Uncertain...

[Landslide]

Hi, I'm looking to get a puppy, but I'm not sure what breed/crossbreed to get...

Ideally it should be a small breed that looks like a big dog breed (i assume a toy or miniature version right?).

Preferrably short haired or not alot of shedding (although this isn't a must), and be able to handle being indoors. (going for walks won't be a problem but we have virtually no yard)

I had seen a pair of sheltie's that were adorable and almost picked them up. (they were wrestling, how can you break that up?)

most of all it's gotta be cute, as it will be a gift.

 

[PoodleMommy]

One thing about your post concerns me, the fact that it will be a gift.

Pets as gifts are a horrible idea... unless you have discussed it with this person and they def. want a pet and then they should pick out the breed so that they know it fits with their lifestyle.

Otherwise, i thought of a mini or toy poodle.

Small (looks like a small standard).

No shedding (grooming is required however it will be with any dog that does not shed).

Walks are needed but the lack of a yard shouldnt be a problem.

And of course they are cute!

Good Luck

Elissa

 

[bubbatd]

Agree with no gift puppies !!! Present them with a card and take them to a HS or rescue group . My neighbor lost his beloved toy poodle and said he'd start looking after Christmas . A black Pom availability came in my e-mail today . I'll tell him about it , but no way would I surprise him !

 

[Landslide]

it's already been discussed as a gift, and the criteria are from the person receiving the gift, so no problem there.

i'm quite certain poodle's are not acceptable, sorry poodlemommy

like i said, a pair of sheltie's are what started this, but they got bought. maybe sheltie is the way to go (despite the longer hair, they are small good tempered dogs from what i read).

i was looking at a "pembroke welsh corgi" ("ein" from cowboy bebop, kind of like the sheltie in a way) or maybe a jack russell terrier.

before i make any purchase, i'll have the gift recipient check out the dog, because ultimately you'll know whether or not you like the dog once you meet it.

 

[Dulce Pit Bull]

Don't ever give a dog as a gift. That's a horrible thing to do to a dog. Dogs aren't gifts, they're living, breathing, creatures, that deserve to be treated like companions, not merchandise.

I would really just suggest you tell your friends to go to your local shelter and pick out a dog themselves.

 

[skyeboxer]

Well s/he did say that the idea has been discussed and the recipient will get to meet the intended pup - so, it's not quite the same as giving a puppy as a surprise present. Sounds like Landslide is putting some thought into the matter and is looking for the right breed.

I'd have to say though Landslide, that if your friend has no desperate urge for a particular breed, why not take him or her down to the shelter? You'll find a horde of cute, non-shedding, lovable pups that resemble bigger dogs, I bet. Not only can your friend spend some time and pick just the right dog, but you'll be saving a life too.

 

[Julie]

Look on petfinder.com You can specify your zip so you can look in your area. Then type in shetland sheepdog (or sheltie).

Jack Russels are very active and sometimes hyper like. Do some research if you consider this breed.

Im sure you will find something your friend will like.

A good idea along with the dog... is to give your friend a dog care book, and a dog training book!

 

[girlbuffalo1]

maybe

Are you in an apartment complex? (guessing from you saying you do not have a yard)--you may want to be aware that shelties are very vocal. I would not get two dogs at the same time--especially for the first time or new to puppy raising dog owner.
The first thing that came to mind from your description was a mini pin or an italian greyhound (short coat--look like larger dog in small dog body)...although I do not know their temperment so I do not know if they are a fit for you or not.

 

[Gempress]

How much time can you devote to walks? I would recommend steering clear of herding breeds like corgis and shelties unless you can provide a TON of exercise. They have lots and lots of energy, especially as puppies.

How about an Italian greyhound? Some friends of mine have two of them, and they have wonderful personalities. They look exactly like a greyhound, but in miniature, and are virtually shed-free.

 

[Kmh1]

My Manchester Terrier looks a lot like a very fine boned Doberman--more so than a min pin (I know, I know--min pins are NOT miniature Dobermans LOL!) He is a lot of dog in a 16lb package--His shedding is very very minimal and he has an extremely short sleek coat--as for cute, well you be the judge!
However, the Machester temperament varies alot--my little guy is the most loving loyal boy to me--total velcro dog--but can be aloof to strangers and barky when nervous. Despite the terrier rep he is very attentive and trainable--most of the time!--Drawback to Manchesters is that they can be tough to find and a bit pricey--good point is that "most" of the breeders seem to be reputable show breeders and know each other because they are not a "popular" breed.

 

[Zoom]

Corgis shed a ton. They're cute, they're pushy, they're vocal sometimes and can be very hard-headed.

Have your friend fill out this questionnaire: www.k9country.com/perl/dogBreed.pl

This will give them a better idea of what breeds (or a mix with those breeds in it) will be more suitable for them and their family.

 

[Landslide]

while it is a gift, it's not going to be a surprise. and i'm not treating it as a piece of merchandise. it's not like i'm trying to find a dog to match a handbag, i'm trying to find a few breeds to narrow down the search. we don't want a big dog, or an agressive breed like rot or pit bull. i'm just trying to make an informed decision so everyone involved is happy, including the dog. (the happier we are with the dog, the more likely we are to take better care for the dog).

so, i'll try out the questionnarie from zoom. thank you.

kmh1, i do like dobermans, and a smaller version does seem to fit the criteria, so i look them up, thanks

gempress, alot of walks won't be a problem, we have 3 people in this household all willing to go for walks. and it's not an apartment complex, it's just that our yard is about the size of a jail cell.

more than likely, we will be checking out the local shelter, but even if we do, more education on the subject can never hurt. (we just don't want to pick out a puppy and later find out it's going to get too big).

thank you for all your feedback

 

[ihartgonzo]

To be honest, Corgis & Jack Russell Terriers sound like a very, very bad fit! =P fuh real. I have a Corgi mix... and he requires lots of off-leash exercise, lots of training, he sheds, he went through a barking phase, and he's very stubborn at times. JRT's are also stubborn - being terriers - and they NEED a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to be happy. If not, they are super destructive and neurotic. Shelties are prone to fear aggression, are very very vocal, and they're a herding breed so expect tons of exercise, training, and a dog that wants to herd/nip.

Breeds that I feel might be a good fit for a first-time owner: Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzu, or Miniature Pinscher. Please please don't buy a dog from a pet store or a bad breeder, if you go to a breeder. Check out breed clubs and find a breeder that shows, health tests, spays/neuters pets, and is reputable. Looking at shelters and petfinder.com is a really good idea! I found my little guy, Fozzie, through petfinder. ;]

 

[~Tucker&Me~]

an agressive breed like rot or pit bull

Just thought I'd add that these breeds are not aggressive in the least.

In fact, the pit bull got a better score then the goldern retriever in the temperment test .

I second Italian Greyhound!

~Tucker

 

[dogsarebetter]

take it from me, shelties are a handful. They can get fear aggression and generally be fruity unless you get them from a good breeder and work with them.
in a house hold of five my sheltie will only allow two people to touch him. he is scared and hates other dogs, and men. Him and I do obidence and are working on this now, it requires lots of trips to public places and a lot of time.

 

[Agility23]

Never get a dog as a gift let the person choose to get a dog and the type of dog for them selfs.

 

[Landslide]

an agressive breed like rot or pit bull

Just thought I'd add that these breeds are not aggressive in the least.

In fact, the pit bull got a better score then the goldern retriever in the temperment test .

I second Italian Greyhound!

~Tucker

most of the agressive dogs i have met are rot/pit bulls, this can of course be attributed to the owners but, i would much rather have a stray labrador walk up to me than a rot or a pit.

mayeb they get the agressive stereotype from owners who think they are agressive and train them to be that way, thus acting like a self fulfilling profesy... interesting...

 

[Maxy24]

pits are not supposed to be people aggressive at all. You can't even tie human aggression into dog fighting pits because they are trained to be pulled off one another in a fight so they can't be allowed to bite people. They are very dog aggressive though.

 

[wookie130]

I would actually recommend a miniature Schnauzer for your purposes. They shed minimally (mine really didn't shed much to speak of at all), were energetic, smart, and had wonderful temperments. A lot of people complain that they are a bit yappy and vocal, but mine (I've owned 3 in my life) only barked when seeing someone out the window, or when someone came to the door...I found the whole "yappy" thing to be a myth.

 

[RedyreRottweilers]

My Rottweilers are highly vocal and threatening behind a fence, in my van, and sometimes when in crates.

This is one facet of the territorial nature of this breed. This trait is more highly developed in some dogs than others.

My dogs are NEVER aggressive on leash or when visiting friendly people. I do not allow or tolerate it, and they are well socialized and trained from an early age.

Rottweilers should NOT be aggressive, and if so, have a basic temperament fault.