Small Dogs

[Chica]

During my life I have always had big dogs. German Shepards, or Labradors.But I am an adult and I have chosen to have a Chihuahua. They don't shed very much at all. My Chihuahua doesn't bark unless someone rings the doorbell.It is how you raise them how they might turn out. I take her everywhere with me except the grocery store or restaurants. I have been taking her to Malls and stores since she was a puppy. People love seeing her. They want to pet her, and she is always quiet in the stores and in my car, etc.I bathe her myself and that is not very often because she doesn't get dirty, and chihuahuas don't have any odor.

[Alysser]

Okay first off, show dogs, regardless of breed will require lots of grooming, they have grooming stations set up at every show from what I've seen.

Anyway, take it from me. Malteses are wonderful dogs. I've had only one breed throughout my lifetime really and that was a Maltese. They are very affectionate and wonderful companions. Very easy to train and can learn a new trick each day. They are pretty active dogs to if they are raised right. BUT show malteses have VERY long hair that requires special attention so you won't want one if you can't groom a dog.
SHOW MALTESE picture here
http://www.richmaltese.com/PattyaBOSPacificRim.jpg

Companion dog in my signature.

I'm not trying to be rude at all, but if you don't want a dog that requires grooming then don't get a show dog. They require ALOT of attention when it comes to their coats,fur,and hair. There are rules and regulations in a show with the grooming to.

I am in agreement with Briana,Orangutango, and Almita on the dog thing. It doesn't matter how old your old dog is. You shouldn't be thinking of a new dog if you can't afford to help Alaskas health problems.