Choosing a pup!

[OnTheFrow]

We have decided we would like a puppy to join our family and I wanted some opinions from complete strangers who also love dogs!

We have DS5 and Dchihuahua 9.

In the past have owned a Bichon and Old English. I used to work p/t as a groomer.

I work from home now so dog will always be with me. So far I like the sound of the below breeds and advice/opinions/experiences are welcome.

Japanese Spitz (not common so would need to find a breeder and put name down, could be waiting a while)
German Spitz (grandma has a rescue one)
Toy poodle (huge poodle fan but usually of the standard variety)
Shiba Inu
Alaskan Klee Kai
Coton de tulear

Thanks

[Thesuzle]

How about re homing a rescue, I came across a new centre called Leash of Life here on Mumsnet. Have a look please

[youbethemummylion]

Rescue a dog whose needs, temperament etc fit your family. You can also try out how your current dog gets along with it before committing. Chihuahuas are not the best at welcoming other dogs to share their home.

[caringcarer]

We got two Lhasa Apso puppies last April and they are fantastic. They both have loving and affectionate personalities, are good with children and our kitten and they are clever little dogs as they have learned to shake a paw, fetch a ball, sit before crossing road etc and are house trained and are still only 10 months old. Lhasa Apso grow to about 6-7kg so small dogs with big personalities so don't need 5 mile walks each day. We walk ours twice each day for a 2k walk each time but longer at weekends. They have low dander so good for asthmatics and non shedding so no hairs everywhere. They look adorable and so cute with their long puppy hair. You can probably tell we are totally in love with our two girls. They have a topknot with a bow in as hair grows over their eyes otherwise. They look a bit like Cotton de Tulear. Look at images of them.

[SauvingnonBlanketyBlanc]

I'm biased towards Chihuahuas so id say get another one

[OnTheFrow]

Don't want to rescue at the moment (not to say I won't one day).

My chihuahua is basically a sleeping cat and couldn't care less what's going on around him. No worries there.

I was tempted with another chihuahua but I'd quite like one that bit bigger I think.

[OnTheFrow]

@caringcarer haha how cute! Can you post a pic?

[Felicia4]

We have a Pomeranian and a German Spitz mittel. Both about 10kg, very boisterous and inquisitive. But also very loving, good for cuddling. They love attention. Very intelligent but can be stubborn so would advise training as soon as possible. Mine were easily house trained though.
Can shed quite a lot and need regular brushing. If brushed regularly, only takes 10-15 mins each time and shedding is minimal.

[Gotaprettypup]

I have a husky x puppy from rescue.. nightmare furball on legs

[Carouselfish]

Puppies can be from rescue too. Don't buy from unregistered breeders. They're irresponsible and often breed with no clue about bloodlines, you'll get terrible interbreeding issues. But then I've found pedigree dogs always have odd things wrong even from proper breeders. Would recommend a cross breed. Maybe a mix of cocker and beagle?

[bollocksthemess]

@Carouselfish Cocker x beagle?? Yes, if you want a crazy, nose driven loud dog with high exercise needs.

I went for a pedigree puppy with a nonexistent COI of less than 0.05% that’s had both parents hip and elbow scored, eyes tested and DNA tested. I didn’t want a rescue, I want to do quite specific things with my dog that it’s bred to do.

All those breeds are lovely, I like the Spitz breeds, and the ones I’ve met have had loads of character.

[PinkPupZ]

Another bichon? Shnauzer?

[anniehm]

There's only one proper breed of dog, once you have had a collie you don't go back - such chilled out companions - mine loves to lie near the desk as I'm working.

[Icklepup]

Spitz!!

[OnTheFrow]

I don't want a cross or a rescue and I would only ever buy responsibly. I'm well aware of everything relating to rescues, breeding etc. and that's not the advice I'm wanting. One day I defiantly will rescue but right now, that's not for us.

@Felicia4 thanks! Which breed would you recommend out of the two? I like that the GS are that little bit bigger than toy size.

Another Bichon, I'd be very tempted but my last was so perfect 💔

[OnTheFrow]

@Icklepup I think this is where I'm leaning to!

[Felicia4]

@OnTheFrow that's a hard one. The pom is a throwback so is the same size as the Spitz. Neither have been to the vet other than for check ups. Very similar in nature but the pom has longer fur. If you want a Spitz then go for it!

[Felicia4]

Pom at the back Spitz in front

[OnTheFrow]

Ahhhhh I love them both! They're ginger greatness!

[adaline]

@Carouselfish a cocker x beagle cross? Why on earth would that be a good idea?!

[Ylvamoon]

Tibetan Terrier?

[OnTheFrow]

@Ylvamoon 😍😍😍

[Felicia4]

@OnTheFrow thank you!

[Idonotlikeyoudonaldtrump]

I have a cavalier. He is awesome. They do tend to develop health problems so be careful with health testing and DNA testing of parents. There are some German Spitz x Cavalier puppies advertised on Pets4Homes at the moment but haven’t looked into the breeder. They’re bloody adorable though!

[Ylvamoon]

OnTheFrow I think a Tibetan would tick all your boxes ... that is if you want a dog with a sense of humour!

[sillysmiles]

@OnTheFrow - I'm curious as to why you say not a rescue. Obviously it is each person's own decision and you sound like you are fully aware, which is why I'm interested. Not in a trying to convince you way, but I'm genuinely interested in what makes people not to rescue - unless it is for showing purposes or to work the dog in a breed specific manner.