Favorite inside dog breed and why?

[TNDemo]

My 14-year-old basset mix died awhile back. I think I am about ready to take the plunge for another pooch but can't decide what kind. I have had a couple of mystery breed mutts and had a Boston Terrier part-time (my dad's dog - I was a weekender). I have always been completely intrigued by English bulldogs because they are just so cute but besides being expensive they don't live long and evidently have a lot of health problems, so I guess that is not a viable choice. The dog will get some outdoor time (on a leash) but will be mostly indoors. My last dog was not exactly a saint in the whizzing in the house category so I am really, really hoping for one that is good in that department. The former dog had just one room she would do it in. The rug has been replaced but the smell may be in the wood so I have fears about the marking issue. I guess the two breeds I am most thinking about are basset and Boston but am willing to consider about anything. So tell me your favorite breed and why.

[shanti]

1. pugs?

never had one, but i've considered one (that and the boston). if you want a larger dog, i've been told boxers are a good choice, and it's an inside dog. they are smart, velcro dogs, albeit somewhat high energy. dogs with short noses are mainly inside dogs.

what i want to know...is there any dog who doesn't "scoot"? that would REALLY turn me off and is keeping me from owning a dog (well, that and my two cats, lol)~!

[lkinsale]

2. I'd suggest a rescue mutt

As to the marking, be sure to treat any areas that have EVER been urinated on with the enzyme stuff that eliminates the odors dogs detect that we don't. Regular cleaners won't work. You can get the enzyme cleaners at the pet store.

Also, you can buy/rent a blacklight, and it will show the invisible spots where the dog urinated as bright blue, so that you can treat them.

Good luck!

[LiberalFighter]

11. I didn't know that...

Will have to try it... my poodle doesn't do it as much now but should check to see if I got all the other earlier incidents cleaned.

[ScreamingMeemie]

3. My favorite breed, the most wonderful breed in the world, The Shetland

Sheepdog..aka. Sheltie. Our newest baby is 1 and a half years old, named Jessie. Besides being a beautiful dog, she is intelligent (doesn't whiz in the house). As long as this breed knows how important they are to you, they rarely cause trouble. Jessie loves to go on walks, but is also content to just lay by my feet. Shelties don't grow very big, the standard is 13 to 17 inches, and 18 to about 22 pounds. So not a little teacup dog, but just perfect, in my opinion. This breed captured our hearts a long time ago, and we have never been disappointed...Good luck in your search...

[MaryBear]

6. Mine, too, MrsGrumpy!

There is nothing quite like awakening to a joyful Sheltie who is delighted you are awake. I'd try Sheltie Rescue. You can google online to find one near you.

[Jack Rabbit]

31. Gee -- mine, too

To what do you suppose we should attribute that, GrandmaBear?



Illustration from the website of the American Kennel Club

[progressivebydesign]

43. Great choice!

I love Shelties! I have a little miniature Aussie that is very similar in stature and looks. While I think the mini-Aussie is too energetic for an inside dog.. the Sheltie is a great option! Cute!!!

Corgis are cool too..

[DemExpat]

4. Bassets and terriers are hunters.....

so I would think that they need lots of (outdoor) exercise.
I also had a French Bassett years ago...lovely, sweet dog.
Now I have a Jack Russell Terrier - and, boy, if this breed isn't an energetic, live-wire type of dog. He is only now starting to slow down some at almost 14 years of age! (Twice a day walks to the park with ball-fetching play to release his energy)

If I wanted a purely indoor dog who didn't need much space and exercise I would look into the small non-working and non-hunting breeds....like the small oriental breeds that were bred to keep people company. I can't think of any of the names, but a search would give you some.

The next dog I get will have to be great with little kids because by then I might have grand-babies.....who knows?

Good luck in finding your next lovely companion!

DemEx

[roguevalley]

5. one hound lover to another

Dachshunds are great. Don't get more than two
though or you will have pack interactions of
which urination is a problem until you get a
handle on it. <I have five>

Pomeranians are DARLING. Especially with the
panda bear cuts they do now.

There are some chihuahua rescues in California
that are in DIRE need of homes. www.chihuahuarescue.org
(I think its org. try .com if not)

If you want a friend, any small dog will do. They
love to sit with you and ride with you and sleep
with you. Dachshunds snore. <G> Rescue dogs are the
kings of love.

Decide what time you have, the times you will
be traveling and if they are coming, the room
you have. Then get a bud to fit.

Small rules. Rescues need you. Have a chihuahua
or ten. They have 174 to give away and they are
so needy right now. Lovely, LOVELY little dogs.

RV

[Sushi_lover]

7. we adopted a stray Chow who has been perfect indoors

Does her business outside exactly where I told her. And I only told her once. Freaky, how smart she is.
Wants one very short walk per day.
Lounges around indoor all day, hoping somebody will come by and pet her.
Very sweet. Zero damage.

[scucci]

8. How about a rescued Akita?

They are extremely loving and loyal. You have to have a very firm voice when training but they do learn and do not forget what they are taught. They should never be trained as guard dogs because they are that way naturally. We've had our baby for a few years and have never had a problem. She's great about doing her business outside but she's primarily an indoor doggy. She wants to be with us all the time. They are extremely sweet and intelligent animals. They're just a big cuddly bears really when they are properly trained. The only downside is that they are BIG. The breeds you're looking at are small in comparison.

Just trying to give you some ideas. Check out this site for more info. :)

http://www.akitarescue.org/

[sweetheart]

9. i'm partial to scotties

i breed scottie dogs for fun, and they are absolutely charming... but some further questions. Do you have a second dog to be this dog's "friend"? Scotties are best in pairs, as the intensity of the terrier breed wears humans out, but they play with each other leaving the homelife much more balanced.

Scotties are short, so they can't get on the table or the kitchen counter... they're very smart dogs, and easily are trained to "not" mark... so much depends on your dog training senses.

What good fortune that a puppy comes in to your life... as much as i loathe puppyhood, the little darlings melt my heart.

Good luck in your dog selection.

-s

[Maddy McCall]

37. I agree--scotties are great little dogs. n/t

[greatauntoftriplets]

10. Brittany spaniel

They are wonderful dogs. Oversized lap dogs.

[Blue_Chill]

12. Chihuahua

Loving dog to which even the tiniest apartment is a castle. Besides they make you laugh when you look at them...how can you beat that?

BTW - I have a beagle and I'd go to hell if I told you they are a good indoor breed. Mine dug a hole thru a door. Yes THRU a door.

[koopie57]

13. Our pekingnese passed away in February

As much loved as she was, coming home to just the three cats was not the same, something was missing. We checked at the humane society and after several visits we found ourselves a beagle. We brought him home and he was much bigger in the house then he seemed to be at the humane society, but he seemed happy here. He kept getting into the garbage no matter how we tried to lock it up, tie it up etc. One day I left for about an hour and put him in his kennel cuz of the garbage issue. I came home and he met me at the door. He had gotten out of his kennel, got into the garbage and got into the several bags of groceries I left on the floor to put away after my last errand of the day. There was garbage from one end of the kitchen to the other, and he ate a loaf of bread and half a box of cookies among other treats he helped himself to. The cats were in shock. I noticed the smell of poop and found the dining room full of poops. Once I cleaned that up and got rid of the smell I noticed another smell, that being gas from the stove. He turned on the stove but not the flame part. He went back to the humane society.
Several weeks later they called and had a smaller type terrier dog. He was so nice at the humane society. Sat by us and played. We brought him home and he started peeing everywhere, when my husband scolded him he bit him. A little later, the same thing happened. Then my son kept throwing him a ball to play with him and he ignored that and peed some more and bit my son. Then my son threw the ball to the kitty and when the dog saw the kitty play with the ball he went and bit the kitty. Then I got mad and he went back to the humane society.
We finally went to the pet store and found a rat terrier mixed with pappilon and this is the nicest dog and so perfect for a house pet. He will bark out a warning, and when he sees you go to the door he will stop. He plays like a big dog, and is tough and not a wuss but he will curl up in your arms whenever you pick him up and he'll stay there until you put him down. I never cared for small dogs, but this one is a small dog but has the personality of a bigger one. I'm concerned that he might be a little fragile physically, but otherwise he is very healthy.
All of our cats came from the humane society, and they came home as kittens. I decided that I didn't know enough about dogs to make a good choice there, but I do know many people who have had good luck at the doggie rescue or humane society.

[tridim]

14. Bostons are the best

I'm on my 6th. They seem to have the best mix of the good dog traits. Loyalty, smarts, occasional craziness, they're small and they don't shed much. The only bad trait is stinky gas. Every one I've owned had it. :)

[TNDemo]

15. Oh Lord yes.

Car trips with my Boston were horrible. We would actually see the dog fart before we smelled it. Her rear end would open up and then close back and we would go running from the room. She actually was the most psycho dog I ever had but very entertaining in her weirdness.

A Boston question - a friend recently told me his mother's Boston (named Boomer - love that name) is a pain because he jumps all over everyone who comes through the door. This is an old dog. I can't remember if ours did that or not. Is this a Boston trait?

[tridim]

25. Yes, Bostons are jumpy..

Especially if the guest has a high pitched voice. I think it's because they love everyone and just want to lick their face. My current Boston will stop if I say, "Sit, High-five".

[tridim]

29. My Boston "Aki"

[TNDemo]

32. Now that is an adorable face.

I may seriously end up with one of these. I remember when ours had puppies and they were so incredibly cute. How are they about getting into garbage, etc.?

I remember ours had this weird habit of blowing all the ashes out the ashtrays my father used. She also had an odd diet - would eat lettuce and pickles. She also had to be covered head to toe with a blanket at night and would wake me up to cover her up. If you dared throw the blanket over her when she was just standing in her bed and not lying she would throw up. Also we had an interesting moment when the pastor of the church came to visit and she proceeded to hump his leg like a boy. She may have been in heat at the time but it made for an interesting visit.

[SOteric]

16. If we're talking indoor breeds

I'm partial to most types of terriers. They're smart little dogs imbued with a sense of fine sense of play.

[short bus president]

17. English Bulldogs

No "why" about it - just hands-down the best.

[shanti]

18. my next door neighbor has one of these

cute as can be and is not a "barker."

[TNDemo]

24. That is the most adorable dog in the world.

I want one!!!

[shanti]

26. do you have

a minimum of 1500 for one of these dogs? that's the going rate.

[short bus president]

27. Where?!?

Mine was less than half that, pedigree and all.

[Maddy McCall]

36. My Mississippi State University-fan friend just bought one for

700 here in MS. They usually go for about 1200. He bought the last female in the litter, and she is a doll...a cute little thing. She has the bloodline of the present MSU mascot bull and another champion out of Louisiana.

I don't care about all the bloodline crap, but lots of MSU fans do, and will pay dearly for it.

[elfin]

19. On my third Westie

each one funnier and sweeter than the last. The first two were rescues - had to pay for this one.

I think just about any "hairy terrier" makes a good indoor dog - but are sometimes hard to find at humane societies - they usually have a lot of big dogs or their smaller ones are jack russell or pit bulls. Neither of those are good indoor candidates I think - at least for me anyway.

Good luck - register everywhere and use petfinder.com for help.

[The Lone Liberal]

21. Been thinking about Westies

The only thing I heard they love to dig up the yard? Also considering a St Charles, although I have heard hip and heart problems.

[elfin]

28. None of mine were "diggers"

The current one tried it once - but was young enough to be distracted with a toy and I sprayed the place he chose to do it with Bitter Apple.

The only problem with this one is he LOVES people and wants to kiss them - even if they don't want it. We are working on it.

Very affectionate and playful without being too energetic ala Jack russells.

[Maddy McCall]

20. I lke schnauzers--they don't shed and are incredibly smart animals

We have a 12 week old female who is already sitting and staying on command, and who is teetee trained to go outside.

She is loyal and lovable.

And, a major bonus, schnauzers don't shed profusely.

On edit: Here she is, Lucinda Magill:

[TNDemo]

33. Aw, she's cute.

I want one of these too! I'm probably going to end up one of those crazy old ladies with a house full of animals. My grandmother had a schnauzer named Whiskers when I was growing up. I loved playing with that dog.

[Maddy McCall]

35. LOL...They are great little dogs.

She plays well (rough-houses) with my 9 yr old son, and she also sits quietly in my lap while I read. She has a really good temperment.

I must add that Scotties are good dogs if you want one for an adult household. Maddy McCall, who died recently, was a good loyal little friend, but she was never content with staying in...prefered the great outdoors and playing with my weimy. She also didn't play well with my son...she prefered to be around adults.

[Too Smart To Fight]

22. Old English Sheep Dog.

just because they're amazing

[havocmom]

23. golden retriever... a big one

makes a nice chouch

[DoctorBombay]

30. German Shepherd

I had one as a kid. She was awesome!

These dogs have it all. The perfect mix of high intellegence, loyalty, protection, and playfullness. The most majestic dog there is!

[Norm357]

34. I have

Two and a pit bull. All house dogs. the sweetest three baby's you could ever want to meet. Two out of the three were rescued from death row. The pit we got from a breeder.


Norm

[StClone]

38. Mini Dachshund

If you have kids or not Doxies are lovable, smart but a bit stubborn. They tend to remind me of cats in some ways because they like to climb and crawl into things. They also have a deep bark sounding much like a larger dog to deter intruders.

My mini black and tan "Derby" is absolutely the best pet I have ever owned. Very smart, affectionate and playful. He's seven and still very puppy-like. There is nothing more relaxing than snugging up with the little guy and taking a nap. They shed very little and a short hair has hairs like an eyelash so are very little trouble to clean up.

Two barks for Doxies!

[Vadem]

39. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

I have three and, they are like potato chips, you can't have just one! They are extremely lovable, just want to be on your lap giving you kisses. They are medium sized dogs, not too small for a macho man to walk and just the right size for your lap, where they prefer to be. They get along perfectly with people, kids, cats, other dogs. The breed does have mitral valve heart disease, so be sure to get one from a breeder (never from a pet shop) who monitors their breeding lines, and is trying to eradicate the disease. Go to this URL to discover the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:

http://www.ckcsc.org/

Good luck!

[ScreamingMeemie]

40. They have the most serious little faces...

you must be right about the potato chip thing...Everytime I see one it seems as if they are one of a set of three...

[Vadem]

42. They only look serious in their pictures! LOL

They are full of life and are always smiling and ready to play. They are very smart and my oldest one, Lily (11 yrs.) will play with a tennis ball by throwing it herself, catching it, rolling it over her head and neck and catching it again. It is so funny to watch.

[Ramsey]

41. Scottish terrier

OK, don't rip my lungs out just because Chimpy has one.

I grew up with a house full of Scotties, and they were very loveable. I had one of those old fashioned beds that is raised about 4 feet off the floor, and my little Scottie, Rascal, used to jump up on the bed and sleep with me every night, and when he got to old to jump, he'd sit at the side of the bed until I lifted him up. He was such a part of the family that when my mom had a portrait painted of her three children, Rascal ended up in the painting too!

[progressivebydesign]

44. Rescued Greyhound.

Now.. before you laugh. Greyhounds are excellent indoor dogs. They prefer being indoors, actually. They are not big on being left in yards.. they need to get out for exercise, but they prefer being homebodies. They are gentle like deer.. Have you thought of them?

[scucci]

45. Greyhounds are wonderful!

A relative of mine adopts retired racers and they are just the nicest dogs. All they want to do is flop on the couch. They're quite lazy, frankly. Most people would think they're hyper-active but that ain't the truth. They're just really mellow and wanting a good pet on occasion. Very sweet animals and extremely well behaved. You don't even know they're there at times. Why not look into it?

http://www.greyhoundrescuene.org/
http://www.adopt-a-greyhound.org/