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Hey! This is columnist Mandee, and I couldn't think of anyone better to ask this question to than you! =D Because as your column says you know a lot about pets and I was wondering if you could help me out.
Well I have three little dogs. A shitzu, multese and ( well I don't really know how to spell it...but it advertises for Taco Bell) And they all get along with each other very nicely, two of them are girls and the other one is a boy. But lately I've been wanting another dog. Do you have any suggestions? I really like little dogs, but I like big dogs too. The only problem I worry about is that if I did get a bigger dog than all of them, they might become afraid of it. And I don't want that to happen. So if have any ideas please answer me back!
Oh yes, and I always questioned this...all my dogs sometimes start making this sound almost as if they can't breathe. Do you know what that it is, and if they're okay? It scares me sometimes! Thanks so much! =D You are such an awesome columnist! And I think your answers are great!
*Mandee*
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Want to answer more questions in the Domesticity category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Pets?
Shih-Tzu's are generally good with other pets. Maltese also generally do good with other pets, but may become jealous if they are over pampered. Now, Chihuahua's on the other hand are normally excessively aggressive with other dogs. You say your dogs get along with each other, but that does not necessarily mean that they will get along with new dogs just entering into the house. Have all of your dogs been well socialized with other dogs of all shapes and sizes? How old are they? The younger they are, the easier it is going to be to get them all to be friends.
The problem that I've noticed with smaller dogs is that when they get scared, they don't just back down. They are normally more aggressive and try to take down the other dog before the other dog can take them down. I've seen my mother's old five pound mixed breed attack my 150 pound rottweiler repeatedly. Luckily my Rotty never hurt him, just had to push him away like a fly.
Anyway, that would only be a problem if you get a full grown dog. I would suggest getting a puppy no matter what size breed you decide to get. Getting a puppy will help to ensure that the new dog doesn't have any already learned behavior problems. An adult dog might seem sweet when you meet him, but that doesn't mean he won't try to eat your little puppies when you get him home. A puppy on the other hand will be much easier to control and socialize.
If you get a large breed puppy, by the time he grows to a larger size than your other dogs, they should all be used to each other. It's even possible that the larger, yet younger dog will follow around your older, yet much smaller dogs like they are his/her parents. My Rotty used to follow around my mother's much smaller retriever mix like she was the Rotty's mother.
I would stay away from any kind of terriers. They can be pretty aggressive. Talking to Veterinarians, dog groomers, and kennel workers, they will usually tell you that the most aggressive dogs are the small terrier type dogs.
LARGE DOGS:
Good choices for a larger dog would be a Labrador Retriever, or a Golden Retriever. Both are known friendly family dogs. They normally get along with dogs of all sizes very nicely. They are also very easily trained. Although I love Rotti's, they can be difficult to train if you don't have a whole lot of experience with dogs. Without a very stern owner to show them who's boss, they will tend to be aggressive.
SMALL DOGS:
Pugs get along well with both other pets and small children, but require a lot of attention and can get jealous easily.
Pembroke Welsch Corgi's are, in my opinion, the most adorable dog. But I will warn you that they can become aggressive if not properly socialized when young. They're herding dogs, and have been known to try to "herd" people by nipping at their heels. The males can also be aggressive to other males.
Japanese Chin love everyone, as quoted from the current web page I'm looking at. They are a small dog that you could think about.
Havanese seem like a cheerful affectionate little breed.
Cavalier King Charles spaniels are easily trained and good with other dogs.
I can't pin-point a lot of dogs that you would be interested in, but I can give you the web sites that I'm looking at so you can find more information.
The first one is The American Kennel Club website.
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
DO NOT simply read about the temperments on this site because these are the ideal temperments for a show dog, but do not come naturally to any breeds. To find their natural, normal temperment of the breeds, go to this site:
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
The AKC site is a little easier to find individual breeds and see the picture and size. But for a better, more detailed look of what they are going to be like go to the second website.
Sorry this took so long for a reply, but it was a nice break from my studying.
Now on to your second question:
I'm not sure what you mean by this sound. Is it like a hacking sound? Do they cough? If you could try to explain it more and send me another question about it then I could try to help you more. How long has it been going on? How long do these spells usually last? Do the spells come on at certain times (for example, after they drink a lot of water, after they eat a lot of food quickly, after they get scared by something?)
If you could explain it a little more, then I might be able to help you.
But, I warn you that I'm only a first year Veterinary Technology major, and I probably wouldn't be able to pin-point the problem. If I couldn't pin-point the problem for sure, then my advice would be to call a Vet and see if they know what it is by your description. It doesn't cost anything to simply call a Vet, and they can't force you to bring the dogs.
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