I live in a 4 story townhouse, and really want a dog. I also have 3 cats, so preferably one who isn’t territorial, is under 15 lbs (because i travel), and isnt yappy or nippy.
I had a few dogs in mind, but other suggestions are welcome.
- Maltese
- Bichon Frise
- Toy Poodle
- Yorkshire terrier
- mini dachshund
- shih tzu
- papillion
- pomeranian
- lhasa apso
- coton de tulear
thanks in advance 
If you aren’t set on a specific breed, why not go to your local shelter and check out the smaller dogs they have to offer?!
If you aren’t set on a specific breed, why not go to your local shelter and check out the smaller dogs they have to offer?!
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hands down papillon. i have one and they are amazing!! i love her so much! she is the perfect little dog!!!
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shih tzu are really great dogs……. also i think if you get a good pomeranian dog the that would be great
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Well i would have to say a miniature schnauzer.
And plus they are really wonderful dogs!
My friend has one and she is not yappy or nippy at all and she loves to travel!!
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Dog Lover, Dog Owner of a black lab mix and a pure bred akita!
I wouldn't recommend a Dachshund at all. They're absolutely wonderful dogs if you're the right kind of person, but they're definitely not for everyone. Here's a bit of info I wrote a few weeks ago for someone asking about Dachshunds. I hope you don't mind if I just copy+paste it.
-They were bred to bark and will bark at literally everything. They will bark at noises, people they don't like, they will bark during playtime, they will bark when they are excited… unless taught not to, which is possible, but difficult. And they sound like a dog at least 5 times their size when they bark. However, because of their early warning and loud bark, they do make great watchdogs.
-Many are difficult, if not impossible to housetrain. It doesn't matter how successful you've been in housebreaking a dog before, or what kind of techniques you plan to use, a good percentage of Doxies will simply refuse to be 100% housetrained for years. Most owners can make it to at least 95-99%, but even that will usually take several months. A lot of people can't deal with this, and a lot of Doxies end up in shelters or rescues for this reason alone.
-Despite their size, they do need some good exercise. They are tough, strong little dogs who have a lot of stamina and energy. A lot of people think that because of their size, a few minutes of fetch in the living room is enough. It isn't. Not by a long shot.
-They need a lot of attention and affection, so you'll really need to have time for your Doxie. It's not the kind of dog that will do well if left alone all day.
-This is hugely important – if you only read one thing I wrote, read this. The Dachshund breed is plagued with spinal problems. Because of this, they absolutely can't be allowed to jump on or off furniture, or use stairs, an they MUST be kept at a good weight to avoid putting strain on their fragile backs. They also need to be picked up and held a certain way. And even with all the precautions in the world, some Dachshunds STILL have back injuries. I once read that as many as 1 in 4 will have some kind of back injury in their lifetime, and these injuries usually happen between the ages of 3-7. Sometimes, this is a minor injury and is easily healed, but many Dachshunds end up with their rear legs permanently paralyzed due to back issues. It is extremely important that you read everything you can find about keeping a Doxie's back healthy before you bring one home.
So what's good about Dachsunds? Obviously, they aren't all bad if I went out and got another one less than a year after bringing my first one home. In fact, over 50% of people will eventually add at least one other Dachshund to their family (I know someone who has 13!).
-They are extremely affectionate and cuddly. They love to drown you in kisses and spend hours on your lap.
-They are very playful and energetic, but not in excess. They're a good balance of calm and hyper.
-They are a big dog in a small body. Dachshunds are adventurous and bold, strong, and very inquisitive. They will go along with you in whatever you want to do with them indoors or out.
-They LOVE the outdoors. My girls absolutely love walking in the woods or at the beach, and they really enjoy camping with me. They are small, but they were never meant to be lap dogs. They were bred to hunt badgers, and they still have that hunter's spirit.
-They are extremely intelligent and clever.
-They want to get involved in everything you're doing. Some people don't like this kind of thing in a dog, but it was one of the traits that first attracted me to this breed.
-They live a long time. Dachshunds often make it into their mid-teens.
-They come in every size, color, and coat type you could ever want. An adult Dachshund can be anywhere from 6-30 pounds, they come in smooth, longhair, and wirehair, and literally a dozen or more colors, and several patterns as well.
If I were you, I would probably choose a Papillon. I researched many breeds before I decided on Dachshunds, and the Papillon was one of the few breeds besides Dachshunds that I was really seriously considering. I still may get one someday. By all accounts, they are great little dogs, and you'd probably be very happy with one. All the same, you've got to put in the time and effort to research each breed you're considering. That's the only way you're going to know which of these breeds is best of you.
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NEVER buy a PUPPY younger then 8WEEK old!
They need to remain with the litter until that age to develope proper behavioural and socialiation skills
1. NEVER BUY A PUPPY just LOOKS, colour, looks, fur type alone-NO INDICATION OF DOGS TEMPERMENT!
2. Consider your lifestyle-
4. Are you out more then 8hours a day
5. Consider your energy requirements, Size, Grooming.
6. Don't just buy because someone says this is the dog for you, people particular on yahoo answer will give you there particular favourite breed& what suits them, not what actually suit you.
7. Read all you can-THERE are alot of false information on the web and in books about different dog breed.
8 DON'T TRUST THOSE DOG BREED SELECTORS-MOST OF THE RESULTS ARE INCORRECT. Ex i search large breed dogs, and the Pomeranian came up, which of cause is a toy dog breed!!
9. NEVER BUY FROM A PETSTORE, BACKYARD BREEDER, PUPPY MILL OR NEWSPAPER, DON'T BUY FROM NEXT DAY PETS OR DOG BREED INFO, RESCUE AN ADULT DOG OR SHELTER PUPPY!
Do you already have a dog or cat that needs a companion? An adult dog that is good with other animals is a better choice than an energetic, overly exuberant puppy.
Unfortuantly toy/small dog breed have huge tendancy to bark, being small, their bark is quite yappy and they also are inclinde to be high strung& a tendancy to be nippy, hence the reason their not recommend for young children.
But shelter dogs are temperment tested, so nipping shouldn't be a concern!
-Maltese
Temperament: The Maltese is gentle, trusting, and obedient. They are typically good natured and amiable and love to be held and cuddled. They will tolerate other pets, but are not suitable for inconsiderate or ill-behaved children. They most often will establish a close bond with one person. They do not do well when left alone for extended periods of time. They may be over-protective of their owner, family, and territory, and bark or bite if they perceive a threat. They are a fearless, vigorous, and agile breed. The Maltese commit themselves fully to their owner and families.
http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/breeds/1100167/
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/maltese.html
- Bichon Frise
Temperament: The Bichon Frise has an extremely appealing nature. They are highly social and are at their absolute best as full members of a family. They get along very well with other dogs and pets, and are excellent with children. They make good watchdogs and will bark to alert their family to visitors or danger. This breed is inquisitive and energetic, dignified and charming.
http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/breeds/1100037/
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/bichonfrise.html
Toy Poodle
Temperament: The Toy Poodle breed is affectionate, loyal, clever, and demanding. They do not do well if left alone for extended periods of time. If they become bored or lonely they will become destructive and bark incessantly. They are generally good with dogs and other household pets. The Toy Poodle does best with older considerate children. They are wary and suspicious of strangers, will alert their family to visitors or danger, and make good watchdogs. They are a happy and playful breed.
http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/breeds/1100211/
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/toypoodles.html
Yorkshire terrier
Temperament: The Yorkshire Terrier can be territorial and likes to have their space respected. They are tolerant of older children if treated with care. The Yorkshire Terrier can also be somewhat independent and assertive. They get along well with other pets
http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/breeds/1100281/
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/yorkshireterriers.html
- mini dachshund
Temperament: The Mini Dachshund is affectionate, devoted, and loving. Due to their small stature and tendency to be snappish when teased they do best in a home with older, considerate children. The Mini Dachshund breed is often aggressive or jealous of other pets. They are wary of strangers and will alert their family to visitors or out of the ordinary occurrences.
http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/breeds/1100089/
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/dachshunds.html
shih tzu
Temperament: The Shih Tzu is first and foremost a companion. They love nothing more than being indoors with their family. This breed gets along very well with older children and other pets. They are outgoing and self-assured, keen and alert. They make excellent watchdogs. They do not do well being separated from their owners and may become destructive if left alone for extended periods of time. They are docile and quiet, but they also love to play. The Shih Tzu is spunky and can be obstinate at times. They expect to be treated as royalty and are easily spoiled.
http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/breeds/1100248/
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/shihtzu.html
papillion
Barking. Papillons are often too quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You have to be equally quick to stop them.
http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/breeds/1100195/
- pomeranian
Temperament: The Pomeranian is confident, commanding, and outgoing. Due to the Pomeranians small stature they are not recommended for homes with small children as they may become temperamental. They make excellent guard dogs and will sound a bark when they sense danger.
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/pomeranians.html
- lhasa apso
Temperament: The Lhasa Apso displays a dual temperament. They are highly expressive of their love and devotion, but have a mind of their own and want everything their way. They are lively and spirited with spontaneous gaiety. The Lhasa is not recommended for families with small children, or in homes where there are rough or ill behaved children. They make excellent watchdogs because of their heightened sense of hearing. They prefer to be the only pet and thrive on attention. They do not like to be left alone for extended periods of time. For this reason they are not well suited for a two career family. They have a tendency to bite if angered or surprised.
http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/breeds/1100165/
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/lhasaapsos.html
coton de tulear
Temperament: The Coton de Tulear is alert and territorial. They form strong attachments to both Master and family. They will alert to danger by barking, but only when it is necessary. They are extremely intelligent and love all of the attention they can get. The Coton is very social and enjoys outings and experiences. They get along well with other pets and children.
http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/breeds/1100086/
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/cotondetulear.html
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I just got a papillion and hes great so far
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I had a Dachsund until he died of old age – and he barked so much! More than my labrador and beagle combined. Also he wouldn’t cope with 4 flights of stairs with their long back. Don’t get one.
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I work at a Doggie day care and all of the breeds you are looking/thinking about have good qualities and bad. All of the breeds do tend to be yappy and nippy and most small dogs are hard to house-train. You can train your little dog to do anything that a big dog can do. You just need to be kind, patience, constant, and benevolent. Another thing that needs to be done with all dogs regardless of size is socialize, with people and other dogs not just one or two people/dogs but hundreds of dogs/people, of all size, shapes and colors. I agree with the advice to look into your local shelter, and to do your homework. read about the breeds and talk to people about their dogs, maybe try going to a local dog park and talk to people about their breed. Try not to ask to much about the specific dog since all dogs are different but what they know about the breed. I don’t think getting a dog from a source other then a shelters or a reputable breeders is acceptable.
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