Toy Breeds?
- Thread starter ~Jessie~
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Yes, I think we also get quite a few small dogs in the pound. I guess what I meant is that they are quick to go, and, it will take a lot of time and effort to get one. Of course, it takes a lot of time and effort and homework to get a good dog from a breeder, too.
We did the Petfinder search, looking at rescues, and going to the pound for our current dog. When I started, I was just looking 'for fun'. Then, I got the fever, and I ended up with Spanky. I got him as a puppy, so his size wasn't certain, but his mother had been in the pound with him until she was adopted. She was a mutt, too, but a small one. Spanky has ended up being about 28 lbs......not a bad size at all.
I will probably go through Petfinder again, and I will lprobably not be looking for a puppy...........but, I have to admit that I love what I know about Pugs and what I have heard about Cavaliers and Poodles, and I'm enamoured with the thoughts of dog the size of a Chihuahua.
So, I go back and forth between wanting to give a 'pound' dog a home and wanting to get 'exactly' what I think I think I want. Of course, with Spanky, I ended up with both........and I kind of know that would happen again if I go the pound route....still......I want to hear about these toy breeds!!!!!
We did the Petfinder search, looking at rescues, and going to the pound for our current dog. When I started, I was just looking 'for fun'. Then, I got the fever, and I ended up with Spanky. I got him as a puppy, so his size wasn't certain, but his mother had been in the pound with him until she was adopted. She was a mutt, too, but a small one. Spanky has ended up being about 28 lbs......not a bad size at all.
I will probably go through Petfinder again, and I will lprobably not be looking for a puppy...........but, I have to admit that I love what I know about Pugs and what I have heard about Cavaliers and Poodles, and I'm enamoured with the thoughts of dog the size of a Chihuahua.
So, I go back and forth between wanting to give a 'pound' dog a home and wanting to get 'exactly' what I think I think I want. Of course, with Spanky, I ended up with both........and I kind of know that would happen again if I go the pound route....still......I want to hear about these toy breeds!!!!!
Check out breed specific rescues in your area if you really want to look into a certain breed or breeds. Most dogs in these rescues are housed in foster homes.
I know of three pug rescues in fact in Florida:
Welcome to Pug Rescue of Florida
Pug Adoption, Pug Information, and Pug Events :: Central Florida Pug Rescue
Compassionate Pug Rescue - South Florida Pug Rescue
I know of three pug rescues in fact in Florida:
Welcome to Pug Rescue of Florida
Pug Adoption, Pug Information, and Pug Events :: Central Florida Pug Rescue
Compassionate Pug Rescue - South Florida Pug Rescue
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With cavs, my biggest concern is health in the breed. There are a LOT of health problems in the cavalier breed stemming from the breed starting with a very small genepool. They are very sweet little dogs, much more laid back than my guys. I like their temperaments a lot and adore their look. But finding a good breeder is paramount and even then most cavs will get mitral valve disease.
Yes, that's why I have Spanky instead of a Cavalier. I had started talking to some breeders, and I was also talking to a Manchester terrier breeder, but mostly because she was close. I had not even heard of them before but was researching.
All along I was looking at Petfinder, too, and when I shyed away from the Cavaliers because of the health issues, I decided just to look at Petfinder.
I am not really looking for another dog at all. 'One day', I would consider a Poodle, a Cavalier, a Havanese, along with another pound mutt or Pug. I would love to know more about toy Fox Terriers, too.
All along I was looking at Petfinder, too, and when I shyed away from the Cavaliers because of the health issues, I decided just to look at Petfinder.
I am not really looking for another dog at all. 'One day', I would consider a Poodle, a Cavalier, a Havanese, along with another pound mutt or Pug. I would love to know more about toy Fox Terriers, too.
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This is my concern, too. My mom loves Cavaliers and they have the perfect temperament for her. When she gets her own dog I'm going to help her find a good breeder.
But their health is an issue. I worry about that a lot and since telling her about Cavs and their hearts she feels torn.
I like this thread. We need more input. Jessie already did chihuahuas and I don't know any other toy breeds as much as I know chis.
But their health is an issue. I worry about that a lot and since telling her about Cavs and their hearts she feels torn.
I like this thread. We need more input. Jessie already did chihuahuas and I don't know any other toy breeds as much as I know chis.
I have a friend with cavs and her dogs have lived long lives. She had one pass away at 14. I think it is possible if you do a lot of research to find lines with longevity in them. They do typically live longer than many giant breeds at least. However, there's still the health issues that did show up in her dogs, they just did not really affect longevity. She had talked about in Sweden the breed club had been considering an outcross but it has never passed yet. I think an outcross could be a very good thing for the breed.
I would want full pedigrees and want to know exactly how long each ancestor lived and what disorders they had were I ever to get a cavalier.
I would want full pedigrees and want to know exactly how long each ancestor lived and what disorders they had were I ever to get a cavalier.
Paps really depend on the individual... There is a large range of activity levels in the breed.
Rose needs about 30 minutes a day plus some play time. She is very low key and calm around the house. Rose would do more if you wanted to but is equally content to just chill all day.
The boys do okay with 30 mins, play time, and a good ball game a day but they wrestle each other pretty much 24/7 and that would probably drive some people insane. They are very loud lol. To be honest, my dad doesn't have that much time to spend now that he's single parenting and working. The dogs have adapted better than I had anticipated they would. I think it really really helps that my dad has three dogs and a large house and yard though. They get a lot of exercise running around with each other on the acreage. The boys really would probably do better with more time and Beau especially loves training exercises. But they're not really my dogs and they do pretty well with what they have.
Now I have two in an apartment and that's a bit more challenging. Especially considering I have Mia. Rose is on the very low end of the papillon energy spectrum and Mia is absolutely the most active papillon I've ever met. We do at least 1 hour a day outside and off leash running and swimming, even lately when the heat index is 100+. I have to make time for it. When it's cooler out we do 2 hours a day off leash or maybe 1 hour leashed walk and another hour off leash. The off leash running time is absolutely essential for Mia. We also do short sporadic ball games inside (it's great they're so small they can play indoors). Maybe 10-15 minutes 3 or so times a day. She goes all out for the ball. We also do a short training session a day just learning and practicing tricks and shaping. I also do 3 hours of agility a week (basics with Mia and 2 hours with Summer).
I also take them everywhere I can take them. As much time out and with me as possible, the more sane I can be. Summer would probably be okay with an hour or so of physical activity a day. Both mine NEED to work, though. They are not dogs to just sit around all day every day. They can skip a day. Two at most. After that I want to kill Mia and even Summer gets in your face obnoxious. I don't believe I have ever seen Mia really worn out. She would run off leash all day if I let her. She's kept up for 6 hours and still not been worn out at all. If I wanted to do more than I already do, she would take it and keep up in stride.
My two are very involved, but the breed is overall very adaptable. In general they just want to be with you, doing what you're doing (whatever that is). Mine are very calm in the house for the most part and sleep a lot. There is a papillon out there for pretty much any energy level though. Be very specific about what you want. I asked for the most insane papillon and I got it. :lol-sign:
Rose needs about 30 minutes a day plus some play time. She is very low key and calm around the house. Rose would do more if you wanted to but is equally content to just chill all day.
The boys do okay with 30 mins, play time, and a good ball game a day but they wrestle each other pretty much 24/7 and that would probably drive some people insane. They are very loud lol. To be honest, my dad doesn't have that much time to spend now that he's single parenting and working. The dogs have adapted better than I had anticipated they would. I think it really really helps that my dad has three dogs and a large house and yard though. They get a lot of exercise running around with each other on the acreage. The boys really would probably do better with more time and Beau especially loves training exercises. But they're not really my dogs and they do pretty well with what they have.
Now I have two in an apartment and that's a bit more challenging. Especially considering I have Mia. Rose is on the very low end of the papillon energy spectrum and Mia is absolutely the most active papillon I've ever met. We do at least 1 hour a day outside and off leash running and swimming, even lately when the heat index is 100+. I have to make time for it. When it's cooler out we do 2 hours a day off leash or maybe 1 hour leashed walk and another hour off leash. The off leash running time is absolutely essential for Mia. We also do short sporadic ball games inside (it's great they're so small they can play indoors). Maybe 10-15 minutes 3 or so times a day. She goes all out for the ball. We also do a short training session a day just learning and practicing tricks and shaping. I also do 3 hours of agility a week (basics with Mia and 2 hours with Summer).
I also take them everywhere I can take them. As much time out and with me as possible, the more sane I can be. Summer would probably be okay with an hour or so of physical activity a day. Both mine NEED to work, though. They are not dogs to just sit around all day every day. They can skip a day. Two at most. After that I want to kill Mia and even Summer gets in your face obnoxious. I don't believe I have ever seen Mia really worn out. She would run off leash all day if I let her. She's kept up for 6 hours and still not been worn out at all. If I wanted to do more than I already do, she would take it and keep up in stride.
My two are very involved, but the breed is overall very adaptable. In general they just want to be with you, doing what you're doing (whatever that is). Mine are very calm in the house for the most part and sleep a lot. There is a papillon out there for pretty much any energy level though. Be very specific about what you want. I asked for the most insane papillon and I got it. :lol-sign:
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For example, I can tell I skipped exercising Mia yesterday... 9:42 and she's already dragged the leash around the house, pulled old receipts out of my purse and torn them up, been chunking tennis balls at my face for about an hour, chewed a roll of toilet paper, and just in general is being obnoxious. 
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Pugs are good with anything really. Some days Izzie doesn't get to go out at all and just has house play or yard play, sometimes we go on 5-10 mile hikes/walks, some days we'll go for a roller blade or run... She's fine with whatever I'm able to give her and usually won't fuss if we haven't gone to the park.
ETA: Mental stimulation depends on the individual. Training exercises stress my older two out a lot but Izzie loves them. They do get bored easily though, some may be destructive like my client's Pug Stitch who will escape her crate and destroy things... But since i'm usually with Izzie and the other two they aren't destructive they just get obnoxious. Especially Izzie... She bites me and smushes her face into my boobs (or the bed, or the floor, or the other pugs) to let me know she's bored out of her tree.
ETA: Mental stimulation depends on the individual. Training exercises stress my older two out a lot but Izzie loves them. They do get bored easily though, some may be destructive like my client's Pug Stitch who will escape her crate and destroy things... But since i'm usually with Izzie and the other two they aren't destructive they just get obnoxious. Especially Izzie... She bites me and smushes her face into my boobs (or the bed, or the floor, or the other pugs) to let me know she's bored out of her tree.
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This is how Rylie and Chloe are as well. For instance, yesterday it was raining all afternoon/early evening, and they were content to hang out on the couch. Rylie is pretty lazy, though... Chloe has a LOT of energy, but she RUNS instead of walks... and usually expells a good amount that way.
Chihuahuas have varying amount of energy, but are very adaptable to the life styles of their owners.
Tucker and Rory are CONSTANTLY playing and wrestling on the floor. I think it could drive some people insane, like Laur said with her dad. Tucker is always wanting to play fetch... OVER and OVER again. He will jump on my lap and try to shove his toys at me. Then he'll go back to wrestling with Rory.
Tucker LOVES and needs to go out for walks. He is the happiest when he is outside going somewhere.
Emma needs a LOT of exercise/attention/mental stimulation. She is go go go, but she's also a six month old puppy. She likes to bite faces and necks if you don't play with her. Last night we went to bed early (9pm) and I could not get her to settle down for the life of me. She was running around on the bed, back and forth, and kept biting me. lol. She's seriously a little hellion already.
Chihuahuas have varying amount of energy, but are very adaptable to the life styles of their owners.
Tucker and Rory are CONSTANTLY playing and wrestling on the floor. I think it could drive some people insane, like Laur said with her dad. Tucker is always wanting to play fetch... OVER and OVER again. He will jump on my lap and try to shove his toys at me. Then he'll go back to wrestling with Rory.
Tucker LOVES and needs to go out for walks. He is the happiest when he is outside going somewhere.
Emma needs a LOT of exercise/attention/mental stimulation. She is go go go, but she's also a six month old puppy. She likes to bite faces and necks if you don't play with her. Last night we went to bed early (9pm) and I could not get her to settle down for the life of me. She was running around on the bed, back and forth, and kept biting me. lol. She's seriously a little hellion already.
Mine will lay around on a rainy afternoon pretty well, too. It would probably be easier if Summer liked to play, but she doesn't. Mia did much better when she was around beau and Nard. Without them though she's going to need me to entertain her or entertain herself. Left to her own devices is.... interesting at times.
Mia is still just 15 months old. Her off switch is still not 100% yet lol.
she's driving me completely batty this morning, btw.
Mia is still just 15 months old. Her off switch is still not 100% yet lol.
she's driving me completely batty this morning, btw.
Romeo is low energy..
I mean, he LOVES exercise, but its not something he really NEEDS a lot of. A walk a day and hes fine
but hes always up to walk more, play more etc..
but he has an amazing off switch. He knows when its time to relax, play quietly etc.. and how to get all hyper when its time to play/go out lol
I mean, he LOVES exercise, but its not something he really NEEDS a lot of. A walk a day and hes fine
but hes always up to walk more, play more etc..
but he has an amazing off switch. He knows when its time to relax, play quietly etc.. and how to get all hyper when its time to play/go out lol
Jackson has kind of two personalities. We spend about half our time over at my dads house, which has a fenced in yard, inground pool, hot tub, and two other dogs to play and wrestle with. Over there... he can pretty much go all day. A ton of energy. He swims in the pool (diving and fetching) for approx. 30 minutes total each day we are over there (2-3 days per week). He also runs at really really fast speeds along the fence when I drive the four wheeler by the fence and will do this sometimes for 15+ minutes.
So loads of off leash running and swimming when at dads house. My dad also lives in a small neighborhood out in the country, but there's a street we walk on, so I always try to also get Jackson a 15-30 minute walk out there as well to really tire him out. So basically, his whole day at my dads house is practically spend outside, starting from around 10am begins with swimming, then more running, fetch, chasing four wheeler, more swimming, more running, LOL. Then when we come inside, the dogs are typically wrestling inside. Swimming totally wears him out and he's been passed out since 8pm (it's now 10pm) so I'm going to be bumming when summer is over.
Now, at our regular house, he's much more laid back (only dog over there). He wakes up really slowly, and is slow moving in the morning. Does our morning potty and then sleeps until around 11 or noon. I definitely have to get him a nice walk though (which I have to drive to a neighborhood, since we live on 3 acres) or it starts to show around 3-4pm... he gets wired, and will start finding things to get into and chew. So typically, at this house, it's one 30-45 minute walk per day, dog park one or two days a week. 15 mins. of fetch, either indoor or outside. No fenced in yard though so he must be on a 50ft line. Oh, also, 10-15 mins of trick training per day.
So loads of off leash running and swimming when at dads house. My dad also lives in a small neighborhood out in the country, but there's a street we walk on, so I always try to also get Jackson a 15-30 minute walk out there as well to really tire him out. So basically, his whole day at my dads house is practically spend outside, starting from around 10am begins with swimming, then more running, fetch, chasing four wheeler, more swimming, more running, LOL. Then when we come inside, the dogs are typically wrestling inside. Swimming totally wears him out and he's been passed out since 8pm (it's now 10pm) so I'm going to be bumming when summer is over.
Now, at our regular house, he's much more laid back (only dog over there). He wakes up really slowly, and is slow moving in the morning. Does our morning potty and then sleeps until around 11 or noon. I definitely have to get him a nice walk though (which I have to drive to a neighborhood, since we live on 3 acres) or it starts to show around 3-4pm... he gets wired, and will start finding things to get into and chew. So typically, at this house, it's one 30-45 minute walk per day, dog park one or two days a week. 15 mins. of fetch, either indoor or outside. No fenced in yard though so he must be on a 50ft line. Oh, also, 10-15 mins of trick training per day.
Yep, it's important to always research the lines, but with a dog with such common health problems I think it would be doubly important to know everything.
I find chis need a lot of physical and mental stimulation, but they also love to be with you so they are very adaptable to your habits.
Lucy is a spaz. She'll wrestle with Millie all the time, and even frustrate Millie into playing when Millie doesn't want to. She entertains herself with toys as well as things she shouldn't be chewing on (grrrrrrr). She has amazingly long lasting zoomies, trampling on everything in her way. She can play tug for hours.
She loves to go for walks and it's hard to tire her out.
At the same time, she's also extremely cuddly and she'll sit on my lap for a long time on a rainy day while I read.
She's pretty flexible and adjusts easily to whatever I can give her each day.
I find chis need a lot of physical and mental stimulation, but they also love to be with you so they are very adaptable to your habits.
Lucy is a spaz. She'll wrestle with Millie all the time, and even frustrate Millie into playing when Millie doesn't want to. She entertains herself with toys as well as things she shouldn't be chewing on (grrrrrrr). She has amazingly long lasting zoomies, trampling on everything in her way. She can play tug for hours.
She loves to go for walks and it's hard to tire her out.
At the same time, she's also extremely cuddly and she'll sit on my lap for a long time on a rainy day while I read.
She's pretty flexible and adjusts easily to whatever I can give her each day.