posted 02-27-2004 04:26 PM         

I'm new here tonight ... and would like to ask: of all the toy breeds, which tends to be the calmest of them all?

Calm, meaning ... not too hyper, barkative, is that a word? LOL!!

Would appreciate opinions. Nice to meet you all!

posted 02-27-2004 11:08 PM         

(Most of my breed recommendations are a repeat of what MistressKela mentioned in her posts, but here is my two cents anyway )

Pugs are known to be pretty calm and not too "talkative" (if ya' know what I mean ).

I had 2 American Cockers (standard size though) in the past, and both of them were quite calm and were minimal in their barking. So, that also might be an option for you. Although, I will admit, I have met some yappy cockers...I guess it depends on the dog.

I am going to say this though, I wouldn't exactly recommend a shih-tzu if you don't want a yappy dog. Shih-tzus are notorious for their barking. Just my opinion and experience!

Good luck with your search!
Kristi

posted 02-28-2004 02:33 AM         

I just wanted to share a few thoughts:

I second/third the pekingese and pug suggestions. Both are very laid back, but they do tend to have problems associated with their short muzzles (respiratory issues, overheating) and huge eyes. They are definitely indoor dogs, and you have to watch out for signs of overheating when it gets warm. Do you live in a hot climate?

I remember my neighbor's pugs as being quite inactive both indoors and outdoors, but my peke is a couch potato when he is indoors and very active outside (on walks, etc). However, pekingese (and many other long-backed breeds) are particularly prone to spinal problems, so you might want to reconsider if your house has stairs. If you end up considering either of these breeds, be sure to look up medical issues that they are pre-disposed to.

Additionally, they both tend to shed a lot, and pekes need to be brushed more frequently if you let their coats grow out. I think most people keep pet pekes clipped for ease of care and to keep their dogs a bit cooler.

And, um, if you are completely disgusted by the sound of doggy snoring, definitely cross out these breeds from your list!

Lastly, from what I've heard, some pekes can be nippy if annoyed. Having not experienced this with mine, all I can say is either buy from a reputable breeder or adopt an adult dog (so you can be more sure of temperment). I think pugs have been bred a lot in recent years because of their popularity, so maybe the same cautions apply to them as well. Also, pekes and pugs are unlikely to be as easily trained as, say, a poodle. I think pekes in particular tend to be rather stubborn.

Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to share a bit of what I've heard or experienced. I adore these little dogs that act like big dogs! They are absolutely wonderful (with funny senses of humor, too)but, like all breeds, they are not for everyone!

There are many, many people on this board with a lot more experience and info than I do, but I couldn't resist adding my 2 cents -- Good luck with your search!

posted 02-28-2004 06:34 AM         

OK ... maybe I should be more specific with what I'm looking for.

Calm is important, quiet is important ... and not allot of upkeep, as in brushing, etc.
Of course, I don't mind some ... and I really don't mind 'some' barking.

Also, want to be able to take him/her out with me allot ... for exercise, and play. I can't deal with the sun much either ... I have lupus and can't be in it long, so neither will the dog.

What's a Mi-Ki?

Don't want to worry about respitory or heat problems ...

Need a fairly small dog, because I'll be living in an apartment .. I think. I'm separating from my husband soon, and will really need the companion of a dog.

I'd be fine with a mix breed also ... sounds like the 'english toy spaniel' and 'cavalier king charles spaniel' are the two that are left ... except for the Mi-Ti, and I've never heard of them. Perhaps a mix of either of these?

posted 02-28-2004 09:39 AM         

if you do i would suggest that you would need to stay away from any breed which has fur as opposed to "hair".
in case your are baffled hair breeds are ones such as the poodle, shih tzu, lhasa apso, yorkies (though probably not the best for you), pekes (i think)..

posted 02-28-2004 12:30 PM         

When you say that you want to take the dog out frequently for play/exercise, does that mean 5-10 min romps or nighttime jogs? If you want to exercise a lot, would you consider a larger breed? They can be great apartment pets with proper exercise, and there would be more breeds/mixes that would fit the bill (not much barking, laid back, easy coat care, etc.)

And of course, you could always adopt from a rescue and find a little dog who's foster home can tell you if the dog is an uncharacteristically non-barking member of the breed!

posted 02-28-2004 01:06 PM         

You are receiving some good advice in the above posts!

To answer your question about Mi-Kis. Like I mentioned in my previous post, Mi-Kis are on the rare side in regards to breeds, and most are quite expensive. For more information about the breed itself, such as temperament, health issues, pictures, etc. check out the following sites:
http://www.internationalmikiregstry.homestead.com/About.html
http://www.petadvantage.net/mypet/breeder/littlepaws//WhatsAMiki.html
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/miki.htm
http://www.dogomania.com/breed/breed314/
http://miki_cma.tripod.com/history.htm

OK, I think those sites will give you some good information concerning the Mi-Ki breed.

You also expressed interest in the English Toy Spaniel/Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. For more info. on those I would recommend that you go to a major search engine online (such as google.com) and type in "Cavalier King Charles Spaniel." A TON of web sites will come up as a result of your search, and through those web sites you should be able to find all the info. (and pictures) you need in regards to the breed.

For information on any other breed, including the ones I just mentioned, or others that have been mentioned, I would suggest that you take a look at these two sites:
www.dogbreedinfo.com (this site contains just about everything you would want to know about a particular breed, pure or mixed)
www.yourpurebredpuppy.com (obviously this one only contains info. on pure bred dogs, but it does an excellent job of telling you both the positives and negatives of each breed)

Other points:

~Pugs are quite laid back, bark little, and are low maintenance. We have a Pug in our class at obedience/training school and he is as calm as could be and to be perfectly honest with you, I have yet to hear him bark. Not to mention, he is as sweet as as could be...very lovebale little guy.

~If you do choose a breed with high maintenance needs, some of the brushing can be reduced if you decide to keep the coat at a short length. So, that is also something to keep in mind.

~Almost any dog loves to play (some more than others) and go for a walk (some prefer short walks though), so that probably won't be a problem in any breed you pick.

~Respiratory problems are not uncommon in toy breeds due to their physical make-up. Finding an excellent and reputable breeder is so incredibly important for many reasons. One reason being so you don't end up with a poorly bred pup with multiple health issues (such as respiratory problems). Now respiratory problems *can* arise in well bred pups, it is not 100% avoidable. But, finding a quality breeder does reduce your chances of having a pup with health problems. (And for the love of pets, and animals in general, PLEASE don't by from pet stores!)

~As far as grooming for a Cocker is concerned, we kept our 2 American Cockers' coat at a very short length. Therefore, we didn't have to worry about brushing very often at all.

Hope some of this info. is of some assistance to you! Let us know if you have any further questions!

All the best,
Kristi

[This message has been edited by MyBabyShihPoo (edited 02-28-2004).]

[This message has been edited by MyBabyShihPoo (edited 02-28-2004).]