dog breeds
Regarding my last post: the reason I said I would look for a Jack Russell mix or a daschund mix was because my brother has a Jack-Russell/Daschund/”Other” mix who I know well and who is a wonderful little dog
( Read more... )
Terriers as a whole might be a bad idea. People think they're cute and snuggely because they're small and fluffy, but they were bred by farmers to hunt and kill (what they percieved as) vermin. They have a lot of energy, tenacity, spunk and a prey drive for your critters. [The controversy with pit bull terriers like Lady is that prey drive was transfered onto dogs rather than critters]
Lady, however, is wonderful with small animals, dogs and cats. There's exceptions to rules and socialization can do wonders. Of course a pit bull is bigger than you want, just suggesting to make room for deviations in specific animals.
My parents have a Shih Tzu and its lazy. However, its also dumb. I'd rather have a cat than a small dumb dog. Less maintenance and more personality. But thats just me.
It could be a good idea to look into breeds that were bred specifically as companions. Perhaps focusing on the non-sporting and toy akc categories.
Some people don't think small dogs need walking, but many disagree (including myself). I mean, not daily walks for hours, but a jaunt around the apartment complex most days of the week would be good atleast. Depending on how you're fibro is, a second hand treadmill could be a good investment instead.
Do a google search for "help me choose a dog" and pursue some of the links. Get an idea of what you might want. Once you have a vague idea of various small breeds and what you like aestetically and personality wise... just hit up the shelter and interact with plenty of specific dogs. If you adopt a 3-4 year old dog chance are it'll have plenty of years left, but be done with the puppy energy burst that fibro might make hard to deal with.
Sorry this isn't very linear. Just spouting off tidbits as they come to mind.
Reply
I like some of the toy breeds. Aesthetics doesn't play much of a part, except for size. I just don't want a big dog. My neighbors have an elderly yellow lab named Bart who weighs a million pounds, and though I love him to death, I oculdn't live with a dog half the size as me. lol
Reply
Leave a comment