Which Dog Breed Is Better?
October 21, 2009 by admin
Filed under Care & Training Q&As
I’m a spohmore in college and I just got an apartment. I want to get an adult dog that’s already house and leash trained. I know a bunch of rescue places for the 3 dog breeds I’ve decided on, but I can’t pick which breed. I would have to leave it alone for 4-6 hours a day but it would have 2 or 3 walks each day. Which of these dog breeds are best for me?
Coton de Tulear
Papillon
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Please no links, I need personal experience, and I already took the AKC and eukanuba quiz and these were what I came up with.
Related Papillon Training & Care posts:
I am not going to be a downer on the college thing, imo too many people are. Think on it really hard. I am actually a college student and I live with my own papillon in an apartment. I know many college kids with dogs- some are terrible owners and others are fantastic. Be realistic about your life and this dog. It’s a lot of work, but it is not impossible. Nor do I think it’s the worst time to get a dog. I am home a lot more often than most working people. I spend a lot of my free time with my dog and doing things with her. There are times I don’t go out with my friends or I head home early to let her out. Yeah, you have to rearrange some but not all that much. She’s also my study partner. She warms my lap while I read and study. We live in an apartment so she and I go for walks twice a day and we walk a few miles. My life is way way different with my dog now, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. And she is a very happy very adjusted little dog.
I really recommend spending quite a bit of time in your apartment before getting a dog. Get into the apartment routine (much different than dorms) and see how it works out. I was a junior when I got Summer. Getting an adult dog is really best as puppies are such a hassle- Summer was 4 when I bought her. It was an easy easy transition.
The note about a rescue possibly not adopting to you is very true though, unfortunately. I could not find a breed rescue that would adopt to me because I was a college student- and that’s with breed AND showing experience. Many breed rescues have very strict rules involving children and fencing and things like that. Being young is never a plus. I also tried the shelter that I work at but they never got anything like I was looking for (I will admit I had very specific needs). Another option for an adult dog if the rescues don’t pan out is to look at breeders and ask about a retired show dog or breeding dog. That’s how Summer came here.
Now I’ve ranted and not answered the question lol! I love all the breeds really, but the coton would be out for me just based on grooming requirements. Cavs are known for a lot of health issues so I’d be a bit wary of that. The plus with the cavs is they’re much calmer than the papillons and a bit larger. They’re sweet sweet dogs and would make a great apartment dog. But of course I’d obviously pick the papillon.
From experience, paps are good apartment candidates, but they are super smart and very energetic. They to me will need a bit more work than the other breeds as far as wearing them down goes. My papillon is atypical in that she goes about the speed of a border collie pup on crack 24/7 lol. I’ve had 5 papillons before though so I know it’s just her. Most are active dogs, but not hyperactive. They’re snuggly but at the same time are more than ready for a run whenever they can get one. One major plus to me is that they are so smart. They can be trained in so many things and are so willing to please. The downside to this is that they need mental stimulation or they’ll get bored. Whether that be games, trick training, or what (we do agility) they will need that time. They’re very friendly dogs and very very affectionate. Mine love everyone they meet. To me there is no breed that is it’s equal. They’re really really cool little dogs. And loads of fun! They have a fantastic sense of humor.
BTW, another fun thing is to see if you can get involved in dog groups. I’m involved with the student therapy dog group and the student dog club as well. It’s loads of fun.
any of these are good dogs from what you have given.
Its possible to find a Coton in rescue or a shelter.. but not very likely.. they are kind of a rare breed.. your dad has a rare find there.
Pappillons and Cavaliers are still kinda hard to find as well.. but still possible to find in rescue, expecially as they gain popularity.
Keep your options open to either of those breeds.. or even a mix of these breeds. Check out http://www.petfinder.com and see what’s in your area.
All normally have a nice disposition. I personally really like CKC spaniels as I see several at the practice where I work and I just find them lovely to deal with. Not too big and not teeni tiny either. Papillions are usually very sweet as well and very smart. Sometimes too smart.
I have only met 3or4 de-Tulears they seem nice as well but do need grooming/hair cuts often much like a bichon or poodle. Paps and CKC dont need nearly as much time at the beauty salon. Good Luck and I hope I’ve been helpful.
how much grooming do you want to do? the coton needs to be done every 4-8 weeks, plus home care, king charles, depends on his coat, i think the papillon is the safest bet for least grooming, they are all great breeds, but you have to live with it
From a groomers standpoint the Papillon would be the easiest. I have always found them easy to train also. But I do love the Coton de Tulear.
Papillion. I have not actually owned any of the breeds you specified, but they are just so darm cute!
Btw, thnx for adopting at a rescue place and saving a doggie!XD!
HA!
You are not going to find a Coton in the pound! You most likely won’t find a Papillon either!
Get real!
I have never known the first 2. My friend has a CKC, and she’s a sweetheart. I think they are adorable too. That’s my vote =)
papillions cuz they are very very smart, eat very little and are beautiful
Papillon
papillons, they live a long time, are smart and very cute…whats not to love!
definately papillion, they are awesome dogs! very smart and obedient with great personalities!
Personal experience – owning a dog in college does not work. I know several people who tried and all ended up at some point having to get their parents to take their dogs or having to rehome them. Your life will change a lot in the next few years and you will move a lot. Most rental places will not take dogs. Your income is likely limited unless your parents are willing to pay for it all. And when you start working full-time two years from now, it will get even more complicated. A dog is a 10-15 year commitment.
It’s about the worst time in your life to get a dog. And honestly, most rescues (especially those for high demand dogs like papillions, cotons and cavs) will never select a college student to adopt their dogs. Neither will many shelters.
Hi KiKi,
Those breed quizzes are for entertainment only. I have the dog that’s perfect for me, but those quizzes NEVER match me up to her breed.
The 4-6 hours a day is pushing it for these breeds. They are companion breeds which means that they like to have their people around.
What about time to study? Hanging out with friends? Going away for the weekend? How about a job?
And then, what happens in 2 years?
Or, what happens if you can no longer live in that apartment. It’s incredibly hard now a days to find pet friendly accomodations on a college student’s budget.
Can you afford emergencies? My Emergency Vet charges $80 for emergency visits – on top of the exam and procedure fees! My dog’s broken leg cost us $2000, is that ok for you?
Cotons are rare – they will not come up in local shelters with any frequency. I occasionally see Papillions, but rarely. Same with the CKCS.
My vote is that you wait until you are done with school and then reconsider.
GL in your continuing education. : )
PAPPILLIONl
The temperament is really good. The Papillon is sometimes called the butterfly dog – because the ears look like butterfly wings. It is a friendly, intelligent dog that is tougher than it looks, and loves outdoor exercise. A gentle and affectionate dog, lively, vivacious and charming. Playful and amusing but can also be calm, patient, gentle and dignified. Steady and silent. Loves to be cuddled but also likes to romp outdoors. It may be very possessive of its owner and resent outsiders. They are steady, obedient and are not yappers. Papillons can be trained to perform small tricks. Some blood lines can be nervous, high-strung and timid. They can also be difficult to housebreak, but are in general easy to train otherwise. Papillons do best with older, considerate children. They can be a bit dog-aggressive. Good with cats when they are raised with them from puppyhood.
All dogs have health problems…The Papillon is sometimes called the butterfly dog – because the ears look like butterfly wings. It is a friendly, intelligent dog that is tougher than it looks, and loves outdoor exercise. A gentle and affectionate dog, lively, vivacious and charming. Playful and amusing but can also be calm, patient, gentle and dignified. Steady and silent. Loves to be cuddled but also likes to romp outdoors. It may be very possessive of its owner and resent outsiders. They are steady, obedient and are not yappers. Papillons can be trained to perform small tricks. Some blood lines can be nervous, high-strung and timid. They can also be difficult to housebreak, but are in general easy to train otherwise. Papillons do best with older, considerate children. They can be a bit dog-aggressive. Good with cats when they are raised with them from puppyhood.
Exercise. Papillons need a daily walk, like all dogs.. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard.
Grooming:Daily combing and brushing of the long, silky, single coat is important and fairly straightforward. These dogs are usually clean and odorless. Bathe or dry shampoo when necessary. Keep the nails clipped and have the teeth cleaned regularly because they tend to accumulate tartar. They are average shedders and do not matt or tangle.
CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL:
Temperment.The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an eager, affectionate tail-wagger. Lively, outgoing and sportive. These fearless lively little dogs want to please. They are intelligent enough to understand what you want and therefore are usually easy to train and respond well to gentle obedience training. They are said to be naturally well behaved and get along well with other dogs and non-canine pets. Cavalier’s love people and need lots of companionship to be happy. They should not be left alone all day. They are descended from hunting dogs and love to romp in the great outdoors. This breed sometimes displays a chasing instinct and should be kept well enclosed or leashed so he does not get lost or run over by a car! They do best with older considerate children and some can be reserved with strangers. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a pleasant companion dog. It has a noteworthy sense of smell and vision and can be used in short hunts in open country. They do well in competitive obedience.
Like I said, all dogs have health problems.Prone to syringomyelia, hereditary eye disease, dislocating kneecaps (patella), back troubles, ear infections, early onset of deafness or hearing trouble. Sometime’s hip dysplasia. Don’t over feed. This breed tends to gain weight easily. Some lines are genetically disposed early onset to a serious heart problem, which sometimes causes early death. When selecting one of these dogs, it is extremely important to check the medical history of several previous generations.
The EXERCISE: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard.
And the groomin;Cavalier King Charles Spaniels need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard.
COTON DE TULEAR:
temperament: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard.
Health problems: none yet.
The Exercise: Cotons like to swim and play. They enjoy wide open spaces and can follow their masters on horseback for many miles. They do well in various areas of dog sports such as agility skills trials and catch. As active as they are, they will adapt well to the family’s situation, so long as they are taken for a daily walk.
And last, the grooming:
The long, light-textured hair requires daily, careful grooming. The dead hair should be brushed and combed out. Excess hair between the pads of the feet and in the inner ears should be removed. They do not need a bath more than once or twice a year which will be adequate to keep them clean. The coat should not be scissored. Cotons sheds little to no hair. This breed is good for allergy sufferers.