Good companion dog for Mother

[Ramy48]

Hi, does anybody here have a dog so they can tell me advice what sort of dog is easy to maintain? I want for my Mom please.

after presenting a nice Chihuahua to her

How do you know if it's nice or not? Do they come with a lable?

If your mother had a spaniel, how do you know she'd like a chihuahua? I hate them - ugly, yappy little rats.

Why don't you listen to what people are saying? ask your mother if she would like a dog and invite her to choose one with you. It's not hard.

If you want a chihuahua you need to research the breed. A good breeder will have health screening results for both parents on major breed health issues (KC website will tell you what they are)and have a breed programme as to what kinds of dogs she wants to produce. I doubt any decent breeder would let you have a pup to present to your mum as a surprise so for that reason alone you need to tell your mum. Also be prepared to wait, good breeders have waiting lists.

Never buy for a puppy farm.

Don't buy a lot of things, dogs don't need things, they need the owner'so time and attention. Find a good trainer in your area who uses positive, reward-based techniques - small dogs need to be trained as much as larger ones. Think about the timing of the puppy's arrival carefully as someone needs to be committed to do the socialization during the first few weeks and generally be with the pup until he gradually learns to be aloneness.

Finally you must check with your mum to see if she wants an adult dog as opposed to a pup, there is a big difference.

If your mum had a dog years ago and hasn't had one since - it's because she doesn't want one.

eae123 I agree Westies are cute (SILs fave breed).

Can I add dachshund? Nicer than Chihuahua but very cute and sweet generally. The mini pin my friend has too is adorable and not yappy round family and friends.