Best Dog for Me?

[StormyMonday]

Hey guys my names Chris im 15 and I live in So Cal (really hot here right now).
My parents and I just bought a new house and I think it's time for me to get a puppy . I had a little dog owning experience. I want a small family dog (nothing Golden Retriever sized) that will be my companion for the rest of his/her's life, something that will lay on my lap while I watch TV. I don't mind a dog you have to walk or run with alot cause I enjoy that. I don't want something independent and tends to run away alot. Any suggestions?

Are Beagles or Pugs any good?

 

[LabBreeder]

Pugs won't be much for running or walking alot, IMO, cause of their breathing issues. Beagles may be more prone to running off cause they are hunters.

Check these out and see what you think. They are all smaller dogs and none are supposed to be agressive or shy.

http://www.akc.org/breeds/manchester_terrier/index.cfm
http://www.akc.org/breeds/border_terrier/index.cfm
http://www.akc.org/breeds/collie/index.cfm
http://www.akc.org/breeds/italian_greyhound/index.cfm
http://www.akc.org/breeds/pembroke_welsh_corgi/index.cfm

 

[Melissa_W]

What about a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? They love to sit in your lap, but are still active. My friend has one, and she is an absolute doll.

You can try out this test to get some more ideas.
http://www.k9country.com/perl/dogBreed.pl

 

[StormyMonday]

thanks for the suggestions! I'm kinda liking the Border Terrier

 

[tempura tantrum]

I know a bit about Eskies as my grandparents own one.

They're pretty bright little things- once very popular as performers in circuses. My grandparents Eskie is very people-oriented. She's quite happy to climb up onto your lap and watch TV with you, although I would definitely do a bit more research on the breed as a whole before you take this sort of behavior as gospel (once again, my experience is pretty limited). The one thing I do know for sure about these guys is that they are prone to being on the "vocal" side. (This is a nice way of saying that should you choose to forgo any sort of training to prevent obnoxious barking, you will own a dog that never shuts up ). The key is to make sure you don't let any bad habits develop, and you won't have a problem. Just because they have the potential, does not mean that every member of the breed is *destined* to be a loud-mouth.

As far as the other breeds you mentioned- as LabBreeder said, a Pug will make a poor choice for a running buddy. Besides being a toy breed, they are brachycephalic (the "pushed in" appearance of the nose), which makes their breathing a bit more labored in hot weather and/or during exercise than another breed of dog. Still, they're sturdy little guys, and quite affectionate.

Seconding LabBreeder once more, Beagles are a highly independent breed. As scenthounds, they have a tendency to get quite carried away when they smell something interesting. (And this happens a lot! ). This certainly wouldn't be my choice for an off-lead dog.

Good luck with your search- and keep us updated!

 

[StormyMonday]

We're not moving into the house til December so I got plently of time to decide ^^. I edited my post about the Eskie b/c I live and California and I dont think a long hairy dog like a Eskie will be able to survive the heat lol. It's like 105 degrees here >.<

Oh yeah the dog doesnt HAVE to walk or run with me since I do tend to be lazy

I heard that Beagles are full of energy is that true?

 

[stevinski]

thanks for the suggestions! I'm kinda liking the Border Terrier

i'm 14 and i have a 5 month border terrier now,
i love him to bits!!!!
he follows me round the house, hes like my shadow, wherever i go
They learn fast, and are good at obediance, but they do require daily training, even if its only for like 5 minutes.
harley loves to cuddle up at night and watch tv, but he still loves running around the yard, and playing.
I'm hoping to enter harley in agility soon, and dew to there long legs they are generally very good at agility.

They are generally good with heat as along as they have water

 

[PWCorgi]

I think that LB gave some pretty good breed suggestions, and the border terrier sounds like a good breed for you.

I would be cautious about a Pem. Welsh Corgi, don't be fooled by their little bodies. They thrive on exercise and if you don't keep them occupied they will find their own way to amuse themselves. For example, I had to go away for a day and the puppies were left with my sister who decided that it wasn't important to keep them occupied and I came home to a kitchen missing 3 tiles off the floor ) My guys would choose going for a walk or a training session over cuddling almost any day. They can also be stubborn, very vocal and they shed like there is no tomorrow. They are a great breed, but they are not for everyone.

 

[cowgurl6254]

Lol, I would definitely avoid a beagle!! I've known several and they are famous for running off when they smell something interesting. Cute dogs though...

 

[StormyMonday]

thanks guys, right now what I want is between a Border Terrier and a Pug depending what whatever is easier to find in Los Angeles

 

[StormyMonday]

kinda worried about the Border Terrier b/c my house is fenced with High Vertical Bars

 

[LabBreeder]

I'd be more worried about the Pug in the heat. It looks like you've got a few feet of brick before you get to the bars. Bedlingtons aren't to tall but you'd want to keep an eye on ANY dog you get that is small enough to fit through the bars.

 

[stevinski]

how wide is the gap?

and how high are the bricks, we dont have a fenced in yard, but we watch harley wen hes in the garden, and fank god he has a strong recall!

i spose u cud just make it fat lol, jkes!

 

[StormyMonday]

Steve would a loved Border Terrier, if it happens to run away will it come back home?

 

[bubbatd]

15 now... off to college ???? Think ahead .

 

[colliewog]

Pugs won't be much for running or walking alot, IMO, cause of their breathing issues. Beagles may be more prone to running off cause they are hunters.

Check these out and see what you think. They are all smaller dogs and none are supposed to be agressive or shy.

http://www.akc.org/breeds/manchester_terrier/index.cfm
http://www.akc.org/breeds/border_terrier/index.cfm
http://www.akc.org/breeds/collie/index.cfm
http://www.akc.org/breeds/italian_greyhound/index.cfm
http://www.akc.org/breeds/pembroke_welsh_corgi/index.cfm

I'd say the Collie doesn't fit this list. A small one is at least 50 lbs.

 

[Citrus007]

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel seems to be a good fit. I know someone already mentioned them. I personally love the tri-colors. A well bred one is beautiful. A papillon is good too.

 

[LabBreeder]

I thought about the Cav but could have sworn he said something that made me not pick it? I don't remember what though.

colliewog - Didn't he say nothing over 70 (75) lbs? EDIT TO ADD: Oops, maybe he didn't. Must have been another "dog hunter". Either way, 50 lbs isn't so bad.

 

[StormyMonday]

15 now... off to college ???? Think ahead .

Well I got 3 more years til college and I'm planning to move in an apartment, and also the college I desire is 15 minutes from where I live. Also I'm not the only one that wants the dog, my Dad does to so a 1 master dog wouldn't fit the list

 

[StormyMonday]

thanks alot guys now I like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. You guys make things harder for me Do they always have fairly long fur when they grow up? Or does it sometimes stay short like when theyre pups?