Which would be better for me?

1. I want low maintenance as far as temperament. That's why I wouldn't get a poodle. When I want to play with it, I'll play with it. WHen I want to be left alone to read or watch tv, I want to be left alone.

2. I want to litter box train it for when I don't want to get up early in the mornings or late at night to take it out.

3. I don't mind walking it everyday, but I'm not a very active person. Some times I do active things, mostly I like to be in the house and relax.

4. I will be leaving it alone all day while I work and the kids are at school. Somebody will be back around 4:00 pm.

5. When I go shopping, I'll need to leave it alone. SO, I don't want a clingy dog.

6. I suffer from allergies.

7. My kids, both boys, are 12 and 15.

8. I live in a luxury condo with no private backyard.

9. It would be nice that if once potty train, it didn't go around peeing on my carpet.

10. My 12-year-old wants a friendly, lovable, dog.

Update: I just spoke to a breeder in my state who breeds show quality bichons. According to him they cannot be left alone for more than a couple of hours. Bichons are out.

hmm.. we have Shih Tzu before.. and its not that hard in terms of maintenance..

Again, your expectations are astronimical. I suggest you have your son volunteer with a local rescue or shelter...he'll be blessed with the company of multiple dogs and learn of the plight of pets in our society.

Crestie, first I'd like to thank you for your reply.

However, yesterday and today I talked with breeders of both the SHih Tzu and Bichon and they feel the Shih Tzu would fit what I'm looking for. So, my expectations don't seem to be that astronomical.

According to the reputable breeder I just got off the phone with, the Shih Tzu would be best for me and my family as he isn't as demanding as the Bichon. Same thing I heard from a Bichon breeder yesterday.

And I am seeking my opinions from the Breed Club Members, not backyard breeders.

Also, the breeder I talked to today said, that once potty-trained, the Shih Tzu or Bichon shouldn't have accidents on my carpet.

UTI infection, maybe. Continence, maybe, but that is years down the line.

Update: according to the book I read last night, the Bichon will have "piddling" issues. Going sometimes on the carpet when he wants to. This is not acceptable to me.

Uggh!

So, it looks like this breed is no longer a consideration for me, unless anything changes in regard to what I learn as I continue my research.

[lil mutt]

are you allergic to any kind of dogs i think that will be a good deciding point to consider. Since i cant compare Bishon Frise since I havent had any Bishon Frise yet and i currently own a Shi tzu...

Hi, lil mutt. Yes, I have allergies and am allergic to some breeds, which is why if I do settle on a dog, I think the Shih Tzu would be good for me.

Tell me about your Shih Tzu please. Does he shed much? Is he good at being left alone while you work during the day, or want to go out for a day of shopping? Has he had any peeing accidents on your carpets/floors since being potty trained?

What pottytraining system do you use? I'm going to try training mine using a litter box since I live in a third-floor condo.

I have a SHih Tzu and as much as they are loving pets, being people dogs they are very clingy and dont like being left. They dont shed much but do lose some hair, more like balls of fluff.

They can be difficult to house train, and are quite stubborn, choosing to obey, most of the time, they are adorable however but for your requirements id perhaps look into another breed. Hope this info helps.

to be honest i cant really see any breed being happy to be left alone all day.
and how are you going to toilet train if you are out all day?