I got a Samoyed for my older children and to show one day. But, what I want for me is a lap dog. I am torn between a Maltese, Shih Tzu or Yorkie. I have read about all of them and what I have found is a lady had a Maltese she bought from a resectable breeder and the dog only lived 2 years and died of a Liver Shunt. I don't know what that is but that is terrible to only have a dog for 2 years and get sick. Is this common in Maltese?

I read that the Shih Tzu and Yorkie are good dogs to have with not as many health problems as the Maltese. Please forgive me, I am not picking on the Maltese because I really would like to have one but I don't want one for only a few years.

What is everyones opinion on which dog would be best.

I do have Sphyx cats too so I know that most dogs can tolerate a cat if brought up with it so that sholdn't be a problem and the cats actually don't mind the Samoyed. One of them rubs up against her as my Sammy licks her. It is cute.

Thanks everyone.

Please speak up about your breed. You are suppose to convince me to purchasing a breed like yours because it is supposet to be the best breed.

Please every convince me which one I should buy? I will be making up my mind by Early July.

Thanks for any help.

Don't be shy.

I have seen them posted on this forum.

Please if you own a Yorkie, Maltese or Shih Tuz, please chime in and tell me why your breed is the best to you and why it would be great for me.

I will be deciding which one in early July so it would be neat if I had some ideas to go.

Thank you very much.

Please jump right on in and don't be shy.

[jnc_mcguire]

I know i used to have a yokie and i could never get him house broke. He drove me crazy. When he was 2 years old i gave him back to the breeder. Because everything i try didn't work on him. The breeder told me that some of the males was hard to house brake after i was haveing so much troble house brakeing him. She still has him to this day but he is now going on13 years old and he is still not house broke. I even tried the pee pads and he wouldn't even go on them. So if you get a yokie make sure you get a girl. Now the other two i don't know anything about thoses kind of dogs. I have a chihuahua and she is just as sweet as can be. And loves to be in your lap.

[CorkyMax]

Will quote what it says in my home vet handbook and then will come back with another post on the dif. problems that the 3 breeds you mentioned are 'PRONE' to which means they have a tendency toward--NOt that It happens to the entire breed!! My book says this: LIVER SHUNTS, also called portosystemic shunts, are abnormal veins that allow blood from the intestine to bypass the liver. Ammonia and other toxins are not metabolized or removed from the circulation, resulting in signs of HEPATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY. (This is a type of brain inflammation caused by high levels of ammonia and other toxins in the blood. Ammonia is normally removed from the blood stream by a healthy liver. When the liver is sick, ammonia accumulates to toxic levels and exerts a poisonous effect on the brain.)
The majority of liver shunts are congenital. Multiple shunts outside the liver may be congenital but are most often caused by cirrhosis. Minature Schnauzers and YORKSHIRE TERRIERS appear to be at increased risk for congenital shunts that develop outside the liver. Large-breed dogs are at increased risks inside the liver that occur because of a fetal vein that normally closes at birth fails to do so.
Most dogs with congenital liver shunts develop symptoms of HEPATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY by 6 mons. of age, although some dogs may not develop symptoms until middle age or older. The diagnosis is confirmed by X-ray studies where contrast dyes are injected into the liver circulation, and bile acid assays. These studies are available at referral centers. UNQUOTE--My book is 10 yrs old but info prob. still good. (KINGSBRIDGE CAV--If you see this can you confirm the info is up to date (LOOk under liver shunts)--I know you have the new updated version of this book! THANKS) Posting this now and will be right back with rest of info I have on the 3 breeds!

[CorkyMax]

MALTESE--1 book says: This breed is generally long-lived, hardy and healthy. Like most pure-bred dogs, however, they are subject to genetic eye diseases. Prone to sunburn along the hair parting. It also says: even-tempered, affectionate. Intelligent and easy to train, the Maltese enjoys being groomed, petted and fondled. Lively and alert, it will let you know by barking if strangers are about. Other book: Liver Abnormalities--Prone to an abnormal formation of blood vessels in the liver. Prone to an inability to see from a wide variety of eye diseases (blindness). Am just going to hit on a few things that are the most important (although the list is 1 page long--It is not as long as a lot of other breeds!) Hip Dysplasia (One thing I know of to try and stop this is to supplement with Vitamin C. If you get this dog--let me know and I will go more into detail on the Vit. C)--Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), Patellar Luxation (kneecap(s) slip out of place. Thyroid Disease, Von Willebrand's Disease.

SHIH TZU---One book: Health problems--The prominent eyes are prone to injury and tend to get dry from exposure, causing them to ulcerate. Subject to ear infections and inherited kidney problems, and they may suffer breathing difficulties in hot weather. Prone to heatstroke. Also says: Temperment--Endowed with loads of character, the gentle, loyal Shih Tzu makes friends easily and responds well to training. Other book: (This dog has about the same amount of 'prones' as the Maltese and has the same liver prob. as the Maltese.) Quotes:eye abnormalities, Hypothyroidism, Kidney Disease--abnormal development of a kidney. Thrombocytopenia-An abnormal decrease inthe number of blood platelets. Von Willebrand's Disease.

YORKSHIRE TERRIER---( I have a feeling you will rule this breed out before the other 2!) As far as the LIVER SHUNT problem--All 3 breeds are prone to this---so hopefully it won't make a difference which breed you choose if you choose 1 of the 3 BUT this breed has these 2 BE AWARES---#1. These dogs are not good with children. and #2. Barking can cause problems with neighbors. You know-all 3 dogs have a lot of the same health problems! The Yorkshire are subject to eye problems, including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy and dry eyes. They also suffer from deterioration of the hip joint, dislocation of the knee and collapsing trachea. Their teeth should be scaled regularly. It also says: feisty, brave, alert, indomitable, and spirited--BUT AS STATED ABOVE--Not good with children! Am not going to list from other book but has pretty much the same problems as the other 2 breeds + a few more! Whatever dog you decide on (and maybe you should think about a different breed--maybe a little bigger--these are pretty small--I'd be afraid that with kids--more apt to be stepped on! Anyway if you do decide on 1 of these dogs--Let me know and I will tell you all the health problems and some in more detail. Also go into the grooming requirements, exercise, and feeding details, etc for the breed you pick (from my books) If I had to choose one myself--I think I'd go with the MALTESE---but in looking at my book on breeds--as far as the toy breeds go--the Japanese Chin (up to 9 #s)seems like the best bet for not having very many health issues--just eye probs. or the Toy Poodle (They are prone to some health issues but not the liver shunt! I didn't think I liked this breed till I met one --What I esp. still don't like (and you don't have to groom them that "look" ) is that classic hair cut--ugh! But this is one of the most, if not the most, intelligent dogs out there! Came back in here to tell you to talk to PUPPYLOVE 2009 about poodles--You could leave her a message on her profile page--private or public--I'm sure she could tell you a lot about them!

[Lara's mom]

I have a little shorty Jack Russell Terrier and she is the original cuddle monster! She is always in any room that I'm in and as soon as I sit down and produce a lap, she's on it. She loves to kiss and cuddle with me in the evenings when I finally get a chance to sit down and read or watch tv. She sleeps right beside me under the duvet. Lara is friendly with everyone but she is VERY bonded to me and her Aunt Diana who is her faithful babysitter when I have to be away for more than an hour. This breed requires a lot of attention. They love to run and chase balls, play with anything that will squeak. Lara's form of relaxation is laying on the couch beside me and gnawing at her chewey.

The thing is, I've never had this breed before so, I don't know if she is "the exception or the rule." When I met her parents, they were very laid back dogs if that is any indication. I know that I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to get another Jack!

[CorkyMax]

Was just reading a thread titled: Toy Dog Lovers. It is in the forum called All About Dog Breeds. There are 15 posts in this thread. You might find this thread interesting!!

[wishbone]

Small dogs are tend to live longer than bigger dogs. One thing you should ensure is the dog's history. For me, I still prefer to rescue one as they are said to be more lovelier and well-behaved.

Welcome on the forum

[mickii]

hi and welcome to the forum.