I need a low maintenance breed of Dog
By john3l6
@john3l6 (187)
United States
May 3, 2008 12:10am CST
I love dogs in general and have been without one the last 8 years since my 2 best furry friends died of old age.
The problem is that I have mobility problems and have little money. I don't want a dog that has to be taken to a groomer or may have ear, hip or breed associated problems.
My ideal dog would be on the small to medium size, not need me to be active in order for them to get their exercise, have short hair or a coat that is hypo allergenic and doesn't go on barking tangents. :)
I had a german shepard mix and a terrier mix both were rescues. I loved them very much and they loved me in return. The only problems I had with them was that the shepards coat when it shed was all over and very hard for me to keep up with when it became harder for me to get around and the terrier was fine on the hair problem but boy that dog sure did do a lot of yapping LOL.
I really would like some suggestions and why you think this is the breed that I am looking for.
This will help me greatly when I go to the shelter to look for my next best friend.
3 responses
@Seraphine (385)
• Finland
3 May 08
What you are hoping for doesn't quite add up. A hypo-allergenic dog will always have to be groomed, either by a groomer or by yourself if you're willing to learn how to do it. A short coated dog will still shed, some more than others (my aunt's shorthaired lab shed a lot lot more than her current longhaired golden and that short hair was impossible to get out of clothes and furniture, just as an example).
Terriers in general as well as most small dogs are very barky, but if you want a dog that don't shed much I really can't think of much other than some breed of terrier. Most terriers are working dogs though and need a lot of exercise. The exceptions to that are terriers like the yorkshire, but yorkshires are yappy and need a lot of grooming.
Anyway, the only breeds I can think of right now are two that I'm not so sure about their shedding levels or their health but that's a pug or an italian greyhound.
Have you by the way considered a cat instead? I'm not not all saying you can't have a dog, but was just thinking since you said you have mobility problems. Dogs still need to get walked regardless how calm they are, especially if you get a puppy (puppies are NOT calm). IMHO there really are no dogs that are 'low maintenance'. Cats are easier to take care of, more independent and there's no need for daily walks.
@john3l6 (187)
• United States
7 May 08
Thank you so much for the "food for thought". You made some really good points for me to consider.
That makes 2 for pug so far. I wouldn't want a puppy. I'm set on a rescue or a shelter dog ... they usually aren't pups. Sometimes you can find mixed breeds too that may have the breed that you are looking for dominant. More times than not a mixed breed is heartier. :: breed specific gene defects ::
Sadly, I cannot even enter a room that has had a cat. It causes my COPD to fleer up.
@lucky_mom (62)
• United States
3 May 08
I would suggest a pug. I live in an apartment work 12 hour shifts and he is wonderful. doesn't destroy a thing and yet he will play when I want him to. If you can stand their farts and snorting a little they are great dogs. they have really good personalities. There are some people who say they are gross because they do have a gas problem and snort, but if you can look past those things they will warm your heart. I do not suggest a puggle (half beagle half pug) they seem to be more active and more likely to chew. Hope this helps.
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
3 May 08
Have you thought about a chihuahua? They're small and don't take much maintenance. Since they're tiny, they get enough exercise running around inside the house, usually. They're very nice dogs!
How about a short-haired cat? Now there's a pet that needs hardly any maintenance! They love to loll around in the sun and they're so much fun to play with!
(Have you heard of Angel Food Ministries? If you're short on money, you'd like it. You get about $75 of really great food for $30!)
