HI all, I have a rotti and well he is too big to sleep in my bed and I can't carry him so I was thinking of getting a tiny dog. I want the smallest they come. I have two boys 8 and 10 who know how to treat animals not to mention they are not unsupervised and no I wouldn't have my rotti loose with the tiny thing when I wasn't around. I need to know what would be the best bet? I want to spoil this one in the ways I can't spoil my big puppy. I need one that has very little hair, and not too too yappy. My husband hates long hair and I can't handle a yapper that is tough to train to stop barking. I was thinking the chawaia or however you spell it but they are tiny. Any advice?
Thanks
Chewy'smom

Chewy's mom, please don't get another dog. What you're saying to us is "My *rottweiler* is getting too big and I can't carry him around anymore so I want a really tiny, delicate dog that I can devote all my attention to. It's questionable if I still will love the rottie". Don't you see that what you're trying to do is kick the old dog out and bring in a new, better dog? Isn't that unfair to the Rottie who loves you with all his heart? Isn't unfair that just because he grew a little taller, you've kicked him out of your bed and taken away your love? I don't care what my dog looks like or how big he is. I love him with all my heart because he gave his to me. Your rottie still loves you more than you can imagine and I hope you realize that getting a smaller "carry-able" dog is not the answer. For one thing, this comment "I want the smallest they come." is completely terrifying. A dog bred on purpose to be small, i.e. "tiny", "teacup", "tiny toy", etc., I guarantee you all those dogs will have a higher chance of medical problems- mainly teeth problems. This will bring in higher vet bills. They're also more delicate and prone to broken bones, fractured joints, etc. Think about it this way- the smaller they get, the more health problems you're likely to encounter. So, my suggestion is if you MUST get a new dog, go to the Chihuahua Club of America (or whatever breed you decide on) and go to Breeder Referrals. Do NOT look in the newspaper for ads and stay away from people breeding "teacup" or "tiny toy" dogs.

My ultimate answer is, please don't buy another dog. Your rottie loves you, and outgrowing his puppiness isn't a good reason to get another dog.

Okay first of all I know you care about animals but I don't need a lecture. I got my dog when he was 8 months old and love him with all my heart and no other animal can ever replace him. I have two children should I have not had the second one because the older one got to big and couldn't sleep in my bed. Please lets back up here and lets not jump to conclueions which this forum is fond of doing.

I am a very responsible pet owner and no other dog will replace my chewy. I know about small breeds and health issues but see I also know rotti's my dog will probably die in five years because of his hips but that didn't stop me from driving way south to get him. I have special care for him and I take care of him. He is my baby a big baby but my baby none the less. MOre on me okay.......

my husband is not the biggest pet lover he would never hurt or abuse them but doesn't not love them the way I do. He won't let my chewy sleep in our bed which okay I have to respect but will let me have a little tiny one in bed. He didn't want a long hair chewy has short. See compromises help a marriage a long way. I have been married for 10 years and around animals my whole life. Dogs cats rabbits chickens cows horses rare birds ect... the list goes on.

my dog now sleeps in a freakin lazyboy recliner next to my bed in my face and that is my husbands chair but chewy loves to sleep there. He has two furnitures he is allowed on the futon and the chair. nothing else and he knows it.

I have no intentions and won't love my chewy anyless or spend anyless time with him. I know lots of people do that sort of thing. No appoligies needed I know how people are. I am not one of those.

I have two boys I love the older one no less than the younger one and the same goes for my dog.

I want a puppy so chewy will not be afraid and yet the puppy won't be afraid of chewy he is a big dog. I want a small one so I can spoil it the way I want to spoil chewy like sleeping in my bed. I can't do that with chewy because of the hubby not because I don't want to. I have always had a dog or more in my bed with me my whole life so this is hard not to have one now in my bed.

I also was thinking of a rescue because the breeders sell their dogs for money and more and more dogs are homeless. Not saying breeders are bad my mother is one of rottis I am well aware of the health risk the vet bill ect.. I have a vet that lets me make payments if need be and would never turn my dog away account of money issues. As of right this second I am researching not getting because right now I can't for famly situations but if things change and get better then and only then will I get another dog. HOpe you ahve a better understanding of who I am now. I do thank you for your concern but lets get the facts first. I asked a question and got reamed about what not to do. I didn't ask what not to do. I asked for suggestions on small dogs.

chewysmommy forever and ever no matter what.

Did you know that dogs can sense hostilities aimed at them? If there is tension between you and your husband about the dog, it can affect the dog's psyche.

Imagine if you lived in a home where certain folks were not thriled with your presences. You would be affected by it,wouldn't you. Now multiply that by a dog's sensitivity to its environment. Also, remember, dogs are experts at reading and interpeting nonverbal cues. It is hard to hide feelings from a dog.

yes i know this but there is no home without ever any tension of any kind. My husband loves this dog and plays with him and everything else.

I don't intend to be mean here but gee some of you act like everyone is stupid and you are the only one who has the perfect home for a dog. To tell you the truth all dogs were supose to be wild. So given that no home is right for a dog.

We humans have made them domesticated and have bred them to no end to get what we have today.

Please don't act like everyone here is stupid and doesn't know a thing about animals. I know everyone cares but being the receiving end here it is frustrating. I only wanted some advice on good small dogs. I know the basics of small breeds but I want more info from people who have them or know of them better than I do. I need to know the general personalities. Example. Chow dogs are not the best for big families. Because they usually take to one person and one person only which means they get aggressive towards others. Not all do but it is rare to find one that takes to the whole family and strangers.

See i need info about the breeds. Not the lectures give me a break. I know all about tension in the home and actually for your info I have a very peaceful home. I also know what his body laungue means most of the time. As no human can be right all the time. No home is perfect without any flaws. I love my dog and take good care of him.

Now if anyone else cares to lecture let me say this dogs are social they live in packs so more than one dog is fine. I know all about the pecking order and the alpha. I am not some stupid person who knows nothing of dogs or doesn't care enough to be fair to my dog. I have been around animals and dogs all my life. I have given shots, helped them with birthing, trained them, took personal care to make sure the runt of any of our animals survived. I have even docked the tails of rottis. I do lots of research all the time. I also happen to own the grandson of a national champion in the dog shows. It just so happens that with my dogs flaws he is one that could have easy been kicked to curb. I have no need to breed so all my dogs will be fixed. For the record i have one dog but speaking of the future. Now not to be rude but give me a break think before you post. Try talking like you are just saying incase you didn't know. BE NICER. If i was a new dog owner I would have left this place in a heartbeat. HOw is that going to teach new dog owners if they leave. It won't........

maybe i need to go someplace else for help.

I am not trying to dfend myself or any other posters. But being human we all approach things differently. I know some of the contributors on this siye come across as a bit gruff. I know I do. But we are all differnt.

I have had different doctors treat me for various illnesses. I wish they all had nice bed side manners. Obviously they all didn't.
In the end, I prefered a doctor that may not have veen friendly, but were technically sound. In other words if a doctor cured me, I could care less wether he smiled all day or not.

We all have different levels of sensitivity too. We should all try to be civil on these topics. However, a liitle thivkening if the skin would help.

Since your so up for getting another dog don't go for a tiny one cause Chewy or you can easily step on him/her. A small dog is still carriable but not prone to being stepped on or crushed.

Also think about this puppy issue. How long are you home all day? A new puppy can NOT be left alone for more than 2 hours even with another dog. You need to house train, basic train and be with a puppy. An adult small dog won't necessarily be afraid of Chewy unless he/she's had a bad experience most of which haven't.

Do you NEED a purebred or will you be happy with a crossbreed or mutt? You can call your local humane society or get on the internet and check out their site. You could make a visit to the shelter and ask about the small dogs they have.

How much exercise can you provide? Even when the dog is small most small breeds need LOADS of exercise. A daily walk around the block will NOT do. The dog will need a good romp off leash in a fenced area unless he/shes trustworthy. An empty lot or field someplace will be good.

You said Chewy is about 2 and has only 5 years left? Does he have hip displaysia? Is he neutered? Rotties can easily live to at least 10 and many make it to 15.

For the new dog I think it'd be best to get a spayed female. Female with a male Chewy will pretty much guarantee NOT having any fights. Unless the new dog is toy/food aggressive etc.

Okay to tell me that i shouldn't get a small one cause i might step on it well then no one should have one.
As for the puppy training again. I know all this. I am home all day most of the time. I am not usually gone for very long and in some cases I take my dog with me. Depending on weather and how long I will be inside someplace. I know dogs need lots of exercise. And again I am not getting one today or even this month. I am researching the small breeds to better know their needs and such. My dog is a year and a half. He is not definatly going to die in five years but with hip problems and such it is possible he won't live very long who knows and I don't care. He is in my family for his whole life whether that be five years or twenty years. That is not the point here folks. Also if things don't change in my family then I won't be getting another one. I know right now is not the right time. Maybe in two months maybe two years who knows but again that is not the point. I want breed info on small dogs...........

I am well aware of the cost needs and care of dogs.

I also know that people are different but if you look back here and read everything all I ask was a simple question and I get do this and don't do that. I know everyone cares for animals so do I but you don't need to attack people for wanting to get a dog or wanting info on dogs. Lighten up a little or you will do noone anygood nor any poor dog that could end up in a home where he is abused or abandon.

No I am not taking this to heart. I am just trying to show you something here. If I was a newbie with dogs I would have ran from here so fast. We should be here to help eachother and respect eachother not attack them because you think you are the only one who knows anything about dogs. Try asking questions to a poster to get all the info before you charge them.
food for thought okay no hard feelings.

As for the other questions about chewy being male and all yes he is fixed. and yes i want to get a female not a male. as for an adult dog well got news here and adult is more head strong and will be all over chewy which in turn will make him either of two things over hyper or over protective. Both can not be good for the smaller dog. I know this because i take him out to the pet stores to help socialize him some. I also have a friend who has a smaller breed and see how it goes for them. I am not into breeding and therefore will have any animals I own (cat or dog ) fixed.

I have a huge house and plenty of toom for a small dog to romp and play and run ect... Not all dog owners have to have a yard. I know I don't have one he can run and play freely so I do other things to get his exercise. I never said one walk aday around the block was what we do. I never said that at all..... as for winter I know dogs paws can't handle tons of time outside in the snow and the pads can split and bleed. so will i take my dog outside for tons of time outside in the snow no way. I take him out lots of times for short play times out there. My dog tells me he has to go pee i take him out. If i miss him telling me he has to go and he pees in the house oh well. if he just went out to pee and then comes in and does it then he is in trouble. No i don't beat him or anything so don't even go there. He gets a stern no bad and that is the end of it. If I have to leave my dog in the house alone for any long day like 6 or 8 hours (which i have when i have no choice) if he were to pee in the house oh well. They can only hold it so long.

My dog is very fit and healthy and strong. I stimulate him with toys playtime and different smells ect.... He is not a bored dog or lonely.

He is well cared for and loved. Between two boys and myself and my husband he gets lots of playtime and loving.

He goes to the beach with us and camping with us and for rides in the van and long walks and even runs. Wehn he seems stressed or worried about something I calm him and reasure him. He sleeps in a recliner in my room. He is babied. I wish i could carry him or have him in my lab but he is just too big for that. I sit on the floor and let him lay on me. We even take naps together on the floor. How many can say they sleep on the floor with their dog. Not many. I do. My husband won't let him on the bed so i will take naps on the floor with him. He has hard toys to chew, soft toys and a rope toy. He has balls and rubber toys. If I spend a fortune on a toy and he ends up ripping it I take it back to the store and get him something else. I spare no expence on his toys to ensure they are safe for him. He has a very strong bite. People claim this toy is safe and gaurenteed that your dog cant destroy it, well chewy does.

Are they any more concerns how here about how I care for my dog so I can finially get to the answers I really want?

I don't care if it is a mutt as long as the mix breeds do well and have a good temperment. I am not picky like mutt or purebred. Now I need info on small breeds. Just for the record if I dont find a small breed that will fit well with my family i won't get it. so even within a breed if the dog doesn't fit well then I won't get it. My chewy fits really well with us.

I am interested in the chahwaha however you spell it. I like them they are cute but I am afraid i don't know much about their breed. The one I knew was a scraed shy shaking thing. I have seen others that were not like that.

What about the mini pinchers how are they?
I need facts not just opinions.

are there any other small dogs that are tiny and not hairy?

thank you again for your concern and the replies.

So are you looking for an energetic dog or a mellow couch potatoe? What climate do you live in? Cold winters and hot summers?

Miniature Pinschers tend to be dog-aggressive. They will also bolt at any chance they get because they love to explore. They need to be protected from the cold with a good doggy jacket. Min pins are pretty headstrong and demanding too.

Chihuahuas are barkers and they hate the cold. A body harness is safer on a Chihuahua instead of a collar. It demands affection but will give lots in return. Chihuahuas are strong-willed, intensely loyal and become very attached to their owners, even to the point of jealousy. They may be slightly difficult to train, but do learn quickly and are smart. They tend to be dog-aggressive too.

Have you thought about a Cairn Terrier? They're about 12-16lbs somewhat independent but friendly. Though without attention and training they can become destructive and/or bark excessively. The breed does like to dig but of course it doesn't go for all of them. They can also be chasers so beware if they're let off leash in an unfenced area.

Maybe a Norfolk or Norwich Terrier? There's pretty much only one difference between the breeds in appearence. Norwich Terriers have ears standing, Norfolks ears fall.
These dogs were bred to work, are energetic and thrive on an active life. Fairly active indoors and would do OK with out a yard. These dogs love everyone and do good with children. They are easy to train and generally do well with other pets. They shouldn't be let off leash unless secure. About 10-12lbs.

Some other breeds to look into..
West Highland White Terrier, Westie 15-22lbs
Pug 14-18lbs
Papillon, they look like they have lots of grooming but actually their coat is matt and tangle free. 7-10lbs

Thank you for your input. This should help allot. I didn't think I was likeing the appearance of the terriers too much I will look into them more. The pug well the little i have contact with them I don't think would be a good mix with my family. They are cute.

I don't like letting dogs off leash anyway because even the best trained dog can get disobedient at times and I won't take that chance because it could cost the dog his life. Of course in a fenced yard or something like that is different. I think a dog that is active or a couch hog will do fine. I think one that has energy though would be better because we are active. We go fishing camping and to the beach and stuff and we like to bring our dog with us. I live in snow in the winter and hot summers. So I have to be carefull with the tempertures. A small dog with not much fur of course I would use little cloths. I even have booties for my chewy so on days that it is warmer but still cold and snow on the ground we can stay out side longer without his pads getting split and bleed. Because of his size it would take longer for something like that to happen but I know smaller dogs and ones with fur on their feet it happens more quickly.

I would like one that can handle the activity of a child but yet loves to be cuddled.
I think if I got a puppy and it grew up with chewy and was the oppisite sex wouldn't that make a difference in the dog aggression though?

All dogs are prone to jealousy but which one would be more likely to get snappy if my child came up to hug me? I do know even within a breed it can depend on the temperment but in general about the breeds?

I am not fond of breed books because I found they leave out too much little details about the breed to really be more precise on picking a breed for your home. Like most rotti books will say they like to chew allot but what they don't tell you is that this can go one for their whole lives not just puppyhood. Little things like that which I still think are important to know.

I am not going to rush into my choice and pick a dog up tomorrow. I want to be absolutely sure which breed would work out the best in my home. Could you tell me more about the terriers. You mentioned one that would be about 9 to 12 pounds. I like the smaller ones best. I know weird but I know a small one would be okay with my husband verses one thaat will be knee high.


Again thank you so much for giving me info. This is great. I like to hear from real people who have had the experience with breeds verses a book by someone who just wrote it out about every dog their is and stuff. you know.

chewysmom

chewysmom,
i can understand where you are coming from. i am in kind of the same situation. i have a 6 year old golden/huskey mix. i had him before i was married (i was married in june 04) and my husband is not a huge animal lover like i am but he has gotten used to having a cat and a big dog in the house and has learned to love fred...not like i do, of course.
like you i am also looking into getting another, much smaller, dog. my husband is in law enforcement and is not home every night. he has told me that by the end of the year we should be able to get another dog.
i love having fred around when i am home alone. however, he is much too big and hairy to have in my bed. i can't even take him for short car rides with me because of all his hair i would have to vacuum out the car every time we went somewhere. i would love to have a small dog that i can take places with me and will sleep in my bed with me.
getting another dog wouldn't make me love my fred any less.
when circumstances allow i also plan to get my new dog from a shelter or rescue group rather than getting it from a breeder.
so i don't see a thing wrong with you wanting another dog for the reasons you have listed. i think that the fact that you are interested in rescuing shows that you have a good heart.
i think when you are ready you should add another, less fortunate, doggy to your family.
hope this helps! GOOD LUCK!

p.s. mini pins have TONS of energy. you might keep that in mind!

Just your kind words help. I understand people here care but not all of us are that stupid like many have proven to be.

My husband works nights sometimes and I like the dog in the house. Here is an idea don't know if you have thought of it or tried it but the plastic mattress covers go well over most seats in cars and maybe with one of those you can take your buddy with you and not have to deal with the hair. Also they make this stuff that is suppose to do wonders with shedding dogs. You can find it in your local pet store. It is called shed X it is to help with the excess shedding. And as you probably know the more brushing you do the better.
Let me know if you try the mattress cover or not. OR even a couch cover that can just be washed.

goodluck in your search.

chewysmom

I have a small dog for the first time in my life and so thought I might post something you might find helpful

We have a Pom, more hair then you want I realize but they don't shed. I'm told twice a year but it isn't yet warm enough here for her to start. I keep her brushed in between grooming visits and I enjoy it, so does she.

She is not "yappy" contrary to popular belief. In fact she hardly makes a sound. When I do hear her barking excitedly it's always because she's playing with my youngest boy [eight years old this month]. She loves being outside with the kids more then anything I think and the boys have to work to keep up with her, yet in the house she's well behaved and quiet, I like this.

Hmm what else.
Ok the idea of stepping on a small dog is just silly. They do possess the common sense not to run under your feet when you walk

I'm confident in my teaching basic obedience and working with her is a joy. She really seems to enjoy it and learns quickly.

As much as we all pick her up and carry her around, yes she is spoiled but what well loved pet isn't? she is well mannered and friendly with everyone.

Potty training her was quite easy I thought but again I have the time to devote to her as it sounds like you do too.

Every preconceived notion I myself had about small breeds have gone out the window since getting this little cutie. I simply teach her with the same goal I had in mind with my large breeds, a well behaved, friendly animal, and so far it's working out just fine.

I hope this is helpful to you? I'll be happy to answer any other questions if you have any

thanks for the advice chewysmom.
as far as the shedding i have tried EVERYTHING! and i mean everything.
i think even if i was able to bring some order to the shedding problem i would still have to buy a bigger bed if i were planning on sharing with fred plus, i don't think my husband would take to kindly to sharing a bed with fred he thinks big dogs belong outside so the furniture is completely off limits. but for some reason little dogs are allowed on the furniture... what's up with that??
here are some of the breeds i've been looking at:
yorkie
maltese
shi tzu
lhasa
i am more into the long haired breeds since they tend not to be shedders and i don't need any more of that! but like i said earlier, i'm hoping to rescue my new doggy.

Well as for the pom. I love them they are so cute but I don't think my husband would want that kind because of the fur never mind if it sheds alot. You know for all to be happy we have to find a medium here.

Most likey the husband who doesn't want the dog on the furniture probably didn't have much to do with animals growing up. I know my husband didn't. Why the little dogs on the furniture and not hte big ones well look at it from his point of view. Big dog takes up more space on furniture big dog bigger nails more likely to rip the furniture. Some even have it in their head that big dogs shed more than little ones even though we dog people know that it depends on the breed. My chewy sheds allot but you don't notice it because of the short hair. I found that the black fur is less noticable on furniture unless of course you actually have a white or very light colored couch. I have a king size bed and I tell you if I did sleep with the dog and the hubby I would be on the floor because both are bed hogs. I know chewy is cause I take naps on the floor with him.

I personally don't want a dog that requires tons and tons of grooming. I have done enough of that in my time and have done many of them. IT is hard enough for my back with chewy and he only needs a bath once a week or two and very little brushing. I love brushing him and bathing him but time won't allow for tons and tons of grooming. My time is important so I like to make sure that my time can be spent on training and loving than hours a day on grooming. I don't have to brush chewy every single day for an hour or more and I like that. If I had more sit down time and a small dog that would be fine but I don't so that wouldn't really work out that great in the long run.

Hey do you know of anything good for dry skin. Chewy has very dry skin. Can a bath in babyoil help or not a good idea. I have never really had one with this problem. I don't remeber what we told our customers that was years ago. Not to mention years later better products ahve come out.

thanks
chewysmom

i work part-time for a dog groomer. we use oatmeal dog shampoo and there is a special kind of pine tar shampoo but the pine tar stuff i think you would have to get from a vet. usually we will lather them up in the oatmael shampoo and have them sit in it for about 5 minute then rinse it all out. it seems to work nicely.
i'm not sure if we used them for dry skin or just different types of skin problems but i do know that the oatmeal shampoo is good regardless. anyway if you call your vet i'm sure they could recomend a type and brand of shampoo. unless it's a severe case you might even try going to petsmart or somewhere like that and asking an employee. that's probably what i would do.

Isn't that funny that we have the same problem with husbands?

My husband also grew up without pets whereas I grew up with dogs.

I had my two labs when we met and he never did get close to either of them. On retrospect I'm thinking he may have been intimidated by their size, maybe?

As far as our Pom, well, they absolutely adore each other. He would never admit that to anyone outside of our home but you should see them together. I keep telling him he doesn't deserve to be loved that much by a dog

Yea i know what you mean. My husband acts like he hates chewy but i know he loves him. He calls him names just because he passes gas allot and really stinks up the house and burbs allot. I tell him all the time you do hte same thing and we get into this fight over him being mean and calling chewy names. I know he does it because that is his macho way of showing he cares for chewy and he does it to annoy me as well. Outsiders would think we hate eachother and but we dont and our fights are more playful with me sounding mroe seriouse. Our dog loves him so much yet my hubby doesn't even realize it.

I'll tell you when I hear my husband complain about chewy stinky gas and drool I want to just smack him but then i see him when he thinks I am not looking and he puts food in his mouth and lets chewy take it from him. NOw that is love but he would never admit it. I know some small dogs I see him looking at and I can tell he wants one he won't say that but I know better than that. My chewy fits right in he has gas burbs and drools just like my two boys and my husband. I need a gas mask in this house.

A little one i think would be spoiled by my husband more even though he would never admit it in a million years.

Men are so funny about things. My husband complains about chewy drool gas ect... but then he thought it was so cool when chewy picked his chair to sleep in at night. He beamed like a kid in a candy store. So there is hope for the hubbies that didn't have pets growing up and has a hard time relating to them. He even talks to him like he is a person when he is trying to tell the chewy to lay down and I have to keep telling him that is a command so tell him not talk to him like a baby. hehehe oh well I don't really see much difference between kids dogs and husbands for that matter. They all warm up I think in time.

chewysomom

[This message was edited by mod_kelly on 04-07-05 at 01:58 PM.]

okay i went to post something and it said it had to be approved. I didn't write anything bad at all. So what is that all about? Well I guess after they look at it they will post it. It didn't say anthing bad unless i have a typo and it triggered it. oh well. well just have to wait and see.

sometimes the most innocent word can be interpreted as bad, don't worry about it. It will evetually be posted