dog hair. So even dogs that shed very little can be bad.
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