Q. My husband and I want to buy a little puppy and I love Yorkie puppies. We are planning on having children within one or two years. I have heard that Yorkie puppies are not good with little children and I worry about that. Is this true or does it just depend on the houshold?
A. First off, Morkies aren't a breed. They're a mix. So they really could be anything- no reputable Maltese or Yorkie breeder is going to allow their dogs to be used to create them, so the personality of the parents isn't like to conform to the breed standard- and that gives the puppies even more genetic 'dice' to roll- you might get lucky, but I wouldn't go that route myself.
Yorkies are generally not known for being good with children. They're small and quite delicate, especially as puppies, and they have a low tolerence for a lot of hte things that kids do naturally- hugging, picking up and carrying around, hair and ear pulling. While kids obviously do learn better, that's not much comfort to the dog hwo is getting picked on NOW.
If you like the fiesty Yorkie terrier temperament, you might look at a few SLIGHTLY larger dogs who are known for being better with kids. I would include:
-rat terriers- come in 3 sizes and while they're not as fuzzy-cute as Yorkies, are some of the best small dogs out there with kids.
-Cairn terriers- another smallish terrier (12-15#) that is known for putting up with quite a lot from children.
Both of these dogs are true terriers- as is the Yorkie- they will need consistant training and socialization, and a reasonable amount of exercise.
If you prefer the 'diva' side of the Yorkie (or Maltese) and think a toy-breed might fit better into your family, I would look at these breeds:
-Cavalier King Charles Spaniel- Cavs are, in a lot of ways, the ultimate family dog. Low-moderate energy, tolerant of kids, and big enough as adults to be pretty sturdy. They DO have serious health problems, and it's very, very important to buy from a reputable breeder who health tests. They're a bit larger than a Yorkie-15 pounds or so- but easily small enough to be managable, and their low enegery level is great if you've got very little space.
-Pugs - surprisingly high energy for a toy brachecephalic breed, pugs are energetic, engaging little companions. They are, I believe, the largest toy- up to 20 pounds isn't unusual- but they're VERY sturdy. Again, important to buy from a reputable breeder, and if you like the look of the Yorkie and Maltese, these guys probably won't appeal to you quite so much.
-Havanese & Coton de Tulaar - both of these (relatively) rare breeds aren't as well known in the US as the others I've mentioned, but they're in the same family as the Maltese and Bichon, with downy coats that need professional grooming. Both are quite ancient breeds and well-established in the US, if you do some searching- you won't find one in the newspaper or at a pet store, but that means it's a lot easier to weed out bad breeders. They're a bit bigger- 12# than Yorkies and Maltese, but not as large as Cavaliers or pugs, and they've got relatively solid bone for their size. They come in a variety of colors and markings and are LOVELY dogs.
Nonsporting breeds
-The bichon is another Maltese relative, with a curly white coat and sparkling black eyes. Small Paws Bichon Rescue (google that) has lots of good resources about this breed.
Any dog that you get needs to be kid-proofed, so you'll want to think now about how much time you have to train. You'll want the dog to be mannerly and housebroken WELL before kids arrive, since you won't have the energy to do it while they are on the way or afterwards, and it's not fair to a puppy to get him and then give him up because you had too much on your plate. Puppy obedience classes (and then a follow up course between 12-18 months) will be a must.
HTH!
How do you take care of a Pomeranian puppy?
Q. I want to get a Pomeranian puppy but I have no clue on how to take care of one. Can anybody help?
Thanks! And if you can think of a cute name for a Pomeranian puppy throw that in your answer to please.
A. Taking care of any puppy properly is hard work - its not limited to Pomeranians... But I will say that Poms are super smart, stubborn, manipulative and boisterous so they really need someone who knows what they're doing so the dog doesnt end up snippy and neurotic. They have a HUGE personality and are often referred to as "big dogs in a little dogs body" so make 100% sure you learn everything there is to learn about the breed before you get one... Too many people get Poms because they're cute... But dont realise their breed traits. Personally, I love Poms and love having them around me, but I also know how to handle them...
Basics for caring for a pup - You need to take the pup outside to toilet after it eats, drinks, wakes, plays and other that that every 1/2 hr. They are smart and learn quickly but are stubborn as heck so dont let it inside until its done its business. Never punish, only reward. When your pup eliminated outside, give it a small treat and say "good toilet" or any other command you wish to give it. If it goes in the wrong spot (i.e. on the rug), dont punish it, just move it immediately to where its supposed to go.
It will need to be fed premium quality food 3 times daily, be taken to puppy school to socialise, have plenty of chew toys which are rotated daily... I use a harness for mine when taking walks rather than a collar because they are so small and its easier to pull her away from "pray" that way - where I live the eagles are known to take small dogs.
Dont baby the pup - you'll be tempted to because they are very cute, but you must remember its a dog and needs to live as a dog not a human. If you baby it you;ll end up with a neurotic, anxiety ridden dog.
Also, research the puppy uglies - many people dont and then have no idea whats happening to their cute little fluffy puppy... Its coat will look good again by 12-18 months old... Here are some puppy ugly pages for you to see transformations:
http://www.keenpomeranians.com/PuppyUglies.htm
http://www.petticoatpoms.com/puppyuglies.html
And finally, either find a very reputable breeder (you are looking at $1,500 - $2,000 for a pup) or find one in a shelter or Pomeranian rescue. Dont support Puppy Mills and BYB's.
What to buy a 6 month old for Xmas?
Q. I know it's kinda early for Xmas talk but I'm starting my shopping next month and what are some good things to buy for a 6 month old? What stores do u think I could get the most for the least money?
A. Buy things your baby is going to need, nothing expensive. For my daughters 1st xmas (10 months), we bought a few outfits in the next size up (12-18 months for her), and couple of age appropriate small toys.
Edit: Just though as your baby will be probably be starting weaning around xmas, why not buy some weaning products? Maybe some bibs, bowls and spoons? Like I said something they need?
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