Trying to learn about breeds

[bug.dragon]

Hello,
Some of you may know me from the rat posts...I just moved to Korea for the year, and left my 2 rats and bunny behind with some friends until I return.
However, it is just so lonely over here, I was thinking of getting a pet that would NOT be a huge hassle to fly over (everyone I asked about flying rats over laughed or had no clue as to what I should do - it was a nightmare) so that pretty much narrows it down to a cat or a dog. since my boyfriend is allergic to cats, I thought I'd try with a dog.
I was thinking a teacup chihuahua as I've heard they're close to the best with apartment life (though I do live near a safe and big park) but for the time that I am at work, i thought this would be the best breed
however, i went with a friend today who is a native Korean and she just bought a Maltese, and they're much cuter than i thought they were (i know a little about general health care for a dog, but i am more of a cat person) this one was adorable!
anyway, what I'm asking is does anyone have a link about small dog breeds or any recommendations as to what kind of dog would suit my lifestyle? i would like an animal that will fall in love with me, but not to the point that they pine if i leave for work (ckc spaniels, for example, are known to get this strongly attached)
i just never went this long in my life without a pet, and i feel so empty!
p.s.: also i heard that any snub-nosed dog will be hard to bring back to America...is this true? couldn't i just get them to come on board with me in the cabin? if so, that would be nice, becasue i liked the french bulldog a lot, and the Boston terrier (but i think boston terriers need a lot of exercise, i dunno)
thanks so much for the help!

[Chevalrose]

This is an awesome doog breed selector quiz. You choose the size, temperment, engergy level, etc. Very good idea of the kind of dog your you.

[KoalaLou2]

Make sure to carefully check how hard it will be to get the dog back with you.  Some airlines do not allow pets in the cabin, others will allow a small dog or cat on board with you.  The fee is usually close to the price of another ticket (on domestic flights anyway, I haven't heard of international).  Also, I'm not sure if Korea is involved in this new quarantine policy, I think the old one (which most non-European countries still have) requires 6-8 weeks quarantine when getting back into the country.  Plus all the required shots and vet records.  Just make sure you have the funds to cover all the expenses that can come up with bringing it back into the US.  Good luck!

[jesirose]

Flying rats is the same as flying a cat or dog, they go in cargo. It's more dangerous for them. I personally wouldn't take a pet on an international flight, cat rat or dog. Could you find a local group in Korea to foster for while you're there?

[bug.dragon]

the difference with flying a dog is that it can go in the same plane as you or even in the cabin with you, rats you cannot.
Also, as it turns out, a friend of mine (this is from another thread) just got a baby maltese and her family is outraged. she is korean and they have old traditional standards set for her, and in the end, it came down to: it's either your family or the dog, so since she doesn't have anyone else to give it to, and she knows me and that i'll do my best for the puppy, it looks like I'm getting it.

[jesirose]

If it's a small dog it can, and only on some airlines. With the size of carrier you need for some airlines I'd be pressed to take my 10 lb cat. A baby maltese sure. How big do they get? My dog was too big overall to fit in the cabin at 10 lbs.

[bug.dragon]

right now my only source for the weight infor is wikipedia and the linbk that chevalrose gave me. wikipedia says that they weight from 4-6 lbs,and the animal planet siite that chevalrose sent says 4-7, so somewhere in that range
this kinda fell into my lap. i'll make sure to do some good research asap. i was planning on looking more into whatever breed i was going to pick and i hadn't even considered a maltese up until this point
she is very cute and sweet though

[bug.dragon]

just thought i'd post some photos:
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/bugdragon/bela.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/bugdragon/belahand.jpg

[KoalaLou2]

Very cute!  I'd check out the airline requirements ASAP.  International flights may not allow animals in the cabin.  A cargo flight would be quite dangerous for a puppy, particularly a maltese.

[bug.dragon]

i'll make sure to look into it quick...but we won't be flying until august 2009 b/c my contract wont be up until then (and i might even extend it a month or two) so at least if she couldn't come with me in the cabin, she would be older than a few months

[jesirose]

I would assume they wouldn't allow pets in the cabin on an international flight simply because over THAT long a time, any dog is going to have to "go", and no one wants to smell that for the rest of the flight.

[bug.dragon]

i talked with the airlines and they told me i can bring her on board provided she is disease free and has the paperwork needed and isn't drugged and has  an absorbent pad in the carrier with her AND it's only 150,000 won which means 150$ American cash

[KoalaLou2]

Thats great!  I'd ask to get a copy of that policy.  It would be heartbreaking to be all set to bring her and then told that the people you spoke to didn't know what they were talking about.  Soem big companies tell people one thing and then actually ahve another policy.  Just a thought to protect yourself.  Of course you have plenty of time to get it all worked out.  Congratulations on the new adoption!  Whats her name?

[bug.dragon]

Her name is Bela. It means small and white, which just fit her perfectly. I kind of liked Neva (which means the same as Bela) more but as at the time she wasn't mine to own and apparently "Neba" (which sounds the exact same as "Neva" with a Korean accent) means "Hey you! Look!" in Japanese 
But Bela is nice. And she's a very small, white and beautiful puppy who will live up to her name.
Thanks again everyone for all your advice and help