What's A Good Small Lapdog?

[rebelcowboysnb]

Google- "breed name" health issues.
On any breed you are thinking about to get an idea about what you are getting yourself in to an what to look for.

 

[dahlia333]

We have 2 long hair chihuahuas and they are not yappy. I made sure to train them that way. If someone comes to the door, they do bark, but we tell them "enough" and they stop. They are just doing their "job." They would lay in our laps all day if we let them. Absolutely LOVE to snuggle!!! A lot of our friends say they always thought small dogs were yappy and would never consider one, but after they meet our pups they change their mind. Good luck in your search! It's so exciting getting a new pet.

 

[ChickenFanaticAB]

I would suggest shih tzu as well. More difficult to find in shelters and such, but if you can find a good small breed rescue, that would be a good option. They are playful, but not hyper, love to cuddle, and seem to do well with other pets. Don't bark too much either. I wouldn't suggest a terrier for you if you are looking for a dog with low drive, and less energy, but a shih tzu sounds like it would fit. They do require grooming of course, but could probably be learned pretty easily if you were interested in trying to do it at home.

 

[FourPawz]

Quote:
We have a Papillon mix (rescue) and she is unbelievably wonderful. One of the tiny or dwarf spaniels - Papillon, Cavalier, English Toy, Tibetan Spaniel, Japanese Chin - would fit your requirements, but the more popular the dog the worse shape the typical rescue is in. That group of dogs tends to have heart and knee problems, and often dental issues if they were not cared for properly. The whole group of them tends to be incredibly closely bonded with their people, rather aloof with other dogs (Tibbies - Tibetan Spaniels - can start arguments with other dogs but are amazing with people; the others may show mean teeth but mostly just want big dogs to leave them alone), ignore cats, low prey drive, quiet. Our Papillon mix (her other half is Cavalier King Charles) will sometimes unbend enough to play with a puppy but most of the time she's on a lap being horrified of the chaos below.

They really are lap dogs, bed dogs, car dogs, purse dogs. They get heartbroken if they can't be with you.

If you're willing to spend some money on a rescue - I never know how well a $500 adoption fee is going to go over

- the national breed club rescues are typically your best bet if you're inexperienced with a breed. Those dogs are all rescued by breeders of that particular breed, evaluated and health-checked, and you're not going to get a surprise. A great alternative, especially with the little dogs, is to look for a retired show dog. Dogs who have finished their championships but are not likely to be in a breeding program are usually available when they're between one and two; their female counterparts (so dumb that this censors the right word for them!) are usually finished with their breeding careers at three or four or five. At that age they still have over a decade of wonderful life left, and they tend to be not only stunningly beautiful but well trained and socialized as well (and, if they were bred, they're health-tested). I am not sure on Papillons but I know the typical placement fee for a retired Tibbie is a few hundred dollars; very little compared to the puppy price.

Oh, and expect to be asked for a home visit and for someone to insist on a safe fenced area for the dog.

By the way, virtually all show breeders ARE private homes. Most of us have some sort of group of crates in a room somewhere but very few of us have a real kennel and even when we do it's only used for sleeping. The typical responsible breeder has five or ten dogs, and very often only two or three. I have three Cardigans right now, only one of which is breedable. The days of the big show kennels are virtually over; I can count on one hand the number of people I know who have 20+ dogs and who could still be called "responsible." The field breeders are different (though still wonderful and a great source of pet puppies) but almost all show breeders are just a regular family or a retired couple in a neighborhood who happen to have a strange weekend hobby.

Joanna Kimball
blacksheepcardigans.com

Ok, I have to step in here. I've owned, raised, trained and shown Papillons since 1982 and they are active dogs. Obviously, I think they're a great dog - for the right person. The OP said she wants something content to be a lap ornament. Well, that isn't the average Papillon. Most are active, extremely intelligent, and they thrive in homes where they are given a job (trained for something). While they will stay right with their person, they want to do things. Many will retrieve until you are too tired to continue. They love toys. If you give them toys, they blossom.

The Papillon, as a breed, is the most successful Toy dog as far as agility, obedience and even tracking go. They didn't get that reputation sitting on a pillow.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kamonegi_jp/3646399661/in/set-72157601610258938/lightbox/

 

[mercedes]

Shih tzu for sure.Sweetest,calmest little lapdog ever.

 

[Brindlebtch]

Pekinese. Japanese chin. Pugs are funny. Or a grown small dog from the pound that is very laid back..

 

[poultryhaven]

I would go with a Maltese. Mines an extremely calm dog but is a wimp lol. Gets along with my cat, chickens, rabbits, and even pigeons. Same goes with my Shih tzu.

 

[lotzahenz]

I have two small adorable poodles. They are not FOO FOO dogs, are never yappy and are shed-free. They never chase the chickens, are fine with the house birds (Cocketiels) and don't pay any attention to the bunnies. Both dogs are content to sleep all day long beside you, or follow you around the house. They kennel well, and ride in the car any time you want them to go. Both weigh in around 10lbs, not so tiny you step on them, but still small. They LOVE sleeping with me, but are fine in the kennel if I choose. They only bark when a strange car pulls up, and are stranger friendly when in the store riding in my buggy. Be careful, as they can get overly protective if allowed to. I keep mine well socialized though. They require regular grooming though, so be prepared for that expense, about every 6 to 8 weeks. They MUST be groomed though, to stay healthy. If not, they will have health problems, with their feet and ears especially. These dogs were bred for hunting before being downsized to be LAP dogs. That is what they are perfect for too, they are excellent company and extremely smart. Good luck on your quest for a good fit. I have a freind who breeds Pappillans, PM me if you need her web site, but they are expensive. She just loves her, and they are all reared in her home just like they were her children. She does show them, so they are out of great parent stock. HenZ

 

[key west chick]

Another vote for a Cavalier. We have 3 in the family. DD got one for her birthday last year. I am in love with this dog. My parents also fell in love with them and got 2. Always want to be in your lap. Very smart, learns quickly and not yappy at all. The better quality dogs are not cheap. Duchess was $1200. But worth every penny.

 

[redhen]

Quote:
I agree..they are pretty mellow dogs that dont yap alot
Bichons are also cute and they dont shed..