Towards the end of the year I will most likely be bringing home a new puppy as a gift from my grandparents. I've had such trouble picking out a breed I'm interested in, it's ridiculous. I thought that maybe if I described myself and what I need/prefer in a dog, that you could all help me come up with one or even two breeds that are compatible with my life.
About Me:
I'll be 20 soon. I'm in college, but despite going full time, I have very flexible hours. I would be able to come home around lunch time to be with the puppy until it did fine on its own. I'll be getting the puppy when I have almost 2 months off of class, so she'll have enough time to get some basic training done. I've worked at a vet's office for awhile, so I have a decent amount of background knowledge. I've also had pets, including dogs, throughout my life. My family has a rott/german shepherd mix right now, but she's at a different house. She plays too rough to be a good companion to my dog :/
I own a 6 year old, neutared, front declawed cat, who is very attached to me. I definitely need a dog that does well with cats.
I stay at my grandparents house but sometimes my siblings come over. However, the youngest is already 11, so she's not a danger to small animals.
I'm very active, but would like a dog that loves to snuggle up on the couch sometimes. I would like to take her through a few obedience courses, from puppy to advanced, so a dog that isn't too stubborn would be nice, although i do realize that that also depends on the individual's personality. Also, I'd like one that would like to go on little errands with me wherever dogs are allowed (don't you hate seeing dogs in grocery stores? D: ) Also, living in Southern California, there is an awesome dog beach nearby I'd consider taking her to. And various dog parks as well. I have a neighbor and a good friend with amazing yards that would love to have her over to be pals with their small dogs.
I prefer to not have a dog that yaps his little head off. Some breeds are more prone to being 'talkative' I guess.
A big issue I have is that it would have to be litter trained. We have a big back/front yard, but unfortunately it was rocked in a few years ago (and we have a pool). I don't like puppy pads. At all. So I would need a dog that's alright with a litter box. Training won't be a big deal. I expect accidents and that it will take awhile, especially with a box.
I'm definitely going to be getting a toy dog. I'd prefer the weight to be no more than 15 lbs. give or take a few. Also, I'm not too picky on the coat length, although I prefer them to be on the long-ish side. I DO have allergies to every animal on this planet however, and it can be to the point where it's difficult to breathe. BUT this hasn't stopped me from owning dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, etc., but it would be nice to not have layers of dog hair on every outfit I own. I'm fine with grooming, even a few times a day. It's relaxing and even my cat looks forward to it (and we all know how cats are...).
The breeds I'm considering:
-Papillon (my top pick right now)
-Yorkie
-Maltese
-Mini Dachshund (long hair)
-Pomeranian (very hairy, I know)
-Westie (iffy on this, heard they're not so good with cats?).
I'd love to hear of your experience with these breeds, or even just your opinions. Or even suggestions for a different breed? I'm open to 'designer' breeds as well, as long as they fit in with my life/needs.
About Me:
I'll be 20 soon. I'm in college, but despite going full time, I have very flexible hours. I would be able to come home around lunch time to be with the puppy until it did fine on its own. I'll be getting the puppy when I have almost 2 months off of class, so she'll have enough time to get some basic training done. I've worked at a vet's office for awhile, so I have a decent amount of background knowledge. I've also had pets, including dogs, throughout my life. My family has a rott/german shepherd mix right now, but she's at a different house. She plays too rough to be a good companion to my dog :/
I own a 6 year old, neutared, front declawed cat, who is very attached to me. I definitely need a dog that does well with cats.
I stay at my grandparents house but sometimes my siblings come over. However, the youngest is already 11, so she's not a danger to small animals.
I'm very active, but would like a dog that loves to snuggle up on the couch sometimes. I would like to take her through a few obedience courses, from puppy to advanced, so a dog that isn't too stubborn would be nice, although i do realize that that also depends on the individual's personality. Also, I'd like one that would like to go on little errands with me wherever dogs are allowed (don't you hate seeing dogs in grocery stores? D: ) Also, living in Southern California, there is an awesome dog beach nearby I'd consider taking her to. And various dog parks as well. I have a neighbor and a good friend with amazing yards that would love to have her over to be pals with their small dogs.
I prefer to not have a dog that yaps his little head off. Some breeds are more prone to being 'talkative' I guess.
A big issue I have is that it would have to be litter trained. We have a big back/front yard, but unfortunately it was rocked in a few years ago (and we have a pool). I don't like puppy pads. At all. So I would need a dog that's alright with a litter box. Training won't be a big deal. I expect accidents and that it will take awhile, especially with a box.
I'm definitely going to be getting a toy dog. I'd prefer the weight to be no more than 15 lbs. give or take a few. Also, I'm not too picky on the coat length, although I prefer them to be on the long-ish side. I DO have allergies to every animal on this planet however, and it can be to the point where it's difficult to breathe. BUT this hasn't stopped me from owning dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, etc., but it would be nice to not have layers of dog hair on every outfit I own. I'm fine with grooming, even a few times a day. It's relaxing and even my cat looks forward to it (and we all know how cats are...).
The breeds I'm considering:
-Papillon (my top pick right now)
-Yorkie
-Maltese
-Mini Dachshund (long hair)
-Pomeranian (very hairy, I know)
-Westie (iffy on this, heard they're not so good with cats?).
I'd love to hear of your experience with these breeds, or even just your opinions. Or even suggestions for a different breed? I'm open to 'designer' breeds as well, as long as they fit in with my life/needs.