I agree...I have had many dogs in my life, but the doxie personality is the most fun and interesting. I have a mini and she has no understanding that she is "small." Her spirit is amazing. I have never seen her get angry, perhaps a tiny bit (and it was barely discernable) when was in tremendous pain just prior to her surgery.

After her surgery, she required a little physical therapy, which I did myself after the vet taught me how to do it. She is walking perfectly.

After her teeth cleaning, her breath is perfect. It's been about two weeks.

Housetraining is okay now. I am home most days, and try to take her out in the morning and again at 3 p.m. If I have to go out, I leave her in her crate. She will NOT go in her crate. I also take her out again around 6:60 and then before I go to bed.
If I forget to take her out, she is NOT likely to remind me like other dogs I have had. The most I can expect is that she will casually walk up to the door and stay there for a few minutes. That is my signal. Other dogs will bark, scratch the door, etc. She JUST WILL NOT DO THIS SORT OF THING. Maybe it is beneath her or something.
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Maybe she has me trained. However, bottom line is she will NOT go in her crate (she is camel in the crate...she has her standards...LOL!) and she is good if she is walked regularly. She just is a little extra maintence and one better have a good memory or use timers or something.

Oh we put up a tiny little fenced in area within our backyard. This is the mini doxie yard. She is only allowed in it. I walk her on a leash in it (with the exception of times what we go around the block). Perhaps because of smells, etc. she goes to the bathroom pronto when we go in her little yard.

BTW, this dog LOVES to get dressed up! I have NEVER seen anything like THIS! I think it is 'cause the dog figured out if she is wearing a dress, she gets a lot of attention and therefore she loves to wear them. The more the better. She is a riot! If I come home from Target with a dress...she jumps up and down! Too bad this is not the case when she needs to let me know that it is potty time.

Anyway, life with our doxie has been sooo much fun...its hard to describe unless you've had one. However, I do agree that back problem is very frightening indeed!!!!