Too many people decide that they wanted a cutesy, wootsie little dog to love and then spend a ton of time and money picking out a perfect pooch. Then these people proceed to ignore the dog after a couple of months when the novelty wears off and they realize that a dog is work.
I want to shake those people and scream: “A dog is not a lawn ornament or a household decoration!” In addition to the basics—water, food and shelter—a dog needs attention, affection, mental stimulation, grooming and physical activity.
So for those who insist on dog companionship but have no intention of taking 30-minute walks daily, spending weeks, or money, for training, or taking the dog to the groomers bi-weekly, I offer this list of low-maintenance dogs. (I know, some people really aren’t physically able to walk a dog everyday for whatever reason but would still like companionship. Ignore the “lazy” in the title and read on.)
Note: I am not in any way advocating that you neglect or ignore any dog. My point here is, please don’t adopt a high-energy Border Collie if you hate walking to the car or a high maintenance Shih Tzu if you barely brush your own hair. Bring home a dog that needs a tenth of the work for the same amount of love.
10. Bolognese
This breed was thought to have descended from dogs like the Bichon Frisé in southern Italy. The Bolognese became popular as a companion dog among royal courts and nobility of Spain, and other parts of Europe, up to the early 1800’s. This is a sturdy breed of Toy/Companion dogs without any particular genetic health problems. A Bolognese needs for:
Space – Minimal. A good apartment dog. This toy breed has a sturdy body and weighs 8 – 14 pounds, the size of a newborn.
Exercise – Low. A playful dog, but not highly active. Occasional walks are good.
Training – Low. This dog is smart and trainable. She may be reserved with strangers, but she gets along with kids and other animals.
Grooming – Moderate. This is a long hair breed with white hair. It mats up easily, but it doesn’t shed much and is actually considered hypoallergenic.
9. Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin, also known as the Japanese Spaniel, is actually believed to have originated in China and brought to Japan as a gift from a Chinese emperor. It was a popular dog of Japanese royalty and was introduced in Europe in the 1800s. The Japanese Chin needs for:
Space – Low. This is a small dog not quite reaching a foot in height and weighing 8 to 11 pounds.
Training – Low. This is a smart, quiet, mild-mannered dog. The Chin gets along well with almost everyone, including strangers, other animals and children. They are also alert and sensitive to their surroundings.
Exercise – Low. This small dog is made for the lap. Plus, with its shorter muzzle, too much exercise could cause breathing and heat problems. Occasional short walks would do.
Grooming – Moderate. The Chin’s coat needs regular brushing/combing to maintain its appearance and avoid matting. And they do shed lightly year-round but are very clean and do not smell.
Cons – Difficult to housetrain during the first 4 months of life. Other health concerns include luxating patellas, heart problems, back problems, cataracts.
8. Greyhound
A racing dog on a list for 10 Best Dogs for Lazy Owners? A-ha, you learn something new all the time. Yes, they do sprint fast, but they are not high-energy dogs. In fact, Greyhounds have been referred as “Forty-five mile per hour couch potatoes.” Greyhounds have been around for some time, and can be traced to ancient Egypt and Greece and have often been used for hunting and herding throughout history. The Greyhound needs for:
Space – Low. Seriously. Yes, this is a larger dog (60 to 70 pounds as an adult and 2 1/2 feet high), but they can thrive in small spaces. Most Greyhounds are quiet, gentle animals, and actually make better “apartment dogs” than breeds that are smaller but more active.
Training – Low-ish. These dogs are rather obedient and get along well with strangers, school-aged children, and other dogs. You maybe should train or supervise them around smaller pet animals or very young children.
Exercise – Low to moderate. Yes, greyhounds are sprinters and they love running, but they do not require extensive exercise. A 20 to 30 minute walk many days will keep an adult Greyhound healthy.
Grooming – Low. She has a short, smooth coat and no undercoat. These are good dogs to have if you have allergies.
Cons – Some skin sensitivities and sensitive to extreme temperatures
7. Bullmastiff
Yes, a Bullmastiff, as in that super large dog, is pretty low maintenance. This powerful guard dog was developed in the mid-1800s as a cross between the English Mastiff and the Old English Bulldog. They were bred, not to attack intruders, but to stand in front of them or knock them down and hold them. For their size, they tend to be pretty low-energy dog. A Bullmastiff needs for:
Space – Low-ish. Because of its size (100 to 130 lbs, 21 to 27” in height), you do need enough space in the house just so the dog can move and lounge around. However, these are calm, low-key dogs and they actually do fine in apartments. And they do best when they live inside with the owner.
Training – Low. Some training is recommended just for walking the large dog so he doesn’t pull. This dog is very loyal to its family, even-tempered, calm and very tolerant of children. In fact, these dogs crave human attention and are quite affectionate.
Grooming – Low. It has a short, smooth coat that sheds little.
Exercise – Low to moderate. The Bullmastiff is a calm, low-energy dog—it’s even known to be a lazy dog, clearly OK with lying on the sofa. However, because he is such a large dog, obesity can be a concern. Occasional long walks are a good idea, but they can be leisurely, low-key walks.
Cons – Some tendencies for bloating, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems. Cannot tolerate extreme temperatures. Tendency to drool or slobber.
6. Pug
Originating in China, Pugs were probably used as royal gifts or for barter in China as well as Tibet and Japan, eventually making their way over to Europe. A Pug needs for:
Space – Low. This dog gets to about 18 pounds at the upper end of the scale (if not overfed!) and up to a foot in height. Perfect for apartment life.
Training – Low. Despite it pinched-looking face, Pug’s are typically affectionate dogs that enjoy children. They are also notoriously stubborn. Consider training if you seriously don’t want him on the couch, but he insists.
Grooming – Moderate. Here’s a drawback. While a relatively short-haired dog, Pugs tend to shed quite a bit. And, you do actually have to clean in those wrinkles occasionally to avoid irritation or infection.
Exercise – Way low. You really don’t want to exercise this dog too much. Because of the way the Pug’s head and face are built, they have very compact breathing passageways. This means they have trouble breathing if they overdo it and they have difficulty controlling their body temperature (dogs cool their temperature through panting). Definitely no strenuous exercise for the Pug and no outings where she might get really hot.
Cons – Snorer—don’t let her on the bed with you if you’re a light sleeper. Possible respiratory problems, hip dysplasia and encephalitis.
5. Glen of Imaal Terrier
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a type of working dog from Ireland, bred for hunting vermin, badger-baiting and hunting fox. The Glen of Imaal Terrier needs for:
Space – Low-ish. This terrier gets up to 35 pounds (about the weight of a 2-year-old) and up to 14 inches long. This dog works well in apartments and houses with small yards.
Training – Low to moderate. Clever and highly trainable dog, Glen of Imaals get along well with people and kids, but may be yippy and territorial with other dogs. They also might see other household pets as game if the terrier is not socialized to get along.
Exercise – Low-ish. These terriers have short legs compared to their body, so they aren’t really built for running, jumping or other strenuous activities. Some short walks are still good for them, but he won’t stress you out everyday about it. In fact, it is said the Glen of Imaal Terriers tend to make up their own exercise, so if you have a yard, that would be good for them, too. (But have a good fence because they like to dig.)
Grooming – Low to moderate. A Glen’s outer coat will grow to 3-4″ if left unattended and it will matt, but this breed does not shed much.
4. Bulldog
Bulldogs were originally bred in the 1600s to hold bulls for butchers, and later used for fighting, or “bullbaiting”. When fighting was outlawed, breeders bred Bulldogs with gentler temperaments to soften the breed. A Bulldog needs for:
Space – Low. A small but muscular dog, weighing in at 40 – 50 pounds, apartment living is fine, but avoid this breed if you have back problems.
Training – Low. An affectionate and very loyal dog, Bulldogs get along well with people, kids and other house pets.
Grooming – Low. A short hair dog, but they do require wrinkle cleaning of the folds on their face.
Exercise – Not a particularly active breed. However, these dogs can easily become obese, so a little exercise is good. Low intensity exercise only, like casual walks is recommended. In fact, because of its short muzzle, heavy exercise and exercise in hot weather can be a health hazard.
3. Puggle
A Puggle is considered a recent crossbreed (sometimes known as a “designer dog”) that is a mix of a Pug and a Beagle. He or she may be an original mix or a second or third generation. Puggles are low maintenance dogs that make excellent house pets. A Puggle needs for:
Space – Low. Puggles are smaller dogs (15 – 30 lbs, up to 15” in height), good for apartment or house life.
Training – Low. Puggles are laid-back and cheerful. They are sturdy and playful, but also affectionate, lap dogs. They pretty much get along everyone including children, other dogs and other family pets. They are also very loyal and eager to please their owners.
Exercise – Lowish. These dogs do have a little energy to work off (the Beagle in them) so occasional walks or a romp in the yard is good. On the other side, Puggles tire quickly and like to kick back. Additionally, because of its shorter nasal cavity (inherited from the Pug), long or strenuous workouts are a big no-no. This can cause trouble breathing or controlling body temperature.
Grooming – Low to moderate. They are generally low maintenance, but they shed quite a bit, especially in the spring. They may also need wrinkle cleaning depending how much Pug they inherited.
Cons –Because of the shorter nasal cavity, Puggles are a little more susceptible to heat stroke.
2. Rat Terrier
Sometimes also known as an American hairless terrier, the Rat Terrier was bred to control, guess what, rats…and any other vermin or game they could catch. Originally bred in England, they were common farm dogs in the US in the early 1900s and Teddy Roosevelt hunted with them often. A Rat Terrier needs for:
Space – Low. The upper weight limit for this guy is 25 pounds and a foot tall or less. Practically shoebox size. There is also a Miniature Rat Terrier that is under one foot and under 10 pounds.
Training – Low. Rat Terriers are friendly dogs that get along well with everyone: strangers, children, dogs, cats. They are generally cheerful but they can be very sensitive to changes in their environment, like increased activity or its owner’s mood. If you want to train him, he is very smart.
Exercise – Low. They love lounging on the sofa or in a lap as much as tearing about the yard. Some occasional exercise, walking or playing in the yard, will occupy them.
Grooming – Low. These dogs have a smooth coat with little shedding.
1. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog in the world, named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico, where it was discovered in 1850. Its breeding origins are uncertain, but assumed to be descendants of dogs of Chinese or Spanish explorers. A Chihuahua needs for:
Space – Minimal. Pretty much an indoor dog, 2 – 6 pounds, up to 9 inches high, can fit in your purse.
Training – Low. However, if you have other animals or kids, consider another dog or you may have a nervous breakdown on your hands. Chihuahua are fiercely loyal to one person but are often considered high-strung.
Grooming – Low. Both the short-hair and long-hair types require minimal grooming.
Exercise – Minimal. An occasional walkie is nice. But do not let them become overweight as it brings on serious health problems for this small breed.
Cons – Chihuahuas are also prone to some genetic anomalies such as epilepsy and seizure disorders, hypoglycemia, heart problems, or collapsed trachea.
Contributor: Tracy from Exercise My Dog</a
my rat terrier is the most hyperactive dog on earth. she is 11 years old and still more active than a golden puppy. wonderful breed, wouldn’t own any other, but dose not belong on this list ( :
amen!
Juggz: HAHA…I hear ya on that.
If you want a real low maintenance pet…get a cat. Don't need much room (They find their own little hidey-holes. They usually train real easy, as in here is where you potty. Only need to groom them if they are long haired. And no excersize required. Most make great companions and will lay with you.
Cat people. Bah
They really are more low maintenance than a dog. ESPECIALLY for an apartment. I want a dog but am leaning towards not having one in an apartment. Leave some food and fresh litter for a cat for a couple of days and you’re fine. Can’t do that for a dog…
Dogs live for their Dog Owner. Cat owners live for their cat. I want a dog because I want a friend, a companion, a little fuzzy buddy who will always stand at my side. A cat is just a non-human roommate who doesn’t have a job and I have to clean his toilet and pay for his food and entertainment. Sounds like Cat Owners sure get the raw end of the deal, but to each his own.
I know its not low maintenance but I have always wanted a ferret, well 2 actually ever since I saw Beastmaster for the first time they have always been my dream pet.
I had a ferret named Taz ofcourse, he was hilarious to watch and had a cutre and crazy disposition, I found that he was much happier in the really big cage with lots of toys and hiding spots, they are wildly energetic, and though they do have a scent if you replace the shavings 3-5 times a week roughly they will not really smell that much, bathing them causes the oils to surface and the scent seems to be pungent so i just cleaned the cage ALOT, they can be litter trained, good luck they pick several spots and poop twice what they eat. If you have recliners be especially careful, they love to root around in the frame work of , couches, beds , chairs, ect….and just so ya know they are fantastic theives, keep your car keys up..lol, they usually have several stash spots, they are alot of work and alot of fun, Best of Luck , they tend to slip out of their leashes so if outside ya may want the area contained they are fast little buggers and hard to catch when they get loose outdoors.
Nelia:
Beagles are a royal pain in the ass, especially if you live in an apartment. I had a roomate that had one a few years ago. I didn't have the roomate long.
They are stubborn and don't take kindly to housetraining (or any other training for that matter). They don't bark. They bay. Loudly.
They are bred for hunting, and if they don't have open space to run around in, they tend to get destructive.
They are very sweet, loving dogs and sre good with kids, but I wouldn't have one in an apartment, they're just too loud and messy.
Beagles are not apartment dogs, they like to be outside and active. Ours was even frustrated in the backyard and would always be digging under the fences. Susie was well-behaved but did get lonely. She bonded to her owner and when he died she was unconsolable; moping, baying, having accidents, hiding. It was so so sad.
Yarr: I agree cause I used to have a beagle but he died 2 years ago.
Anyways, we have a big yard so he really wasn't such a pain in the ass and yes they are good with children, he was very caring and protective for my little sister. These dogs cannot be living in an apartment! BAD IDEA! Unless you're insane and love annoying dogs. In the end, these unbearable dogs tend to give you a sad puppy face 
and then you feel bad cause you acted like such a dick, and then you approach them and give 'em a hug and forgive them for ripping your favorite shirt into little pieces…………
P.S. Instead of barking they do like this fusion of a howl and a bark (a browl or a hark0, it's wierd I know.
I can just say WOW.. thanks for the advice. his has being one of the most educated commons I have read in the months I have being researching dogs.
I do have one question if you don’t mind. What age dog do you recommend for someone like me who will be a first time dog owner?
I agree with this completely. I had 2 Beagle/Jack Russel Terrorist mix, and they were freaking fireballs. Had the JRT bounce with the escape artist of the beagle. They would howl like mad. Beagles are a real lovable hilarious breed, but I couldn’t even imagine one in an apartment. Every neighbor would hate you.
Rat Terriers are a DEFINATE no no for small space. They LOVE to run and need LOTS of room. In fact, mine runs away ALL the time
i have a shih tzu that's anything but high maintenance. i get his hair cut about once a month and that eliminates the long hair/brushing problem. plus who wants one of those long haired show dog looking shih tzus anyways. that said, he's the sweetest calmest laziest little fella around. he actually inspired my friend to get one. now he has 3.
I totally agree I have a shih-tzu too and when he isnt sleeping he is lounging around on the sofa or in a basket of clothes somewhere, he is calm, quiet, sweet and yes a little stuckup, he knows he is from an ancient royal line and thinks he should be treated as such,i have three friends that fell in love with him and got shih tzus of their own after meeting him….one drawback besides the colds and ear infections is that he spoils really fast and gets an attitude then he has to be reminded he is the pet and not incharge..lol do you have this same problem?
Chihuahua not the smallest dog. Top place goes to the teacup Yorkie.
Top place goes to a teacup chihuahua. Again, people, educate yourselves before you try to correct someone who actually did the leg work on this. Or at least open a book and stop looking stupid.
Dont they have alot of health issues? or is that just hype because the animal groups are trying to stop the downbreeding? was just asking because the opinions seem conflicting and the answer is inconclusive, what are your thoughts?
although this is a good list, it disturbs me. terribly. i am a veterinary technician. (which is an RN for animals) and it does not matter what breed of dog people have-they can all be neglected, abused, and discarded.
first off- the picture you have for a japanese chin is in fact a pekingese… this is a japanese chin…
http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/dogs/i/japanese_c…
many of these breeds are completely plagued by congenital defects that can be costly to fix, or even regulate so the dog has some form of a normal existence.
every bulldog is born by c-section. the breed rarely lives past 9, has horrific breathing problems, is extremely flatulent, is prone to skin disorders and back injuries, as well as elbow displasia and eye problems. we actually call buulldogs 'the rich person's dog" because their basic care costs so much momey. oh-and they often need their rectums wiped after defecating because their tails are so cork-screwed they develop nasty infection by their anus, fun times with a dog.
a chihuahua is also plagued by genetic problems-open fontanels, luxating patellas, and a tendency towards over=protectiveness. (although i believe this is more due to poor socialization than poor breeding).
i volunteer with our local greyhound rescue. this breed is a delight! they have problems too-they are predisposed to bone cancer (osteosarcoma) and race-related injuries that bother them throughout life.
a puggle is not a breed! it is a mutt that combines the problems of the beagle and the pug!
pugs are cute, but have big problems with hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, respiratory problems, eye problems, and skin problems. many have a great life despite these physical discomforts.
a bullmastiff is a strong-willed dog that requires an owner already familiar with dog behavior. they need an assertive, but fair, owner.
regardless of what dog you get, ALL DOGS NEED TRAINING! dogs are puppies for 3 years, at least. just because they are adult size by the time they are 1 or 2, they are still developing socially and mentally. kinda like most teenage humans-we don't truly reach any modicum of social maturity until we are in our late 20 / early 30's.
all dogs must know, and reliably execute, the commands Come! Sit! Down! Stay! Heel! and a release command, such as Mine! or Give!
i am more cautious around a chihuahua or italian greyhound than a rottweiler. the worst bite i ever received was by a rotti, but the most humbling (and injuring) bite was from a mini pin. too many people get the teensy dogs and think they are animated toys and disregard the fact they are still DOGS and deserve to be respected as such.
my suggestion/ go to your local pound, humane society, or shelter. adopt a dog slated for death. you'll be doing you both a favor. many organization actually have counselors who will assist you in choosing the right dog, since they are familiar with each animal's personality.
never buy from a pet store or dog kennel! stay away from backyard breeders! only professional breeder sand hobby breeders are good sources for dogs.
you see, backyard breeders often don't know what they are doing, pet stores sell puppy-mill puppies, and professional/hobby breeders actually participate in dog sports and strive to improve the genetic vigor of their breeds by meticulous genetic screening to lessen the probability they will produce puppies with congenital defects. they want to improve the breed, not make $$$. (which is why a backyard breeder will sell a German Shepherd Dog for 500$ with papers, and a pro breeder will sell a show-quality dog at 1500$ and a pet quality one at 300$)
hope this helps. please educate yourselves before making a life-long commitment. dogs are sentient living beings that deserve our respect, time, and love. those emotions should not fade with time, age, or a lifestyle change.
roxy
p.s. i recently lost the love of my life, my Y Z. he was only 9 and had an aggressive cancer that took him away from me within 4 months of diagnosis. he was an Australian Cattle Dog. i shared every waking moment of my life with him, taking him to work, doing deliveries, teaching class. everyone should have that relationship-and it is completely built on trust. and becoming bi-lingual in dog.
THANK YOU.
At least someone here has some intelligence.
How about a bolongnese or a havanese?
bologanese was first on the list!
If I get a dog, she will probably come from a shelter or humane society; however, I’m still interested in knowing her mix/breed because that can tell a potential owner about the dog’s potential size, health, and temperament. Those are very important since adopting a dog is an 8-15 year commitment, depending. I really want a dog that’s a basenji, greyhound, great dane, or chow chow mix, preferably with a retriever or shepherd.
So sorry for your loss. Thanks for the well-informed posting. I had a beagle. NO way is that an apartment dog. She was not even a good back-yard dog and needed to be exercised rather than just let play.
A vet tech is not equivalent to a registered nurse, sorry, a little more education, 4 years of college is required to be an RN.
I doubt she meant school, but rather she meant the RN for Animals. Everybody knows there is a difference between humans and animals. Way to take thing literally.
Wow is all I can say.
What do you know about the Malamute? I run 30-60 minutes everyday, and found a 4 yr old male Malamute at a rescue shelter that I would love to be my companion. I live in the Denver suburbans, so I don’t think climate will be a problem, I’m not interested in having more than one dog, and I know Malamutes are really good with people. (At least, this one is.) I know this post was 5 yrs ago, but if you could reply back, it would mean a lot to me! I just want to make sure I’m making the right decision. This dog is one of the sweetest I’ve ever met.
Just because Puggles are not a recognized breed that can into shows, doesn’t mean its not a breed, its a breed just like moodles. They are not just mutts.
No. It’s still a mutt. You can call it what you want, but it’s a mutt.
But when you think of it logically mutts are superior to purebreds because they don’t suffer as much from genetic problems as pur breeds
I never realized how ugly some dogs were….
they are all beautiful in their own ugliness. They probably say that about humans too.
excellent list, as a dog owner these are the dogs for me!
We have a Chihuahua and a Chihuahua/Terrier mix.
Both dogs love the attention but are happiest just hanging out next to you. They are easy to keep in shape and keep healthy.
They can be yippie when under stress or not happy. Our Chihuahua is happy in her room and only comes out when she wants to be social. Note, she is not too tolerant of little kids.
Our mix is always out with us and is fine with kids.
Great dogs for those owners who may love dogs but don’t hold them on a pedastool equal to a child. No offense is meant by that last comment just acknowledging different types of owners.
Juggz, I had two ferrits a long time back. I did not enjoy them as pets. For some reason we got a pair and one would bite no matter how we tried to break them of the habit. Granted there is a pet for everyone and I had a friend who loved hers. I would not call these guys low maintenance.
And for the record I too saw beastmaster, mine never stole keys for me!
I'm sorry to hear your Ferret always bit.
I have a lot of experience with ferrets as I had 9 of them at one time.
The key, and so important, to getting a ferret that won't be a "biter", is to get one that is a kit(baby). Try to get one that is around 7 or 8 weeks old. And then everyday while growing up gently handle the baby ferret with your hands. I had a ferret that I got when he was 6 weeks old, and grew up to be very gentle, and SO affectionate! He loved to cuddle up on my lap and take a nap. They are also very smart!
I did buy an older baby ferret that was about 8 or 9 months old from a pet store. He was a bad biter, mostly because he spent so much time at the pet store, hardly handled by humans. He was never trust worthy, as he usually would draw blood. I kept him until he passed away. But I've seen other ferrets at pet stores that were around 4 and 5 months old that were biters and non friendly.
You have to tell the pet store, or breeder you want a kit(baby) that is as young as possible(usually around 7 or 8 weeks old).
Hope this helps anyone interested
We have a Chihuahua named Carlos.
I really like the idea of a Puggle though, perhaps I’ll think about that for our next dog.
If i had to pick one of these a bulldog would be at the top, but yah i still want ferrets more!
bulldogs are awesome!
I saw u were interested in a ferret. The key, and so important, to getting a ferret that won't be a "biter", is to get one that is a kit(baby). Try to get one that is around 7 or 8 weeks old. And then everyday while growing up gently handle the baby ferret with your hands. I had a ferret that I got when he was 6 weeks old, and grew up to be very gentle, and SO affectionate! He loved to cuddle up on my lap and take a nap. They are also very smart!
I did buy an older baby ferret that was about 8 or 9 months old from a pet store. He was a bad biter, mostly because he spent so much time at the pet store, hardly handled by humans. He was never trust worthy, as he usually would draw blood. I kept him until he passed away. But I've seen other ferrets at pet stores that were around 4 and 5 months old that were biters and non friendly.
You have to tell the pet store, or breeder you want a kit(baby) that is as young as possible(usually around 7 or 8 weeks old).
They are more fun when you have a "friend" for your ferret. They get lonely by themselves. 2 ferrets is perfect. I suggest getting 1 single baby ferret first and waiting at least 9 months or so to get a 2nd one for a friend. That way your first one will bond to only you. If you get two together as babies, then they mostly bond to each other, and aren't as interested in a human as they are when you start them off with just you.
Hope I could be of some help.
Oh, and all of my baby ferrets that I raised from 8 weeks or so, were very human oriented. Where as the older baby ferrets I got wanted little to nothing to do with people.
I have been thinking about getting a beagle, because my fiance and I will probably end up living in apartments for at least a few more years. We wouldn’t want a golden retriever or huskie cooped up in a little place. I don’t normally find little dogs appealing, but the beagle seems about the right size. The puggle is awfully cute, but why deal with the potential inherited pug health problems when you can just get a very similar looking beagle? Beagles have some joint and eye problems, but I don’t think breeding with a pug would eliminate those…
Dogs rule. Cats suck ass. End of story.
P.S. The “Puggle” is adorable! ^_^
Juggz: I love the Beastmaster! That takes me back. . . Forget the ferrets, I want one of those guys after they drop the leech in his ear . . .on a leash of course!
Oh yeah, good list, also!
My friend has a bulldog and she is wonderful, but I don’t think they are low maintenance dogs. They have a lot of breathing problems and snore really loud. In fact bulldogs are used to make goblin noises in movies. They also have to be artificially inseminated if you are going to breed them because apparently “doggy style” can give them a heart attack. This is what my friend says anyway.
You should educate yourself before you try to disprove someone who did the research. You know *****.
Yes Pugs!
hark** not hark0, that was a typo
Sub..cats do not suck ass. they bite your ass. scratch up your sofa and eat your favorite sweaters. aside from that..they are truly lovable creatures!
lets not make this into a ‘dog vs. cat’ debate, k?
*sigh*
Cyn: your sighing a lot today, have you had a bad day?
My cats are wonderful. But so are dogs. I have cats. If I were to ever get a dog, I would get a mini doberman. Those little things are cute but extremely hyper. They would fit fine with my kids on that aspect.
Juggz…not really. apparently in ‘sighing’ mode.
LOL
WTF that means.
An excellent and VERY useful list. If I were getting a dog, this list would help me tremendously. Great job!
My daughter just got a Puggle. She’s adorable, and her training is coming along well.
However, from the Beagle side she has a thing called Cherry Eye, with a red bulb of eyelid popping up from the bottom of both eyes. It can be surgically fixed, but at risk to the dog and expensive.
Something to know ahead of time.
It kind of spoils the adorable look of the dog. We all still love her, but you get tired of hearing “OMG! What’s wrong with it’s eyes” and having to explain again and again. Good news is untreated it is not a problem for the god.
And we just love her.
No, that's more a result of her being a poorly bred mutt.
I have had beagles my entire lifetime and never had a dog with cherry eye.
Cherry eye is a great discomfort to the dog, and if your vet says otherwise then you should think of finding a new vet
cherry eyes usually occur due to an irritation in the eye
How’s that for a typo? I meant dog, not god.
That Bolognese is really cute.
my husband got a dog; i didnt want one. i hate her and him a little bit now. i hate my life.
wow such negativity
Thats sad…everyone deserves true happiness! Might I recommend that you find someone that you trust that you can talk to….my pug and puggle are part of my family and they bring me more happiness than I could ever express. I would truly be devastated if I lost either of them. My wish is for you to have that same happiness!
I think… The Puggle has becoming my favorite Dog breed EVER!!!!
A puggle is a baby echidna.
A pug beagle mix dog is a terrible idea. I have met several of them whom have had so much beagle energy, but a pug face. The dogs were either miserable because they couldn't run, or they ran themselves to death (literally)
Suzi: no it does not seem to be a typo, I am pretty sure no god has a problem with some dogs eyeball!!!! LOL I could not resit.
I have a pug. She’s actually quite active. Always grabbing the leash wanting a walk
God English Bulldogs are the best. My father used to breed them back when he was in the marine corps. There was only one things wrong with their description… Bulldogs are VERY HARD to train. Imagine a donkey, now put it in a dogs body. They are very loyal and kind-hearted, I’ve seen babies yank them around by the ear and the dogs only reaction was to lick its face, but, try to teach a bulldog to “sit” or “shake-hands”!!! It would probably be easier to teach him the alphabet. I’ve had many dogs my life, but my bulldog, Smedly, is probably the nicest dog out of all of them.
Roxy, not ALL bulldogs are born by c-section, but the majority are. But yeah, they do have many breathing problems and skin issues, especially around the ears. For anyone who wants to buy a Bulldog, you should research the breeder first because many “dog farms” breed dogs that are closely related, which over a few generations can leads to more frequent imperfections which can hit you in the wallet for thousands of $$$.
I think the Puggle is pretty much the cutest thing I have ever seen. Someday when I live somewhere that allows pets I will look into owning one. I’ve never owned a dog and these seem like good breeds to start with! (My real dream doggie is a Husky or a Chow though!)
Yarr- what are you feeding that puppy fo her to be defecating so much??? a good quality dog food ( such as Science Diet, Nutro, or any organic food, such as Solid Gold, Innova, or Cornucopia will be much better utilized by your dog's digestive system than, say, Pedigree. as a matter of fact, we call supermarket brand dog foods "fast food" for dogs.
remember that feces is just the waste that a dog can't digest. i feed Solid Gold and my dogs poop once a day. their bodies just use all the nutrients and energy from their food, so there is little waste.
Boo- having a dog is like having a baby-t is a family decision. if you hate the dog, your relationship will be tainted and the dog will not respect you, which will lead to problems. eventually you will likely get rid of the animal.
roxy
My dog died from Science Diet. Bad stuff. The original brand was good, but they sold it off to a chain company (can’t remember which one). The vet said it literally poisoned her slowly. We did research and found we were not the only ones. Do NOT recommend that food for any dog.
I owned a Ridgeback and he spent 23 hours sleeping, 5 minutes eating and 55 minutes in the backyard. 110 pounds of canine sloth. Couldn’t ask for for a better dog for my lazy ass. My wife then bought a Jack Russell. That dog never slept. Most hyper breed I had ever seen.
My sister in law has two pugs. They require the most attention for a dg I’ve ever seen.
So all the women I see carrying these wee beasts with their little matching sweaters are not neurotic, just lazy. That’s a relief.
I absolutely love Bullmastiffs. They are pretty much the best dog ever. Lazy animals, though. XD
Miss Destiny, I highly recommend that you dont get a husky or a chow as your first dog, they are very hard to control and tempermental. A puggle would be a good first choice though.
I have a 6-month old Doberman.
She’s awesome.
Anyone have any idea on what to do with 20+ lbs of dog ***** every 3 days?
I’m serious.
yarr: fertilizer?
love dogs!!!
My dog is Samoyed. I honestly don’t know anything about this breed. The only thing I know is It gave our family so much love and happiness.
Juggs- i have always enjoyed your comments and am often brought to deep thought or even a hard-core laugh by your comments.
you are correct about the "hitler" reference. but lets review some facts;
all dog breeds where created by selective breeding for a certain task. some breeds, such as the Saluki, Husky, and Tibetan Mastiff are breeds that where influenced heavily by their geographic isolation. (meaning that the only
other dogs to breed with where dogs that had evolved to perform, and survive, int their harsh environments.)
at some point int time, most notably the Victorian period, only the very rich or well-to-do could afford a pure-bred dog. this was deemed as a status-symbol and was encouraged by people who felt that "blue-bloods" and other people born into wealth had more intrinsic value to society than lowly commoners. (which we all know now to be rubbish)
like all things, what the rich have is coveted by the poor, and it was the same with dogs. (and presently shark-fin soup) so when a person was able to acquire a pure-bred dog, and the prestige associated with that dog, they had a higher feeling of worth. these people joined other people that where not so well educated in maintaining the dog's natural abilities or instincts, and began to breed for a specific look. many breeds have been completely crippled by the ignorant breeding practices of common-people. not deliberately, of course, but simply because they valued appearance over true working ability and had little knowledge of the importance of genetic vigor.
the history of the pure-bred dog is vibrant, colorful, and quite interesting. i love and adore all dogs, although there are some breeds i would not personally own. i love mixed-breeds too, because a dog's personality is far more valuable to me than their appearence. although i am partial to herding, or pastoral, dog breeds.
so many breeds are so plagued by genetic problems that only though the diligent, premeditated,and informed proper breeding practices conducted by professionals can rid our favorite breeds of these genetic problems.
in the wild, a wolf with hip dyslpasia simply couldn't keep up with the pack and would die. A dingo with a malabsorption disorder would die before it reached the age of *****ual maturity. Thereby, these animals would not be likely to propagate the doomed genes that cause these conditions.
a German Shepherd Dog who has a beautiful coat and conformation, but a congenital digestive disorder, may be bred and propagate the condition to a whole new generation. which could lead to a short, painful life span of future dogs, and the emotional, and financial burdens that effect the owners of a dog with a genetic disorder.
pet stores almost exclusively sell puppies from mass-producing places, such as puppy-mills or backyard breeders. think about it-what person, dedicated and who truly loves their breed and is advocate for proper pet ownership, would
a.) sell their puppies to a store 5 states away
b.) ship their infant puppies, at 8 weeks of age or younger, on a flight
c.) and then no longer be concerned where those puppies end up?
keep in mind, that over 1/3 of all dogs in shelters are pure-breds.
our society is too "throw-away" and what do we expect from a culture where 50% of all marriages end in divorce, over 7 million people declare bankruptcy every year, and there is no such thing as job security?
just my 4 cents!
p.s. i still appreciate all you comments and hope you research the history of dogs more thoroughly… try " A Dog's History of America: How Our Best Friend Explored, Conquered, and Settled a Continent" by Mark Derr, "The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behavior and Interactions with People by James Serpell, and "Dogs in Antiquity: Anubis to Cerberus the Origins of the Domestic Dog" by Douglas J. Brewer.
me thinks these are all available on Amazon.com
roxy
Do you know if there’s anything about a Poodle that would make it hard to maintain? My wife and I have 3 kids, ages 6, 9 and 11, and we want a family pet that is easy to take care of. Through research, we found that Poodles are good with people, easy to train, and are very intelligent. We’re curious as to what your opinion is. Thanks for your help!
Number 7 looks like he’s got a cocaine habit.
Yarr-Technically a dog should be defecating right after they wake up (after THEY wake up) and 20 minutes after eating (this is from the gastro-colon reflex). Also, do you just leave the food on the ground all day? You may want to put down a premeasured amount of food twice a day for lets say 10 minutes. If the dog doesn’t come, it doesn’t eat until the next time, you’ll quickly train the dog to eat when you want it to, and most importantly, NO PEOPLE FOOD!
Roxy: according to your description of professional/hobby breeders, they sound like hitler for dogs trying to improve a race or something. just my 2 cents, but buy whatever the hell type of dog you want from wherever you want. pets shouldnt be expensive to buy. Most my life i lived with pets we got from the front of grocery stores where people were giving them away. they never had any problems medically and most lived long natural lives
Very nice list! I’m such a dog person, and I love learning about different breeds. I live with my brother (pathetic, I know), and we have two dogs: my dog, Barney, is half golden retriever half doofus, and the absolute love of my life. He’s lazy when I am, energetic when I am, and friendly with everyone. On the other hand, my brother’s dog, Lulu, is a jack russell, and is the most hyper-energenic dog I have ever met. The thing does. not. sleep. Drives me absolutely batty, but she’s cute and cuddly when you can get her to sit down for five minutes, so I forgive her.
Also, Lulu is Numero Uno Dog … can push Barney around like it’s nothing, even though Barney himself has chew toys larger than the furry little fiend. Just goes to show how lovable my big dopey boy really is!
Thanks for the beagle advice. I took care of one for my neighbors and he was a sweetheart. Very energetic, but I love playing with dogs and walking them to give us both exercise. He only bayed once and awhile though, and he was happy to sit on the couch with me when I didn’t feel like playing. So I guess he was a particularly well-behaved beagle. I’ll be cautious.
Guys, I feed her twice a day with expensive food I get from the vet. Measured cups, no grazing. She doesn’t go often, but at 6 months old she’s already 45 lbs and when she goes it’s a Pringles can. She’s fine. I had just cleaned the yard before I posted that, so…
Nelia-
Don’t get me wrong, beagles are fun and very sweet. They just have a tendency to be stubborn, and for apartment living, might not be the best choice. Ultimately, your dog is what you make him, so just be careful. Be really selective with your breeder. Stay far away from pet stores; and be prepared to give the puppy more time and attention than you think is possible.
Our dobie is the most lovable little pain in the butt I have ever known!
I’m glad Roxy posted that first comment…the way this list could be read, you know, lazy people just shouldn’t get a dog! You should have said low-maintenence perhaps instead. And she’s right, a lot of the smaller dogs or unusual looking dogs have a lot of health problems. Dogs look like dogs for a reason… =P Anyway, still and interesting list.
Tee-hee, I have a chihuahua named Homer who weighs about 2 lbs,and true to this list, he just about has a heart attack every time someone gets closer than 5 feet from me, except with my dad, he can’t even step into the same room without Homer going crazy.
Some family friends had two Chihuahuas and they were complete opposites. One was named Dolly, and she was the sweetest dog you ever met.
The other was Tiggy, and he did not care much for anyone. He bit every human he could find. Thankfully though, he got hit by a car.
Bacon: you described the neighbor’s evil chihuahua twins from my childhood!
Not to be totally racist, But if you live in southern california, Yarr, you can usually find some illegal who will do it for like 30 a week. One of my comunity gardners (he an illegal) stops by my house 3 times a week and picks up the dog doo-doo. I pay him $30 a week and then we drink a beer or two and talk for a few minutes, and he is happier then hell to do it. Down here in Orange County, there is always a crowd of illegals infront of Home Depot or Lowes, and my buddy usually picks one up here and there to clean out his back yard (4 german shepards) and the worker is usually happy to make a few bucks without back-breaking labor.
Before anybody jumps down my neck, I didn’t mean that to be disrespectful. I’ve had the same gardeners for 5 years, and I would consider us friends, not good friends, but friends.
I don’t mind picking it up. I have a kick-ass scooper that looks like the head of a T-Rex and makes short work of it. It’s just what to do with it when I’m done…
I’m too old to fling it at pedestrians from a moving car. When you’re 15 that’s mischeif. When you’re 32 it’s just disturbing.
I thought about tossing it over my neighbor’s fence for a laugh, but that idea got nixed by my better half. Something about how we have to live next to these people and don’t want to have enemies… Blah Blah Blah.
I even though about mailing some to our mayor to let him know how much I appreciate the job he’s doing, but I thought they might take it the wrong way and I don’t want to go to jail.
So I just put it in the trash can and let the truck take it on Friday. Not the most entertaining method, but it is efficient.
But, if any of you are in the market for some fresh dog poop, I got plenty for ya!
Oops, Roxy’s comment hit between 2 of mine. Doesn’t make as much sense this way.
Anyway, I have some tips for those of you who might be looking into getting a dog.
1. Choose responsibly. Read and research the breed beforehand. Know the breed’s general temperment and how that fits into your life. Rottweilers are not recommended for people with *small* children, for example. (My dobie pretty much fits every descriptor I read about her breed.)
2. Make sure you have some cash. In the first 6-9 months, you will need to take your puppy to the vet once a month for vaccinations, deworming, checkups, etc. Vets aren’t cheap. If you’re broke, maybe you need to wait to get a puppy.
3. Even if your dog is one of the ‘lazy owner’ breeds listed above, you will still need to spend a LOT of time with your puppy to train and socialize her. A low-energy adult dog might be the result, but all puppies are going to get into EVERYTHING all the time!
4. Do not get a puppy on a whim. They are living things that will depend on you for everything. It’s not a toy that you can just put on the shelf when you’re tired of it. Think about it.
5. Your carpet WILL get stained. Your yard WILL have landmines. Some of your things WILL get chewed. If you can’t deal with it, don’t.
Yarr, I completely agree with your comments.
Both of the dogs here are rescues. People are way too quick to give up at the first spot of trouble. I cringe when certain people I know get a new puppy, because I know they will get rid of it within a year.
We got our Aussie (Australian Shepherd) when she literally fell out of a truck driving ahead of my husband on a highway. Her 2 sibs were not so lucky, she was just shook up and traumatised.
We would not have chosen this ddog ourselves. They are a lot of work and shed like nobody’s business. But after savingit’s life, and taking the injured puppies to a vet to spare their pain, my honey was too bonded to give her up.
It took 3 YEARS to get her calm and obedient. It’s helped that we moved to acreage where she has more territory to keep her ever watchful eye on.
We love her so much, but everything the books said about Aussies was true times 3.
I’m sure that most Japanese Chin’s fall into the categories mentioned above, but from my experience (I’ve known three people with them)they are pretty much the most troublesome things around when it comes to small dogs in relation to excersize (except for perhaps the besinge. Did I spell that right?) All three of them were practically neurotic and hyperactive even though their owners took them out often.
P.S I like dogs. Sweet list.
Juggz: IMO, ferrets are the best pets EVAR!! I have been a ferret person for about 12 years now… all of them have been sweet and none ever bit me unless they were playbiting. My sweet Arnie passed away at the beginning of this year because of insulinoma… he started having seizures, but I had 7 great years with him (that’s pretty good for ferrets… they don’t live long).
Because Arnie passed, I was able to get Sara… my feisty blaze (she has a white stripe on her head)
If you really want ferrets (I definitely recommend), I must warn:
1. They have to have expensive ferret food or they will get sick.
2. Vet bills… Sara costs $500 after I got her by chewing on tealight candles and getting toxic metal in her system. She almost died. Arnie got insulinoma and had to have steroids twice daily for the rest of his life. Another one of mine, Sammi, got adrenal gland disease and we paid for surgery($750) which she didn’t recover from. (I don’t recommend the surgery, btw)
3. They get into everything!!!!! Sara can get in every drawer in the bedroom and also push them out and climb on top of the dressers! She also got on the kitchen counter, my computer desk, in the couch, behind the fridge, under the stove, etc. (See why I call her feisty?) You must ferret-proof the WHOLE house!
Although I give you warnings… they are the sweetest, best pets I have ever had. They love to play, bounce around and chase you. They all have their own personalities and give you tons and tons of laughs daily. I’ve never had a cat or dog that is as much fun as my ferrets!
I also recommend saving a ferret from a shelter. There are soooo many ferrets in shelters that need a home and Marshall ferrets just keep pumping out those baby ferrets!
Hope I gave you some good info on the ferret life!