I'm new to this forum and am very surprised that there is such a dedicated and well designed message board for all dog enthusiasts in Malaysia. Yay! I am thinking of getting a dog but I live in an apartment. The dog will basically have a free run of the apt unless no one's in, which I was thinking of housing it in a large cage. However, I work from home so most of the time I'll be around. Over the past few months, I have researched and read various recommendations for suitable apt dog breeds. I have narrowed them down to: Bichon Frise, Toy Poodle or Yorkshire Terrier (or any terrier that's smallish in size). As you can tell, I do prefer smaller breeds :o) I don't think my husband and I can handle larger dogs in our apt. Please post any further suggestions or advice as I'd really like to hear what you 'experts' think. Thanks for reading and have a good day!
Re: [alyn] Planning on getting a dog
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Hi there
Welcome to the forum.
First of all, I'd like to say : Good on you for doing your homework.
Well, don't have much to say since you hv done your homework. I'm sure you know their temperaments? or grooming requirements? excercise/play? All that's left is to choose which one you like best.
You don't seem to hv any doubts. So don't think I hv to say anything.
Good luck in getting your baby. ,-._,-. \/)"(\/ (_o_)
Re: [RealityDreamer] Planning on getting a dog
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Thanks for the welcome! Actually I have read about temperaments, grooming and requirements... everything sounds pretty good but I suppose I'll never know until I bring a furkid (I like this word) home. Forgot to mention Shih Tzu as a possible companion too. Today, I spent two hours with a really good groomer who specialises in breeding Shih Tzus and she was explaining more about different breeds whilst grooming a cutie dog. She informed me that Toy Poodles are pretty prone to barking. Although I've read that they are active dogs, most people do recommend this breed for apt dwellers. I was wondering whether it's possible to train a dog to bark less? I doubt my neighbours would appreciate a noisy pet.
My family back in Pg have two doggies. One's a mongrel named Sasha and the other is a labrador named Frodo (courtesy of my 9 year old sister). We got Sasha while I was still in high school, so I more or less grew up with her until I left for uni and have not been living with my family since. Frodo was a recent addition to the family. I've always loved dogs and would really like to have a furkid of my own. The only thing holding me back is my apt. After 3 years of pondering and many months of research, my hubby and I finally decided that we are ready to bring a doggy in. We just need to get a furkid that's:
1. An indoor type of dog (only taken out for evening walks or occassional picnics). 2. Compact in size since our apt is not that large. 3. Relatively quiet (although I know that may be a lot to ask for from a doggy).
Of course we are financially prepared to take care and maintain its health and general well-being. Not to mention lots of love and pampering :)
(This post was edited by alyn on Oct 24, 2003, 8:03 AM)
Re: [alyn] Planning on getting a dog
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Hi alyn,
Welcome to the forum!
Why not consider Miniature Schnauzer? They're comfortable in apartments as well as landed ones. They're quite smart and does not bark so often. Another plus point is that they don't shed much as well. I guess you can get further info in this forum and you can do a search in the internet which is really full of resources.
Re: [alyn] Planning on getting a dog
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I'm not too sure abt toy poodles or bichons but so far the ones I've seen are well brought up and are pretty quite. Only barking when necessarily (there's a stranger in the property). As for yorkie's, my cousin's yorkie is really quiet. Only barking once in a while.
Not sure if those are the characteristics of the breeds or if it depends on an individual dog.
If it were to be me, I think I would go for a a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They're really nice toy dogs. Not much grooming either. But that's just me.
IMHO, as long as you bring the dog up in a positive environment, he should be calm (all dogs are) and mature when they're older...and quieter too. As for puppies...well, puppies will always be puppies.
P.S. But for a quiet toy breed, my vote goes to the pug ,-._,-. \/)"(\/ (_o_)
Re: [alyn] Planning on getting a dog
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Hello
y dont u have a silky?
Bichon is a rare breed in malaysia. Y dont u go down to the november 9th show at bukit kiara to ask the participant where did they get there dogs and maybe they can recommend u a few...btw, so far i know, theres only a lady showing bichon.. ~Cherio~ Penang Lang? Click Here~! Silkies Owner? Click Here~!
Re: [lulugurl] Planning on getting a dog
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Thanks for the heads-up, lulu! I would love to attend the show. Do I get tickets at the entrance or is it free? I noticed that Bichons are very rare here but they are so adorable. Like cute little lambs. I have been doing more reading and the more I read, the more potentials I add to my list. I think I'm pretty set on getting either a Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso or Maltese. All I have to do is scout around for some responsible breeders.
I do like Mini Shnauzers and Pugs but my hubby thinks they look weird (silly man). Personally, I prefer those fluffy types and don't mind spending time grooming. We are intending on purchasing a landed property in a few years' time, so I'll be able to get more doggies and will have more space for the rambunctious ones.
I'm really excited about getting a furkid but I am taking time to finalise a decision. I don't think that it's a good idea to rush into things since this is a long-time commitment. Thanks again to everyone for the warm welcome. I do enjoy reading this board and love looking at all the beautiful dogs in the Gallery. Come see what I'm up to at susie*ville!
Re: [alyn] Planning on getting a dog
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hi,
well...remember i thing before deciding on your choices. shih tzu have a short muzzle which means that the face have to be wiped each n every day to prevent the face from being smelly after every meal....while lhasa n maltese have pointed muzzle which is easier to maintain.
this is just my experience from observing so many breeds
Re: [alyn] Planning on getting a dog
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My only advise is :
Don't worry...look see, look see around and take your time. Eventually your heart will tell you which is 'the one' good luck ! and glad to know that you did your homework before purchasing a dog just like that !