Breeds for the first-time owner.

ravennr

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#1
What would you recommend to someone who has never owned a dog before, and wants a companion?

:)

A friend is looking for a small breed. She's not educated, and I Think she'd been fed too many bad stereotypes about certain breeds. I figure she can at least get ideas, and work back from there based on reading about them and seeing how other owners do.
 
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#2
What does she want in a companion? Who cares about the breed. Go to every shelter or rescue in the area and look at and spend time with small dogs that fit her size requirement. Whatever dog has the qualities she likes is the one she should take home.

Dogs are like patients. They don't read breed standards, much like patients don't read text books. They don't know what they're "supposed" to be, they just are. A standard might say one thing and the dog will be something totally different.
 

Izzy's Valkyrie

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#4
What does she want in a companion? Who cares about the breed. Go to every shelter or rescue in the area and look at and spend time with small dogs that fit her size requirement. Whatever dog has the qualities she likes is the one she should take home.

Dogs are like patients. They don't read breed standards, much like patients don't read text books. They don't know what they're "supposed" to be, they just are. A standard might say one thing and the dog will be something totally different.
I agree here. Find a little dog in a shelter that she clicks with and go from there.
 

ravennr

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What does she want in a companion? Who cares about the breed. Go to every shelter or rescue in the area and look at and spend time with small dogs that fit her size requirement. Whatever dog has the qualities she likes is the one she should take home.

Dogs are like patients. They don't read breed standards, much like patients don't read text books. They don't know what they're "supposed" to be, they just are. A standard might say one thing and the dog will be something totally different.
She simply wants a quiet, well-behaved dog. That's all she really gave me to go on. So I assume she wants a breed she can work with, not having trained any dog before.

She wants some sort of guideline to go on. She'd feel more comfortable knowing something about breeds in general. She never said she'd only choose a purebred (and in fact it wasn't her first choice). I don't see any harm in suggesting certain breeds to follow-up on.
 

Izzy's Valkyrie

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#6
I've met a handful of yorkies that have been super easy for their owners (All older owners too!) Shi's are ok but sometimes set of people who don't usually have a dog allergy (Like me!) I'd say not JRT's unless she's super active or willing to provide a lot of stimulation but that goes for most dogs, they need something to do. A greyhound (Italian) is a good breed that's calm in the house but will run itself silly outside.
 

PWCorgi

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#8
I'd say shelter mutt!

But if she is suck on getting a certain breed, all the Shih Tzu that come into work are adorable and snuggly and awesome. I have yet to see one that wouldn't make a good pet.
 

ravennr

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#9
I'll tell her to read up on Shih-Tzus. The only similar breed I've owned is a Havanese; we mostly had large dogs.

I have no doubt she'd be willing to adopt a shelter mutt (though I also have no doubt she'd appreciate the connection to a reputable breeder who can be there to answer questions, alternatively), I think she just would like to have a breed in mind, to get some knowledge, because she's so new to dogs. Though, through my own searches, most of the smaller dogs in our shelters and rescues seem to be purebreds, or at the very least just a mix of a couple of breeds. Probably another reason she'd like to know more about breeds.
 

PWCorgi

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#10
If she is worried about support she can look into breed rescue, most of them seem to be very good at helping new owners and being there for long term support.
 

ravennr

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#11
I'll point her in that direction. :)

I wish I could be more hands-on. This isn't a soon-to-be thing, just her trying to figure out what she's looking for and what she's suited to. It's harder when you only have the internet for communication, but I figured it's safe to ask and throw some ideas her way and steer her AWAY from these designer mixes.
She had posted a photo of an AKK pup and called it a Husky/Pom mix and said she wanted one. She understood completely after explanation though so she's not hard-headed, just new! :p
 

Maxy24

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#12
Does she want a more playful athletic small dog or a chill around the house, cuddle, maybe a short walk every day dort of dog? Shih Tzus are great for the average dog owner who doesn't want a particularly athletic dog, but if someone is planning on a more go out and do stuff dog Shih-Tzus are not the best, particularly in the summer. But chances are, if she's like most average dog owners, lazier is better and Shih Tzus are great. They are not particularly barky either, which is nice since many small breeds are vocal. They do need regular, professional grooming though. Pugs might be good too, but I don't know a ton about them.
 

Kat09Tails

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#14
I'd suggest a senior dog rescue. You know what you're getting into, are less likely to be overwhelmed, and the odds of getting a quiet housepet would be pretty good no matter what the breed.
 

Lilavati

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#16
Rescues. Both breed and non breed. Honestly, a lot of rescues, if you told them you want a small, quiet, easy to manage dog will probably be able to find you a good match. Having a breed in mind might help, but its probably better to aim for temperament regardless of of breed; they don't always turn out the way they are supposed to!
 

Aleron

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#20
Does she want a puppy? Highly unlikely to find a toy breed puppy in rescue or a shelter. Besides, "Rescue/shelter dog" isn't a breed or something you can really tell her much about :)

TBH the toy "designer dogs" are often just as nice and cute as the purebred toys. A lot of the companion oriented toy breeds are suitable for a first time owner. What is her level of interest in grooming or having the dog groomed? Does she have look preferences?
 

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