Looking for a dog, need breed advice - Page 6 - Other Topics Forum - Discuss Pop Culture, Arts and Entertainment

RichGangi · 01-30-2008, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigfoot

Although I do agree going to your local SPCA is an option that most people should explore before choosing a dog, it is not an option for a lot of people. Many people have very specific circumstances (ie. live in an apartment) where they want a dog, but require it be a certain breed with certain characteristics (size, drive, etc.).

Before anyone says "but there are many small breed dogs at the SPCA" you should first consider the fact that a lot of smaller breed dogs are more prone to specific health problems. Also understand that the vast majority of these small breeds ending up at the SPCA are from puppymills and idiot "breeders" trying to make a quick buck and they are essentially "novelty" pets that were purchased and given out as gifts or what not. I don't think it is unreasonable that someone would prefer paying $1000+ to a reputable breeder in order to assure their dog is from good bloodlines.

I think it's pretty funny you think that being a snob is some sort of motive that people have for buying a purebred. I'd say the vast majority of people interested in purchasing a purebred dog are doing so because they're interested in showing the dog, want a certain degree of insurance that the dog is healthy and from good bloodlines and/or desire a specific breed of dog for it's characteristics.

FWIW my family and I have adopted several dogs from the SPCA. It is definitely a rewarding experience, but not for everyone. Many of the dogs at the SPCA are the victims of cruelty and abuse and they show both lasting physical and psychological signs of it. I can certainly understand why someone would choose to opt for a dog from a reputable breeder to remove some of the uncertainty. It is traumatic to experience the premature death of a dog due to neglect and abuse that occurred earlier in it's life.

Having a dog isn't like ordering cable TV for a year. It is a living creature that completely relies on you for all of it's care. Also if things don't work out, or you get tired of the responsibility/cost/etc. you can't just make a phonecall and cancel it. Your question is pretty abusrd, sort of like "how much will it cost me to take care of a child for a year". There are a million factors that influence how much a year would cost you, but why are you even asking about the cost of a single year? A dog is a lifelong responsibility. If you aren't ready to take care of one for 15+ years you shouldn't even be considering owning one.

Best post of the thread imo. NH.

RichGangi · 01-30-2008, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taso

Is Shiloh a beagle? Also, what was the dog from Frasier?

Frasier had a Jack Russell. My gf has one. Very yappy and annoying imo.

pirateboy · 01-30-2008, 02:40 PM

My corgi as a puppy:

My corgi now:

RoundGuy · 01-30-2008, 02:41 PM

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

/thread

daryn · 01-30-2008, 03:01 PM

OP,

get the breed i have. trust me, you'll be very satisfied.

signed,

everyone in this thread

Drew16 · 01-30-2008, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1aguilas

i just grunched but check out laberdoodles or other half poodle mixes

they are really well behaved, loving, and cute as hell

agree. I have a cocker spaniel/poodle mix (yes that =cockapoo) that I got from a rescue 5 years ago and he is a great, great dog. Very smart, well behaved and doesnt shed much at all. He currently has an injured back which is a bummer. I also have a westie I got from a rescue and she is a little high strung and, at times, barky.

rigged81 · 01-30-2008, 03:41 PM

German Wirehair Pointer FTW.

Sporting bread which is half the size of golden retriever with the same type energy or drive as a golden. They are great dogs that are super smart, loyal great drive and good with kids. Its not a cookie cutter bread where everybody has one, big factor when I picked mine out. They are supposed to be a great hunting bread as well if you are into that type of thing, my dogs only form of hunting is retrieving a Frisbee but he could care less.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Wirehaired_Pointer

edit and the biggest bonus is they rarely ever bark

Mr. Clean · 01-30-2008, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Xebeche, your comments seem to apply to puppy mills which generally feature smaller dogs (some variation of toy poodles, pugs, chihuahuas, dachsunds, bichon frises, min pins, to some extent wheatens, schnauzers, papiions, shi-tzus, lhaso apsos, etc.) which are considered poorly bred and not maintained in a healthy enviroment. There's no reason to assume that reputeable breeders would raise their dogs under the same conditions or with the same profit motive. Maybe your argument is just against all pure-breed dogs in general, in which case that's a whole other thread.

they apply primarily to puppy mills, but also to a lesser extent to all breeders of dogs. there is a huge population problem with dogs in this country - HUGE - and yet people are still breeding them for profit. i just can't in good conscience support that when millions of dogs die every year from maltreatment, abandonment or being put down.

aside from that, a lot of the information about breed characteristics is overrated imo, and a lot of the people buying these purebred dogs for their characteristics proceed to screw them up by being crappy owners anyway. i have seen plenty of purebred dogs - especially small ones like jack russels and the like -that are high strung, poorly trained, yappy little poop factories that i would never want in my house. but the owners are so proud of their bloodline. if i see one more stuck up NYC trust fund baby carrying around some shivering, rat-sized $3000 miserable handbag ornament in a sweater i am going to ****ing puke.

i also just don't think the point of owning a pet is controlling every aspect of its personality, etc. it's a companion, that doesn't mean you have to play god. train it as best you can, take good care of it, and enjoy it while it's with you.

solids · 01-30-2008, 04:17 PM

OP-- Here are my dogs from home:

The little guy is half chihuahua, half mini-Doberman. He has one ear that sticks up like a Doberman, while the other flops down like a chihuahua. He's a great dog and I would suggest getting one like him if you are looking for a smaller breed. He doesn't bark or yap too much, either.

In the back is a purebred yellow lab. As you can see, she isn't too much bigger than the other dog, so a lab might work for you, too (she's 7 years old in this pic, btw).

The white and black guy is a cat.

My mom somehow trained them all to do this. The person in the picture is a family friend.

General Tsao · 01-30-2008, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Sorta one of those perfect, "defining America" type shots. That's what I felt when I first glanced at it anyways. Made me jealous too.

**Omar Comin** · 01-30-2008, 07:00 PM

You guys really made me want to get a dog after reading this thread.

Lazy Meatball · 01-30-2008, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoundGuy

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

/thread

Enjoy your multi thousand dollar surgery

Whether it be spinal, or eye related, or congenital liver defect, or cancer treatment, or just incureable heart disease.

Nice friendly dogs though.

ps. this:

Quote:

if i see one more stuck up NYC trust fund baby carrying around some shivering, rat-sized $3000 miserable handbag ornament in a sweater i am going to ****ing puke.

is awesome

**Omar Comin** · 01-30-2008, 07:14 PM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cavalie...Spaniel#Health

itsmesteve · 01-30-2008, 07:46 PM

OP-
if you don't have a yard, a big dog probably isn't a great idea anyway, unless you have lots of time to devote to exercising the dog. Some of the smaller breeds mentioned (jack russels, cairns) are good, but some can be a little hyper. If you go the cross breed route, talk to someone who knows something ( a vet, trainer, groomer, somebody) before you buy a dog from a breeder. Do A LOT of research and get a well bred dog that comes with health guarantees and certifications. LOTS of these types of dogs are churned out in puppy mill type conditions that no one should support.

CharlieDontSurf · 01-30-2008, 08:19 PM

the girl in the office next to use just got a springer/lab mix from the pound. it is easily the cutest thing I've ever seen...I'll try to take a pic the next time she brings it in