Dog #1 is a Chihuahua. I think he is older, but not sure. He is neutered and will require little care as far as grooming goes. He seemed to be very sweet and calm ~ not skittish or snappy like some of the other Chihuahuas there. I have heard in the little research we've done so far today, that this breed can tend to bite. While I think my kids are well behaved and would know better than to torment to the point of biting, this does worry me a bit. This puppy seems to be not that type but you can't tell very much on the other side of the cage.
Dog #2 is a Shih Tzu. He's 10~12 months old, not neutered, and also seems to be very sweet and calm. He would require more care (and money) as far as grooming... but I'm told this breed is playful and sweet and does well with small children. I think the issue here might be separation anxiety and potty training. However... I think I could relatively easily bring our new puppy to work with me to alleviate the separation anxiety as long as it's Ok with my boss and co~worker.
I won't tell you what we're leaning towards, and would like to hear your words of wisdom.
I know that the cats will likely fight with the dog but hope it'll be temporary. We're looking for a smaller dog because the idea of cleaning up poop bigger than mine does not sound appealing. And I really believe, knowing my boys the way I do, that they will be gentle and kind... as they are to our kitties. I'd love to have a play mate for them.
Oh, and no, these pictures are not the real dogs in question...
So what do you think?
7 comments:
i'm no expert, but i'm not that fond of chihuahuas...
I'd say dog no. 2 (as much as I hate having to pick...I'd love for all the animals at shelters to find good homes). But dog no. 2 for the simple reason that your research shows it to be a good 'family with kids' dog. I would not want to get a dog that has a tendency to bite, especially not with little kidlets around.
Good luck in making your decision. :)
Heidi
How exciting!! I vote dog #2 as well. This is only because chihuahuas, in my experience, are very territorial of there humans and generally only bond with one person which is always an adult. I have seen quite a few of them snap at children and never really met a nice one. Thomas' grandpa's won't even let the girls get near him when it is on his lap.
Shihtzu's, on the other hand, are great family pets. I did a lot of research on them when looking for Sophie. They are very intelligent, playful and friendly. The expense is really not that bad if you learn to trim bangs and give baths. We only get Sophie done every few months and its about $25-$35. I only have one piece of advice...kennel train it from the first second you get it. I can't imagine the trouble Sophie would get into if she had free reign of the house. I don't mean to sound like a know-it-all but this is something that I have some experience with recently. Perhaps we could do puppy kindergarten together! No matter what we need to get them together for play dates.
I can't wait to see what you choose.
i've heard that bringing a dog to live with cats as a PUPPY is the way to go, because then even as it gets bigger it will still be afraid of the cats.
I had a shih-tzu growing up and loved it.
yet, as am still the reluctant owner of a new cat, I'm not sure I should be giving anyone pet adoption advice. ;)
I vote for dog #1 only because older dogs have less chance of being adopted!
We got our lab when she was about a year old (she was a stray who found me on a schoolyard). She barked at our cats constantly, but out of fear, not aggressiveness. They settled in to an easy peace after a while, though they definitely still dominate. She's always been excellent with the kids as well.
Either way, welcome to dog ownership!
Dog #2. We had a shih-tzu when I was a teen that lived a long time and was a wonderful pet and companion to me and my (much younger) brother. Her name was Muffin. *grin*
BTW, this cracked me up: "the idea of cleaning up poop bigger than mine does not sound appealing". LOL!
Hi Amy, it's me (WorksForMom), I just changed my profile name. I hope you and your fam had an awesome holiday.
I've done a lot of dog rescue and can tell you first and foremost - the dog usually picks you. And I think dog #2 has already picked YOU. ;)
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