smart: I would like a mini poodle or Chihuahua but need to know the costs and everything before hand?What would I need and to if I had a mini poodle or Chihuahua?get one from an animal shelter, they're free and they need an owner :)|||Temperament-wise I'd probably lean towards the miniature poodle. They are super-smart and low shedding. The downside is you will have to pay to have it professionally groomed every couple of months. There is virtually no coat maintenance on a short-haired chi except a brush every few days or once a week and a bath when it needs it. Some chis really feel the cold and need to wear a coat or sweater. Both dogs are prone to being yappy and even aggressive towards other people and dogs if not properly socialised and trained. Both dogs are indoor dogs, you can't just leave them in the yard. Edited to add, Laura is on the money. Chihuahua's really don't like to be alone, they are bred for companionship and can become destructive, yappy and stressed. Getting a cat was a brilliant idea. Poodles love company too but can be a little more independent.What would I need and to if I had a mini poodle or Chihuahua?The difference in cost for a poodle is the hair maintenance. Because it doesn't shed, it will grow long. When it gets long, it will mat unless you brush it regularly. Most owners use a professional groomer several times a year, but you can learn to trim it yourself. Some people think of poodles as too barky. I've had three miniature poodles. The first two were very calm. My current poodle is a barker. I take him places and hold him up so he can look strangers in the eye and then he doesn't bark. But he still barks at home while looking out the window at other dogs on the street, the mail lady, the meter reader, the Jehovah's Witnesses, and the Mormons.|||My boyfriend and I have a 14 mo old female chi who came to live with us about 5 mo ago. Her name is Chalupa, and the first thing we discovered about her that was much different than any other dog we had owned was that she absolutely HATES to be alone. It wasnt that she would tear things up, or poop in the house (although she has done both of those things at some point or another) but that she would howl and cry the and make the most heart wrenching noises, and when we would come home, she was sooo happy she would pee everywhere and wouldnt leave your side until you closed a door beetween you. This leads me to believe chi's need companionship throught the day. Her feelings are much more sensitive than say, a lab. The first time we disciplined her, she didn't eat for 3 days! I cant say anything about a mini poodle, never had one. We eventually got a kitten from my mothers cats litter and named her Coca Cola...so, we've got a Chalupa and a coke! Lupa has done much better having the kitten here, but I dont wonder if she would be better off with a small dog as a companion as well, as the cat may become more a solitary creature with age, but we will wait and see! As for cost, if the dog isn't spayed or neutered, the first few vets visits can get pretty costly, but regular shots and check-ups shouldnt be out of reach for anyone considering owning a daog anyway. Good Luck!What would I need and to if I had a mini poodle or Chihuahua?well, fist of all you want to crate train it so, get a small crate for them. next buy a few small toys/blass ones they can get their mouths around. then you;ll need food and water bowl obviously. ummm.... a collar and leash that will fit its neck (small or x-small) oh and some pet food. plus some chewy treats so you can train it to go pee and poop outside and so you can crate train it. this is wat we did with my mini poodle and hes he best dog ever!!|||If you would adopt one, basically, you should get a crate for him/her. Housetraining will be quicker and easier if you start as soon as your pup comes home, then stick to it 24 hours a day. That's one reason experts recommend taking off a week or two from work when you first get your pup. Using a crate is the easiest method. More details here about crate training, http://dogtime.com/housetraining-crate-t鈥?/a>|||I spent the $ame amount on 1 Malteese (pure bred) than I did on 5 mutt cockapoos loved all 6 loved my money better