Hurray for small dogs!!!

[dalfan2000]

All of my life I have owned large dogs, mostly black labs. I am now the PROUD owner
of an eight week old Yorkshire Terrier. I've
had Dallas (her name) for 5 days now and she has already jumped to the #1 spot on my favorite dog list! IF you've never had the pleasure of raising a small breed dog, I highly recommend it!!!

[karlicat]

I have small dog, and her fur is so fine that her breed is often called the Cuban Silk Dog, but she has so much and it stands almost straight out from her body and makes her look twice her size. It's much different when she takes a bath. Poco (which means little one in spanish) is a Havanese dog. Her ancestors, in about the 1500s-1600s, were circus dogs and performed for kings. They are very intelligent and incredibly easy to teach tricks to. Poco hs around 50-word "vocabulary". In other words, she is a perfect small dog.

[punkydoodle]

I too use to think that large dogs were the best, but that was before I owned a rat terrier. They are the most wonderful, most fun breed I've ever owned and I have had several different breeds over the years. Most rat terrier owners feel the same; once you have owned one, you are hooked forever!! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/tongue.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif

[DB1Dawn]

Ditto! Small dogs have such character. As a lover of ALL dogs, and only previously owned precious golden retrievers, I could not be more in love with our girls, Chenin a 3 year old Bichon Frise and Skeeter a year old Yorkshire Terrier. They are the best of pals, constant companions, yet have completely different personalities. Chenin, the sensitive, protective one and Skeeter the outgoing, playful clown, ALWAYS with a toy in her mouth ready for fun and games. By the way, two dogs are NOT twice the work, they are ten times the joy!

[tsmom]

I'm generally a big dog fan but Saturday I added a miniature doxie to my pack. Lily had been surrendered to the pound when her owners divorced. She was so lost I knew she needed me. So now I've got a little shadow-after only 1 day. Anyone with doxie experience I'd appreciate any tips-right now other that Lil, my "smallest" dog is a 65 lb basset. Thanks. Judy

[carabara]

I agree that small dogs rule! I have two adorable chihuahuas, and they certainly aren't the yappy, obnoxious dogs so many people make them out to be. They love to cuddle and are extremely playful, and at 5 pounds and 4 pounds, they both fit on my lap and jump up whenever I sit down! They're extememly friendly, and the downside of that trait is that they drag me toward any stranger they see along the road and expect that person to pick them up and kiss them. They certainly brighten up our household, and everyone who meets them falls in love!!!

[carabara]

I agree that small dogs rule! I have two adorable chihuahuas, and they certainly aren't the yappy, obnoxious dogs so many people make them out to be. They love to cuddle and are extremely playful, and at 5 pounds and 4 pounds, they both fit on my lap and jump up whenever I sit down! They're extememly friendly, and the downside of that trait is that they drag me toward any stranger they see along the road and expect that person to pick them up and kiss them. They certainly brighten up our household, and everyone who meets them falls in love!!!

[iluvpets]

hi i'm goin to g]et a small dog too a toy poodle=) well i also lived my life with big dogs like dobermans and labs

[Mallerie23]

I have a small dog- shes a jack russel terrier. the only bad thing about having a small dog is that you always step on them, like i accidently did a couple of minutes ago. oops. -mallerie http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

[McDoggle]

I think small dogs are totally the bomb(best).I have a Cavaleir King Charles Spaniel named K.C. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

[lhg0962]

I love those big dogs! But, the Dog of the Day today, Bacon, stole my heart!!! There is hope yet that I can find a small dog to meet my needs! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif

[Doxiedoxie]

I always thought I loved big dogs almost exclusively. That was until I fell in love with the dachshund breed. What wonderful, smart, stubborn, challenging little dogs they are. My only wish is that I could do agility with them..

[JackChihuahua]

I love my Jack Russell Terrier & Chihuahua mix. Her name is Jackson, and she is only 10 lbs. She has all of the great looks of a JR, and the loving characteristices of a chihuahua.

I'd recommend her for anyone, but you do need some energy during the puppy months.

[Sophies Daddy]

Small dogs are the best! O.k., so wrestling is probably not a good idea unless you have a terrier, but everything else is much, much better. Try getting a GSD or Golden comfortably in your lap sometime (not that they won't try, the jealous creatures!)

My Sophie is just the most wonderful baby (dog) in the whole world. I am a big guy, but I would not trade her for any big dog ever. Personally, I think most big dog people have serious insecurities, but that is just my opinion...

Anyone else notice that small dogs rarely have as many comments in the "Today's Dog" forum as big dogs? We small dog people have to support each other!

[Sudilar]

Originally posted by Sophie's Daddy..."Personally, I think most big dog people have serious insecurities, but that is just my opinion..."


Sophie's Daddy......Them's fightin' words!!!! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/tongue.gif
You are incorrect about the insecurities issue, in fact, I am so secure that I won't even bother to challenge you! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif So there! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/cool.gif

Oh, and by the way, if you look at who is replying to Today's Dog, you will see that many of the large dog owners sing the praises of both large and small dogs. All dogs are beautiful no matter what size! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/wink.gif

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***Save a life, ADOPT***



[This message has been edited by Sudilar (edited November 17, 2000).]

[KYS]

Originally posted by Sophies Daddy:
Small dogs are the best!
Personally, I think most big dog people have serious insecurities, but that is just my opinion...>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Since we have both small and large size dogs:
I think I can be pretty neutral.
Small or large, it's just personal preferece.
They are both equally wonderful.
Little dogs are just big dogs in small bodies.
As for Big Dog people having serious insecurities, I know you must be joking.

[HowieDawn]

HaHaHaHa Daddy, Behave yourself or we will send you to bed without supper! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif

[Sophies Daddy]

Ok, ok, not all big dog people have serious insecurities, in fact it is probably a relative few. Big dogs have their merits as do all dogs of all sizes.

...but...

I am an obedience instructor who mainly teaches basic and puppy obedience. I have seen so many men show up with their chests puffed out and sheepish women show up to class orientation with their big dogs. One man even asked at what point would he be shown how to teach his dog to attack. It is almost as if these people have "I need protection" written across their foreheads. A few of these people succeed and go on to competition level, but most of these people are never seen by us again after advanced beginner. A great many of these people don't want to take the direction necessary to properly train their dogs either. They seem to think that they know better which is just another sign of insecurity.

On the other hand, parents of small and medium sized dogs we teach usually come in happy and contented. They are usually much closer to their dogs and are more likely to treat their dogs like a member of their family. They seem to know ahead of time what obedience entails and usually listen to us more intently. They often practice more and their dogs perform better as a result. As a result, most of our dogs that continue to competition level are medium to small dogs (less than 60lb.)

Those people who have big dogs in our competition level training don't seem to pick their dogs for what they represent, but for the love of a particular breed. After seeing how much easier a small dog is to manage, however, "My next dog is going to be a small dog" is becoming a mantra among our competition people. These are just my observations over several years of training dogs.

Because I believe that a dog should be treated like a member of the family, I am turned off my anyone who keeps a dog merely for protection, a status symbol, or, God forbid, an outdoor dog. Unfortunately for big dog people, most of these neglected or abused dogs seem to be big dogs owned by big dog people (not including the much maligned, however unwarranted, pit bull terrier which is a medium sized dog). Those of you who welcome your big dogs into your family and treat them with the respect and love that they deserve, I applaud you and apologize for any insinuations I presented.

[KYS]

S.daddy you're forgiven. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

Just to let you know, My husband
prefers small dogs too.
So when we are out walking, hubby
has the little one in tow and I am
walking with the monsters.
Hubby has always spoiled the little ones and does very little basic training.
I on the otherhand even it out by loving all of them and have always taken our
large dogs through obedience. In our household the large dogs are better mannered.
So I guess every household is different. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

[HowieDawn]

Ok, I see where you are comming from now http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

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"Of all God's creatures there is only one that cannot be made the slave of the leash. That one is the cat. If man could be crossed with a cat it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat." - Mark Twain

[Sophies Daddy]

Originally posted by KYS:
S.daddy you're forgiven. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif


Hubby has always spoiled the little ones and does very little basic training.
I on the otherhand even it out by loving all of them and have always taken our
large dogs through obedience. In our household the large dogs are better mannered.
So I guess every household is different. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

KYS,

Love your reply! I have met so many people that believe that, because they have small dogs (usually tiny) and they are more managable, that they don't need to be trained. They are usually o.k., but I have also met some real monsters in little dog clothing. My personal belief is that all dogs benefit from obedience. I am absolutely thrilled that you take your big dogs to obedience and I'm sure your household is much better for it.

If your husband doesn't want to train the little one, it may actually be in your best interest. Little dogs often do very well in obedience. You wouldn't want him showing up your big guys, would you? What kind of baby is it? I'll let you know if you are truly interested in a debate if the breed is one of the better training varieties http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/wink.gif.

[ktreva52]

Sophie's Daddy: I suspect what you have seen with the large dog people are the same type of guys that wouldn't ever neuter their dogs because they so identify with the male genitalia of their dogs. Most of these guys have no business owning another living thing, let alone a large dog that is rarely taught basic manners. Oh, well, off the soap box.
I, too, am a lover of all dogs and that includes the giant breeds (my sister breeds and shows Saint Bernards), but my dog of choice will be the Jack Russell Terrier. I recently lost my purebred JRT, but still have the JRT mix and she has been the best dog. One of those, "whatever you want me to do...." sorts, unlike our first family dog, an Australian Cattle Dog mix who was the most independently minded dog I know, but still a lover (also waiting at the Rainbow Bridge after contracting lymphoma and deteriorating in 2 months). Next year sometime, I intend to get another JRT to "sister" the memory of my beloved Trev. It is so much easier to keep a small dog in the house, although I would never advocate keeping any dog outdoors all the time. I had a lot of students that had Goldies and Labs and they were very willing to train them and work with them daily. The ones who didn't want to do that didn't come back to class. It was so sad for the dogs that their people didn't want to spend the time with them and teach them simple manners.....
Well, animals in general rule -- large or small and mankind needs to listen more to their needs than to keep pushing his needs upon the world -- oops, another soapbox. I'm sorry.

[lhg0962]

All dogs are wonderful, no matter what the size. In fact, my 85 pound Golden Retriever, Lilly, thinks she is a lap dog. One of my friends came by this morning and Lilly just put her head in his lap and sat there looking at him. He said, "Lilly, you should have been a Chihuahua so you could sit in my lap!". She really wishes she could be in your lap all the time! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif

[ownerof3dogs]

my dog Hercules (100 lb )does the same thing
he sit totaly in my lap. he thinks he wieghs only 10 lbs

[Sophies Daddy]

Aren't big lap dogs wonderful? It really shows that a dog is part of the family when it is in your lap regardless of size!

Ktreva,

Yes, the same people who want to keep a dog for protection want to keep their dogs "intact." One thing though, it doesn't seem to be a gender thing. Both men and women in this category seem to feel this way.

Then again, I wish Sophie wasn't fixed. It would be wonderful to keep her good traits going, even though she is slightly too tall for show quality. Maybe I'll have her cloned http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/wink.gif.


[This message has been edited by Sophies Daddy (edited November 26, 2000).]