Recommendations for my bro please

[Jenne]

Does it have to be a dog? There are some great cats in shelters who might fit his criteria.

[~WelshStump~]

Originally Posted by StephyMei1112

He wants something:

Playful yet un-hyper
Health issue free (relatively)
Lap/bed ornament like
Very affectionate/cuddly
Something that doesn't require a huge amount of work to be a good pet
Very eager to please/can learn tricks quickly

Check!
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SUPERCheck!
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Um, close enough

Here's his new dog !



Even though I've read of a lot of problem with Dachsies, he's actually been pretty good *coughbetterthanmine!*, maybe a Dachshund? They come is 3 coat style and two convenient sizes !

[sillysally]

My step brother and sister in law are pretty lazy dog owners and have had success with their shih-Tzu. They require a lot of grooming, but groomer could be paid to do that, specially if the dog is kept in a short chipped coat.

[Red.Apricot]

Could you convince him to get an older adult from a shelter?

Because he's not really describing a puppy. ;]

[Zoom]

Cavalier, maybe. There is a huge issue with heart problems in the breed though. Lhasa, Shih Tzu or Peke, if kept in a clipped coat, maybe. However, Lhasas can be incredibly mean if ill-bred, Shih Tzu's have issues with liver shunts and temperaments and Peke's have their own set of issues.

Someone who is irresponsible and immature doesn't need to be getting a puppy. Well, they don't need a live dog period, but that doesn't seem to be stopping him. Go with something a little older, like close to 2 years of age, from the shelter. Better idea of personality, most likely going to be housebroken already.

[Gempress]

Whatever the breed, I agree with going with an adult. It sounds like your brother doesn't have the desire or patience to deal with a puppy and all their maintenance, but an adult might actually be a good fit for him.

[Gempress]

Originally Posted by StephyMei1112

Playful yet un-hyper
Health issue free (relatively)
Lap/bed ornament like
Very affectionate/cuddly
Something that doesn't require a huge amount of work to be a good pet
Very eager to please/can learn tricks quickly

I don't see what's so wrong with this bolded criteria. Quite a few people out there want good dogs without spending months or years getting there. Not everybody has the ability, time or desire to start from a completely blank slate. How does that make them completely unsuitable to own a dog?

Have him get an adult dog from a shelter or breed rescue. There are plenty of well-trained, housebroken, socialized, loving dogs waiting there for just the right home. Plenty of great dogs are surrendered daily for reasons that aren't their fault. Perhaps their owners moved, or faced health or financial disasters that made them unable to hold on to their pet. Or perhaps the owner even passed away. A dog like that can fit right in to a new family with a minimal adjustment period and not an excessive amount of effort.

[Romy]

I agree with shih tzu. One of my friends has one and they just get him clipped every once in a while. Also, you can put a bow on their head and make them look girly even if it is a boy.

A whippet might be good too. They tend to be non destructive, quiet, and laze about the house when people aren't engaging them. Minimal grooming, and they tend to have good dog sense and like to avoid conflicts with housemates. Being sort of curvy and girlyish looking, he might be talked into a really cool individual male.

[Laurelin]

My problem is what's 'a good pet' and what is 'a huge amount of work'? Everyone has different thoughts on both of those. I think Mia and Summer are super easy and not much work but my family finds them needy and obnoxious and hyper. To them walking the dog an hour a day is too much work.

[PlottMom]

My first thought was shih tzu, but health problems.. hm.