|
I can't believe we missed the whole thing...my mind is kinda shot this week!
I still can't remember what I was supposed to remember for Thursday...drat! But I did see the clips..what a winner! I love when any dog wins besides poodles! As does Kat! We're in the dog shopping stages right now...actually trying to decide the perfect breed for us...we really really realllllllllyyyyyyy want a French Bulldog! Ahh..I just love them! But get queasy at the thought of spending over $1000 - $2000 on a dog! |
There are so many factors to consider when looking at breeds.
Drool Children Other Pets Grooming Excitability Exercise Climate Activity level Health Problems of the breed Training requiired Etc. Purena used to have a nice little test for potential owners, but I am not sure if it is still avaialble. Plus, I remember it gave me answers I was appaled by - I don't want a Peak. ;) This book is mentioned a lot. |
I'm always a proponent of going through rescue organizations.
|
Quote:
4 out of our last 6 pets were rescue animals. |
The problem with rescue organizations is that you miss puppy stage for the most part. Now, this isn't a bad thing for some. Puppy stage is difficult. But, I know bringing adult cats into a household can be MUCH more difficult than kittens. Lyra was a good example of this.
Certain dogs have stronger rescue organizations than others. Greyhounds have a great rescue organizations and they are great adult dogs. It is harder to get certain breeds thru rescue without there being residual bahavioral problems. My Springer Spaniel was a rescue and never quite got over some of the childhood issues. MousePod, what breed are you puppies? |
Our current two dogs (the chihuahuas) were both bought from reputable breeders. Rescued chihuahuas are really tough and rarely get along with other pets - to assuage our guilt, we donate to Chihuahua Rescue.
Our two dogs that we had before we moved west were both mixed breed (probably a little shepherd in the first and mostly lab in the second) that were rescues. The two cats that Heather brought into the mix (we're talkin' a decade+ ago) were both kitten rescues. Sweetpea died about two years ago (less than a month after our diabetic Lab-mix Horatio). Violet, the Maine Coon, still perseveres with only a couple of teeth left in his mouth... |
I couldn't tell size from the pics but I thought they were chihuahuas. Cute babies! And, I can't believe you have a boy Maine Coone named VIOLET. LOL.
All 5 of my cats are rescued in one form or another - either from rescue organizations or just off the street. |
All three of my dogs (two current and one past) came from the local Animal Shelter. The youngest age of any of the available dogs is about 10 months (from what I've seen during my adoption trips). One was a border collie mix, the two current are a pit mix and a german shepherd mix. My pit mix is the sweetest thing ever and everyone who meets her falls in love with her, usually gushing baby talk to her. What a dollbaby. :)
The good thing is that you can still get them young enough for them to blend into the household. The bad thing is that you've pretty much totally missed the window to really socialize them with other dogs and people (you've gotta get them and train them when they're 3-6 months old tops). All three dogs had/have issues with bonding with other dogs and/or people. They're getting training to correct it, but it is an issue. I love the fact that I've rescued my puppies from a horrible fate and I know they are so grateful to be a part of my family. I wouldn't trade my babies for anything. But dogs that have been abandoned and unsocialized as pups can have problems. Of course, some breeds are naturally friendly so this caveat doesn't apply. |
That's what I love about more organized rescue organizations, even non-breed specific ones, as opposed to shelters. A good one spends more time evaluating each animal, identifies socialization issues, and either corrects it or works to place the animal with someone who can deal with it.
|
I so didn't realize it was dog show time... Ok, got it set to record on the replay.
Being parents of two basset hounds, we are naturally partial to them. All hounds, really, but bassets in particular. I also like English Springer Spaniels, having had two when I was a kid. I learned they are not all that smart, but fun, energetic and loyal, which compensates. I tend to like big dogs over little dogs, but the Corgies are just too cute. I like working dogs over "decorative" dogs- the herding dogs, the hunting dogs and all. I really like the looks of the Egyptian hound, but I know he'd be wrong for my household. I'll leave him to those who can exercise him properly, and admire him from afar. Both our dogs are rescues, and two of the three cats were strays. I will babble endlessly about animal rescue if I am not careful. I just think it's such a wonderful way to handle animals. Basset Rescue has a ranch, with lots of space for them, and they do give a thumbnail of each dog's personality, which is helpful. Yes, you miss puppy-stage but for us that's really a benefit. Less chewing and all. And with basset hounds, we really don't have much of a problem with socialization. And adopting a rescue dog is significantly cheaper than getting one from a breeder. I think, too, if my husband wasn't so attached to his hounds that I'd go for a mixed-breed dog. Our pure-breed dog is the one with all the health problems; our junk-yard dog is healthy as anything. Mixed-breed dogs tend to be a little stronger as far as their genetics go, though a well-bred purebred should be stable. I guess I haven't seen enough of "good" breeders and heard too many horror stories; the thought of getting a dog from a breeder really gives me the heebie-jeebies. Personal issues- I do know that many people have had good experiences with bred dogs and professional breeders. |
| All times are GMT -7. The time now is 09:14 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.