[Entwine]

So, I'm considering a second dog as I would love to form another lasting bond, have another do to grow and learn with, and give Misty, my Chihuahua, some doggy companionship. I have the means and I know the commitment and am more than willing to take on another challenge.

However, I am not prepared for a large breed dog, as I would want. I want to get a dog relatively the same size as Misty, so the two cannot do too much damage to each together while playing (they WILL be supervised constantly, but obviously a Great Dane and a Chihuahua wouldn't work out too well). Misty is approximately 6-7 lbs right now--I estimate because her last weight was 6 lbs, but I imagine she's growing. I'm looking for a low shedding dog with a medium to low energy level. Misty is walked a few times a week (every day is too much and exhausts her to the point of all-day lethargy), so I'd need a breed that requires the same schedule. I've scouted out Petfinder but nothing's really caught my eye.

What breed would you recommend in this situation? I have a few in mind--Toy Poodle, Chihuahua, Xolo, Chinese Crested, and Papillon--but I have no experience with these breeds and would like to get input.

 

[ValtheAussie]

After my Aussie pup is a year old, I'd like to get a small breed dog, mixed breed or otherwise.

Maybe a chi wa wa or pap or somesuch dog. I know that these are fairly popular dogs, but maybe I can rescue something that is on the small side.

I think that my Aussie pupster would then be old enough to enjoy another member of the species in our home.

 

[Toby4Life]

However, I am not prepared for a large breed dog, as I would want. I want to get a dog relatively the same size as Misty, so the two cannot do too much damage to each together while playing (they WILL be supervised constantly, but obviously a Great Dane and a Chihuahua wouldn't work out too well).

I'm not telling you to get a large breed if that's not what you want, but I had to comment on this last sentence. There is no reason why you can't get a large dog that would get along well with your tiny dog. We have a 80+ lb mutt and he gets along extremely well with my sister's 4 lb chihauhau. We let her stay with us for a few weeks when they went on vacation and didn't have any issues. Not trying to sway you, just wanted to throw it out there.

 

[BentletheYentle]

I'm not sure that I would get a Pap if I were you. All the ones I've met have been pretty high energy. The one owner I know well takes her 3 yr old Pap on two 45 minute walks a day, plays in the yard for an hour and the dog still has energy to burn. Could be an exception, though, not sure. I think you'd be alright if you have lots of time to devote to training and mentally tiring exercises on the days you don't walk the dogs.

 

[ValtheAussie]

I'm not sure that I would get a Pap if I were you. All the ones I've met have been pretty high energy. The one owner I know well takes her 3 yr old Pap on two 45 minute walks a day, plays in the yard for an hour and the dog still has energy to burn. Could be an exception, though, not sure. I think you'd be alright if you have lots of time to devote to training and mentally tiring exercises on the days you don't walk the dogs.

I have a high energy dog in the Aussie. A small mixed breed from a rescue would be a fine dog, anykind of small "gizmo" dog.

 

[BentletheYentle]

I have a high energy dog in the Aussie. A small mixed breed from a rescue would be a fine dog, anykind of small "gizmo" dog.

Oh, yeah for an Aussie definitely A JRT might be fun to go with the Aussie! My mom has an Aussie/ACD mix...she's got crazy energy, lol. My first post was for the OP, though Sounds like the OP's dog isn't that sort of high energy.

 

[ValtheAussie]

Oh, yeah for an Aussie definitely A JRT might be fun to go with the Aussie! My mom has an Aussie/ACD mix...she's got crazy energy, lol. My first post was for the OP, though Sounds like the OP's dog isn't that sort of high energy.

That would be quite the dynamic duo....they could see who got exhausted first, the Aussie or the JRT!!! JRT's are high powered cuties!

 

[Thracian]

I took Cupid to a six-week training class designed for small dogs. A papillon was very high energy. A Chinese crested dog was a bit more mellow, although I couldn't say whether that is common for the breed. I'm now more than a week into owning a toy poodle. His energy is definitely closer to mid range, but if your chihuahua is mid-level, it could be a good combination.

 

[Entwine]

Thank you for all of your responses!

Well, today I've come across a little brindle Chihuahua/Daschund hybrid that I am considering. Now, I've never wanted a Daschund because of their tendency to dig. I know a hybrid dog has no guaranteed temperment/behaviors, so I'm unsure as to how things would play out.

However, he is only four months old, so perhaps any behaviors he may have or begin can be delt with a little more easily than with an older dog?

 

[BentletheYentle]

Thank you for all of your responses!

Well, today I've come across a little brindle Chihuahua/Daschund hybrid that I am considering. Now, I've never wanted a Daschund because of their tendency to dig. I know a hybrid dog has no guaranteed temperment/behaviors, so I'm unsure as to how things would play out.

However, he is only four months old, so perhaps any behaviors he may have or begin can be delt with a little more easily than with an older dog?

I think that at four months, you would be able to teach him what behaviors are and aren't acceptable easier than if he were older. However, if it seems like he really wants to be a digger, you could get a little sandbox just for him to dig in I hope it works out for you!

 

[Pickleisaminidaschi]

I like my four mini daschunds but I'm not sure about the energy level you wanted with them. Maybe get one the same breed as what ever Misty is.

Thank you for all of your responses!

Well, today I've come across a little brindle Chihuahua/Daschund hybrid that I am considering. Now, I've never wanted a Daschund because of their tendency to dig. I know a hybrid dog has no guaranteed temperment/behaviors, so I'm unsure as to how things would play out.

However, he is only four months old, so perhaps any behaviors he may have or begin can be delt with a little more easily than with an older dog?

My four daschunds have NEVER dug before...

 

[jesirose]

My four daschunds have NEVER dug before...

Uhm, haven't you had them for like, 3 days?

Doxies were bred to dig.

 

[Independent George]

I would never get a little dog because I'm kind of a klutz and I'd be terrified of stepping on it, but I met the coolest Miniature Pinscher at the dog park. The little dude could leap about five feet into the air from a standing position. Admittedly, that would likely pose some challenges indoors, but it was still pretty incredible to watch. Do toy-sized dogs do agility?

 

[ValtheAussie]

We have an itty bitty Siamese cat and if she hasn't been murdered by shoe, a small dog should be alright. Honey is a very nervous cat; probably because she is afraid of getting stepped on. But, she's a good girl, too.

 

[Entwine]

I would never get a little dog because I'm kind of a klutz and I'd be terrified of stepping on it, but I met the coolest Miniature Pinscher at the dog park. The little dude could leap about five feet into the air from a standing position. Admittedly, that would likely pose some challenges indoors, but it was still pretty incredible to watch. Do toy-sized dogs do agility?

They do and Misty will as well if her vet check goes okay and she is age appropriate. And Misty got stepped on a few times in the first few weeks..

She learned very quickly how to avoid being stepped on--don't walk under feet.

As for dachshund's energy levels.. Are they on the higher side of the energy spectrum?