Dog Breed Recommendation: Small, for an Elderly Household

[cowboymom]

But… AZ in the winter is still cooler than most places in the summer. My parents live in New Mexico and have a Boston with no issues. If they were looking for an AZ summertime jogging partner I’d steer away but hanging out at home or in the AC’ed car is fine, IME. My parents’ dog has more trouble in Montana in July than any time in NM… So I guess I wouldn’t let that be a deal breaker.

I’ve known two fox terriers and they were PSYCHO when young but both leveled out to be pretty good dogs, though still very very terrier. Attacking other dogs, chasing everything that moves, and territorial.

[Bluey]

[QUOTE=cowboymom;7750633]
But… AZ in the winter is still cooler than most places in the summer. My parents live in New Mexico and have a Boston with no issues. If they were looking for an AZ summertime jogging partner I’d steer away but hanging out at home or in the AC’ed car is fine, IME. My parents’ dog has more trouble in Montana in July than any time in NM… So I guess I wouldn’t let that be a deal breaker.

I’ve known two fox terriers and they were PSYCHO when young but both leveled out to be pretty good dogs, though still very very terrier. Attacking other dogs, chasing everything that moves, and territorial.[/QUOTE]

Fox terriers are very vigorous, strong, some very aggressive terriers, you are right.
I think that what some suggested is a whole different ball o’wax, a toy fox terrier.
Those are about the least terrier of terriers most of them, more of the shy, vacillating, soft temperament, rarely aggressive at all.

I think a bigger toy poodle would fit fine, but if any in the family is not a poodle person, that is not a good idea.
People either are or are not poodle people and poodles have a way to try very hard to make that one aloof person their favorite person, not always a good idea if that person doesn’t really like poodles.

I say any one mix of smallish, older dog with a terrific temperament is really more important than which breed/s are in there.
Let them find THE dog that appeals to them, whatever it may be and then live with whatever quirks or necessary arrangements may be needed to make it work, which is not so hard today with coats and air conditioned cars and houses.

A friend in your parents situation, older couple that lost their dog and were kind of looking for another, wanted a dalmatian like their old loved dog, went to look at one in the local shelter and ended up with another, part dalmatian but with something else, houndish, in there, that just happen to appeal to them.

If your parents are showing interest for Papillons, those are wonderful dogs, see if there is a rescue or shelter close with some and go see what they think of those in person.
Don’t be surprised if they fall for some other odd dog wherever you go look at those dogs.
You never know, when looking like they are, what you will come home with.

[bort84]

Thanks for all the thoughts! To clarify a couple of things:

The main reason I was thinking purebred rescue vs. going to a shelter is that most purebred rescues have been able to foster the dogs prior to adoption, so you have a little more idea of what you’re getting. My grandma is quite capable, but she’s more of a horse trainer than a dog trainer, and I don’t think they want to end up with something that ends up being a major project.

Also, if it happened that the particular dog chosen just wasn’t going to work out, the purebred rescues (or some of the other smaller, fostering rescues) are usually happier/more able to take the dog back without you having to worry about it getting put down upon return (a risk at some of the big public shelters where they are constantly out of space.) They also often can work out a fostering situation that can turn into an adoption.

I’m absolutely open to crosses and what not, I was just looking for a little more info on some of the breeds they’ve expressed interest in to get a baseline - it can be helpful to avoid falling in love with a look and then getting it home and wondering what the heck you were thinking (why I don’t currently have a dobie or viszla despite thinking they are perfectly gorgeous!) = )

I actually thought of a pug or a cavalier initially because their personalities are perfect (they can be a bit large to fly with though), but my grandma is pretty against the shorter nosed breeds, unfortunately. A small dachshund is an idea (I actually found a doxie/pap cross that is adorable and close by!), and it sounds like the toy fox terrier (vs. the standard sized fox terrier) might be a good fit. I also think poms are ADORABLE and fun, and a lot of the ones I’ve met weren’t particularly yippy if they had a bit of training.

My friends actually have the PERFECT dog they adopted a couple of years ago; if we could find another one just like her, we’d be in business! She looks like a yorkie/pap/chi mix of some sort and is just a barrel of fun and the cutest thing in the world. I always tell our friends that the next time we puppy sit, she’s not coming back home…

My grandma is coming to visit soon, and we have a lot more variety of rescues in our area, so perhaps we will go visit a bunch and see what she’s drawn to.

Thank you thank you!

[Bluey]

Fox terriers are not different sizes.

Fox terriers and toy fox terriers are different breeds.

Toy fox terriers are more like the long leggity type of chihuahua and not at all close to what fox terriers are in many ways.
Toy fox terriers are a modern mixture that may also have fox terrier, but way back there and not much of it.

Toy fox terriers are not the small type of standard fox terriers.

Just thought I better clarify that a bit more.

[Bicoastal]

I say get the cutie patootey that makes the grandparents happy. If they love the looks of a Pom, well then…

Two words of warning that you didn’t ask for:
1- Toy breeds tend to be barky.

2- Little dogs are tripping hazards. The medium-sized dogs were easier for my grandparents to navigate around and to pet than Toys. Will they need to leash up for daily walks? Bending is difficult and sometimes dangerous.

I suggest boundary training so the little one isn’t underfoot. And a sturdier toy breed might be wise.

[Bluey]

[QUOTE=Bicoastal;7751207]
I say get the cutie patootey that makes the grandparents happy. If they love the looks of a Pom, well then…

Two words of warning that you didn’t ask for:
1- Toy breeds tend to be barky.

2- Little dogs are tripping hazards. The medium-sized dogs were easier for my grandparents to navigate around and to pet than Toys. Will they need to leash up for daily walks? Bending is difficult and sometimes dangerous.

I suggest boundary training so the little one isn’t underfoot. And a sturdier toy breed might be wise.[/QUOTE]

The OP limited the size of the dog to one that can go in cabin with her parents when they fly.

That narrows the dog to just about toy size.

[witherbee]

I never had small dogs until 4 years ago when I got my first chihuahua - I LOVE the breed and will always have them from now on (I also have a Corgi, a Smooth Collie and a Lab/Hound mix - they are all super dogs too!). I now have 2 chihuahuas and i think you can get a great personality along with the size. My guys are not super scardy cats - i think that is because I take them out every weekend to Petsmart for a walk and socialization. The only 2 issues I have with them are that 1 of them is territorial at home and I have to work with him not to bite at ankles when we have visitors (I have found that he is a good boy if he has his harness on - seems to know to behave but it is a work in progress as I HATE nippy-ness). The other issue is with housetraining - chi’s and possibly some other small dogs can be notorious for having “accidents” if they are not really well trained. Unfortunately I did not know this and still have the occassional accident with my 2.

You are so right that there are TONs of Chihuahua’s in rescue (looking at a 2012 statistic, they make up about 18% of the dogs in shelters and are on a par with pitbulls as far as overcrowding shelters).

Good luck - I remember my Great Grandfather with his toy poodle “Little Brown Jug” - they were inseperable and the love was wonderful to see.

[bits619]

It sounds like a variety of breeds and mixes would work for them, so I think you’ll have some good luck in the search. My rescue group (unfortunately not nearby, in Georgia) almost always has some sort of longhaired chi/pap/pom looking dog in ‘stock’ and they usually have a pretty consistent personality type, fun loving, lap warmers but also playful and game for just about anything. Good little copilot types.

Regarding bending over to leash up, I know two older couples who have trained their small dogs to hop onto a chair for leashing, as well as to gently rest their front paws on their owners’ legs to reach for pets. I think the ability to pick up (and in the op’s case, fly with), and not be plowed over by a bigger dog is more important than a dog being too small. Just my experience with older adopters.

[Bicoastal]

[QUOTE=Bluey;7751216]
The OP limited the size of the dog to one that can go in cabin with her parents when they fly.

That narrows the dog to just about toy size.[/QUOTE]

Yep, I read that part. I’m thinking a stockier toy. I have some friends who fit a fat Shiba under the seat! :eek: Several competitive agility handlers manage to get their Shelties through, too. If they can fit those breeds, a bigger Toy must fit.

I think a stockier Pom would fit and tickle Grandma’s fancy for a fox face.

[red_mares]

My mother is the same age as your mother and would gladly give you the Chihuahua they acquired last year. She describes it as a JRT without the cute. Very energetic, stubborn, and not cute enough to get away with it.

Her one request when Dad was looking for a new dog was “No Chihuahua!”

They previously had a JRT who was fantastic. Not super housebroken & thought Goldens tasted like chicken, but was good with kids, old people & had her own fan club. Went everywhere with Dad.

[stb]

My brother has a pap/doxy mix and he is adorable! Great personality, too.

[MsM]

Just be careful when adopting from a non-foster situation. Too many of the little dogs have had no training and may have developed bad habits. Unfortunately owners are often not honest when they surrender a dog (Because they were shocked that it wasn’t born housebroken and trained…:rolleyes: )

[JanM]

One issue with house training small dogs, is that the puppy mill ones (aka pet store for sale) are in cages, and don’t have a chance to learn house manners. Plus, some small dog breeders (the pure bred puppy mills) don’t let the dogs have access to the outside, so they think going on any surface works.

[Alagirl]

[QUOTE=JanM;7752947]
One issue with house training small dogs, is that the puppy mill ones (aka pet store for sale) are in cages, and don’t have a chance to learn house manners. Plus, some small dog breeders (the pure bred puppy mills) don’t let the dogs have access to the outside, so they think going on any surface works.[/QUOTE]

not to mention the ‘milled’ ones are too often taken form their mom and litter mates much too soon, before they can learn proper social behavior. 5 weeks is just way too soon…:no:
(SIL used to mill Dachsies…I am so glad she gave it up, since even the minimal amount of work was too much for her…penned dogs, runs hosed…no real training or interaction…)

[Mao]

Chinese Crested - if they are up to weekly bath/shave for Hairy Hairless variety, or periodic grooming on Powder Puff variety (maintained in ‘pony-cut’ rather than full show coat). They average 8-12 lbs, have pointed faces, and are quite sturdy and athletic for their size. Very people oriented, very playful and energetic, and just ton of fun. Not overly yappy for a toy breed. Plus… they love to cuddle, especially the Puffs.

However, I wouldn’t go thru a rescue. I’d invest in a well-bred and socialized puppy from a reputable breeder. Much less baggage and/or health issues - regardless of breed.

I have two HHL boys - I’m head over heels in love with them both. However, the reason I have two is because they do get terrible separation anxiety if left alone.

Here is picture of my boy Swagger with my Scottish Deerhound.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151807290352338&set=pb.690927337.-2207520000.1410962615.&type=3&theater

[Kryswyn]

Get a lap dog bred to cuddle. Skip all the terriers. Get something that feels good to stroke and pet, as that what grandpa is going to do the most of. I’d vote for poodle. No shed, smart as whips so grandma should be able to easily train it to do some service type stuff, and sooooo people oriented.

[suz]

The older lady a few doors down from me breeds and shows toy American Eskimo Dogs, and hers compete in agility too. Dh and I have discussed speaking with her about one of her retired dogs, but we’re just not ready yet.
However, American Eskimo Dogs are a super breed, they have the foxie face with tiny prick ears and are smart as can be—they make excellent circus dogs---- and have big dog demeanor in a very small package. They are loyal to their person and will accept people to whom they are introduced, but are guard-y to strangers as well.

LOl, I’m a fan!
Op I’m in Houston if you are interested.

[Ambitious_Kate]

What about a jack russell? Remember Frasier? I just always thought a jack russell would be great, love the personality. I know he needs to feel he’s being active with his “people” but if the family is mobile enough, he might really be a great dog to have.

[Donkaloosa]

Papillions are adorable —and smart, easy trained. Rat Terriers are another possibility if they like the “foxy” face. I had a smallish mutt some years back who looked exactly like a yellow lab who had shrunk after being washed in too hot water! Check the purebred rescues, the humane society, etc., and I’m sure they can find a great dog.

[Dewey]

Another vote for a poodle–I’ve had three standards, and they are super smart and very personable. My aunt had two miniatures that were just super dogs. Toy poodles are also great dogs, but they are yappier. I vote for a miniature for your grandparents.

They don’t have to look frou-frou. The groomer (I took mine every 5-6 weeks) can give the dog a handsome sporting clip.