Hi,
I am wanting to get my first dog. However, I don't have a clue which breed would be most suitable to our family. Basically I am wanting a shorthaired, smallish dog (not tiny, but not huge!!), a breed that is easy to train, intelligent, not too active, and loyal, also, not too noisy (not 'yappy', if you know what I mean!!).
Also, we live in a semi, with a large garden. Unfortunately I am out during office hours, so the dog would have to be ok with spending approx 6-7 hours alone per week day. Does anyone know of a breed that would be suitable to my circumstances?
Please email me with any help or suggestions, as they would be gratefully received.
veron781@yahoo.ie
Many thanks,
Veronica

Sorry to have to say this but no dog is going to be happy being left alone for such long periods of time.Dogs are social animals and need company, a long time spent alone could lead to boredom which then leads to destruction and other problems. unless you have a friendly neighbour or someone else who could pop in a couple of times a day and maybe take the dog for a walk i really would think again.

a cat ?

When I first got my dogs I was a stay at home mom, now I work and they are home for 7 hrs, some kenneled some not (inside vari kennels). You really need the time to properly house train your puppy, and the basic obedience. A little house dog short haired can't stay outdoors all the time either. My aunt works a lot so she has her shih tzu house trained and also paper trained for when she isn't around, and a cat friend for her to, as well as her kids and hubby. Her little dog is more papered trained then anything.
I would really do alot of research into the breed you want, and see if you have the time to properly care for a puppy, or maybe check into an older dog that needs a home that is use to being at home for long periods. Cats can be very loving as well. I had a orange tabby male that I taught to sit, shake a paw and play fetch. I would ask him where his ball was and he would go and get it and we would play fetch like you would with a dog. I put a lot of time and patience into him. I always wanted a dog. He was my best friend, and sure do miss him. Good luck

Hi Veronica,
Being left that long alone would definitely NOT suit a puppy. Perhaps you could check with a rescue or rehoming breed organization for an older dog that might be happy and grateful to be left alone to sleep that much :) Sure, there's an adjustment period that any dog would have to go through, but the time alone could be managed. :)

I adopted an 8 year old Yorkshire Terrier Bitch in 1993. My (new) husband and I worked terrible hours -- swings and midnight shifts. She settled in easily and was very much like a cat to have. Very content to be on her own for long hours in a small appartment. I think she was catching up on all the sleep she had missed in her previous years since she had always been homed with little children :rolleyes: We had her for 5 wonderful years and I still miss the 'auld lady' :)

She had a deep hoarse bark for a little dog and I've noticed other Yorkies having the same thing. Yappiness, imo, can easily be discouraged. I've had small dogs and none have ever "yapped" :) :D You can also put one in a bag and port it along with you with no one being the wiser ;) :D

I like the breed because of the independent Terrier mode and beautiful coat. They don't shed because they have hair, not fur. It does need to be kept trimmed, especially under the tail. But since they're a small dog, it really doesn't take that much effort :)

If you do look into a Yorkie, try to avoid breeders who advertise "teacup" or "Extremely tiny" or anything along the 1-3 pound size for ALL of their progeny. There are small and there are larger within litters. It's only natural. So you'd find them in the older dogs, of course. But those really really tiny dogs tend to have serious health problems and don't live as long. The breed standard reads 7 pounds and under.

If you're looking for pet quality, one that is slightly larger is acceptable and very nice to carry around :) Pepper was slightly over 7 pounds and a very comfortable dog who loved rock climbing and tracking deer in the woods But she was also happy at the poshest restaurant in town :D :)
good luck with whatever you decide :)
toodles :Cool:

Other breeds along similiar lines and look are the "Australian Terrier" and the "Australian Silky Terrier".