I cheated...laziness
Bichon Frise
If you want a dog who...
Is small but sturdy
Doesn't need much exercise
Has a curly coat that doesn't shed (one of the best breeds for allergy sufferers)
Makes a good watchdog, but is not aggressive
Is good with other pets
A Bichon Frise may be right for you.
If you don't want to deal with...
Notorious housebreaking difficulties
"Separation anxiety" (destructiveness and barking) when left alone too much
Shyness in some lines, or when not socialized enough
Stubbornness (mind of his own)
Frequent brushing and clipping of the curly coat
Barking
Chronic skin problems
A Bichon Frise may not be right for you.
Dachshund
you want a dog who...
Comes in a variety of sizes (all smallish)
Comes in a variety of coat types and colors
Is comical and entertaining
Doesn't need a lot of exercise
Makes a keen watchdog
Is sociable with other family pets, especially other Dachshunds
Lives a long time
A Dachshund may be right for you.
If you don't want to deal with...
Suspiciousness or sharpness toward strangers when not socialized enough
Scrappiness toward strange dogs
Stubbornness
Notorious housebreaking difficulties
Digging holes
Barking
Regular brushing/combing (Longhaired)
Regular clipping/trimming (Wirehaired)
A distinctive doggy odor
Serious back/spinal problems
A Dachshund may not be right for you.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If you want a dog who...
Is small and soft, with large expressive eyes and a lovely feathered coat in a variety of striking colors
Adores comfort, cuddling in laps, and snuggling on soft pillows, yet has more athletic and outdoorsy instincts than you might think
Is peaceful with everyone
Is willing to please and responds well to praise and encouragement
A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel may be right for you.
If you don't want to deal with...
"Separation anxiety" (destructiveness and barking) when left alone too much
Timidity and shyness in some lines, or when not socialized enough
Chasing instincts
Regular brushing and combing
Lots of shedding
High prices
Extremely serious health problems and a short lifespan
A Cavalier may not be right for you.
Pekingese
If you want a dog who...
Is small but extremely sturdy, even chunky in build
Has a very short face, large expressive eyes, and a long thick coat that comes in many colors
Is one of the most dignified, supremely confident, and independent of the toy breeds
Is calm and quiet indoors and doesn't need much exercise
Is polite with strangers and usually accepting of other animals
If he respects you, will be well-mannered without much formal training required
A Pekingese may be right for you.
If you don't want to deal with...
Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
Snorting, snuffling, wheezing, loud snoring
Regular brushing and combing
Heavy shedding
Slowness to housebreak
Gassiness (flatulence)
A multitude of health problems
A Pekingese may not be right for you.
Shih Tzu
If you want a dog who...
Is small, yet very sturdy, long-bodied and short-legged
Has a long flowing coat that comes in many colors and patterns
Carries himself with a proud, dignified, aristocratic bearing, yet is also happy and playful
Doesn't need much exercise
Is less yappy than other toy breeds
Is usually friendly with strangers and other pets
A Shih Tzu may be right for you.
If you don't want to deal with...
"Separation anxiety" (destructiveness and barking) when left alone too much
Stubbornness (mind of his own)
High coat maintenance (frequent brushing and combing, or clipping)
Housebreaking difficulties
Snorting, snuffling, snoring
Serious health problems
A Shih Tzu may not be right for you