| robnew72 |
| Posted 3/8/2008 7:37:29 AM |
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Active: 03-08-2008
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Hello,
I recently lost my bichon frisee after 18 years. I am now researching what type of Dog I might want to join our 7-year-old cocker spaniel (who was a foundling we adopted 5 years ago). I am drawn to smaller breeds--either a lhasa apso, shih-tzu, or perhaps a cockapoo.
My bichon was very loveable, smart, funny, and a lap dog. I would like another Dog who is small, loves to be loved, and grows up to have that forever young cutie-pie look. (I plan to keep my dog's hair clipped short and not let it get long.)
I heard from one breeder who shows her lhasas that females aren't as affectionate, and I've read that lhasas can be independent. Some shih-tzus I've met have been a bit too large (I'd like my Dog to stay fairly small.) I've heard that cockapoos are friendly--but don't know much more than that.
We are an all-adult household, retired, and we travel with our dogs in our motor home. We don't mind barking when someone is at the Dog or territory is being "invaded," but we don't want a Dog who barks incessantly for what appears no reason. I also hope that I can find a breed that doesn't have built-in health issues (ears, hip dysplasia, etc.) that could lead to serious problems later.
Additionally, our cocker is a male who sometimes still marks when stressed alone at home (I think because he had a rough two years before we adopted him.) Would a girl puppy be less threatening for him? Would his marking encourage another male in the household to mark (my bichon never had that behavior, believe it or not).
That said, we are very dog-centered people and would like a pup who is outwardly affectionate and loves being with us. I am willing to wait until I have done enough research that I know we have a "good match."
Any advice on breeds for us?
Thanks kindly! |
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| ducktape |
| Posted 3/9/2008 11:22:56 PM |
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Active: 12-06-2007
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Quote robnew72: Hello,
I recently lost my bichon frisee after 18 years. I am now researching what type of Dog I might want to join our 7-year-old cocker spaniel (who was a foundling we adopted 5 years ago). I am drawn... |
People tend not to help if you give a lot of info. I don't know why. Sorry, but I don't know much about any of those breeds. All I can say is to talk to several breeders about them. Sorry I wasn't more helpful, but you have waited long enough for someone to finally answer you. |
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| maoseger1010 |
| Posted 3/10/2008 1:36:54 AM |
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Forum Moderator
    
Active: 02-20-2005
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Quote robnew72: Hello,
I recently lost my bichon frisee after 18 years. I am now researching what type of Dog I might want to join our 7-year-old cocker spaniel (who was a foundling we adopted 5 years ago). I am drawn... |
Llaso Opsos are larger than Shih tzus if bred correctly. Its likely you saw poorly bred Shih tzu's. Llaso Opsos are in my opinion more independent that Shih tzu's as well. I've owned both breeds. As for breeds that may be good for you, I would lean to Malteese, Shih tzu, Long haired Chihuahua, Toy poodle. All do well as traveling companions.
As for the females being less loving,I've never known that to be true in any breed I've owned.
Talk with more breeders and meet the parent dogs. You will learn a lot about the puppy you get by putting your hands on the parents they came from. In my opinion. You don't have to be a Dog expert to make a good pick. Once you deside on a breed by a small book about the breed and read it before you buy the pup. You'll be glad you did.
Good luck. |
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| maligirl1 |
| Posted 3/10/2008 11:49:24 AM |
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Active: 12-14-2007
Posts: 309
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check out corgis.they are very loving.i think(but i am biased) one of the only drawbacks they have is they need lots of grooming.but by all means plse do research before you get one.corgis love to be around other animals but i know of a friend who had a cocker spaniel and they got another pup and it took months before the cocker accepted the pup, and it was a maltipoo.the cocker was was a male and maltipoo was a female.my corgi is the first female i have had and has been loads more affectionate than the other dogs i have had.good luck  |
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| moggie |
| Posted 3/10/2008 12:17:20 PM |
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Active: 09-01-2005
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i have 2 put my 2 cents in here...you are an all adult travelling in a rv family....a corgi is also too big and shedds...how about something smart and sweet and non shedding....can easily be picked up with one hand..loves to play and ride and also sit in your lap and be loved...combed regularly with a steel comb...or kept in a puppy clip!! what would this wonderful little Dog be??? why!! a maltese of course!!!!!!!!!!!!!!go to google...type in maltese and enjoy!!!!!!!! |
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| PerfectPom |
| Posted 3/10/2008 12:27:22 PM |
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Active: 04-04-2007
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You may want to stick with a another Bichon since you know you liked that breed. All the smaller toy breeds with hair have the propensity to be barkers...you probably won't know how much until you actually own one.
Some Yorkies for example, are known to bark excessively but mine only does occasionally and she isn't incessant. As far as health risks, go with a breeder who tests thier dogs and offers a health guarantee.
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| PerfectPom |
| Posted 3/10/2008 12:33:42 PM |
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Active: 04-04-2007
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Quote moggie: i have 2 put my 2 cents in here...you are an all adult travelling in a rv family....a corgi is also too big and shedds...how about something smart and sweet and non shedding....can easily be picked... |
I agree a cute choice but in doing my own research Maltese are known to get car sick and can be little yappers and require lots of attention. This is one reason I got a Pom, they are known to do well in cars. Of course every Dog is an individual. It can be difficult to find everything you're looking for in one breed. |
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| maligirl1 |
| Posted 3/10/2008 1:29:53 PM |
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Active: 12-14-2007
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my corgi is only 22lbs and she is full grown,this is her wt even after being spayed.i don't think that is terribly lg.yes they do shed but alot if you can groom them 4-5 times a wk.corgis are also very much the lap Dog and can travel well.i'm not bashing ANY other Dog just what i have knowledge of |
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| lakid1 |
| Posted 3/10/2008 3:17:56 PM |
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Active: 02-29-2008
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I think that you should try a Yorkshire Terrier. They are easy to get along with and I am sure your Cocker Spaniel will see a true friend in this breed. |
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| lakid1 |
| Posted 3/10/2008 3:21:17 PM |
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Active: 02-29-2008
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| Quote ducktape: People tend not to help if you give a lot of info. I don't know why. Sorry, but I don't know much about any of those breeds. All I can say is to talk to several breeders about them. Sorry I wasn't... |
You are right. People do not want to help a person who gives off alot of information about their lost dog. They tend to want to keep the Dog for themselves. |
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| lakid1 |
| Posted 3/10/2008 3:24:58 PM |
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Active: 02-29-2008
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Don't mean to sound rude or anything but have you ever thought of buying another Bichon Frisee? |
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| NoSkiveez |
| Posted 3/10/2008 5:10:46 PM |
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"I also hope that I can find a breed that doesn't have built-in health issues (ears, hip dysplasia, etc.) that could lead to serious problems later. "
All breeds have conditions that they are prone to. Its a matter of doing your research on the breed and learning what condition could effect the Dog you decide to get. Once you know what potential problems the breed has, you can begin to search for a breeder who has properly tested for these conditions (and will show you proof...their word isnt good enough) and has been cleared of being affected or carriers of the condition.
In my personal opinion, if you are considering a mixed breed...there are a ton of mixed breed dogs in shelters and rescues waiting for a loving home. |
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| maoseger1010 |
| Posted 3/11/2008 7:36:05 AM |
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Active: 02-20-2005
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| Quote PerfectPom: I agree a cute choice but in doing my own research Maltese are known to get car sick and can be little yappers and require lots of attention. This is one reason I got a Pom, they are known to do well in... |
"Maltese are known to get car sick" Thats very interesting, none of my books on the breed speak to this problem. I'm glad you brought that up, I'm excited to do some research on my own about this. Thanks for the heads up.
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| PerfectPom |
| Posted 3/11/2008 11:07:09 AM |
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Active: 04-04-2007
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Quote maoseger1010: "Maltese are known to get car sick" Thats very interesting, none of my books on the breed speak to this problem. I'm glad you brought that up, I'm excited to do some research on my own about this. Thanks... |
Yes I checked out a ton of books at the library...breed specific and several whose topic was comparing all small breeds. I distinctly remember the car sickness in Maltese being discussed. I've also seen it brought up on Maltese forums. It was listed that Poms do well traveling, (which has been true for me) but of course there are exceptions to every rule and I am sure there are Maltese that do fine. |
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| maoseger1010 |
| Posted 3/11/2008 3:04:18 PM |
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Active: 02-20-2005
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| Quote PerfectPom: Yes I checked out a ton of books at the library...breed specific and several whose topic was comparing all small breeds. I distinctly remember the car sickness in Maltese being discussed. I've also seen... |
I honestly did not know this. Now that you mentioned it, I've been searching the web and have found several sites that talk about this problem with the them. Its very interesting. |
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| moggie |
| Posted 3/12/2008 7:49:25 AM |
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Active: 09-01-2005
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i have had maltese for over 20 years...i have not had one single issue with car sickness...nor...do they bark more than any other breed...mine bark when someone comes to the door..
keep this in mind too...you can drive yourself nuts reading and believing everything on the net...and in breed books....keep in mind...everything you read is the matter of someones opinion...and we all have our own... |
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| PerfectPom |
| Posted 3/13/2008 11:25:37 AM |
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Active: 04-04-2007
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Quote moggie: i have had maltese for over 20 years...i have not had one single issue with car sickness...nor...do they bark more than any other breed...mine bark when someone comes to the door..
keep... |
Naw I think I will stick to the books and researching in life. Readers have higher IQ's don't ya know?  |
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