I have a friend with a Havanese that is a wonderful dog. We also are very close with our neighbor's Shih-Tzu (as in - he often spends the night on our couch). He's a really great pup.

Personally, our dogs have always been mixes from shelters (always puppies, though, just personal preference) and we've always had big dogs, but we are thinking of adopting a 3rd dog of a smaller breed in the next year or two, most likely an adult or older dog.

Quick story: My brother adopted an adult Rottie mix from a shelter many years ago and had a heck of a time with him. Because he was new, my brother wouldn't leave him alone without confinement. Unfortunately the dog would tear his own face off in order to escape the crate (and succeeded many times, leaving a bloody trail across the new carpet and pricey vet bills in his wake).

So then my brother tried taking him with him when he had to run errands. Result was chewed up steering wheel, chewed up shift knob, sunglasses, cell phone...

So next he thought it'd be smart to lock him in a bedroom when he had to go out. By now the dog was on anti-anxiety drugs from the vet. BIG mistake. Goodbye door, goodbye carpet (apparently the medication gave poor "Murray" projectile diarrhea, so goodbye doggie prozac too).

At his wits end, my brother spent thousands to have the backyard patio poured so that he could leave the dog out there. OH LORD, that was the worst of them all! Murray very skillfully pulled every screen off every rear facing door and window, mangled them, and piled them up in a heap on the patio (saw it with my own eyes!) After that, he dug holes and my brother found him 3 houses down in the neighbor's backyard, still trying to dig his way out!

SIGH. So my brother calls me in tears, because when he's home the dog is perfect, but he can't figure out what to do with him. He's ready to admit to himself that Murry might have to go back to the shelter, which is tearing him up because he thinks this damn dog will never find a family given his behavioral problems and separation anxiety.

Later, my bro has to leave the house and decides to heck with it. For Murray's own safety he just left him in the house, free reign, expecting the worst (was planning to return him to the shelter the next day). What does he find when he comes home? Murray sitting on his pillow, smiling at him, not one object out of place, no accidents, no chewing, no destruction...Murray behaved like a perfect gentleman.

LOL, apparently he was simply offended by the lack of trust

My brother still has Murray to this day, even though I attempted to steal him many times because he's such a wonderful dog!

I don't really have a point with that story, just thought it fitting. Rescues can be very demanding but also very rewarding.

PS - ever seen that Animal Planet show "Underdog to Wonder Dog"? So cute!

There are some traits that are just "in" certain breeds BUT a lot of how a dog acts and behaves has to do with how it was raised. Keep this in mind when you are thinking about shelter dogs. I have always been very lucky. I have always gotten the best shelter animals. I know others that were not so lucky though. Some dogs have been abused and/or have some nasty habits. I think good training is the key to having a great pet. You will be happy as you will have a well behaved pet- which will make your pup happy. As you research different breeds, look into dog training in your area. It cost's $$$$$ but in a lot of cases its the difference between a good pet and a great one.

Yes, I love that show, way cute

Thank you for all your advice, ladies! I truly appreciate it.

gemcat, thank you for your advice about training and reassuring me most of the things I wouldn’t want my dog to do can be curtailed if stopped properly. This is something I’m going to be very diligent in learning about long before we actually get a dog. I think I’ll probably start at the library where I can get books on both dog breeds as well as training. Also, thanks for the advice about finding a vet first. Fortunately, DH’s family has a couple of dogs in it, so I’m sure they’ll be helpful when it comes to finding good care.

borismom, thanks for the advice and positive feedback about cocker spaniels. I spent the whole night looking up decorations for our apartment as we’re going to be painting soon, so I didn’t have time too look up the breed, but I plan on it.

wisconsheepgirl1, thanks for your honest advice about rescues. I’d really feel best rescuing a dog, but you make a good point about the potential problems it could have. Ultimately, I think we’d likely wind up going with a breeder since chances are we’ll likely be looking for a purebred that won’t affect DH’s allergies and this may be hard to find in a shelter or rescue group.

ericader, I admit your story got me quite worried at first, but what a great outcome! I commend your brother for his patience because honestly, I’m not sure I’d have as much as him! And no, I’ve never watched the show you referred to because I try to stay away from the animal channel. I’m an animal lover, but I can’t watch shows that involve any type of animal abuse, like the animal cop show, or any animals eating one another, even if it’s for survial. I know many of the shows don’t show this type of stuff, but even the commercials upset me… especially the Sarah McLachlan one.

elf925, thanks for your thoughts. We were thinking about getting a slightly older dog as opposed to a puppy, but you’re right about the way a dog was raised having a major effect on how he or she behaves. Even though it may be more work, perhaps getting a puppy and raising it “right” from the beginning will be easier in the long run.

I'm the same way when it comes to animals - I just can't watch that stuff. This particular show, though, is very heartwarming. While they do show neglected and often abused dogs the point is to make them over and place them into wonderful homes. These are dogs that would otherwise never find families due to behavioral issues, neglect, etc. It's very sweet.

Oh, I cannot watch that commercial! I have to turn the channel whenever it comes on!

Same here, and it’s so long that sometimes I switch back to the channel and it’s still on and I get upset any way.

Add me to the list of crying during that commercial or having to change the channel!

Little Bella while dogs are wonderful they are a huge commitment! Especially if you go with a rescue. We have two rescues and with our first it was really tough at times as he had a lot of "issues" but we love them both so much and they bring us so much joy!!!

I know you are being responsible and doing a lot of research and I admire that, so I just wanted to chime in that rescuing a dog can be very rewarding but there is a lot of hard work involved depending on their history.

Is there a way you and your dh can dog sit for someone for the weekend or week to get a little bit of an idea of the commitment and time demands an adorable pup would have on your life.

Good luck to you in your search!