Very Small Dog Breeds
 

Hi,

I've never owned a dog , but a few of my friends have suggested for me to look into getting one to love, keep me company and to give me a new purpose in life.

I cannot lift more than about four pounds .

I heard that teacup dogs are very fragile and some are not healthy and require alot of care.

Since I am in so much pain, are there any dogs that don't require much physical care?

Can any of you here suggest any breeds of dogs that don't bark alot ( since I live in close proximity to neighbors) and that also like to cuddle ?

Any suggestions and opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Hi vintagewine,

I would never recommend a Teacup as they have been poorly bred for stunted size at the expense of health and high puppy mortality.

How about a Yorkie


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for a confident, friendly, people-loving little dog.

Dave.

Due to the limitations of my disability, I'm looking for a small dog, too! Most of the lap dogs love to cuddle. After all, that's what they were breed for.

There are a number of excellent choices for tiny best friends. Toy poodles, Chihuahuas and Yorkies are light weights. Other dogs can range from 3 to 7 pounds, so you'd have to look for parents at the low end of the range. Pomeranians rarely exceed 7 pounds, but can be yappy, if untrained. Japanese Chins weigh about the same, and are very affectionate. I love Papillions, but some of them can be quite busy. Dachshunds are good fun. Maltese Terriers are love sponges. I'm looking hard at the Coton de Tulear, although that would be too heavy for you. Anyway, as you can see, you do have some nice choices.

If you don't feel you can handle a puppy, breed rescues often have older dogs looking to be rehoused.

In getting started, I have found this breed selector useful
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I also found a list, compiled by a vet, of dogs under 15 pounds
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› Our Pet Experts › Kim Campbell Thornton

There are plenty of interesting Dog 101 videos on You Tube.

When you find your fur buddy, please post a picture! Happy searching.

they have miniature greyhounds now. they are so cute! and corgis are cool but a little larger. i also am partial to shelties though and they can get to be around 20 lbs or more. i am looking into another dog too that is a small one but i am getting a rescue when i find the right one. having a fenced in yard when you're disabled helps no matter what size dog you get. i try to walk with my dog once in a while but sometimes i'm just not able to because of my disability. good luck in your search and i hope you find the perfect doggie soon!

We have always had Dachshunds and they are my favorite breed, however, we just went to kitty cats since I am unable to walk doggies now. However, a sweet Dachsie may be a good match and I would suggest looking for an older pup at a Dachshund specific rescue organization. They are nationwide. Just look up Dachshund Rescue for the closest one in your area. Older dogs and calmer and not as needy. If you have a small yard, you won't need to walk them. If you get one that likes to play ball or is spry, you can just used your hallway to play ball or let them go crazy with the squeaky toys. I hope you find the BEST little companions. I never thought I was a kitty cat person but the two 4 year old sisters we adopted have just won me over.

small dogs
 

have you thought about a morkie it's a half maltesse and yorkie mix they only waigh about 3 lbs. and they don't shead

I'd advise an adult dog. They have many advantages over a puppy, especially of you have disabilities. Puppies are awesome, but you have to train them, housetraining (goodbye good night rest), learn them everthing, you don't know how they'll be as adults (cuddly, barking, etc). Can they be alone if you need to go to the hospital?

Advantages of a grown dog:
-what you see is what you get: not only size, shape, coat but the shedding too since this can differ even between dogs of the same breed.
-you'll know who they are. Do they have a lot of energy or are they fine by just cuddling and an occasional walk? Do they bark a lot? And so on.
-getting a middle aged or even senior dog who doesn't need as much exercise as a young adult needs, is sometimes the best for both if you have a disability

I've had puppies, but since I am very disabled this is not an option for me anymore even though I get help, it's me having to get up in the night when they need to pee. And that's just not an option for me.
So shelter dogs it is for me, and boy, what a most awesome friends I've found. My latest isn't a breed I'd normally go for, since she's a border collie and they normally do need a whole lot of exercise. But she is fine just cuddling, keeping me company, and she sometimes goes outside in the garden to run around around with one of my other dogs.

I don't really know why you'd want a miniature dog? I'm not able to lift my dogs, but have all sizes walking around. My seniors use the bedstairs specially made for them, so I can have all my dogs in my bed. I never lift them, if they get dirty I'll call someone else to clean them :cool:
If you want the most chance on a healthy dog, choose a mix.

Most of the small breeds have issues like the ones with the retarded eyes almost popping out, the hernia prone longbacks, the squashed faced asthmatic dogs, the allergic white ones and so on.