Hi everyone im new

Well not exactly..i am a regular poster on the cat boards..but i am looking to purchase a puppy when i buy my home next year...and i was wondering if anyone could recommend some good sites, so i can find the perfect breed for me...i want a medium sized dog..i am kinda afraid of big dogs..plus i do own 3 cats..so any help would be great..

Thanks
Michelle

 

Here's a link:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

There's a lots of great medium sized breeds, but you have to consider things like, How much of an activity level do you want the dog to have?, Will grooming or shedding be an issue?
Do you want a dog that is good with kids?
What about other pets with your new dog?
Are you prepared to deal with certain medical problems that are common to some breeds?
What about barking?
Would you be able to handle a breed that tends to try and be dominant?

Adopting a mutt from your local shelter is also an option, but if you aren't sure what you want, then it's probably a good idea to research several different breeds anyway and be familiar with the different breed characteristics you may find in a mix. I'd say just pick out a few you like and then think about the differences between them for awhile before you decide. Good luck on your search![/quote]

 

I think you might also find this link helpful:
http://www.wonderpuppy.net/choose.htm

 

Thanks Kitty friends..

 

CHeck out dogs at your local shelter or SPCA. You'll find many great dogs that have been temp tested and get along with cats...

Welcome and we're always here for ANY questions you might have!

 

I agree with Sam or better yet, check out the shelters and rescue orgs that have foster programs, many of these dogs/puppies live in multiple cat households so they are already comfy with cats. they are housebroken too.

faireydust has some good points and what your lifestyle is and type you should look for to fit that

for example jack russell teriiers are small/,medium dogs, but they are extremely high energy, high strung and that is why so many end up in shelters.

I would do your homeowrk on types of dogs and if at all possible get the puppy from a shelter or rescue (just my opinion) because it is hard to find reputable breeders of any kind of dog.

good luck

honeybear

 

Since there are so many breeds of dogs, you'll have to be more specific. What breeds appeal to you? For instance, some people are crazy about Pointers (which are medium size), and other people are not attracted to them. Everyone is different as far as their taste in dogs. I had an English Pointer that I fostered for a while, and he was an awesome dog. I never would have even thought of one as a pet for me, but if I didn't already have three dogs at that time, I definately would have kept him for myself! He wasn't super hyper like a lot of the sporting breeds and was very trainable and loveable. Do you want a laid back dog or a high energy dog? Do you like grooming long hair, or would you prefer a short haired breed? A good watch dog, or a dog that is friendly to everyone? There are so many questions for you to ask of yourself. After you have some idea what you are looking for, you can start narrowing it down to a few breeds. But definately don't go on looks alone - that can easily get you into trouble. You could end up with a dog that you love the looks of, but is has a totally unsuitable temperament for you. Do your research! Its a lot of fun, and very exciting.

 

i have been looking at French Bulldogs..Chihuahuas, and papillions

 

I haven't personally known any French Bulldogs, but I have known a few Chihuahuas and Papillons. I LOVE Papillons! They do shed and will need regular brushing, sometimes difficult to house break, so i'd definitely crate em. They can be pretty high energy as pups, but mellow out after awhile. They are otherwise really trainable and very affectionate. They really like to get outside and run around and play fetch. I had a Papillion puppy with an old boyfriend named Joey and he is just the cutest dog ever! (he still lives with the ex) They are very good watch dogs and will alert you whenever they hear someone coming near your door, so they are barkers, but they don't bark for no reason. They should get to be about 9 or 10lbs, Joey was little, only 7lbs. Also they get Very attached to their owners and protective, so its important to socialize them very well when they are still young. Joey once snapped at my ex cuz we were talking and he playfully smacked my leg. Joey didn't like nobody hittin his mama! I can't really think of anything negative to say about Papillons. I think they are an excellent choice for a small dog. Price range could go anywhere from $500-$900, but i wouldn't pay more than $700.

I like Chihuahuas too. I think the long haired ones are super cute. I met some really wonderful Chihuahuas and some very nasty and unpredictable ones. A friend of mine had a relative bring their teacup 2lbs chihuahua over named Sweetie. He was the cutest little thing. If you were the one holding him, then he would lick you and be sweet, but if anyone got close while he was being held, he would growl at them like he was afraid of being taken away from the person holding him. Hehe, he was so cute tho, it was funny. Chihuahuas can also be hard to house break but if you have a little one you can use Dog Litter or the Wee-Wee pads. They can be fun to dress up and take out with you in a little back-pack carrier tho I can't think of too many I've known that were barkers, tho most of the ones I've been around were in a shelter situation and probably scared out of their wits. As long as you get one with a good personality, Chihuahuas are a great choice too!

Me and Joey

 

The beginning of every year a big magazine comes out, I think it is just called Dogs and Puppies. It has a small write up on (I think) every breed recognized by the AKC. Along with articles. I used to work at a feed/pet store and even though we weren't looking for a new dog, my DH and I would buy one of the magazines and read it from front cover to back cover just reading up on all the dif. breeds. Check your local pet store for one if you are interested.

 

Hi and welcome. If you want a dog that wants to sit on your lap everytime you set down a chihuahua is for you. they like to give lots of kisses and protect you. We raise chihuahuas pugs Yorkies and mini Schnauzers. the Yorkie and Mini schnauzers don't shed but the pugs and chihuahuas does. I love my dogs and wouldn't want a different breed. good luck in your search.

 

this is great info guys thanks for all the help..i am kinda shying away from the chi's bc they are soo tiny...a papillion is looking good..as well as the frenchies..i'll keep yall updated..thanks again