What kind of dog should i get?

i was thinking about getting a dog but since i have never had a dog before or had any experience with them, i dont know which breed or kind of dog i should get. i am looking for a small dog, like puppy size and preferably a puppy. and preferrably one that will stay small even when it grows up. maybe a white one? and i want the dog to have hair, like medium length hair and one that is fairly easy to take care of. any suggestions?

What kind of dog should i get?

The Maltese is small, and remains 'puppy size' even as an adult. It is white and has medium to long hair.

Here's a picture of a Maltese (note that you can cut/style their hair in many different way, this is certainly not the only haircut possible): http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/images8/MALT...

The West Highland White Terrier is also small and white.

Here's a sample picture: http://www.pets.ca/breedprofiles/a/westh...

The Bichon Frise is small and white as well, but with curlier hair.

Example: http://www.caringcanines.org/sheynpg1.jp...

Bear in mind though, the longer the hair, the more grooming required. The Maltese's hair can grow down to the floor giving it a 'mop' appearance and will require daily brushing if you choose to keep it long. Even shorter clips will require regular brushing.

I don't exactly understand what you mean by "one that is fairly easy to take care of", as most dogs have the same basic needs - food, shelter, positive attention, obedience training, grooming, and vet care. I guess you can say that smaller dogs in general are 'easier' to take care of in that they don't require as much food as large dogs, they don't need as much space indoors as large dogs, and they don't need as much outdoor exercise as large dogs. However, smaller dogs are very active indoors and may bark a lot.

Please don't get a dog just because you like how it looks though. Temperaments can vary among breeds.. that cute little dog you picture yourself cuddling may turn out to be a yappy nuisance. The big guard dog you dreamed would protect your family may end up disturbing the entire neighbourhood with its barking. And that St. Bernard you thought would play with the children may turn out to be a "boring" couch potato. Of course, these are just generalizations; temperaments vary in individuals within the same breed as well. But breeds do influence temperament. Just something to keep in mind :)

Getting a dog is like having a kid. Puppies act like babies - heck, they ARE babies! They will need to be housebroken, taught manners, and they will most likely chew on a lot of things they should not be chewing. It's a huge responsibility and a big commitment! I don't mean to sound like I'm preaching, it's just that you mentioned you don't have any experience with dogs so I want to make sure you're aware that it's not ALL fun and games! ;)

Good luck finding the right dog for you!!

What kind of dog should i get?

Manchester Terrier-Small Dog 13lbs - short hair less shedding

What kind of dog should i get?

...a "Jack Russell Terrier"...but be cautioned... They are SMART !!!!!

What kind of dog should i get?

um its not a small dog but i have a 12 year old golden retriver i live in australia now but me and my dog grew up in america i loved him so much that i brought him with me and i havent for a second in my life ever regretted having him he is the most loving caring obedient dog in the word and very cute too

What kind of dog should i get?

chihuahua?

What kind of dog should i get?

hi i have a small white dog, hes a great companion and easy to look after. He is only 5 months old but learns very quickly...other people which i know also have the same breed of dog and have the same thing going on with their dogs.... find out a little more infomation about any other type of dog people have recomended but i'd recomend a maltese terrior.