We are looking to get a small breed--presently researching a few possibilities--there are a few breeds that would be a good fit for us, and the deciding factor will probably be determined by timing, quality, and maybe even price.

I am very overwhelmed at just getting started in this process. We want a reputable breeder in able to better ensure temperament and health, but we don't care about ever showing, breeding, or how standard the dog is (other than, of course, health).

So where do I start? It seems that Internet searches are bringing up puppy mills or show dogs. We want a non puppy mill, family dog. 

How small? Spending most of it's time indoors? 

Yes, definite inside. I am home most of the time, so it wouldn't be left alone very often. Under 20 lbs. preferably. 

I know that Fabfive knows everything about dogs, but I've barraged her with so many questions (which she has patiently and kindly taken her own time to answer) that I'm trying to spread the questions around a bit!

How do you find decent breeders if you don't care how many shows the parents won? 

Sent you a PM 

Please consider adoption. 

For reasons I don't want to get into on here, adoption isn't something that we are interested in at the moment. We definitely want to see genetic history and health records. 

Go to AKC.org and click on the breeds that you have knowledge in. There is a wealth of knowledge on their website. Most reputable AKC breeders give a contract guarantee with each puppy sold as well as genetic information on the parents. They have an extensive knowledge about their breeds as well as the history of each generation in the pedigree. The parents are fed nutritional food and have the proper vaccinations as well as properly socializing the puppies. AKC donates millions to canine health research and homeless pets from the money generated by breeders registering their puppies. Most AKC breeders also offer rehomed rescue dogs of their perspective breeds if you are looking for an older pet. Good luck in your search. 

Thank you guns! 

In my experience, large dogs are much easier (esp for first time dog owners) than small dogs. 

Our shih tzu is such a good dog, other people have chosen that breed solely because of him. He is great with kids and very obedient. His only transgression is his coat takes a TON of maintenance, although he is considered an "allergy free" breed.

Boston terriers are good little dogs. They like to play but are gentle.

A Corgie or west highland white terrier would make good choices. I think westies take considerable maintenance as well...but they are super cute. A Jack Russell terrier would be a really good, low maintenance choice.

Most other little dogs have crappy temperaments and they are called ankle biters for a reason. 

we have no interest in a large breed whatsoever, they aren't a good fit for us (quite literally).

My question rambled, and I wasn't clear. We are doing pretty well on researching breeds, but I suck at finding breeders.

where do you get recommendations of decent breeders once you've picked a breed? Googling is getting me some sketchy looking puppy mill action. 

Once you've picked a specific breed, google that breed rescue Houston. They often will gladly help you find a good fit for your family! Also they get puppies more often than you would imagine!

Our Rhodesian Ridgback was located through the Ridgeback Rescue, we got her at 8 weeks old and she was an amazing dog! The rescue knew all the local breeders (they would end up with their dogs) so she was happy to help us find a great dog for our family. 

Little dogs tend to be barkers, with a tinge of neorotic thrown in there. Lol. And they have potty training issues and marking.

How about a Basset Hound? Great family dogs. 

A Westie! best & trainable little dog.
West Highland Terrier... 

I keep hearing great things about the Westie. It is a contender. 

You want to save a life? Get a mutt from an animal shelter. Pedigree dogs are a pain and too high strung. 

Had two different horrible westies growing up.. One was quite spiteful when left alone when we went to dinner and wet on tops of everyone's bed.. He also barked incessantly at phones, doorbells, TVs anything.. The other one would nip at anytbing that moved.. Westies also have bad allergies... 

He wet your beds on purpose??!!! What a vengeful little dog!

It's kinda funny, unless it was your bed! 

Basset Hounds are supposed to be really sweet, but so dumb. I just imagine them going through life with "do Dee do, Dee do dee do" constantly on a loop in the brains. 

It depends on if you have kids. I have 2 long haired weenie dogs and i have had a poodle and they are the best two dogs. They do bark.

Schnauzers are great too. Very very trainable. 

Bassets aren't really dumb, they are stubborn though. But so good with kids and loyal family dogs. If you want a dog who will never bite or be aggressive, Bassets are one of those.


I like big dogs in general but Bassets are low to the ground. :) 

Two ways to find reputable breeder (as not all aKC breeders would be considered reputable):

Contact local rescue agency for that breed (for example Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue of Houston) - many people involved in breed specific rescue are knowledgeable about breeders - they often own one or two of a breed before being involved in rescue.

Find the local club for that breed (for example: Greater Houston Golden Retriever Club): they will have a puppy referral/ recommended breeders

I truly believe that larger dogs do better in smaller spaces than small dogs (you mentioned something about space, I think). Large dogs can go for a long walk and come home and crash. Many of the small dogs that I know do not have the patience or stamina for a long walk and when home want to run ammock and tend to be high strung inside. 

Bassets are low to ground but not always so small... 

oh he wet on everyone's bed.. Like 5 beds in within an hour and a half.. He was just ticked we left without him.
I prefer my golden retriever I have now. He may weigh more than a little dog but he is mellow and a great dog. 

Thank you dogs! 

lol 

And smitty, I'm still laughing at that Westie. That took a lot of intelligence to think that up, and some serious cajones to see that through.

I would have been so mad, but it's still funny! 

Same dog chewed through wiring in car when we stopped at a gas station.. Kids and rest of family went in to use restrooms while my dad filled up car and boat.. That dog was lucky he was cute.. 

Pomeranian: Lively, bold, and inquisitive?a prototypical "personality breed".

Chi-tzu's are cute but more protective and with a slightly bigger brain.

Maltese: Gentle, playful, affectionate; fearless in a charming toy-dog way

Pug:
Even-tempered, charming, mischievous and loving.


http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/yorkshire-terrier/
They are cute too... Amongst many! :) 

OK, here is an objective decision-tree method- to help you decide what breed, size appearance, personality and other important factors you need to consider...

How to Choose a Dog...

GOOD LUCK... 

I would never have a Bassett again. Biggest pain in the arse EVER! And they shed like crazy. 

If someone is a "show dog" breeder they also have fabulous pet dogs. Their dogs SHOULD have had genetic testing, health guarantees, temperament testing etc. If you are interested in a Pembroke Welsh Corgi check out the local breed club www.GHPWCF.org for breeder referral. 

Adopt from breeders rescue group. Some are surrenders due to illness or death. 

......Illness of the previous owner, not the dog. Many dogs, both young and old, become available due to their previous family's need to relocate, etc. These dogs are NOT rejects! 

I had two doxies - litter mates - super good dogs - never chewed up anything - not destructive at all - never had separation anxiety as they always had each other. We lost one last July and the other is still going strong at 16-1/2 years. Short-haired, don't shed, and are extremely clean - don't smell! They bark when someone rings the door bell or comes in the house, but they quit and roll over so you can rub their belly. I also took them on long walks every day when they were younger - they absolutely loved it.

Would not hesitate to get another one. They are so much personality and are very loving. 

If you choose to adopt, check the health records from the rescue.
We adopted a dog from a rescue that professed to have had the dog spayed only to find out they had not, so we ended up with the expense of it, and the rescue folks were extremely rude about it.
WE will NEVER adopt again. 

Despite the breed and what they are supposed to be, each dog is different as they are individuals like us. I've had ball crazy golden retrievers and those uninterested. The one thing is that all my little dogs have had more issues with potty training than big dogs. Some are hyper and some aren't. Some are ankle biters and others aren't of the same breed. Highly bred dogs can have medical problems as well as a stray. You can't be guaranteed a thing.....just like a kid....and you need to be prepared to accept whatever you get.

For all that adopt one of Twylasfriends rescue dogs, they are given a two week trial to make sure it's a match. 

Thanks for the heads up Davi, and Veronica, I didn't know about the two week trial. Very cool. Thanks! 

There are great rescues and some not just like breeders that care and others that don't. Just like finding a good breeder, people need to find a good responsible rescue. The one thing people may not realize is that shelter dogs were often one's expensive purchase. Rescue people lack understanding why someone would purchase a dog for a lot of money and then they end up at a shelter or rescue unclaimed.

By going to a rescue, you may find a high quality bred dog, but more than likely not a real young puppy.