What Companion Should I Choose For My Yorkshire Terrier?

When I bought Lila during the summer of 2010, I was still living with my mom. She had been around other dogs from the time that she was born so she fit right in with the two chihuahuas we already had, Apple and Boo Boo. Later that year I ended up moving out with Lila, and because construction would be starting on my mom's house I had to take the chihuahuas for a couple of months. The house was completed about 6 months later so Apple and Boo Boo had to go back home. Lila has now been an only child for about 4 months and she really misses canine companionship. I have two cats, but I can tell she really misses rough-housing and communicating with another dog.

I chose 8 breeds that I particularly like and think would be good options for my situation. Because I live in an apartment, own cats, and have a tiny dog I need a breed that weighs around 20 pounds or less and is friendly towards other animals. I have listed the breeds alphabetically and provided a small amount of basic information for each. I would love to hear your opinion on anyone of these breeds' compatibility with Lila.

• Origin: England, The 1800s
• Energy Level: High, loves to run around!
• Exercise Needs: She is tiny so daily playtime and short walks are enough for her.
• Grooming Requirements: I brush her 2-3 times a week, more during the winter when her hair is longer and more tangly. I bath her weekly during the summer, every two weeks during the winter, and I trim her face and pluck her ears once a month.
• Weight: 3.5 Pounds
• Attitude Towards Other Dogs: Friendly
• Attitude Towards Other Pets: Friendly

• Origin: Germany, The 1600s
• Energy Level: High
• Exercise Needs: Walks and playtime are recommended daily.
• Grooming Requirements: Scruffy coat that should be brushed 2-3 times a week. Stripping is recommended 3-4 times a year to remove dead hair.
• Average Weight: 6-10 Pounds
• Attitude Towards Other Dogs: Friendly
• Attitude Towards Other Pets: Friendly

• Origin: United States, The 1900s
• Energy Level: Medium
• Exercise Needs: Exercise is very important for this breed, so daily walks and games are recommended.
• Grooming Requirements: An occasional brushing. Bathe when necessary.
• Average Weight: 10-25 Pounds
• Attitude Towards Other Dogs: Friendly
• Attitude Towards Other Pets: Very Friendly

• Origin: England, The 1800s
• Energy Level: Medium
• Exercise Needs: A short walk is enough for this breed. Can to overheat in warm weather if out too long.
• Grooming Requirements: An occasional brushing. Bathe when necessary. Wrinkles should be cleaned daily.
• Average Weight: Should not exceed 28 pounds.
• Attitude Towards Other Dogs: Friendly
• Attitude Towards Other Pets: Very Friendly

• Origin: The Island of Malta, 300 B.C.
• Energy Level: High
• Exercise Needs: Low exercise needs, easily met with short walks and indoor games.
• Grooming Requirements: Coat should be brushed every 1-2 days, paying particular attention to tangle-prone spots like the arm pits. Shorter coats may not need as much brushing.
• Average Weight: 4-8 Pounds
• Attitude Towards Other Dogs: Friendly
• Attitude Towards Other Pets: Friendly

• Origin: Germany, The 1800s
• Energy Level: Medium
• Exercise Needs: Exercise requirements can be met by daily walks and playing games.
• Grooming Requirements: Should be combed twice weekly. Shaping or stripping should be done every couple of months.
• Average Weight: 12-15 Pounds
• Attitude Towards Other Dogs: Friendly
• Attitude Towards Other Pets: Friendly

• Origin: Germany, The 1800s
• Energy Level: High
• Exercise Needs: Daily walks or games are recommended
• Grooming Requirements: Brushing 2-3 times a week is necessary to keep the coat tangle-free. Daily brushing may be necessary if shedding.
• Average Weight: 3-8 Pounds
• Attitude Towards Other Dogs: Can be timid
• Attitude Towards Other Pets: Friendly

• Origin: China, ancient times
• Level: Medium
• Exercise Needs: Needs daily exercise, either by walking or playing games.
• Grooming Requirements: An occasional brushing. Bathe when necessary. Wrinkles should be cleaned every day.
• Average Weight: 14-18 Pounds
• Attitude Towards Other Dogs: Friendly
• Attitude Towards Other Pets: Friendly

• Origin: China, The 1800s
• Energy Level: Medium
• Exercise Needs: Requirements can be met with daily walks and indoor games.
• Grooming Requirements: A long coat should be brushed every day. A shorter coat should be brushed at least once a week.
• Average Weight: 9-15 Pounds
• Attitude Towards Other Dogs: Very Friendly
• Attitude Towards Other Pets: Very Friendly

• Origin: Central Europe, The 1500s
• Energy Level: Medium
• Exercise Needs: Exercise is important, but needs can be met with daily walks and games.
• Grooming Requirements: Coat should be brushed every day or two and be clipped around four times a year. Face and feet should be regularly trimmed.
• Average Weight: 4-8 Pounds
• Attitude Towards Other Dogs: Friendly
• Attitude Towards Other Pets: Friendly