Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Hi I am in need of trying to get a pet, my preference is a Westie because of their temperment but if anyone else knows of another type of breed to consider please let me know...the obama's new dog is beautiful as a puppy but he gets to be too big for me..thanks
OK, don't mean to burst your bubble and I know that not all dogs are the same, but our neighbors next door have had two Westies in a row (I guess the first one died), and that dog yips ALL DAY LONG! The previous dog did the same. They let the dog out to the fenced-in backyard in the morning and leave it out all day while they are at work, and I seriously am not exaggerating about the barking. This dog barely stops to take a breath. I don't claim to be an expert on the breed, but it is really beyond annoying to have to listen to constantly. If you do get a dog of that breed, please be sure to train it not to bark all the time. Your neighbors will thank you!
OK, don't mean to burst your bubble and I know that not all dogs are the same, but our neighbors next door have had two Westies in a row (I guess the first one died), and that dog yips ALL DAY LONG! The previous dog did the same. They let the dog out to the fenced-in backyard in the morning and leave it out all day while they are at work, and I seriously am not exaggerating about the barking. This dog barely stops to take a breath. I don't claim to be an expert on the breed, but it is really beyond annoying to have to listen to constantly. If you do get a dog of that breed, please be sure to train it not to bark all the time. Your neighbors will thank you!
well i appreciate the heads up...I have heard that they are very good companions and they don't bark as much..oh well i will continue to look thanks
Research breeds via the breed-specific national clubs. Just go to google and type the breed name followed by "club". For example, here's the one for West Highland White Terriers: Westies - West Highland White Terrier Club of America
As you can see, that website has lots of info about the breed, obtaining a dog, how to train, etc. There's even an online quiz that will tell you whether or not this breed is suitable for you. If a Westie isn't the right dog for you, keep searching. Here's some advice from the American Kennel Club: American Kennel Club - The Right Dog For You
You might want to consider a mixed-breed or rescue dog. There are lots of good dogs out there in need of a good home. If you have your heart set on a puppy, please buy from a responsible breeder, not a pet store. Pet store puppies often come from "puppy mills" - breeding kennels where the animals are kept in poor conditions.
Good luck with your search! Taking on a dog is a big responsibility. If you're up for caring properly for your puppy, for his or her entire life long, they'll reward you by being a great companion.
Research breeds via the breed-specific national clubs. Just go to google and type the breed name followed by "club". For example, here's the one for West Highland White Terriers: Westies - West Highland White Terrier Club of America
As you can see, that website has lots of info about the breed, obtaining a dog, how to train, etc. There's even an online quiz that will tell you whether or not this breed is suitable for you. If a Westie isn't the right dog for you, keep searching. Here's some advice from the American Kennel Club: American Kennel Club - The Right Dog For You
You might want to consider a mixed-breed or rescue dog. There are lots of good dogs out there in need of a good home. If you have your heart set on a puppy, please buy from a responsible breeder, not a pet store. Pet store puppies often come from "puppy mills" - breeding kennels where the animals are kept in poor conditions.
Good luck with your search! Taking on a dog is a big responsibility. If you're up for caring properly for your puppy, for his or her entire life long, they'll reward you by being a great companion.
Hi I am in need of trying to get a pet, my preference is a Westie because of their temperment but if anyone else knows of another type of breed to consider please let me know...the obama's new dog is beautiful as a puppy but he gets to be too big for me..thanks
In defense of Westies, I have one and he is everything I could ever want in a small dog. He's able to play w/ my Labs, yet gentle enough for the Chihuahuas. He rarely barks, but will look up at me and "woo woo" me. It's too darn cute.
He's on the small side at 11 lbs, and makes a perfect lap dog. The books will tell you different, but Ninja likes nothing more than to cuddle w/ me and my husband.
I also have a couple Cairn Terriers. One is quiet and one barks nonstop. You can't go by everything you're told or read. Every dog is different.
OK, don't mean to burst your bubble and I know that not all dogs are the same, but our neighbors next door have had two Westies in a row (I guess the first one died), and that dog yips ALL DAY LONG! The previous dog did the same. They let the dog out to the fenced-in backyard in the morning and leave it out all day while they are at work, and I seriously am not exaggerating about the barking. This dog barely stops to take a breath. I don't claim to be an expert on the breed, but it is really beyond annoying to have to listen to constantly. If you do get a dog of that breed, please be sure to train it not to bark all the time. Your neighbors will thank you!
Those dogs are probably bored out of their minds. i can't imagine leaving a bored dog out in the backyard all day. I'd say this is partly your neighbor's fault. Laziness.
Please at least look at the Shih Tzus. I've had 8 dogs with a variety of breeds. My Holly is the best. Loving trainable, caring, etc. And I swear when she looks at you, you just know she wants to talk.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.