Most of them are aweful little things. Stupid owners do not correct because they are little and think it is cute that they act like a big dog. I have had one. He was not a yelper or mean. We trained him. I now have a long haired dachshund. She is not a yelper either. Most are. Again bad owners.
Personally I prefer dog-sized dogs. A chihuahua is an overgrown rat. We have two, an elderly German Shepherd cross and an American Staffordshire Terrier. The shepherd is getting cranky in his old age - his hips pain him a bit, arthritis is common in the breed. The vet has him on NSAIDs, which help. The staffy is another breed that gets bad press, ours is the most affectionate pet I've ever owned, but the breed is not renowned for being intelligent and Skyla is dumb for a staffy. I've often said that there is no such thing as a savage dog, only savage owners. She plays rough, but it's not nastiness, it's clumsy enthusiasm.
The shepherd comes in at night, especially during winter, due to his arthritis. He's old and lethargic, so not a problem. Skyla stays outside, even though the house is kid-proof (we have grandchildren who visit frequently), it's not enthusiastic-staffy-who-jumps-all-over-the-place-proof.
I take it that the Pug, the Shih Tzu and the Pekingese aren't your cup of tea, either? Bulging eyes and flat faces. Take a Lhasa Apso, hit it in the face with the back of a shovel and you've got a Shih Tzu. Hit it again and you have a Peke.
I like long haired ones....the eyes do not look so buggy. Most small dogs have those buggy eyes. More hair and it is not as noticeable.
We had a Pekenese-Yorkie mix once. Very cute little guy. I had peope offer to buy him all the time. We came home one day and his eye was out of of its socket. Covered in dirt/sand just gross. The vet had to remove it. Said it is actually a common problem with little dogs. They get excited and pop out goes an eye. He was still cute with his eye gone. Looked like he was winking at you.
My sister-in-law bred Shih Tzus. Pedigree show dogs, she had four Australian champions at one stage. Engaging little guys but way too much work, grooming them takes all day.
Give me a Lab, German Shepherd, Wheaton Terrier, Golden Retriever - those are my top four. After that, Corgi and Beagle (although they howl a lot). I don't care for the ones with the pushed in faces. I should be the only one snoring in the house. :)
That's one of the reasons I don't have a big dog. The other reason is that I'm still working and I don't like the idea of leaving a dog alone all day. Having a medium or smaller dog is my goal when I retire. :)
I found that out years ago when I got a dog and was working full time and traveling on weekends. I wound up giving him to my neighbor who was moving to a house and whose dog had recently passed away. I told them if they couldn't handle him, I wanted him back so I could make sure he went to a good home. Never heard from them, so I assume all worked out. Learned my lesson.
Not a fan. I don't like dogs with those wide mouths and bulging jaws. I would not have a pitbull either. I know everyone says they're sweet, but I'm not convinced that they won't turn on you without warning.
A pit bull is a big AmStaff. That's what our girl is. Affectionate but clumsy. They won't turn unless either their owner has failed to train them or they have been trained to attack.
my2cents 