After much thought, I have decided to get a puppy, (and before anyone suggests a rescue dog, I definately want a puppy)

I need to get a small toy dog as where I live I would need a licence for a larger dog. Also, I have only a small garden, however my boyfriend isn't keen on my choice and would prefer something more macho, as he will be looking after the puppy during the day whilst I'm at work.

Can anyone recommend a breed, I think maltese are really cute and from what I have learnt they are easy to train and are good for allergies. I was also considering a toy poodle.

Don't be influeneced by your boyfriend if it's gonna be your dog. get the breed you want. I got my first dog at 17 years of age and was living with my boyfriend. I knew the breed I wanted from the start because I've always loved them. I got a Chihuahua and had that little boy for 16 wonderful years. He passed in April.

I have two other chihuahuas and I love the breed. They're fantastic little dogs.

Another good choice if you're worried about allergies is a yorkshire terrier.

Honestly though just go with the breed you love, do all your research and train it from the start and you can't go wrong.

I think if he is going to have to walk it then you are going to have to consider his opinion. If you get a dog that he is embarrassed to take out then you are going to have to take it before and after work yourself or have a crazy bored dog.

Maybe a lakeland terrier, a scottie dog, or a westie?

Similar to toy poodles are bichon frise and maltese. A woman over the road from us has a white maltese and it's a great wee character. Her burly six foot plus husband walks along quite proudly with it.

I will take it for a walk before and after work, he will go home a couple of times during the day to see to it or maybe he can take it to work with him, (which is why I think he is concerned about the girliness). I considered a Yorkie but thought maybe they are a bit "yappy". I do like chihuahuas, but every girl in my town has one and I don't want to fall in to the stereotype. I am also considering a Westie but I have had mixed experiences with them, my aunt has a lovely little girl.

I am trying to research which toy breed is the least likely to bark a lot, I don't want to annoy my neighbours.

Worth popping along to rescues too as many many puppies are handed in or born into rescue centres.

I split with my boyfriend after 4 years my dog lived 16 years and was MINE. I chose him and it's a long term commitment. I didn't let what he wanted influence me. If he's gonna be embarrassed then he's an idiot, a dog is dog no matter what the size

I have been checking the websites regularly but no joy.

Just get the dog you want. My boyfriend never liked dogs but he came round to my two pugs and even takes them for walks in the park. Bichon frise are cute little dogs if you want something fluffy. Word of warning: you will need somewhere safe to put your shoes if you get a pup!

Rescues rarely put puppies on websites, u need to register with them to be considered...

Try these guys

http://www.littledogrescue.co.uk/

True plus boyfriends come and go and a dog will be with you for many years. I had loads of boyfriends over the 16 years I had Cookie. They all came to love my dogs.

You will find once he gets to know the dog he wont be embarrassed, My dad treats one of my Chihuahuas like his baby lol. She's his favourite and he calls her Queeny Queen The Queen of the Dogs!!!

I always say go with youur heart, for me it's always been chihuahuas. I was in love with the breed from the moment I saw an big old man with one when I was little.

Jack Russels are small dogs with big personalities and are quite stocky and fun loving. They are great for people who like large dogs but in more manageable size. And they are always in need of homes so you could easily find a puppy in rescue. One big downside though is Jacks are very vocal at times.

Other breeds of interest for you might be the Tibetan Spaniel. A stockier small dog but still very pretty and not a heavy barker. Do need lots of attention though. Cavalier or King Charles Spaniel. Again not too delicate to look at yet still very pretty and easy dog to handle.


Of course your best bet would go to your local rescue centres and ask to see the puppies they have available. Take your boyfriend along and you can both get to know the dog beforehand and get valuable advise from the rescue people.

A Boston terrier is a small dog, stands 15 to 17 inches tall to the withers, its a gentle breed which is happy to please its owner, its a companion dog which is friendly with other animals, children etc.

They are fairly quiet and don't really bark that much, they do have a bit of a snuffle or a snore due to the breed, i.e. short snout, just like the Pug breed.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/bostonterrier.htm

I kind of agree with the others, in that you should get a dog that's right for you, but if your boyfriend is a big part of your life then I think he needs a say aswell, especially as he is going to be looking after the dog in the day.

I would go for temperament, not looks, but I have respected what you have asked and suggested a breed which I think fits you and your boyfriends requirements.

I hope it has been of help, be sure to tell us your decision as we are all interested.

This the link for the kennelclub where you can find reputable breeders who are guarunteed not to be puppy farms.

http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk/se...y/Default.aspx

You can contact the breeders direct and as it is hard to get hold of puppies from reputable breeders, you can go on a waiting list, for either that litter, or the next litter.

Even if the breeders don't have a puppy it is worth asking them if they know any other reputable breeders who might have, they maybe able to give you contacts.

Good luck with your search for a pup

I see your point, but if he is an idiot and did refuse to walk it it's not really fair on the dog is it?

Thanks guys for your help. I will go with a dog I like, I'm sure will grow to love it.

Tbh when I was single my two chihuahuas were fine all day when I was at work. Single people have dogs too. My two used to see me get in my uniform then snuggle up in my bed and go sleep. Never had a problem.

Boyfriends come and go.

I've got to be honest. He'll be 'embarassed' once and then it'll be the run of the mill walkies.

I find people very quickly get used to small dogs.

Good luck!

What about a proper dog like a great Dane?

So, you're saying my Cavalier King Charles Spaniels aren't 'real' dogs? :P

No but I would prefer a big dog to a Chihuahua because youd be better off with a rat!.

My friends Mum had a miniture jack russell and what it lacked in size it made up for in temper!! the postman wouldnt come down the path and waved to get her to come out and collect the letters!.

I'm more of a big dog person myself but don't under estimate the appeal of smaller breeds. Small breeds are getting a bad rep due to the celebrity culture of babying little dogs.
I would love to own a Rottweiler myself but my lifestyle is not suited to a big breed. But I have found breeds like Papillons and Lowchens very appealing to myself because they may be small dogs but they don't know it.

A Border Terrier be ideal. Small and cute and very friendly with dogs and people. It also has the advantage of being a "proper" dog, they will quite helpfully go for miles but they don't need to. No boyfriend would be embarrass walking a BT.