yup thanks. I posted another one and after i got the message i realized the word i used triggered it but once they read it all will okay I am sure. It was one on dog fights.

chewysmom

I have a small breed (Papillon) and I've always been used to larger breed dogs. You mentioned previously about being interested in a Chi, I haven't owned one myself, but have had friends with them. If you're not careful, they can be quite possessive of their owners. Some bark a ton, some don't. In general, most people would consider them yappers, but in my opinion, you can train any dog to cool off on the barking. My caution would be the size difference between a Chi and a Rottie. While it can be done, most people wouldn't recommend it in general. It's great that you're looking into rescue, but I would assume that they would be hesitant to place a rescue in your home with such a large dog there. Some of the breeders that I originally looked at for my dog, would not place in homes with children under 10. This didn't apply to me, but don't be surprized if someone questions your children being with small dogs. I'm sure 8 wouldn't be a problem though.
Terrier breeds, (I'm sure a JRT would be fine but ask the many JRT owners on the board), someone mentioned a Pug, these breeds tend to fair better with larger dogs. I know someone who had a Min Pin with a Golden, and they were fine...but another friend that just got their Min Pin had him jump off the couch and break a leg @ about 8mo.
As far as the dry skin, a lot of people recommend fish oil supplements. The food I feed is high in Omega3 oils (what fish oil has) and I was able to relieve almost all the itching just by switching his food. I've seen fish oil supplements/omega3 supplements sold at the pet store, but they tend to be pricy. You can buy capsules at vitamin stores and break the capsules and add it to the food also which saves $$$. You'll need to get the right dosage though, and I'm not quite sure what would be right for your dog. You can probably google it and find something online though. Hope that helps.

Also look into Flax Seed Oil, it has the same Omega3 plus many more benefits.

that's great! it's good to know that there are other people out there that are or have experianced some of the same stuff as me.
when we first got married my husband was always acting like he couldn't stand fred. he would always tell me that he stinks or gets hair everywhere and he didn't want him in the house at all. i would always ask him why he dissliked fred so much and he finally told me that he is jealous of fred because fred is so loyal to me. fred follows me EVERYWHERE. when i go into the bathroom he follows me to the door and when i shut it he will lay down outside till i come out. if i lay down on the bed he will follow me in there and lay down on the floor beside me. it doesn't matter where i am going or what i am doing he is always right there beside me and couldn't care less what my husband is doing.
my husband grew up with dogs but they were all smaller breeds and he didn't really get that attached to them.
one of these days when fred is no longer with us i will make sure that my husband gets his own dog.

yes that is a big help. thank you very much. Yea all dogs can be trained to quite it down with the yapping as far as the shelters and large dogs I know in my area there a few that will question me if they even give me a chance but others have some tiny ones that do good with large breeds. So that will have to wait until the time comes that I am seriously searching for a new member of our family. I would not leave the two together alone anyway so where its saftly is question that I don't seee to be a problem. I wouldn't just let chewy loose on the poor thing either. He is getting practice of the sort with human babies. My friend who does't want her kids afraid of dogs will put the baby on the floor and chewy did pretty good concidering anything small that runs is a big playtoy. (refereing) to the toddlers that come to visit) He laid down and crawled to the baby and smelled and licked it like crazy. We did have to be careful for his paws getting in the way and hurting the baby but he did good so I think with training and supervision it would work out fine. Just have to find the right breed or even mixbreed and then check into the dog personaly. I think not leaving a dog on the bed unattented would help as well. That way you can help it get down verses it jumping you know.
Thank you again. I am going to check into the Norfolk and Norwich terriers that someone else talked about. They sounded pretty good.

I think I might even ask the local shelters here if I can introduce chewy to a small dog and stuff just to see how he will do because with several adults right there we can make sur he doesn't step on any little one. I think i just might do that.

thank you
chewys mom

My dog does the same thing follows me everywhere. If I don't shut the bathroom door he will push it open and come on in. He is now even trying to open the handle on the door. I feel bad for him though. If I get up and go to the kitchen to get a cup of coffee he wakes up and follows me then just as he falls asleep again I am going back to my desk or where ever I was so he wakes up and follows me. I feel bad that I know I am coming right back and can't make him stay put. If i did make him he would stress out just because he couldn't come with me so I don't bother to make him stay. He is so cute.

I love it too he will talk to me and my husband just looks at us cause we talk to eachother in that doggy way can't describe it but you should know what I mean.

Maybe one day my husband will find that one dog that really hits his heart deep. He loves chewy just not the same as I do.

dogs are so loyal and faithful i love them

chewys mom

that is so funny! i think the same thing about fred when he's just getting relaxed i walk to another room and he has to get up and follow me. it's the cutest thing! i feel so special that my dog loves me so much that he feels like he can't even let me out of his sight.

yea it is so cute and we are special to them. They love us uncondionaly no matter what. I love my chewy.

chewys mom

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are great dogs. They are great with my two kids and my beagle. They are not "yappy" but do bark at the door.

Colors: Black and Tan - black with bright tan marks above eyes, head, chest, legs, underside of tail; white marks undesirable. Ruby - Rich red; white markings undesirable. Blenheim - Chestnut markings, well broken up, on white ground; markings evenly divided on head, lozenge between ears. Tricolor - black and white, well spaced and broken up, with tan markings over head, inside legs, on underside of tail.

Coat:silky, free from curl

Temperament: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are friendly, obedient, sensible
With Children: Yes, children should be older if just a puppy.

With Pets: Good

Special Skills: Family pet.

Watch-dog: Moderate

Guard-dog: Low

Care and Training: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels need weekly grooming with a firm bristle brush. Special attention should be given to their ears. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels should only be bathe when necessary. Minimal exercise is needed for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, but they do enjoy a romp in the park or a backyard with a playmate.

Learning Rate: High intelligence.

Activity: Moderate

Living Environment: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an indoor dog. Best with fenced yard and walks on leash.

Health Issues: Patella luxation, eye conditions, heart murmurs and ear infections.

Life Span: 9 - 11 Years

Litter Size: 2 - 6

Country of Origin: Great Britain

History: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels origins are from the King Charles Spaniel, who through selective breeding from the Toy Spaniel was produced to have a more exaggerated head with a great dome and flatter face, possible from the Pug though it is uncertain. Cavalier were a crossing of the King Charles and the Cocker Spaniel. Their name is from King Charles II who kept a large number of Toy Spaniels. They were a favorite of the aristocracy in the early nineteenth century. A dog called Ann's Son became the model for the first breed Standards and in 1945 the Kennel Club granted the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel separate registration.

Wow you did a report for me thank you so much. I did check out the norwich terriers and I like them. My husband mad a face so we will see.

As for spaniels If it is the one I think it is (and I will go check it out) I am not sure that would be a good fit just because of the hair and shedding. I thank you again for all the info and I am going to check it out to make sure if it is the one I am think of.

chewys mom

King Charles have longer hair but do not shed very much at all.

It wasn't the one I was thinking of but the hair is too long my husband looked at it and said no too much hair. With him I may not ever get another dog. Well there are still lots of dogs out there.
thanks so much.
chewys mom

They do shed, just not as much as other dogs do. However they require a lot of coat mantinence to keep the coat healthy.

well i dont know many toy breeds however chihuahuas i know.
you have two younger children, as much as they are GREAT with animals chihuahus have a tendency to not like little hands, id not suggest a chi for anyone under 12, just because chis are a little dog with a BIG attitude, they are VERY posessive of thier people and clannish, meaning there not fond of dogs of other breeds but fine with there own kind. they will attack larger dogs to the point of drinving them insane and with a rotty even the slightest acidental wrong move can hurt something as tiny as a chi.
Mine doesnt bark much (only if she thinks i need to know something) however hse is VERY possesive of me im her mamma and if another animal comes neer me, she turnes into a 20ft monster and tries to kill...
she also does it at home with the other pets if she feels the need to (ie if shes sleeping on me which is 24/7) they need CONSTANT attention which isnt realy fair to your existing dog. they also do HATE the cold. most (inc mine) wear t-shirts and sweaters throughout the entire year, it can be 90 degrees out and and theyll still hide from the airconditioner sit in the sun, and burry themselves under the blankets.
the're also very quick learners but hard to train, and VERY difficult to housebreak. they also need walking on a harness only and carrying them 24/7 can be bad for them (when held they feel the need ot be in protect mode and have a tendency to attack anyone aproaching.)

i know of 1 breed that might fit your description though, a bichon, they dont shed much if at all and if you dont mind brushing them out and keeping them clipped (they can be cliped very short to keep maintenence low) the coat is very low maintenence, there small dogs but hardy being the larger end of the smaller scale, and GREAT with children. ive never knonw a properly raised bichon snap at a child. there good with other dogs and can hold their own better than a tiny toy dog. there still small enough to carry round but dont realy have the possesive streak of the chi. and there happy bouncy dogs that your kids can play with, they love to cuddle but not as needy as a chi...
hope this helps.

Family: scenthound, terrier, dachshund
Avg Size of male: Height: 5-6 Weight: 1-11
Avg Size of Female: Height: 5-6 Weight: 1-11

Temperament
The dachshund is bold, curious and always up for adventure. It likes to hunt and dig, tracking by scent and going to ground after game. It is independent but will join in its family's activities whenever given a chance. It is good with children in its own family, but some may snap at strange children. Most are reserved with strangers. Some bark. The longhaired variety may be quieter and less terrier-like; the wires may be more outgoing. Some miniatures are more prone to be timid.

Upkeep
Although dachsunds are active, their exercise requirements can be met with moderate walks on leash and games in the yard. The dachsund is amenable to city life or apartment living, but it is still a hunter at heart and enjoys forays into the wilds. Although it can live outdoors in warm weather, it does best when sleeping inside. The smooth coat requires minimal grooming. The long coat requires brushing or combing once or twice weekly and occasional trimming of stray hairs. The wire coat requires brushing or combing about once a week, with occasional trimming of stray hairs and stripping to remove dead hair twice a year.

Health
• Major concerns: intervertebral disc disease
• Minor concerns: KCS
• Occasionally seen: diabetes, epilepsy, patellar luxation, deafness,
gastric torsion
• Suggested tests: (eye)
• Life span: 12 – 14 years
• Note: Obesity is a major problem for the dachshund. Many dachshunds
tend to be overweight, which in turn predisposes them to
intervertebral disc disease.

History
Definitive evidence of the dachshund as a breed isn’t found until the 16th century, when reference was made to a "low crooked-legged" dog called a little burrow dog, dacksel or badger dog. The modern name dachshund means simply badger (dachs) dog (hund) in German. These tenacious hunters would follow their quarry, enter its burrow, pull it out and kill it. The dachshund comes in three coat varieties and two sizes. The original dachshunds were smooth-coated and arose from crosses of the bracke, a miniature French pointer, with the pinscher, a vermin killer of terrier type. Some 16th-century woodcuts provide evidence of longer-haired dachshund-like dogs. It is also possible that smooth dachshunds were later crossed with spaniels and the German stoberhund (a gun dog) to produce the longhaired variety. Mention is made of wire-coated dachshunds as early as 1797, but these dogs were not carefully bred and most modern wires were created around the end of the 19th century by crossing smooth dachshunds with German wirehaired pinschers and the Dandie Dinmont terrier. Each of these varieties was best suited for hunting under slightly different terrain and climatic conditions, but all were tough, strong dogs capable of dispatching badgers, foxes and other small mammals. Before 1900, very small dachshunds were kept for going to ground after small quarry, such as rabbits. Although some were simply runts, others were intentionally produced from crosses with toy terriers or pinschers. Most of the resulting miniatures lacked dachshund type, however. By 1910, stricter criteria were adopted for type, and each coat type was crossed with different breeds to achieve the best results: Smooths were bred with the miniature pinscher, longs with the papillon and wires with the miniature schnauzer. The dachshund has since found its real niche as a family pet, steadily rising in popularity to hold a place as one of the most popular hounds in America.

Family: terrier
Avg Size of male: Height: <15.5 Weight: 17-19
Avg Size of Female: Height: <15.5 Weight: 15-1

Temperament
Energetic, inquisitive, bold, feisty, playful, mischievous, independent and adventurous describe the fox terrier. This breed lives to run, chase and explore. It is usually fairly reserved with strangers. It tends to bark and dig.

Upkeep
The smooth fox terrier is energetic and cannot be ignored. As an active dog, it will do much to exercise itself given the room. It enjoys a vigorous game or walk, as well as an off-lead outing in a safe area. Even though this breed can live outdoors in a warm climate, it does better living in the house and playing in the yard. Smooth coat care consists of weekly brushing to remove shedding hair. In fact, the smooths shed more than the wires. Some training of the ears may be necessary as puppies for proper adult shape to develop.

Health
• Major concerns: none
• Minor concerns: lens luxation, distichiasis, cataract, Legg-Perthes, shoulder dislocation
• Occasionally seen: deafness, patellar luxation
• Suggested tests: eye
• Life span: 10 – 13 years

History
The smooth fox terrier's ancestors are not documented, but the breed was certainly known by 1800 and was already popular before the advent of dog shows. It accompanied foxhound packs and dislodged foxes that had taken cover. Predominantly white dogs were preferred because they could be more easily distinguished from the quarry in dim lighting. Some speculation exists that the smooth and wire fox terriers arose from distinct backgrounds, with the smooth descending from the smooth-coated black and tan, the bull terrier and even the greyhound and beagle. The smooth fox terriers were among the first breeds to enter the show ring, classified initially with the sporting breeds. The two varieties were interbred extensively at one time, but the practice gradually declined. Because the two breeds had long since ceased to be crossed by the latter part of the 1900s, the AKC divided them into separate breeds in 1985.

what about exercise needs?? How much energy do you want him to have??

oh my gosh you guys are doing reports. You don't have to do that. I thank you anyway. It is funny you mentioned the dashhound. We two today and I asked my husband about them and he seemed to like the way they look. He is not a big animal lover like I am so compramising is not always easy. I figured by the time I find one that would work with our family and that he liked we might be ready then for one. Right now some things have changed in my family so I am not sure when I might be able to get one. So please don't go nuts with this I have months still maybe longer depending on the situation here. I won't rush into this given right now is not the time and I need to find a good breed.

I have only had one of these once in my whole life and he was the best dog. He was actually my mothers boyfriends and he bonded with me instantly then they got married and he was just my dog. He slept under the covers at my feet. He was already old and had no teeth but boy come near me and he would fight for me. He would not hurt someone that he knew but at night when I was sleeping you were safer just to leave me be and not come into my room. Iloved him dearly. I miss him too. He was over wieght when I met him so I just tried to exercise him and what not. He got old and that didn't help. he lived a happy life though.

thanks again for the info this is great.
chewysmom

I have a friend who has a chow and a pom. Both are male and they get along fine. My yorkie dosn't shed but her hair will get longer and she needs to be brushed often. The good thing is not much dog to brush so grooming it's over fast. She thinks it is play time. She will only get to be about 8lbs and she loves to meet people and other dogs.

My sister-in-law has a chihauhau who loves her but only tolerates my brother. Your husband might not like that. She is also scared of everything. She gets along O.K. with the other dog but it's only a mid. size dog.