On Fri, 13 Feb 2009 18:54:49 -0500, "Suja" wrote:


wrote in message :

From my experience, the main reason IGs may be referred to as indoor
exercisers (though I've never heard that) is because they run, jump,
climb, leap and do it all over again wherever they are.

The IGs I've known have been fun little dogs, very into bouncing off
everything. Comes with rocket boosters, near as I can tell.

Yes, rocket boosters are standard equipment. And though I said it
once, it's important to note - smaller IGs have frequent broken legs,
because they think they can fly. The OP said maximum of 7 pounds and
that's really a bit undersize. It's one reason I'd never have
anything other than an oversized IG. Even so, my 20-pounder leaps
around here like a giant water bug. When he's at rest, he's often on
the back of the recliner. And they chase and hunt just like big
sighthounds.

Aren't there specific breeds of cats that are more dog-like? Would that be
a better fit for the OP, given all the constraints?

I'd think so. Manx cats and Maine coons are among the dog-like cat
breeds. My Seamus is half Manx, half Siamese, 18 years old next
month. He'd sit on your lap all day if he could, and he was always
like that.

Mustang Sally

Judy wrote:
"Suja" wrote in message
...

Aren't there specific breeds of cats that are more dog-like? Would
that be a better fit for the OP, given all the constraints?


If I want a dog, telling me that I should want a cat isn't going to work.

I like cats. I have had cats that were cuddly and outgoing and even did
tricks.

But they were never close to a dog in my heart.


Exactly. And while a dog under 7# may sound teeny, it might not be too
bad. As an example, Zipper weighs 10# and is 12 1/2" tall. Many of the
smaller Min Pins weigh about 7#. And by smaller, I do NOT mean teacup,
but dogs that still fit within the breed standard, which starts at 10".

Other small dog choices that would probably fit within her weight range
without having to be extremely undersize for the breed include Yorkies,
Papillons, and Chihuahuas.

However. The OP should understand that pretty much all of these smaller
dogs are very energetic for their size. And of course small dogs also
tend to obesity, so she would need to be careful about food. The other
real concern is the entire home situation. I can understand really
wanting a dog. But with her health issues it might just not be practicable.

On Feb 13, 12:42*pm, "Judy" wrote:
"Jane" wrote in message

...

I realize that small dogs have many health issues. *I was thinking of
a toy poodle, a papillon or a teacup yorkie. * I'd like to know the
pros and cons of each.

If the upfront price is manageable for you, I suggest that you find a
responsible breeder of one of the toy breeds and buy a dog or puppy there..
They may even have an older dog that would fit your needs. *Any of them
could be trained to use the pee pads.

I would suggest that you avoid anybody calling their dogs "teacup". *There
is no real "teacup" version of any breed. *It just indicates that the
breeder is trying to make an extra buck by selling a designer version. *In
any breeding, there are many issues for a good breeder to consider. *One
that is making an extreme size a priority has to not place as much weight on
something else. *With most toy breeds having some types of health issues,
you want to find someone who is making health the primary consideration.

I suggest going to a breeder because I think that in your situation you want
to be sure that the dog doesn't have any unnecessary problems that you could
avoid with some upfront care in selection - both of the dog and the breeder.

Pros and cons of the individual toy breeds are pretty much similar between
the breeds. *Most of these breeds were created to be exactly the type of dog
that you are looking for. *The question is - which of the toy breeds tugs at
your heart? *For me, I love papillons. *And I have seen some absolutely
adorable yorkies. *Poodles just don't do it for me - but that's just me.. *I
have never met a chihuahua that I could stand. *But obviously they have
their fans.

Is it possible for you to get to a dog show in your area? *A day spent
there - and I know it may be difficult for you to orchestrate it - would be
invaluable to you to help you decide which breed most appeals to you. *You
can also - but just not as they are going into the ring - talk with the
owners and handlers there and find out more about the breed. *What about
contacting a kennel club in your area? *They may have breeders in their
clubs who would be able to talk with you and help.

Good luck.

Judy

Thank you. This has been very helpful.

In article
,
Jane wrote:

Maybe I need to be more specific. My husband is dying. He is the
love of my life and I just don't know what I'll do without him.

The only thing I've always wanted, which he didn't, was a dog. I
think that having a dog will help me through the worst times to come.

I need a small dog because it would be impossible for me to take a dog
for long walks and exercise. I have constant, chronic back pain along
with two bad knees. A small dog could get the exercise it needed
running up and down the stairs in my house. I'm not saying I wouldn't
take it out, of course I would, I just couldn't give it the exercise
it would need outside.

Same problem with going out to the bathroom. Most of the time I
could probably take it out right in front of my condo, as long as I
picked everything up. However we get lots of terrible weather and
sometimes, for months at a time, my front steps are covered with ice.
I think the best solution is to train it to go indoors.

Finally, because of my back pain I can't lift anything heavier than 7
lbs or so without chancing a back spasm.

I've had cats. I have one now. He's a gentle, wonderful animal, but
a cat just doesn't give the kind of love and affection that I'm going
to need.

I realize that small dogs have many health issues. I was thinking of
a toy poodle, a papillon or a teacup yorkie. I'd like to know the
pros and cons of each.

thanks again.

Have you considered a Maltese/Shitzou cross? They are loverly little
dogs, and enjoy cuddling on your lap, and sleeping on your bed.

My friend has one, and I look after him when she goes away.

I would think they can be trained to toilet inside as my friends dog is
trained to only chew bones on one throw rug, not anywhere else in the
house.

I am not sure why you would need to pick one up - they are athletic
little things, and will easily jump up on your lap or onto the bed
without your assistance. Hers jumps into my (fairly high) 4WD ok too.

Just an idea for you to consider

David - who will have one of these to take caravanning when my present
dog is no longer around

David

David wrote:


Have you considered a Maltese/Shitzou cross? They are loverly little
dogs, and enjoy cuddling on your lap, and sleeping on your bed.


I'm curious what the guaranteed benefit of a Maltese/Shitzou mix is over
say a Maltese or Shitzou? I'm not saying a mutt is bad, just that
trying to find a mix of two particular small breeds in a shelter is
challenging. And if you are going to get one from a breeder, why not
choose one breed and find a responsible one.

My friend has one, and I look after him when she goes away.

I would think they can be trained to toilet inside as my friends dog is
trained to only chew bones on one throw rug, not anywhere else in the
house.

I am not sure why you would need to pick one up - they are athletic
little things, and will easily jump up on your lap or onto the bed
without your assistance. Hers jumps into my (fairly high) 4WD ok too.

What about if the dog is hurt and must go to the vet?

Nick

David
said in rec.pets.dogs.health:

Have you considered a Maltese/Shitzou cross? They are
loverly little dogs, and enjoy cuddling on your lap, and
sleeping on your bed.

As do many dogs.

I'm not coming down on mutts (my best was), but why do you
recommend a particular cross-breed because of an individual
trait?

--
--Matt. Rocky's a Dog.