Her beard is getting gray and her hips give out on her but she's a trooper.
Posted on 12/02/2014 9:27:12 AM PST by TNoldman
My wife and I have had Goldens Retreivers for the last 20 years. We are in our late 70's and recently had to euthanize our 11yo Lady Golden. We still have a 12 yo male Golden and two adopted older cats. All of our pets are rescued or adopted.
We live in Indiana and RV travel about 4 months of the year. We are looking to downsize our Pet Family in physical size not quantity. What can our FReeper Friends suggest for our next small sized Dog (10 lbs or so).
We adopted a rat terrier (3/4)/ Chihuahua (1/4) mix.
Bella was great with the cat, loved her kennel when needed, great with and protective of children (prime consideration for us), eager to please, kept dining room floor clean, reasonably trainable. Not aggressive. NOT barky in general (despite the chihuahua part) but will make noise if someone (friend or foe) comes around (except the contractors next door who left their burrito wrappers within reach, she was easily bribed.
I am not a dog person, but Bella won me over. Of course, every dog is a bit different.
The bigger issue with beagles is that they are stubborn and notoriously hard to housebreak.
Ceramic...
I have a German Shepherd.
They have a reputation for being a high energy breed but my girl is laid back and happy with two walks a day.
Consider the dog’s personality and energy level in selecting a dog from a breed notorious for a high energy level.
The dog should match your lifestyle - not the other way around. It should ideally be a match made in heaven.
Thank you for the comments so far. We definitely want a small dog and will look for a “rescue” situation. Protection is not an issue as we are generally well armed. A dog to bark at potential problems is good. We are not looking to raise the next dog from a pup.
Thanks. keep those breed suggestions coming! How about Chugs or Shih Tzu’s?
I’d say teacup or toy poodles. They don’t shed and are super easy to potty train and train to come and do tricks.
JRT. best small dog ever.
If I were you, I’d get a couple of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. They are small — but not too small — and have great dispositions.
I have used this temperament test for years and it has never failed to help me select a great pup from a litter: 1) Pick up the pup and lay it on its back with the head in your palm. The pup should struggle. If it does not, put it down, as it will be too passive. If it struggles and can be calmed with kind works and strokes, it is the one. Otherwise put it down it will be too aggressive.
Anyone but Hillary.
Her beard is getting gray and her hips give out on her but she's a trooper.
I had a blue heeler, wonderful dog, would get another
in a heart beat. I’m the same age as the poster so I
have gotten away from big dogs, big dogs mean big poop.
I have a jack russel now who blessfully isn’t manic,
is always happy, loves to go for a ride, and sleeps
on my bed, couldn’t live without him.
My blue heeler brought him home years ago and he just
made it his own, of course I helped a bit.
Been my experience that if you are open to dogs,
a dog will find you, they KNOW.
Golden Doodle mini
Granted, 25 to 30 lbs is larger than 10 pounds but they have the temperament of a Golden, hypo allergenic coat and are very intelligent.
Smart, funny, & long lived. Great company.
My recommendation would be to study the AKC Breeds by description and pick a dog whose temperament, energy level and activity needs fits your needs and desires best.
A Boston Terrier might be a good place to begin looking. Good low maintenance companion dog.
Look at one of these(they shed a lot though):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pembroke_Welsh_Corgi
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