Small Dogs, Do you get that dog satisfaction

Canada1990 · 11-09-2009, 06:38 PM

Hello

My girlfriend and I have decided to get a dog. We live in a Duplex and a large breed is just out of the question. My girlfriend`s parents in another city have a german shepherd and a lab, very fun. My question is can you get the same enjoyment out of smaller breeds? We are thinking about getting a Miniature Schnauzer/ Miniature Pincher / Boston terrier/ Boxer x Boston terrier. I would like to go hiking and play fetch just the traditional things you associate with dogs. Usually when I see smaller dogs, they just seem very pampered and not fun in that sense.

Thanks

pugmom · 11-09-2009, 07:02 PM

Bostons are awesome....big dog in a small body

I would only suggest getting a bostonxboxer if you can find one in a shelter....more then likely no responsible breeder is going to put those breeds together

......just look at the size difference....its on a good day at least 30lbs

Laurelin · 11-09-2009, 07:14 PM

Yes of course they're just as fun as big dogs. There are lots of active small breeds that can keep up. I even do agility with a dog under 8 lbs (and she rocks too)

Entwine · 11-09-2009, 07:18 PM

My Chihuahua is absolutely fun... We're always playing and interacting in a happy and fun way. Soccer, hide and seek, fetch, walking together, etc. She works for her meals through obedience and is very well behaved.

The only difference in terms of size is just that.. size. It's all in how you treat/raise your dog. Of course, breed traits do come into play to a certain extent... But if you don't spoil or "pamper" your dog, you dog won't expect it.

sizzledog · 11-09-2009, 07:22 PM

Dogs of any size are what you make of them.

I'll admit, I enjoy my large dogs a bit more than I enjoy my corgi, but the corgi is a blast in her own way - and if I didn't have two large dogs, she'd be all the dog I'd need.

HayleyMarie · 11-09-2009, 07:27 PM

All I can say is "HECK YES!!" I have a WestHighland White Terrier and she is very, very outgoing. We take her camping and hiking during the summer and she loves it. I do get full enjoyment out of her even though she is smaller. I own a Bouve as and I have so much more fun with my Westie. Teagan loves being outside and going for adventures.I find a smaller dog makes more sense if you do alot of traveling and whats not because they are easier to haul around. I know it is much easier to pack a truck or car full of camping stuff with a smaller dog than with a big dog. If you are looking for a smaller dog I would also reccomment a Westie they are just amazing fiesty, scrappy little things that will keep your life exciting. I know it sure has with mine! And Terriers do not mesh well if you are going to attemt to pamper and fru fru them. It just does not fly with them!

Kuma'sMom · 11-09-2009, 07:28 PM

I used to be a die-hard large dog person, until I met my first Pug.

I've never looked back. Big dog personality in a small body, and so much easier to look after. I'll never be without a Pug in my life now.

TxRider · 11-09-2009, 07:38 PM

30-40lb dogs are probably the best size in my opinion.

Not too small, not too large, not too hard to travel with.. great size for sports. Lots of active breeds in that range from terriers to herders to retrievers to hunting dogs and lots of good mixed to adopt.

I am a bit afraid of owning really little dogs, I'm rather big and and not so graceful and I fear stepping on a foot or leg or hurting a really little dog.

RonE · 11-09-2009, 07:41 PM

Do not underestimate the comfort of having a small dog fall asleep in your lap.

My mother has a shi-tzu and my daughter has a miniature schnauzer. Either one will lower your blood pressure, but the schnauzer will run all day with the big dogs.

Canada1990 · 11-09-2009, 07:44 PM

What are some nice 30-40LB dogs that have short hair and are easy to train?

sassykzt · 11-09-2009, 07:46 PM

I also have Westies. They love the outdoors-- took them on a 8 mile walk yesterday. They play Frisbee, chase after any ball,swim in the ocean and love romping through the snow when we go skiing. They are intelligent, hardy and spirited ( and everything Haley Marie said). We know a few Boston Terriers & Min. Pins.-- great dogs too! Unfortunately there are some small dogs who develop small dog syndrome-- they are allowed behaviors that one would not allow a large breed to have. I think you may be pleasantly surprised what comes in smaller packages. Just do your research on diff. breeds.

Canada1990 · 11-09-2009, 08:03 PM

My issue with Boston terriers is that all the sites claim that they can overheat easily and are extremely sensitive to the cold. How big of obstacles are these. Are these websites exaggerating?

pugmom · 11-09-2009, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canada1990

My issue with Boston terriers is that all the sites claim that they can overheat easily and are extremely sensitive to the cold. How big of obstacles are these. Are these websites exaggerating?

each individual dog is going to be different....my guy does pretty good in the heat up until about the mid 90's then he will need to slow down ....the only issue with the cold is that he is very short haired so he can get cold fast but if your willing to put a sweater or coat on him he will go go go

If you live in an area that has extreme temps and you love to be outside more then inside then you might be able to find a better breed ....I think some site do over exagerate...but I have to agree they are not huskies

FaithFurMom09 · 11-09-2009, 08:21 PM

I have a rotti/beagle dog and shes pretty awesome if i dont say so

I think she has plenty of energy for a medium dog.

HayleyMarie · 11-09-2009, 08:22 PM

-airdale Terrier

http://www.pgaa.com/CANINE/GENERAL/size.html#upto50
Here is a great site with dog breeds and their weigth, height ect..

TxRider · 11-09-2009, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canada1990

What are some nice 30-40LB dogs that have short hair and are easy to train?

Depends on what you want, it can be anything from an australian cattle dog, a tough little dog that will go forever, to a corgi, to a whippet, to a beagle to a basenji, to a half dozen different terrier types.

Or you could go to a good rescue and talk to them and get a mix that's already grown, or a pup that looks like it'll hit that size range. My best dog ever was a 40lb lab/border collie mix.

Punch your desires into this breed finder...

http://animal.discovery.com/breedsel...dogselector.do

pugmom · 11-09-2009, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TxRider

http://animal.discovery.com/breedsel...dogselector.do

LOL...I don't like that breed selector...#5 is a silly question...and it gave me some crazy breeds....I said I wanted little to no grooming and I got a 99% match for Keeshond and 98% English cocker spaniel...they don't seem like little to no grooming to me hahahah

FilleBelle · 11-09-2009, 08:45 PM

None of the breed selectors are perfect, but if you do a few of them, they at least give you a place to start.

pugmom · 11-09-2009, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FilleBelle

None of the breed selectors are perfect, but if you do a few of them, they at least give you a place to start.

oh I agree....I just thought it was funny

FilleBelle · 11-09-2009, 08:57 PM

I enjoy when they recommend some completely obscure breed. More than once the Entlebucher Mountain Dog has popped up as a recommendation for me. Now, don't get me wrong, they sound like awesome dogs, but...seriously?