[CoolRock]

Can someone recommend me a very loyal & protective dog (similiar to German Shepherd or Rottweiler or Golden Retriever) which HDB allows? The dog doesn't have to be big. Thanks!

[sabe]

Jack Russell Terrier My GF has 4 and we love them to death.

[CoolRock]

IIRC, Jack Russell Terrier is some sort of a hunting dog, which needs alot of exercise and moving around large space, which I doubt would be possible for a HDB. It loves to bark quite alot too. Or am I wrong?

[sabe]

Barking is a matter of training honestly. There are JRTs that won't make a sound and yet there are others that bark alot Many online guides will teach you how to bring them up so they don't start barking at everyone.

Its a pretty small dog so it has plenty of space to run around the house, even in a 3 room unless you restrict it to the living room, etc.

If you bring it out at least weekly for walks, even just going to the convenience store, that'll be enough. My JRT is always super tired just from a 30min walk and will fall asleep once I bathe her They crave affection above everything else and will always follow you around, sleep with you, sit beside you when you play on the computer, at the dining table and won't hesitate to lick you to death

[CoolRock]

Thanks for sharing your experience with me, Ken. I really appreciate it. Are they high maintainence by any chance as compared to those bigger dogs?

[sabe]

You're welcome CoolRock

I don't think so, they eat less (because they're smaller) and most JRTs are short hair so you don't even have to groom them at all except cut their nails once in a while and bathe weekly of course. They don't chew things except when they're still very young. We buy rawhide bones for them once in a while.... As a treat more than as a necessity. Its good for cleaning their teeth too I guess.

I don't remember them ever being sick, so the only money we spend is on their food, which is a mixture of dry food and wet food.

[CoolRock]

Oh, that's really cool. I heard from dog breeders that it's best if they can stick to dry food although wet food would taste nicer?

From what I searched on Google, there are many kinds of JRTs right? Those without spots, with black spots, with brown spots, etc. Are they any difference other than appearance? What kind are yours?

I was also looking at Shetland Sheepdog as well, heard of them?

[sabe]

Sure I do, Lassie right? Hahaha

Mine is short hair, brown patches, long legs.


When she was a baby



Adult

[sabe]

There are also JRTs with short legs (less sporty, can't jump as high... this is important for some people who don't like dogs getting on the table) and also JRTs with longer fur... I'm not sure if all of these are classified as true JRTs... But behavior wise they're mostly the same.

[423SAR]

you can consider Chihuahua, i used to have 3 at the same time .... never regret having them. One of the best size for those who stay in flat.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chihuahua_(dog)

BTW they only take one meal a day

[CoolRock]

Originally Posted by sabe

Sure I do, Lassie right? Hahaha

Mine is short hair, brown patches, long legs.


When she was a baby



Adult

Wow, she's really cute. What's their average lifespan? Still, a female one would be better than a male one right?

[CoolRock]

Originally Posted by 423SAR

you can consider Chihuahua, i used to have 3 at the same time .... never regret having them. One of the best size for those who stay in flat.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chihuahua_(dog)

BTW they only take one meal a day

Thanks for the recommendation! But I dont really fancy chihuahua kind of dogs, abit too skinny

[OhMyHoly]

shetland sheepdog? =\

Shetland Sheepdog - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[sabe]

She's female yeah. They live at least about 14-15 years old... For females the troublesome thing is of course their menstrual cycle every couple of months making a slight mess unless you sterilize them Which also helps protect them against certain diseases that afflict mainly female dogs as well... I'm not sure about this one, my GF handled it.

[dr_disciple]

I have a sheltie and I can say they are excellent companions. Very mild temper, obedient and loyal. Great with kid. Any members here that came my house before will tell you.

Mine sabre white.


Feed wet food as special treats every weekend. Its like a change in menu so that they wont get bored. But try to get reputable brands like Evange or Innova.

Originally Posted by CoolRock

Oh, that's really cool. I heard from dog breeders that it's best if they can stick to dry food although wet food would taste nicer?

From what I searched on Google, there are many kinds of JRTs right? Those without spots, with black spots, with brown spots, etc. Are they any difference other than appearance? What kind are yours?

I was also looking at Shetland Sheepdog as well, heard of them?