Small dog owners

[yoko]

I've been looking at smaller breed dogs lately. Not really planning on getting one soon. I'm a one dog person so hope it is pretty far off.

I am really interested in a smaller breed. I don't go on vacations unless my dog goes and yoshi is so big I can't get anyone to ok her going on any because of her size.

But I have a few concerns.

1. How long can they be active? Because of a knee injury I'm not super fast but I can hike around all day. I don't really know anyone with small dogs so haven't ever spent a ton of time around them and haven't seen many who take their small dog on outings like I do.

2. I know a lot of smaller ones are breed for companionship. But what does that mean? Would they be cool being with me all day. I know lady kind of liked her own space but yoshi loves just being there and with how much time I spend with my dog I would kind of prefer one more like yoshi in that instance.

3. How do they do alone? I'm with my dog after work and all days on weekends and vacations. But I have to have a job. A lot of the sites I'm reading are saying the companion dogs do best with someone who is home all day to be with them but that's just not something I can do.

I have more questions but I'm on my phone and can't type any more right now will add them later.

 

[Cali Mae]

1. How long can they be active? Because of a knee injury I'm not super fast but I can hike around all day. I don't really know anyone with small dogs so haven't ever spent a ton of time around them and haven't seen many who take their small dog on outings like I do.

Cali could go all day probably, she absolutely loves hiking.. we've hiked through snow almost up to her chest and she still kept up. She can play fetch for hours too, she might stop for a second but as soon as she hears "3..2..1....", she's off!
2. I know a lot of smaller ones are breed for companionship. But what does that mean? Would they be cool being with me all day. I know lady kind of liked her own space but yoshi loves just being there and with how much time I spend with my dog I would kind of prefer one more like yoshi in that instance.

Cali absolutely loves everyone, and she definitely isn't one to stick to one room when everyone else is in another.. so she's always near me. She enjoys peeking around the corner of the door while I'm in the bathroom until I let her in. Usually during the day she wants to play, but at night, she's up for cuddles.

3. How do they do alone? I'm with my dog after work and all days on weekends and vacations. But I have to have a job. A lot of the sites I'm reading are saying the companion dogs do best with someone who is home all day to be with them but that's just not something I can do.


She spends about eight hours alone in her crate and she does fine, except she can never hold back her excitement when we finally get home. She's never had an accidents in her crate either, not even as a puppy.. when she was only about three pounds at most. As long as she gets attention before and after, she's good to go.

 

[milos_mommy]

My dog isn't like the kind of tiny dog you can pop in a carrier and stick anywhere and no one will care, but he is a small dog:

1. How long can they be active? Because of a knee injury I'm not super fast but I can hike around all day. I don't really know anyone with small dogs so haven't ever spent a ton of time around them and haven't seen many who take their small dog on outings like I do.
pretty much as long as the average big dog can. I guess he gets tired if we're like hiking tough terrain for miles and miles, but otherwise he's good to go

2. I know a lot of smaller ones are breed for companionship. But what does that mean? Would they be cool being with me all day. I know lady kind of liked her own space but yoshi loves just being there and with how much time I spend with my dog I would kind of prefer one more like yoshi in that instance. all breeds are different. Milo LOVES to be with his people, and would choose to be near (touching) me as much as possible. He will chill on the other couch or on his own bed, though...he very rarely chooses to go into another room alone. He doesn't freak out if he gets shut in the bedroom or something, though

3. How do they do alone? I'm with my dog after work and all days on weekends and vacations. But I have to have a job. A lot of the sites I'm reading are saying the companion dogs do best with someone who is home all day to be with them but that's just not something I can do. fine. He obviously needs kind of a lot of exercise and attention when we are home, but as long as he gets that he's fine sleeping or entertaining himself while we're at work all day.

 

[MericoX]

My five dogs range between 8-32 lbs. Though the littlest has the heart to go go go all day, she doesn't have the legs for it.

1. How long can they be active? Because of a knee injury I'm not super fast but I can hike around all day. I don't really know anyone with small dogs so haven't ever spent a ton of time around them and haven't seen many who take their small dog on outings like I do.

All of mine, besides the littlest, can go go go all day if needed. The farthest of gone in one day is about 6 miles, and they've come home to play some more for an hour or two before crashing.

2. I know a lot of smaller ones are breed for companionship. But what does that mean? Would they be cool being with me all day. I know lady kind of liked her own space but yoshi loves just being there and with how much time I spend with my dog I would kind of prefer one more like yoshi in that instance.

Mine have no problem spending the day with me. They like being with their people, though the poodles are known to go off and get into mischief.

3. How do they do alone? I'm with my dog after work and all days on weekends and vacations. But I have to have a job. A lot of the sites I'm reading are saying the companion dogs do best with someone who is home all day to be with them but that's just not something I can do.

Mine were fine being home all day while I worked and only seeing me in the evenings/days off. Some (though it could be said for dogs of any size) could be more prone to SA with you gone, but that could mostly be dealt with through training.

 

[JustaLilBitaLuck]

Jack is about 25lbs, so I'd consider him small/medium. Anyways...

1. He definitely has the stamina and the energy to keep up on long walks and hikes, but he is also totally fine with sleeping on the couch all day. Its a nice blend.

2. He definitely prefers when people are home, but you don't have to be actively doing anything with him - he's content to lay by my feet while I do homework, lay on his bed chewing a bone while I watch TV, whatever.

3. He's by himself anywheres from 2 hours to 8 hours a day, four days a week, and he does just fine. I leave him in my room with some chewies, a Kong, and he's good.

 

[JacksonsMom]

1. How long can they be active? Because of a knee injury I'm not super fast but I can hike around all day. I don't really know anyone with small dogs so haven't ever spent a ton of time around them and haven't seen many who take their small dog on outings like I do.

Most little dogs I know can go all day long. I know Jackson can. My friends 6lb Yorkie can go just as long, we often take them on 5+ mile walks together.

Not just exercise-wise though, Jackson is the perfect little partner for doing ANYTHING, whether it's running errands, in stores (pet stores, Home Depot's, etc), or just running around all day long doing whatever.

He's okay if we have to stay inside all day for about a day or two, but any longer than that and he gets very needy and definitely needs some sort of stimulation (training or exercise).

2. I know a lot of smaller ones are breed for companionship. But what does that mean? Would they be cool being with me all day. I know lady kind of liked her own space but yoshi loves just being there and with how much time I spend with my dog I would kind of prefer one more like yoshi in that instance.

If Jackson had a choice, he would choose to spend every waking moment with me. lol. Not say he's up my butt, because he's not at all. He's not really a touchy-feely kind of dog but he's just happy if I'm around or in eye view. Whatever I am doing, he wants to be a part of it somehow.

3. How do they do alone? I'm with my dog after work and all days on weekends and vacations. But I have to have a job. A lot of the sites I'm reading are saying the companion dogs do best with someone who is home all day to be with them but that's just not something I can do.

I just don't think that's realistic. I do think that, yeah, if dogs could choose then they would want you home all day. But they are capable of adapting to each individuals lifestyles, etc. I know plenty of people with full-time jobs and small dogs, and I think as long as they can somehow get out once during the day, it's totally doable.

 

[Maxy24]

You have to keep in mind not all small breeds are the same. The major split you'll see if terrier versus companion breeds but you also have scent hounds, sight hounds, spaniels, etc.


As far as Tucker (Chihuahua mix) goes...

He is active, would love to be out all day, but does need breaks from hard physical activity. Like when we go to the park he runs hard for a little while but then needs to rest for a few minutes, then he can go again. But some of that may have more to do with habit, he doesn't get much exercise, so is not physically fit really.

Tucker wants to be with me all day long. He doesn't like to be touching while he's asleep but otherwise he's all over me and he never turns down a pet. If he is dead asleep and I leave the room he gets up to follow me. Sex might play a part in that too, male dogs can tend to be more clingy than females though not always of course). My aunt and uncle's Shih-Tzu Phoebe is the type who gets fed up with attention and will start giving you dirty looks then leave your lap if you keep petting her. Tucker will never leave you while you are petting (unless he hears something outside that needs barking at )


Tucker has some amount of separation anxiety. It's not horrible, but he barks and will destroy things sometimes. destruction usually only occurs if he is left "off schedule". Like if my mom comes home from work but then has to run out to the store. He's fine when she's at work for 7-8 hours but will have a fit when she runs to the store and rip something up.

But Tucker isn't exactly stable, so might not be the best example.

 

[Doberluv]

My Chihuahuas have always been my hiking buddies and kept right up with my Doberman and Lab when I use to hike every day....some longer hikes than others. I'd say from 1 or 2 miles to 4 or 5.

They prefer it, of course if someone is home, but since I have multiple dogs, they do fine when I'm gone. But I'm never gone for 8 hours. At the most, probably about 4 to 6 hours occasionally. They're very happy to spend time at my daughter's, as they adore her. They're not one man dogs...get a real charge out of visitors...a bit atypical of what they say about Chihuahuas. They'd just as soon sit on a visitor's lap than mine. They just love the novelty of people they don't see all the time. But I can can imagine how a lot of dogs bred for companionship might have trouble being alone too much.

Both mine are very companionable. Jose` tends to be more of a mama's boy...kind of true to form for what I've found with my male dogs...just a little more in your face affectionate.

 

[JessLough]

my grandmother has a couple little dogs as "farm dogs"... one inparticular is awesome She's like a little Rosey. Could go all day.

 

[yoko]

Thanks for all the replies!

I know each dog is different but like I said I don't have any friends with small dogs I can get personal experience talk from.

Another thing that might be something more for people with larger dogs. How hard is it to keep them in a safe temp. I know maybe getting a sweater or something for winter but our summers are pretty rough. I already had to admit I don't think I could have a dog like a pug because I think they would be miserable outside here. Ate the smaller dogs harder/easier to overheat?

 

[JessLough]

Like I said, my grandmother's little dogs are farm dogs, and they don't have sweaters or anything for the winter months (one is a short haired mix, one is a shih tzu mix). They go from.. -40 plus winds in the winter to +40 plus heat in the summer just fine.

 

[Maxy24]

Tucker is not a huge fan of the heat, but he's never like struggling to keep cool, he just prefers to be inside. He has no problem with the cold whatsoever. We bought him sweaters and stuff but he doesn't need them, I've never seen him shiver. But he has a medium length coat, more spaniel like.

 

[Catsi]

Abby - avatar girl - is a lively dog. No other way to describe her. She will take anything I dish out to her, activity wise. Always ready to go. On the other hand she is not an over-the-top kind of dog either and is happy enough to hang on the couch as well, but we always do some kind of training which involves physical and mental activity. ie - shaping, obedience, tricks, jumping, agility, fetch, tugging, running games etc.

She is a reactive dog with an anxious personality and I do notice that her reactivity levels are much greater when her physical/mental needs are not met, so obviously I aim to meet them.

Which brings me to your question about being home all day - I'm lucky in that I live in a household where someone is home nearly all the time. It's just the way the schedules are. But in the past, Abby and Grace have been left alone for longer stretches of time and they have done fine. As long as they have the physical/mental stimulation outside of work hours. I know that mine do nothing but sleep and maybe wander around the back patio to find a nice patch of sun when I'm not there. I do spend a lot of time with them before/after work and I think that for most dogs that's all that matters.

Companionship? Abby is a funny dog. She will follow whomever is going for a nap or settling down on the couch. If no one is participating in her favourite activities, she may follow me around for a bit in case we are doing something exciting, but after a while she'll just go for a nap herself. So yes, she's often around me and always up for being a lapdog, but she is not my shadow, if that description makes sense. Grace (SBT so not little) is more my shadow... she'll literally help me with weeding if that's what we are doing, whereas Abby will just walk away and nap lol.

Edit - It gets pretty humid/hot in sub-tropical Queensland in summer, so we don't usually exercise in the middle of the day - we may do some training in door, but not enough to work up much of a sweat lol. We usually do the more active stuff early and late - perfect really for work schedules.

I have a light coat for Abby to go out in winter, but our winters are really non-events.

 

[Renee750il]

My friend Dina's Rat Terriers are great companions. They're energetic, but Dina's health has been bad for quite awhile and they amuse themselves well and there's always playing tug and throwing balls for them. She also has a Hairless Terrier and I am SO impressed with him! The Ratties do fine in the winter. Coats are appreciated, but they're pretty tough little dogs and summer heat doesn't seem to faze them in the least. The Hairless definitely needs cover in the winter and skin protection in the summer sun though.

 

[*blackrose]

Cooper is 6 pounds (Yorkie) and Gracie is 10 pounds (Dachshund), so they're both small dogs. Lol

Cooper could go all day long if we'd let him. I wouldn't think twice about whether or not he could keep up on hikes or during walks. He is just as athletic and tenacious as a bigger dog. He goes bat shot crazy when he's kept inside all day long with no outlet.
Gracie can't do more than a casual stroll and I wouldn't feel comfortable taking her hiking. She just can't physically do as much because of her build. Now, don't get me wrong, she runs through the woods and bounces around with the best of them when she plays, but she just isn't made for hiking or long walks.

Both do just fine when left alone. Cooper had some seperation anxiety at first, but its cleared up now. They do have each other for company, though. And they both definitely crave affection. They'd sit in your lap all day if you'd let them. That annoys us, so they typically content themselves with sleeping under our feet or in a blanket in the same room we're in. They sleep in a crate at night and are crated when we're gone and are just fine. They aren't any more needy or clingy than the big dogs I've had, but they can actually fit in your lap when they want to cuddle. Lol

They both do just fine in all temperatures. Gracie has no fur on her belly or chest and the rest of her coat is very thin, so she does have a sweater for chilly weather and I'm going to make her a coat for when the snow starts flying. But Cooper's just fine.

Both are people friendly, but definitely prefer "their people" over strange people. They are dog social as well, and do okay around kids. Good about being handled, too. Not noise sensitive and love to go places. Cooper is a brat about his nails being done, but that is really the only time he's ever mean. They're mot good with small animals, but I think that has more to do with the fact that they weren't raised with any than an inherint issue.

 

[JacksonsMom]

Thanks for all the replies!

I know each dog is different but like I said I don't have any friends with small dogs I can get personal experience talk from.

Another thing that might be something more for people with larger dogs. How hard is it to keep them in a safe temp. I know maybe getting a sweater or something for winter but our summers are pretty rough. I already had to admit I don't think I could have a dog like a pug because I think they would be miserable outside here. Ate the smaller dogs harder/easier to overheat?

I will say, Jackson HATES the heat. But that varies dog to dog of course. He's just always hated summer unless there's water involved!

I do put a coat on him in the winter, it's almost more for me really. Most of the time, I don't think he cares, but he really loves the snow and cold, so in order for him to stick out longer, I like him to be 'protected' from the weather.

 

[thehoundgirl]

Dixie is pretty much medium, but I still can answer these as I have worked with a lot of small dogs.

1. How long can they be active? Because of a knee injury I'm not super fast but I can hike around all day. I don't really know anyone with small dogs so haven't ever spent a ton of time around them and haven't seen many who take their small dog on outings like I do.

They can keep up pretty well, I think. I don't think you would have to worry about a smaller dog being top speed, it all depends on their energy level and breed. Dixie is a terrier, so she is pretty fast but knows when to chill out.

She has amazing leash manners. The smaller ones I have worked with were slower, but that's because the leash scared them.

2. I know a lot of smaller ones are breed for companionship. But what does that mean? Would they be cool being with me all day. I know lady kind of liked her own space but yoshi loves just being there and with how much time I spend with my dog I would kind of prefer one more like yoshi in that instance.

Well, most small dogs people think should be lap dogs. Dixie loves sitting on your lap, but is definately not made to be a lap dog with how big she is lol. She loves being with you, at all times. I do think it just depends on the dog. Most small dogs I find they aren't totally independent. The dachshunds I have worked with are more so and chihuahuas. Dixie definately isn't independent. She has to be touching you at all times. She's a standard Schnauzer mix if you're wondering.

3. How do they do alone? I'm with my dog after work and all days on weekends and vacations. But I have to have a job. A lot of the sites I'm reading are saying the companion dogs do best with someone who is home all day to be with them but that's just not something I can do.

Well, Dixie has seperation issues from being abandoned as a pup. She doesn't destroy stuff when we are gone as she's crated. But she really likes being with you, but doesn't totally freak out when you leave. She just chews you out when you get back.

That's definately not true that someone has to be home all day. It depends on the dog's personality not exactly because they are small. I don't have a job and am home most of the time but my dogs aren't so needy they need someone home all day. We are usually gone 2-3 hours top if we have to go somewhere and they are fine. I would say not to get a dog if you are adopting not sure if you want a pup or adult but do not adopt a dog that has severe seperation issues. Dogs who have seperation issues do need someone home most of the time.

 

[Laurelin]

But I have a few concerns.

1. How long can they be active? Because of a knee injury I'm not super fast but I can hike around all day. I don't really know anyone with small dogs so haven't ever spent a ton of time around them and haven't seen many who take their small dog on outings like I do.

Our normal daily walk is 2 miles. Our weekend walks are usually 5 miles give or take. The park next to my house has 5 miles of trails and we do most of them plus run around. Summer is 8 1/2 and starts dragging on hot days after around 3 miles. Mia is still trotting along well ahead of me after 5. She sprints around a little less but she's good. On a nice day, given enough water breaks, they're good to go. We've easily done 6+ hours of park before and they're fine.

2. I know a lot of smaller ones are breed for companionship. But what does that mean? Would they be cool being with me all day. I know lady kind of liked her own space but yoshi loves just being there and with how much time I spend with my dog I would kind of prefer one more like yoshi in that instance.

My dogs are companions in the sense that they are with me 24/7 if they got their way. I don't go anywhere in the house without them following. They are RIGHT with me at all times. They're also very in tune with me, very interactive. I don't know about other breeds but papillons have no sense of 'their own space'. That said, they're not always on top of you, but on the same couch, in the same room, etc. Mine are pretty clingy. My dogs are definitely MY DOGS and it's very apparent. If I'm around, they will go be friendly with other people but they keep their eye on me always. If I get up to move, they'll leave and come with.

It is VERY unusual for me to be out of eyesight of my dogs. If that happens and I can't see one, I worry. Usually means Mia's being bad.

3. How do they do alone? I'm with my dog after work and all days on weekends and vacations. But I have to have a job. A lot of the sites I'm reading are saying the companion dogs do best with someone who is home all day to be with them but that's just not something I can do.

Depends on the dog. Summer is not good alone but Bernard is. I'm sure Rose would be very happy as an only dog. I work full time. My two are happy with each other while I'm gone.

Thanks for all the replies!

I know each dog is different but like I said I don't have any friends with small dogs I can get personal experience talk from.

Another thing that might be something more for people with larger dogs. How hard is it to keep them in a safe temp. I know maybe getting a sweater or something for winter but our summers are pretty rough. I already had to admit I don't think I could have a dog like a pug because I think they would be miserable outside here. Ate the smaller dogs harder/easier to overheat?

I live in OK and my papillons do fine. Above 90 and we shorten walks quite a bit. Summer seems to have more trouble with the heat than Mia. I don't think the heat would be much different with a bigger dog though.

 

[yoko]

Thanks everyone I'm not quoting everyone but I read everyone's replies. I've been kind of nervous about my next dog being a small dog but Chaz has really helped me come around in that respect.

My friend Dina's Rat Terriers are great companions. They're energetic, but Dina's health has been bad for quite awhile and they amuse themselves well and there's always playing tug and throwing balls for them. She also has a Hairless Terrier and I am SO impressed with him! The Ratties do fine in the winter. Coats are appreciated, but they're pretty tough little dogs and summer heat doesn't seem to faze them in the least. The Hairless definitely needs cover in the winter and skin protection in the summer sun though.

From what I have read about them I think they would be a breed that would be good for me. But I have a pretty irrational fear of them. There was one that hung out by my church when I was little that was pretty aggressive and attacked me when I went out to my parents car. I'd like to meet a few in a controlled meeting I just don't know anyone with one that I could set that up with.

It is VERY unusual for me to be out of eyesight of my dogs. If that happens and I can't see one, I worry. Usually means Mia's being bad.

Depends on the dog. Summer is not good alone but Bernard is. I'm sure Rose would be very happy as an only dog. I work full time. My two are happy with each other while I'm gone.

I live in OK and my papillons do fine. Above 90 and we shorten walks quite a bit. Summer seems to have more trouble with the heat than Mia. I don't think the heat would be much different with a bigger dog though.

LOL It sounds like Yoshi. If I can't see her or hear her she's doing something.

I was going to ask you about how yours handled the heat. It's not that we're really doing too much during the 100+ days but I do like to go camping so it's not like it would be strenuous activity but they'd definitely be in the heat.

@JacksonsMom
I really like seeing all the stuff you do with him. You along with some of the other posters in this thread are really the ones that have kind of opened me up to a smaller dog.

 

[HayleyMarie]

1. How long can they be active? Because of a knee injury I'm not super fast but I can hike around all day. I don't really know anyone with small dogs so haven't ever spent a ton of time around them and haven't seen many who take their small dog on outings like I do.

Teagan is very active, although she has an awesome off switch. In the summer we are really active with hiking and boating and being at the beach and Teagan is just go-go-GO!!!

2. I know a lot of smaller ones are breed for companionship. But what does that mean? Would they be cool being with me all day. I know lady kind of liked her own space but yoshi loves just being there and with how much time I spend with my dog I would kind of prefer one more like yoshi in that instance.

Teagan is independent, but she likes spending all day with me. Its not like she gets sick of me. Its more like if I don't want to play with her she will find a toy and go play by herself. She does like to know where I am at all times in the house

3. How do they do alone? I'm with my dog after work and all days on weekends and vacations. But I have to have a job. A lot of the sites I'm reading are saying the companion dogs do best with someone who is home all day to be with them but that's just not something I can do.

Teagan is great home alone, she pretty much just sleeps or plays with her toys.


4. Are the smaller dogs harder/easier to overheat?

Oh heck no, Teagans great in cold and warm weather. We've never had any issues with weather.