Getting a puppy and have some questions

DH and i live in a 1 bedroom apt so we are looking for a small dog. any suggestions for a dog that does not shed or sheds very little?? what kind of small dogs would you recommend that are good with kids? we don't have any kids but the dog would be around my neice and nephew. i like cocker spaniels but i heard that can have a bad temper, not sure how true that is though.

Re: Getting a puppy and have some questions

First off, I think it's great that you're doing some research before just going out and getting a dog! So kudos to you!

Now to answer your questions...

There's no such thing as a dog that never sheds but there are those that shed less than others.

As for temperment, there's really no way of knowing unless you get your puppy through a reputable breeder. I can't stress this enough. Do NOT go through a pet store of any kind!

Anyway, the following dogs are a few that I could think of that I know are good with kids, are small or on the small side and shed very little...

Beagles - I had one growing up. GREAT dog!!!
Pugs - They shed seasonally though.
Boston Terriers
Havanese

Re: Getting a puppy and have some questions

Posted by Jennie0898

First off, I think it's great that you're doing some research before just going out and getting a dog! So kudos to you!

Now to answer your questions...

There's no such thing as a dog that never sheds but there are those that shed less than others.

As for temperment, there's really no way of knowing unless you get your puppy through a reputable breeder. I can't stress this enough. Do NOT go through a pet store of any kind!

Anyway, the following dogs are a few that I could think of that I know are good with kids, are small or on the small side and shed very little...

Beagles - I had one growing up. GREAT dog!!!
Pugs - They shed seasonally though.
Boston Terriers
Havanese


/QUOTE]

i have to do my research, this is a big decision also, i would never buy a puppy at a pet store, only a reputable breeder. thanks for thie info.

Re: Getting a puppy and have some questions

We have a cava poo (Cavalier king charles spaniel mixed with a poodle)

She is a wonderful dog- very smart and doesnt get big- she is 11 pounds full grown.

It was very easy to 'potty train' her and train her to do tricks.

She sheds VERY little- it is not even noticeable, to the point where I would say that she doesnt shed, except for a tiny bit when the seasons shed.

I have read that these dogs have a great temperment and are wonderful with children, that is why we got her.

My parents have a Maltese. she does not shed at all. She is also hypoallergenic (per the breeder) and also very smart with a great temperment. She is also 11 pounds full grown.

Good luck!

Re: Getting a puppy and have some questions

We have a puggle (pug beagle mix)

He's relatively small but not too small that you can't play and rough house with him (much to DH's delight!) He's always happy and super friendly! We socialized him since he was 9mos old and that helped. He's great with kids, people, other animals (we have two cats as well) He cuddles and is a total lap dog. But -- he was VERY energetic as a pup so if you don't have a fenced in backyard, be prepared for 5-6 walks a day! We also have 1 bedroom apt and before that a studio, so puggles are good in smaller places. We're planning on adding another pup to the mix once we get a bigger place so that he'll have a playmate before a baby comes...

He sheds, but not terribly. And overall, *knock on wood* a very healthy and happy pup

Re: Getting a puppy and have some questions

We have a yorkshire terrier. Yorkie for short. She's no more than 8 pounds at full size right now. She doesn't shed her hair in our house. We have to brush her as these type of dogs don't have fur - they have hair. They're easy to manage and have lots of energy for fetching and playing. Also, they're manageable to train.

Re: Getting a puppy and have some questions