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We have never owned a dog, but are considering getting one. I want a small dog that doesn't shed a lot and that is OK being indoors most of the time, except for occasional walks for fresh air around the neighborhood. I guess you could say I am looking for a "lap" dog that is gentle and calm. The breeds I have considered are a Pug, Shih Tzu, or Dachshund.
Any opinions about these breeds, or other suggestions? We work and are gone for long hours all day, don't have a fenced in yard, and don't want the responsibility of a large dog, even though I love Golden Retrievers. Our home is just a small rancher with no basement. I don't want a dog that is destructive or "hyper".
We have never owned a dog, but are considering getting one. I want a small dog that doesn't shed a lot and that is OK being indoors most of the time, except for occasional walks for fresh air around the neighborhood. I guess you could say I am looking for a "lap" dog that is gentle and calm. The breeds I have considered are a Pug, Shih Tzu, or Dachshund.
Any opinions about these breeds, or other suggestions? We work and are gone for long hours all day, don't have a fenced in yard, and don't want the responsibility of a large dog, even though I love Golden Retrievers. Our home is just a small rancher with no basement. I don't want a dog that is destructive or "hyper".
Thanks for any suggestions!
Most dogs shed, and need at least some outdoor space to run and play in a few times a week (or more). Most dogs go through stages when they are destructive and 'hyper'.
Dachshunds are strong-willed and not always gentle and calm.
Pugs are more what you are looking for; and they shed.
Shih-Tzus can be nice little dogs; choose carefully. They shed too.
You might consider Havanese or Coton de Tulear. They are pleasant small dogs. Also, perhaps, Tibetan Spaniels; but they are more independent-minded and not quite lap dogs.
How long are you gone? It is unfair to leave dogs indoors with no companionship for 8 hours straight or more. I would not consider such an arrangement unless you hire a good dog walker or a neighborhood kid to take the dog out once or twice and spend a little time with him/her. And can you fence a portion of your yard, or find a decent fenced dog park where you can take the dog to run around and play outdoors safely a few times a week? Dogs can be fine indoors, but they have a psychological and physical need to run around and play off-lead outdoors at least semi-regularly, so they can exercise their minds and noses as well as their legs.
And don't consider getting a puppy; because a puppy not only could not make it through long hours alone without making messes, it will have periods of being hyper and destructive.
I'm not sure that your environment, priorities, and lifestyle are really suitable for a dog. Perhaps you should try volunteering at a local animal shelter first, walking and (if possible) fostering a dog.
Miniature poodle? They don't shed. Poodle-bison mix are also nice and don't shed. Pugs shed some, but the blacks less. We've owned all of these, and they were all sweet "sofa dogs", but all dogs need to get a walk daily.
We have never owned a dog, but are considering getting one. I want a small dog that doesn't shed a lot and that is OK being indoors most of the time, except for occasional walks for fresh air around the neighborhood. I guess you could say I am looking for a "lap" dog that is gentle and calm. The breeds I have considered are a Pug, Shih Tzu, or Dachshund.
Any opinions about these breeds, or other suggestions? We work and are gone for long hours all day, don't have a fenced in yard, and don't want the responsibility of a large dog, even though I love Golden Retrievers. Our home is just a small rancher with no basement. I don't want a dog that is destructive or "hyper".
Thanks for any suggestions!
This aspect of your life is not very compatible with being a dog owner. Many gentle, calm dogs could easily become "destructive and/or hyper" when consistently left alone for that long.
^^^^ Oh, cancel what I wrote about the dog breeds, Dogs cannot be left alone all day. It is cruel because they are social animals. And yes, they can get depressed and destructive and sick.
I've had Pugs. They're very social animals and most of them love being around people. You can't leave one home alone all day long though. They'd be miserable. They shed and their little hairs get all entwined into fabrics.
Shih tzu's.. I don't recall mine shedding much. He was an older rescue and wasn't interested in people much.
If you really want a dog why don't you go to a rescue group, or a breed specific rescue group. They may have animals that would be perfectly content to stay home alone during the day.
What concerns me is that you say your yard isn't fenced in so you'd have to walk it. After a hard day's work are you really going to want to walk a dog? Or are you planning on letting this dog use wee wee pads?
Why not get a cat? They have hairless ones. Cat's don't mind being alone as much as dogs and they can be just as loving, and less destructive.
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Terrors! 
