Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello, I am very interesting in getting a puppy this summer or fall. I have contacted a few breeders in my area and asked numerous questions. We had a standard black & tan dachshund while I was growing up named Cleo. I definitely like the size of the miniatures a little better especially since I am in an apartment. One breeder that I have been in contact with (and fairly certain that I will get a puppy from her) has puppies that mature around 7-8 lbs. My question is that I am looking around at crates and toys right now and I am unsure of the right size to get stuff. 2 3/4" to 3 1/2" balls and plush animals a good size for him? A crate I found at JB Pet Supply is Midwest Life Stages 24" x 18" x 21" holds up to 16lbs. There is one a size smaller 22" x 13" x 16" and holds up to 10 lbs but I'm afraid he'll be tight in it when he's older. Any recomendations will be greatly appreciated.

By the way, I think I am going to get a smooth chocolate or chocolate dapple puppy!

Hi and Welcome!

I just love the mini's and we always had them when I was growing up. How exciting with the thought of getting a puppy. I got my folks a mini for Christmas 2 years ago.

I think it depends on how sure you can be about the size the puppy will grow into. My folks have the smaller crate and Candy fits just fine. Even though she is a bit larger than she should be (13 pounds). If you feel more comfortable getting the bigger crate, go right ahead.

The color sounds beautiful! I hope you'll remember to come back here and share pictures!
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Melody/PHFasDog
Email me at PHFasDog

My furkids:
Shadow, Jadzia and Lyta.
Kira waiting the bridge.

Dogs come into our lives, and too quickly go leaving pawprints on our hearts, and we will never be quite the same again.

I'd go with the larger crate, the bigger the better in my opinion. I have two minis. They love the small Budda toys. Tennis balls are too big for them. I found some smaller balls at Petco that they like. Their very favorite toys are some very small bunnies and bears that we found at a craft store. You do need to be careful though as they are not inteded for use as dog toys.

Gretal's crate is the larger of the two you mentioned. As long as she has a big blanket in the crate that she can burrow into, she is happy. I found a cushion for the bottom of the crate to make it more comfortable. She scratched at the fluffy side, so I turned it over and there were no problems. I place a large towel over the crate that covers the majority. She can still see out of the lower sides if she wants. It gives her a den feeling. I never close the door unless we are traveling. Gretal really loves her home.

Her toys range in size. She loves any toy that makes a noise. Some of her most favorite toys are the ones that equal her in size. She flips them around and over with delight. She especially loves "flossies" and "greenies", but watch, they tend to curb the appetite!

Good Luck
Kathy

Thanks for the info. I ordered the larger of the two crates yesterday and a crate pad with bumpers. I also got him a Nobbly Wobbly 3" ball, a 6" fleecy elephant, a 3" Giggler ball and for ordering $70 he gets a free 4" plush talking baseball. I am definitely going to get him some greenies and other chewy bones closer to the time that I get to bring him home (he's not even born yet!) I'm so looking forward to taking him shopping at PetsMart! My brother has a 13 week old bassett hound and he loves his greenies and it helped his "puppy breath" tremendously!

Hi there!

I've had my miniature wirehaired pup for three weeks now and he is *so adorable*....a real live wire and so lovable! He is 13 weeks old and he just had his latest shot at the vet today. The most frequent advise I have received with my pup by the breeder, my vet and my pet shop owner/dog expert is to keep the puppy away from PetSmart and the big pet stores where there are lots of dogs until he/she is about 5 months old, the point that the pup won't risk catching any form of parvo. One of my breeder's pups caught parvo from Santa's lap at PetSmart during a photo shoot. I want to take mine for the training sessions they offer, but my vet told me today not to take him in until about 5 months when his immune system is good and strong. I've just been given the clearance to walk him on the neighborhood sidewalks, but I've been advised to keep him away yet from the dog parks. He has been an active little boy on the move in his car booster seat, but only to see friends without dogs (I'm trying to socialize him around kids, the elderly, etc. to help develop an already awesome temperment). Also, I have a great crate similar to what you describe, and Scooter is already trained to enter his "den" at bedtime. When you tell him it's time for bed and to go in the den, he goes and I shut the door and carry him to my bedroom. He is on a routine now and it's great. We're still working on potty training...getting him off the paper and letting me know when he wants out has been more of a challenge! Anyway, best of luck with the new pup...you have lots of joy ahead!