a somewhat random question for you, o flist

[mimesere]

one of the things that is, apparently, in discussion for a wedding gift from the boything's parents is a puppy*. They breed black labs, but we don't have room for one of those (which is sad, because they're beautiful and awesome), so we were thinking of getting a small dog (which would, essentially, be my puppy).

We've ruled out pugs because of the health problems, but otherwise, we are open to suggestions. So far, the front runners are a corgi or a papillon. Any recommendations for a relatively mellow, preferably non-yappy small dog?

I suspect I already know what norabombay's suggestion would be :)



*the last dog I had was a puppy from the time I got her until my mom gave her away 10 years later. all dogs == puppies. especially if they are tiny.

Comments

[annaalamode.livejournal.com]

You are a very wrong person for not getting a golden retriever. I am considering defriending!

[mimesere.livejournal.com]

If I had the room for a golden retriever, I would have the room for a black lab :)

I would seriously consider the golden retriever when there is more room for romping.

and in conclusion, puppies!

[spasticat.livejournal.com]

I've heard good things about papillons and the ones I met are more interested in their owners than in strangers. I like that kind of devotion. Most terrier breeds are yappy. Long haired miniature dachshunds are very sweet and not barky and hyper like their bigger cousins. Maltese are very lovely.

I'm partial to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels because their spirit is more akin to a laid back and confident larger dog. But...they are partial to, I think, heart defects.

[elina.livejournal.com]

Cooooooooorgi!

*ahem*

Corgis are very smart dogs. They're herding dogs by breeding, so they can be a little possessive of their owners, and try to boss them around. It's important to be very clear with a corgi as to who's the boss, because if you're not, they'll assume it's them.

Every corgi I've ever had the pleasure to meet has been sweet, affectionate, and mellow. Also, they are completely adorable. How can you say no to a face like this? Or this?

[latxcvi.livejournal.com]

OMG, lookit those adorable little faces! I definitely vote Corgi.

[thefourthvine.livejournal.com]

I'm more of a large and medium sized dog person, but I love corgis. The ones I've met have been uniformly lovely.

And, hey! Your in-laws breed labs? Would this be in LA or nearby? (We can't get a new dog right now: puppy and small people do not mix well. But when the earthling is a little bigger... And, anyway, I remember it being hard finding breeders when we got our last lab, so it would be nice to start collecting names now.)

[destina.livejournal.com]

I actually cannot think of any small dog breed that isn't yappy! I'm having suggestion fail. *g*

[teilea.livejournal.com]

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/t/teacuppoodle.htm

[donella.livejournal.com]

DO NOT GET A CHIHUAHUA I HAVE A CHIHUAHUA AND SHE IS A HORRID LITTLE BITCH.

[slashkilter.livejournal.com]

To be honest, my suggestion would always be go to a shelter and see what you like, especially in a country like the US and UK where they allow killing shelter dogs.

If it's going to be purebred, I'd go for a West Highland Terrier or a Mini Schnauzer, though I like Corgies, as well. It might just be worth looking into if they get back-problems or other tummy issues - I know my OH's Dachshund died cause his intestines couldn't handle a bit of pasta he got a hold of.

It is also worth mentioning that there are a lot of puppy rescues out there that specialize in a breed, so if you go for a Papillon, I'm sure there are specialized rescue centres.

(sssshh, I'm hoping for a puppy, too, after the summer - I'm thinking of a border collie cross!)

[calligrafiti.livejournal.com]

I'm taking care of my neighbor's ancient miniature poodle this week. She's a sweet, amiable 14-year old beast, but she still plays with her toys and likes meeting people. She use to bark when strangers came to the door, but it wasn't a constant yapping. And now she doesn't bark because she's gone deaf. Poodles are fairly easy to train.

[fox1013.livejournal.com]

You should get a Hellpuppy! :D? :D?

[lasergirl.livejournal.com]

COCKER SPANIEL!!!!!

[cyprinella]

You might want to try a breed selector quiz to see what they come up with. I just tried Animal Planet's and while it includes a lot of pretty obscure breeds, their top twenty was a pretty good match to what sort of dog I think would be a good fit for our household (mostly medium-sized herders and terriers/bull breeds and very few hounds).

I adore corgis, although you have to be careful of their backs and I've heard that food aggression/guarding can be an issue with them.

[anonymous_sibyl]

The grandmother of a friend of mine was a well-respected breeder and trainer of both Corgis and Golden Retrievers. I've also heard that they can be dominant, but she always said good training would make that a non-issue. Her Corgis were wonderful animals, very sweet and friendly to everyone.

[halfacork.livejournal.com]

I have a certain fondness for corgis.

One of my philosophy teachers in college used to bring his to class and the door would go curl up in my back pack and be utterly adorable.

[forensicgirl.livejournal.com]

A friend of mine had a toy poodle that was litter trained-she used a litter box just like a cat! I also really like Wheaten terriers but they can be stubborn and may be larger than what you are looking for (about 30-30 pounds, I think), Papillions are very cute and I have heard good things about Cavalier King Charles Spaniels as well. I also know a pug/Boston terrier cross who is very cute. Shetland Sheepdogs need a fair bit of grooming, but are supposed to be very sweet.

[ficangel.livejournal.com]

Corgis really don't yap. However, speaking from experience, they are big dogs with small dog legs. They are a working breed, originally used to herd sheep and cattle, and they have the working breed tendency to get neurotic and destructive when they are not given enough to do, though they tend to settle down as they age. (Ours handled this by running laps around the backyard. For hours.) That being said, they are so damned smart, so if you can teach them a new trick about every two weeks or so, and work with them on these tricks every day so that they feel as if they are accomplishing something (treats optional)? They are an absolute delight to be around. The only trick with them is to make training a game.

[norabombay.livejournal.com]

I love the dachshund, probably more than most people.

But they will pee all over anything and everything. They tend to be profoundly dumb. And they aren't much for training.

I got lucky with one who is about the sweetest thing on the planet.

Personally, maybe a beagle or an italian greyhound?

[halfacork.livejournal.com]

The husband pointed out you should get a shiba inu since they are smallish, quiet, smart, and look like they popped out of an anime!