which is the best dog t have as a pet?

[mrrsjn1919]

I need to have a small dog for a pet. I have ahd large dogs inthe past andits like having a grown up to look after, this time I would like to have a small dog. Please tell me which breed and what ones suffers less from problems. Apparently, labs have ear problems due to their large ears and so on.

[roosi]

My in laws have recently got a miniature jack russell, she is so well behaved, trained to the whistle, lovely dog doesn't bark hardly at all, jumps up and down as high as your waist (LOL very amsuing!) and was very easy to train. She is a beautiful dog. I would have one in a flash - Poppy is her name, and she is pure white with a black face and neck (like a mask) very very cute.

[lankeela]

Most small dogs take as much looking after as a large one.
As for health problems, Jack Russells can suffer from luxating patellas, lens luxation, heart problems in fact most problems.
There are very few dogs that don't have any problems, so it is a case of choosing a breed you like the look of and then finding out about it. Decide whether you want a long or short coat, how small, lapdog or hardy companion, long legged or short, prepared to groom or pay to have groomed, so have a look at a few breeds and then investigate whether they have any problems.

[LoftyLottie]

So many people take on small, thinking they will be easier to look after. They are not! I won't have a large dog now as I am arthritic and can't handle them properly but small dogs need lots of training and often have loads of energy. Many, e.g. Jack Russells, need for more exercise than a lot of big dogs. They take up just as much time and need just as much care.

As Lankeela says all dogs can have problems. If you are taking on a dog you need to realise this. Too many dogs end up in rescue centres because their owners didn't expect problems!.

[LoftyLottie]

I love Jack Russells, so much character. I have one myself.

[tigerlily11]

There are plenty of little dogs in the Hienz 57 range.
Lots in kennels just waiting for a good loving home and will cost u a lot less in buying a vet care than a full breed.
but still be aware as Lotti says all dogs requirer time and money just some more than others.
But to my mind they are worth every penny.

[LoftyLottie]

Nothing better than a Heinz dog Tigerlilly. I have taken on a good few from rescue centres in my time and they have all rewarded me 100%. I would never buy a dog when there are so many needing good homes through no fault of their own. Heinz dogs are known to be less likely to suffer from genetic health problems too.

[Marijn]

What's a Heinz dog?

[LoftyLottie]

A mixture of breeds, i.e. a mongrel.

Therefore - Heinz 57 varieties!!

[Marijn]

Oh right, thanks

[zzxxee]

minature sznauzzer cant spell it soz

[pinkkittykat]

we have a pomerainian....teddy,we got him when he was 18 mths old, and have had him 6 mths now,he is a fantastic little thing.
its the 1st small dog i have ever had and would recomend this breed to anyone.
the males dont even loose there coats so if pet hairs are an issue this is the dog for you.
they are great guard dogs too...nobody gets through the gate without his barking!
i read up about them before getting him and are not aware of any major health problems,he is content with sort or long walks and dont be put off by their coats as he loves to be brushed and pamperd...but realisticly only needs brushing once a week.

[lankeela]

Poms can suffer from luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps) and entropion (turning in of eyelids) and often have poor dentition.

[China Doll]

We have a jack russell too (Tilly) and she's ace. She's the only dog I actually like (cat person as a rule). I thought that to limit the health problems a dog can have it was better to get a mongrel rather than a pure breed? Anyone know if that's true?

[funnytroll]

take match sticks. Take super glue. Stick match sticks shape dog. Stroke like real dog and give name. Have small dog

[maglet]

Gotta be Jack Russell, their are devotedly loyal, funny, happy, mischievous you cannot go wrong with a JR.

[Jugglering]

I would definitely go for a Heinz 57 ... a total mongrel or a *bit of everything*. Dogs were bred from wolves and then different characteristics emphasised by selective breeding to get to the *so called pedigrees*, which is why these pedigree ones often have so many problems (hips, tails, ears etc). Obviously this doesn't apply to every single pedigree dog but if it is known that a certain type has a particular problem, then surely it would be better NOT to emphasise that problem by further in-breeding ?

If you went down to your local animal shelter, I am sure you would fall in love with a good natured Heinzdog who would suit your needs and give him/her a much needed home.