Ash

Aww your dogs are precious! I don't think I'll be going with the boston terrier though for sure, my boyfriend is afraid of most dogs, and already said he doesn't think that's the breed for us. He's beautiful though. I am really partial to labs, but they are too big for our apt life. It's taking Brett years to warm up to Smokie, so that's why I wanted to go with somthing really small, even though he likes Beagles. I'm going to go look up more information about pomeranians right now. I'm deffienly hoping for a very smart dog. Smokie is very highly above intelligent, well at least that I've met in dogs in my life. Thanks so much for your suggestions, hope you can keep em coming!

[quote name='DogPaddle']I think your situation is a bit different. Your dog basically chooses whether he is on the chain outside or inside with you. Ideally it would be great if every dog had a huge fenced yard and free access doggy door but that isn't realistic probably. So your dog is safely contained and can come in when he wants, that's not a problem.[/quote] Absoultely true. I just wanted to share a positive story. Even though I know there are many negative :(.

I would like a moderately active dog that we could go for a couple walks a day.. I live by a very big park, and hope to move closer. I would prefer a dog that didn't shed, but I wouldn't mind daily brushes. I do need a dog that can be left alone for short periods of time though. Any suggestions to thank? Thanks so much for replying!

I'm doing a lot of research trying to find the perfect dog for me and my boyfriend.. We live in smaller apartment, so we'd like to go with a dog around 35lbs or less. I'm really thinking maltese, I fell in love with this breed, looking at pictures. My boyfriend doesn't want a 'long haired' one though. We are just looking for a dog, we do not plan on breeding or anything like that. Before anybody flips there lid about a shelter dog, I've always got my eyes open for that too, infact I'm starting volunteering there next Monday. We want a Puppy, that's just ready to go. We don't get many of those in the animal shelter though. My boyfriend likes a beagle but I think they would like to be a little outdoors more then we can handle (we both work). We are just looking for the breed/mixed breed type for us.

Smokie has a dog house, with a chain. My parents live in a residential area so it's a must. He only goes on the chain though if he has to poop usually. If he has to pee, he takes off so quick and pee's before we can reach for the chain, lol. He deffiently prefers to be inside. In the summers though, he does enjoy being outside, and he has a nice cool shaded area, where he may spend hours out there. He doesn't complain. If he doesn't want to come off his chain yet, he simply won't come in the door. I honestly don't see anything wrong with leaving your dog outside on a chain for certain periods. Now if you have a dog constantly on the chain outside, what kind of life is that? I think that's sad now. .

I let Smokie on my bed at my parents house, they don't let them on theirs. Even though he's sneaky, and gets up on the couch and bed when they leave. He's very smart. He even puts his head on a pillow.. lol! Seriously though he has no problem listening to commands as long as they are from a member of my family, or somebody that has a treat.. lol !

My brother found him near a local park. His friend had Smokie (mysig) follow him home, he intentially meant to keep him, but his mom wouldn't let them. So I remember me (not so much) and my brother begged to have him. My parents were so reluctant, and now he's their baby..lol. How'd I fall in love with him? Ah because he's so sweet he loves to snuggle. He really didn't do anything to win me over but just by finally starting to come in the house and me warming up to him. Now we fight, and he play bites me, and I thought I'd never trust a dog like that, but I know he'd never hurt me. I think it's so cute because he loves to be hugged and kissed.. lol! Oh, and he's VERY smart. Probably one of the smartest dogs you'd ever meet.

While I think getting your pet spayed might be a responsible choice, I don't necessarily agree with the analogy of one more that dies in a shelter. I know when my family has puppies, they go to family members who would of never went to a shelter(unfourtante but true).

I think the cutest would have to be Maltese..When they are puppies especially.. I know you didn't ask, But most beautiful, rottreilers, and black labs(i'm partial). lol.

Nope, but I really want a maltese I think.