What's A Good Small Lapdog?

[Laurajean]

Thanks for the great info so far everyone! I will be researching all of these breeds! I appreciate all the input; it really helps to see what others' experiences are, even though of course I realize dogs vary even within a certain breed.




Quote:
I didn't mean pick up a dog as in to just arbitrarily carry it around. I meant, there are certain times when you need to pick up a dog. You might need to put him in the tub for a bath, or he might be injured and I may need to lift him into a vehicle, etc. I live alone and have Fibromyalgia, so my muscles can be on the weaker side. I just need to know that I can physically lift the dog if needed.

As far as training, well of course. I hope I didn't imply that I don't want to bother to train a dog. Years ago I had four Huskies, and I devoted a lot of time with them to get them properly trained. I don't want a lap dog for a house "ornament" as you said, it's just that I have low strength and energy sometimes, so it seems like a smart idea to get a compatible breed for my physical limitations and my lifestyle, that's all.

 

[Laurajean]

Quote:
SO CUTE!!!

 

[Laurajean]

Quote:
Beautiful!

 

[easttxchick]

THIS is the dog for you-not just any doxie-you need this one because if he doesn't stop eating my couch, he's gonna need a new home AND a new rear-end!
I actually adore the little demon, but doxies are VERY stubborn and difficult to house train-although my favorite breed of small dog, unless you are equipped with the knowledge that they are a handful pretty much their entire lives, they can try the patience of a Saint!

He IS pretty darned cute, though.

 

[Laurajean]

Quote:
He's got naughty-little-melt you- eyes.

 

[hollyclyff]

Quote:
He's got naughty-little-melt you- eyes.

That's how the little demon hounds have survived as a breed for so long! And if the eyes don't work, they do something funny until you laugh and forget what you were mad at them about.

 

[NYboy]

I have been breeding Cavalier King Charles Spaniels for over 15 years. They are a great dog, everything you are looking for. There are many Cavaliers in Cavalier rescue looking for homes. The only down side to the breed is they do shed heavy.

 

[pbjmaker]

Quote:
SO CUTE!!!

I LOVE my cavalier - but he did kill 2 chickens last week. He does not bother the cats though.

He loves to go for walks, car rides, etc. but is equally as happy to lop on the couch with you.

We also have a cavachon puppy who is three months old. He has the best of both worlds

Low shed, and the great cavalier personality. Rarely barks.

This is the cavachon when he was 8 weeks old - his name is Tucker:

 

[suzettex5]

I hope whatever you choose, you choose to adopt- there are a TON of pure-bred dogs in pounds, and in breed-specific rescue groups. Look on Facebook, there are lots of those groups with lots of active people on them. A few advantages to adoption are often the dogs are in foster homes, so you will know about their habits and issues, and often have had alot of the vet work taken care of.

Have you looked into a Frenchie? They are very similar to Boston Terriers, but are known to be even more laid back and chill. I dont have one, but would if I didnt already have Bostons. They need little space, little excersize, little food, little grooming, they rarely bark unless there is a real reason, and they are usually very other pet friendly. I think they have a lower prey drive as well (2 of my 3 bostons are a bit too interested in my cats and chickens, but I attribute that to age and the terrier DNA in them). Frenchies are fairly small, but tend to have stout bones so less chance of broken bones.

I wouldnt do a Pappillion myself, they are known to have a ton of genetic issues, need a lot of grooming, and are often sooo attatched to a single person that they will become aggressive towards others who come near 'their' person. I'm NOT anti-small dog, I have a 5 pound long haired Chihuahua, but she has been injured so often its sad. She is sooo small, and small dogs get hurt easily- broken ribs are common since those little ribs are just sooo thin, and they can get stepped on or kicked when they hang around your feet, or even a fall off a tall bed onto a hard floor can result in injury to the spine. Bulgy eyes get poked easily too.


Sorry, dont mean to sound all doom and gloom when it comes to the little doggies, I like to help people be informed when it comes to a big decision like adding a family member. I wish you guys the best of luck, and I have to say- BOSTON TERRIERS ARE THE BEST!!!!

 

[Wendy'sChicksRock]

I have a Pom and as you can see he is very chicken friendly....only barks if someone knocks at the door...