What's it like to have a Chihuahua?

The only reason Chihuahuas do that and get such a bad rap is because people baby them and do not train/socialize them correctly, because of their size. Chihuahuas are usually one person dogs yes, but I've met some that were total sweethearts with everyone. Even if you adopted a Chi from a shelter (there are Plenty! One of the most common and overbred breeds next to pits and labs) with a little TLC and patience and training you could turn a Chi into your best buddy.

English Bulldogs are a generally unhealthy breed, and I feel so sorry for them. But they are sweet couch potatoes usually. Frenchies are great dogs too, but like with pugs, ANY if these dogs would need their wrinkles cleaned.

Staffys are not very large but they are definitely bigger and will need more exercise than the other breeds you mentioned. But with proper socialization/training they can be great dogs too.

I had a Chi when I was a kid. He was raised like any regular dog, so thought he was a regular dog, and was well-socialized from the very first day. He was outgoing and loved everyone (except one neighbor kid down the street who threw rocks at him, but that's a story for another day, lol).

That said, most Chi's are poorly bred and terribly-raised. You'd have to be very picky where you got him, and then be careful to treat him like a dog and not a Barbie doll.

With plans to trek across Canada for 2 years, forget the brachycephalic (pushed-in face) breeds. They do not tolerate heat or cold well.

As for a Staffy...since you're going across Canada, presumably that means you will be traveling through Ontario twice. Pit bulls and anything that looks like a pit bull are banned there. You're not even allowed to travel through: http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/a... .

I assume you're looking for a short-haired dog, which rules out most of the small breeds. Why not go down to the Humane Society or a rescue and pick out a dog of suitable size and temperament?

I have a Pomeranian Chihuahua Schipperke mix. He is mostly Pomeranian and Chihuahua.

He can be shy of strangers, but nothing like aggression, and he will go up to someone to get attention if he wants. He is also shy of other Dogs, especially bigger ones. He is quite smart, loves to exercise and be outside allot, will lay down beside your or on your lap if he wants. He is quite independent and stubborn at times He loves to run, play, and hunt (Yes, he has prey drive). He does shed, especially in the summer but I think that`s the Pomeranian in him. Since he has small legs due to poor breeding (He was rescued from a Dog hoarder) he has Luxating Patella. He isn`t very yappy and will stop if told to be quiet.

Here`s him:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/charlieandbrandymypom...

I always used to want a chihuahua too, when I was younger. From personal experience with a chihuahua mix, I personally don't really like them. There not at all easy going (at least mine wasnt) they tend to be really yappy and they do have agressive tendencies and are not good with kids, they tend to get snappy. Also the pure bread ones are SO small. I've read that they can and have died in some cases when the owner had dropped something on their head. They have a soft spot that never fully close, so there heads are really sensitive. Also you could easily step on them and really injure them by doing so. And a hawk can easily pick one up in one swoop. They would have to be supervised at all times outside.

Now the positives would be yes they are known to bond to one person and be loyal to that one person. But keep in mind that they tend to get territorial over that one person as well. Which is not a good thing. Other dogs can also be very bonded to you too, without being territorial. And many people find them intriging because of there small size. But this can also be a danger as well.

In conclusion they do have many setbacks, but some people do well with these dogs despite that. It all depends on your personality. I for example if you get annoyed easily by barking I wouldn't recommends this breed. And yes people will say you can train them. But keep in mind these are the type of dogs that just have a naturally higher instinct to bark. They tend to bark at almost anything. But of course all individual dogs are different, just like people.

And I'm not trying to bash on the breed at all. I just think people should be aware of the cons of every breed, before they choose to buy one. Because in so many cases people will just rush into getting a dog without fully researching it and deciding wether or not it will be the right dog for their lifestyle. So choose carefully and don't rush!

Hope I helped :-)

Pug, hands down. I've had many dogs in my life, (too many to count) and none of them seemed right for me. The day I rescued a 3 week old pug puppy, my perception of dogs changed. Now I see every other breed as a dog, and pugs as a family member. I love my dog unconditionally and my dog is always there for me when I need her. She's the highlight of my day, and my sleeping buddy at night. Nothing is more pure than the love of a pug. There is nothing I wouldn't do for my dog, and unfortunately she contracted parvo and is being hospitalized leaving me with over $1,200 in vet bills, but every penny is worth it to me because my pug is my heart, and she trusts me so I couldn't let her die. Please consider pugs, you will be happy with your decision. As for the face cleaning and shedding, it's not that bad XP