Lap Dog Recommendations?

Paula
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October 22, 20060 found this helpful

Hi Beth,

I remember when I decided on getting a puppy and I did a lot of research before choosing a breed. The American Kennel Club has a wonderful site that tells you all about the different breeds. I think that Pomeranians would require a lot of brushing, that is something to consider when choosing a puppy, how much time do you have to spend maintaining their coats? My best friend had a Chihuahua and he was forever shedding! Have you ever thought of a Papillion? They are small like a Chihuahua, but have a longer, more silky coat. My sister-in-law has two of them and they are the sweetest little things. They have lots of energy and like to play, and they love to give lots of kisses. How about a Toy Poodle? My brother has two of them, they need to go to the groomer to get trimmed, but they don't shed, they are friendly little dogs that have a lot of energy and they are very affectionate.

Shelley

October 23, 20060 found this helpful

My mom has a wonderful miniature dachshund. She is the most loving little lap dog! When she was a puppy she was restless and chewed things, but since reaching adulthood she has calmed down.

Gayle

October 23, 20060 found this helpful

Dear Beth,
You did not give any info about your livestyle, so it is hard to give you an answer. I have 2 very tiny Chis, both under 4 lbs. They are very spoiled, and expect to be. ;-) They are good watch dogs, as they will bark when there are people around the house and inside, if they do not know them. They are so small that they are really not good for children to be round.
Over the years I have always had mixed breeds, mostly chi's with something else and they have been very good, but alot bigger than mine now. I have short haired chis and they do shed some, esp.

Heidi

October 29, 20060 found this helpful

My sister has 2 pomeranians. They are wonderful little dogs and very good with her 4 year old daughter. One is 10 and the other is 5. One thing you need to be sure to check is the breeder. One of my sisters Poms has an inherited skin condition that made him lose most of his beautiful coat. He has never regained it. But as far as upkeep they do have very thick coats but if you brush every day it helps tremendously, you can also clip them in the summer.

I own a toy poodle and he is such a lap dog. Poodles are very intelligent and can be trained quite easily. I groom my own poodle, it is quite simple to do and saves me lots of money.

Good luck with whatever breed you choose.

Bree

July 10, 20070 found this helpful

Alert and spirited, the Chihuahua is personality in a small package. Chihuahuas become very attached to their owners and are very willing to please. Very much a lap dog, the Chihuahua enjoys being pampered. But don't let the small size fool you into thinking these dogs lack spunk! They are affectionate but they're also alert and make a fine little watchdog.

Pomeranians are small dogs that can get plenty of exercise just following you around the house. This makes the breed an exceptional choice for dog lovers with limited mobility, elderly people and people with disabilities. Loveable lap dogs, Pomeranians are very content to spend every minute of the day in your presence, whether cuddled up warm and cozy in your lap, or snug in a comfortable small dog bed at your feet. That being said, a Pomeranian will gladly partake of a lively walk or jog with owners who are able to get out and get some exercise and fresh air.

So, with that said, I would say either one, but the pom would be better if you have children, and the chihuahua is better for someone who wants a campanion for life, and a copy cat...or should I say copy dog. I myself have one teacup chihuahua and love him to death, never owned a pom but always heard good things about the poms. I can tell you only good things about my dog too. tough decision, but totally different personalities in each!!!
OR YOU CAN JUST GO ALL OUT AND GET A POM CHI! (SHOWN IN PIC)

Shera

July 10, 20070 found this helpful

Hi Beth. Dogs love you and and are loyal. Many people will say this breed or that breed is better but to me that sounds too much like saying Hispanics are better than Eskimos. Every dog even in different breeds and litters has their own personality. And there are many things you can train a dog.

I think the beauty is in the individual dog, not what his ethnic background is, to draw a parallell, I mean.

I have 2 Poms but only because my husband made the choice. Of course I wouldnt trade them for anything but it's the first time I lived with purebreds. Every purebred has some sort of heredity tendency to specific health issues.

With Poms it is luxating patellas, which are basically loose knee joints that pop sometimes when you pick them up and can lead to arthritis in later years. And teeth problems which show up in later years. Basically they rot and fall out.

My 8 year old Pom recently was looking very bad cuz her eye was all crooked and the white was showing. It looked like wandering eye but was from a swollen absess in her mouth.

Not to scare you off at all, dog companionship is so unjudging, loving and wonderful. It's just something that comes with purebreds.

I brush my girls every week when they are shedding and otherwise they can go for a month or so at a time. I dont see brushing as a chore and think that if you dont have time to brush your dog you dont deserve her love and companionship. Whether you spend the time with her on your lap petting or brushing is all the same.

If youre concerned about dog hair--well a Pom isnt for you. I got a special pet hair vacuum just for the dogs hair which seems to wind itself into the carpet.

You can have them clipped in the summer and they look like chihuahuas.:-)

You havent said what sort of lifestyle you expect the dog to fit in to but you can discover a lot if you meet them with their litter mates. You can see which are the really active ones and the dominant one in the litter and which are the snuggle bunnies. Take some time to discern this for yourself.

Although Poms are usually only one or two to a litter.

Take lots of time to do your own research, notice other dogs.

I definitely wouldnt recommend a Toy Pom--anything under 5 lbs fully grown. They are bred to be small and have enormous health problems. it can be heart breaking.

My Swiffer was a real wiggle bunny as a tiny baby, her Mom had her in my house. As her fur grew in I would rub my face in it, it was so soft. And then she would stop wiggling and just melt. I guess she thought I was licking her like her Mom.

Now she just loves it when I rub my face in her belly and gets this look of pure ecstacy when the cat licks her bib.

I can still remember her as a little puppy running mad little circles around the living room while the cats took play swats at her.

I know that a perfectly delightful and wonderful little doggie is waiting to meet you. And you will have a wonderful life together.

I have been owned by two dogs, a 100 pound lab mix, and an 8 pound toy poodle. The lab, Ma Barker,(she was a thief) lived to be 14. Pookie, the poodle is 17. If you want loyal, cuddly and small, you cannot beat a non-shedding poodle. If you start when the dog is young, you can do your own clipping. With short hair, Pookie needs brushing 2-3 times weekly. Not low/no maintenance, but not too demanding either. And while he doesn't like baths, he tolerates them, and is easy to handle. If there are children in your home, a poodle is probably better than a chi, because most chis bond to one person, and are highly protective. Some potential for nips/bites there. While all dogs have their own personalities, poodles(unless overbred) seem to be be more mellow. Whatever breed you decide to get, I hope that you and the dog enjoy a long, happy life together.