I want to buy a small dog (shih tzu, yorkie, toy)

[artsyguy]

I want to buy one of those super cute super small dogs that like to wear costumes and sweaters during the holidays...... a dog that is easily potty trained, not stinky, and is well behaved and easily trained.....and is naturally loving......

any suggestions ? And throw out costs of each dog too!

[Keeper]

I don't think there is any such thing.

I have a yorkie I got as a puppy, who is spoiled rotten and I love him but he did not come potty trained which was a challenge, needs to be bathed and groomed. He is smart but also a tad hard headed. But he is loving and follows me everywhere, in my lap anytime I sit down and sleeps in my bed. I don't dress him up because that is not my thing.

The rest of my pack are not small and the only ones that came potty trained were rescued dogs. They are just too big to be a lap dog, but then the wiemaraner sleeps next to me too.

If you are serious then I would say 'check out a rescue' there are tons of small dogs who need homes.

[artsyguy]

Well, I understand dogs do not come potty trained;however, I'm sure I could pay to have it trained, yes??? No??

[titaniummd]

Originally Posted by artsyguy

I want to buy one of those super cute super small dogs that like to wear costumes and sweaters during the holidays...... a dog that is easily potty trained, not stinky, and is well behaved and easily trained.....and is naturally loving......

any suggestions ? And throw out costs of each dog too!

First, dogs do not "like to wear" anything. It is the whim of the owner. The cuteness wears off and dogs are living beings, not fashion accessories.

Super small dogs are super hard to potty train.

Super small / cute dogs are not necessarily of good temperament.

You may want to consider a rescue dog that is already potty trained. You didn't mention allergies so the options are open:
Italian Greyhound
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Bichon Frise
Coton de Tulear
Havanese
Brussels Griffon

Costs are high:
Flea meds (Advantage + = $60 retail for 3 months)
Premium dog food = $40-50/month
Checkups/shots = 60-150/year
Supplies before you get the dog: Bowl, collar, tag, crate, bed, toys = 100-400 dollars
Boarding cost = 16-40/night (if you go anywhere)
Doctor's visits = 50 to 100 per visit
Microchip = 35-50 dollars
Grooming = 35-45/clip + tips (frequency depends on breed)

You have to consider your work schedule (i.e. alone time for dog = separation anxiety / destruction of house), exercise requirements, etc.

Puppies are able to hold their bladders (in hours) proportional to age in months. Ex. 3 months - > pee every 3 (hrs).

[titaniummd]

Originally Posted by artsyguy

Well, I understand dogs do not come potty trained;however, I'm sure I could pay to have it trained, yes??? No??

No.

[Ticklerkid]

Will a stuffed toy work?

Actually any breed of small dog that appeals to you, suits the grooming requirements you prefer and which comes from a reliable background may fit your needs if you're motivated to train, love and bond with the dog, and if you have realistic expectations. But there is no breed of dog that can do all that without appropriate guidance, training and patience -- so you must be motivated. You didn't mention health but a dog from a reliable background will usually have parents that are tested for health issues before they are bred.

You might write to Boone's Animals to get an idea of the work required to create the pets you admire.
Boone's Animals gets many of their dogs from rescue situations.

[SXMGirl]

Gee Artsyguy, I thought your post was sarcasm and that you should add playing a musical instrument to your list. Do you really want a dog?

[artsyguy]

So I can't put sweaters and costumes on my dog? That is wrong? What else are dogs for? I mean I could send the dog to a training academy and have it trained.....

[SXMGirl]

Only if it's haute couture!

[artsyguy]

Who or what is a Haute Couture? oh never mind and yes my dog had better wear that type of clothing.

Originally Posted by SXMGirl

Only if it's haute couture!