I'm looking for a small breed, that isn't too hyper ( like a jack russel). I also don't want a yappy dog that barks a lot. I'm looking for something that is smart and independent and doesn't shed hair everywhere. Any ideas? Does anybody have any small breed dog that they can recommend?

I just dogsat my inlaws dog for 2 weeks and he didn't even bark once, he was the sweetest little thing and I want him back (

He is a maltese-shitzu and he does have long hair, but I didn't notice it really except on my black tank top and that is only because the whole time he was at our place we didn't brush him

maybe he is an exceptional dog, who knows he doesn't need much exercise
[Edited 4/13/07 8:03am]

All I know is my 12 year old min. Schnauzer is still a spaz. I love him and all but NO more Schnauzers for me.

Look for a small dog that is not high maintenance besides the annual dog licence, shots, food, etc.

I have a Scottish Terrier and he is wonderful....



Get a Scottie....

Shanti1 said:

How are mini Schauzers normally? Are they usually pretty mellow. I thought of getting one. What are the positive side of having one. and what is the negative.

A poodle! no jokes!

Spookymuffin said:

but stay away from the puppies....

Go to the humane society and pic up a small mixed breed dog.

I'm thinking of doing the same.

cubic61052 said:

Do they shed? how often do you have to cut there hair?

cubic61052 said:

they're ALL mine.

Get an Italian Greyhound! they're sooo lovable and adorable. Here's mine.

jaimestarr79 said:

He sheds a little bit, but not as much as my black labrador did....

I gets his hair cut about 3 times a year.....he gets washed and brushed once a month.....I could easily do it myself, however I work a lot and do not have the time.....

1sexymf said:

What an irrestible little face!

I have heard they are awesome dogs.....

jaimestarr79 said:

well the best thing to do is research the breed, find out the health issues they are prone to have. I have mine because he was too unruly as a pup for my mom...the gift that keeps on giving is what I tell her...
All pure breeds have their issues.

Good thing about mine..lets see...

-He is small but not too small (18 pounds)
-He sheds very little if any - only when he is nervous at vet..
-He does not smell usually
-He is very protective and loyal to me
-He does not eat much
-He has big brown eyes that melt me... ok I am struggling here to come up with positives..
-He still acts like a pup and has lots of energy- which can be a bad thing at times

Bad things:
-He needs to go to groomer every 6 weeks
-His breed is prone to bladder stones (he had them at age 4 which they gave him a reroute surgery for his urethra- so now he has a mangina.hehe..don't ask!)
-He is also prone to fatty cysts as he gets older- the breed does not break down fat well
-He has been a ball of nerves since a pup and is terrible in the car

jaimestarr79 said:

Do not get a West highland white (westie) terrier then they are great dogs, very loyal and loving but so full of energy.

luv4u said:

and insurance.

So Westies and Scotties have different behaviors? don't they look pretty similar and aren't they about the same size?

Do Westies Bark alot? When you say westies are hyper, how hyper. Do they constantly pace in the house?

cubic61052 said:

aw aw I this dog

Has anybody had any experience with getting a rescue dog? I thought about this because puppies are cute but they can be a lot of work with the whole potty training thing. But of course i'm not ruling out getting a puppy. But it would nice to get a dog that was alreay potty trained.

Are most rescues basically doggy misfits?

cubic61052 said:

Winston the Wheaten Scottish Terrier is so gorgeous

a bounty hunter.

cubic61052 said:

Angus was a black one. I miss him.

jaimestarr79 said:

No, they're not misfits. Most shelters will not adopt out dogs with behaviour problems or they will class them as 'special needs' dogs.

jaimestarr79 said:

I have rescued 2 dogs- one was about 11 wks - a pure bred Australian Cattle dog from a local shelter then a 3 yr old (approx.) pure bred Australian Cattle dog from ACD Rescue. Both the best dogs I ever had.

Look for a breed rescue in your area and see what they have available.

Shanti1 said:

What's the story on these australian Cattle dogs? Are they hyper? They are very cool looking dogs. They also appear to be very intelligent. I've never had to opportunity to interact with one. Even though they are a bigger dog, I would consider getting one if it were the right temperment.

jaimestarr79 said:

I think they are supposed to be incredibly intelligent. So are westies.

Fuck dogs, get a cat...they can come sleep with you at night, just be careful though...i have prior experience of moggies sleeping on your FACE during sleep and almost smothering you.

One time i woke up and my cat my was two inches from my face staring at me
She was watching me sleep, it was like a "Cats Eye" moment...

liberation said:

I think i will get a cat and just cut it's achilles tendon so it doesn't jump all over the kitchen counter and my furniture. (I'm just joking cat people)

jaimestarr79 said:

i have gotten rescues that were abused, and while they require a lot more patience and calmness, they have been the most loyal loving, dedicated pets i have ever had once they opened up to me and realized i wasnt going to hurt them.