we now have a white Malteese (about 6lbs) absolutely adorable little dog who loves everyone...
we previously had a pomeranian for 14.5 years....we was a great dog who i loved with my whole heart but she was a little picky about who she liked and didn’t like...
Bischon or toy poodle? Very smart considering their size. Don’t need too much exercise, but they are great companions. At least the ones I’ve spent time with.
I think its great that you want to get another rescue dog! Lady Golden would approve! I have a bichon....white and fluffy and looks like a stuffed animal. They are great dogs and good with cats.
Miniature poodle? Smart, doesn’t shed, long-lived, affectionate.
Mini Schnauzer. Small, smart and well groomed.
Go get a mutt from the shelter.
Best dogs I’ve ever had were just regular ‘good ole boy’ dogs.
Given your age and accommodations, I would encourage you to look at larger breeds that require less “maintenance.” Good examples include St. Bernards, Malamutes, Mastiffs, and Great Danes. They’re giant animals with a lot of power if you’re worried about protection, but they’re generally sedentary and require little exercise.
Small dogs are great, sure, but unless you’re going to adopt older shelter dogs, dealing with small dogs when they’re puppies can be a hassle, and they require a lot of exercise to keep them from bouncing off the walls.
I’m half your age and have a border collie and an elderly dachshund, and together they’re an absolute handful. I can’t imagine trying to keep them corralled.
Also, have you considered cats?
Papillon. Great little dogs. Smart, friendly, and great alert animals.
L
This is going to be difficult, once you have owned a Golden other dogs do not measure up. Understand the concerns of raising a Golden puppy, but there are rescue adult Goldens out there who’s temperament maybe a better match then a puppy.
Yorkies are bark machines.
And surprisingly quick, they look like they are moving on tank treads.
Niece has one named Oscar, I append that with “The Barkinator”.
He is a good dog, but he is a one person dog.
And high energy, which is probably bad.
We’ve owned Yorkies for almost 30 years (one, or two at a time)...and, just love them. Talk about a lap dog who will give, and DEMAND, loving attention. They are also VERY GOOD watchdogs... which, is a nice way to say, they BARK at just about anything out of the ordinary... (or, in the case of the mailman, things that ARE ordinary).
But, we love them.
If you want something that is a little less territorial, I’d recommend something like a Malti-Poo (Maltese/Poodle mix) or, a Pek-a-poo. They tend to be a bit friendlier... also though, a bit heavier.
Good luck.
No Beagles, they are howling machines.
Schipperke.
At your age, you’ll have to make arrangements for whatever dog you decide to obtain in case your pet outlives you.
Small dog breeds can live up to 25 years. Large breeds up to 15 years and giant breeds up to 8 years.
No matter the breed, every dog needs daily walks to keep their minds agile and their bodies in top shape as well as of course for potty breaks. Are you up to the demand of going out with your dog every day?
If not, a low maintenance pet like a cat may be a more suitable option. Good luck.
We adopted a rat terrier (3/4)/ Chihuahua (1/4) mix.
Bella was great with the cat, loved her kennel when needed, great with and protective of children (prime consideration for us), eager to please, kept dining room floor clean, reasonably trainable. Not aggressive. NOT barky in general (despite the chihuahua part) but will make noise if someone (friend or foe) comes around (except the contractors next door who left their burrito wrappers within reach, she was easily bribed.
I am not a dog person, but Bella won me over. Of course, every dog is a bit different.
Ceramic...
Thank you for the comments so far. We definitely want a small dog and will look for a “rescue” situation. Protection is not an issue as we are generally well armed. A dog to bark at potential problems is good. We are not looking to raise the next dog from a pup.
Thanks. keep those breed suggestions coming! How about Chugs or Shih Tzu’s?