|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,006
Hall of Famer
|
OP
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,006 |
Thinking about getting a dog. Need a small one.
Thinking about getting a miniature laberdoodle mutt from a shelter.
Any thoughts?
I am new to this. Hoping to find one that looks more like lab and less like poodle but still reasonably small.
Joe Thomas #73
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 50,507
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 50,507 |
I've never had a small dog. I like my dogs to be big enough that they can remove the hand of anyone stupid enough to break into my house so I can send that hand out for fingerprinting. 
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,643
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,643 |
My wife has a Shi-Tzu. Great dog. It doesnt shed, was easy to train, super friendly, almost never barks...Im not a fan of small dogs, but he is a really good pet.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,522
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,522 |
I always love going the shelter route. I would go for a Bishawn (sp?) myself. Those are cool dogs always looking to please.
Blue ostriches on crack float on milkshakes between the sidewalk titans of gurglefitz. --YTown
#gmstrong
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,027
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,027 |
I think everyone should go with a rescue.
So many need homes. I wish I had room for more than one.
Someone brought ours to the police station my gf works at, she was 6 months old and running around the neighborhood in the middle of January. She was very much underfed but otherwise in good shape.
She has some attachment issues, but otherwise is a good dog, and very good with little kids and other dogs.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 42,959
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 42,959 |
I have two Bichons.. Love them to death. No Shedding, Hypo Allergitic.. Cute as heck and loving. But, you won't find them in a shelter. You will find them at a Bichon Rescue place. http://members.petfinder.com/~PA517/They are located in Monroeville, PA. Just outside of Pittsburgh. If you have the money, I can recommend the best Breeder around. We've been very lucky with her. But, Bring your wallet. They ain't cheap.
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,006
Hall of Famer
|
|
OP
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,006 |
Dont want to go the breeder route. I heard Mutts tend to be healthier?
Joe Thomas #73
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 8,882
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 8,882 |
Picked up a pit mix pup from the Humane Society three weeks back. He's now 11 weeks old. Been good so far. Crate trained at night. Kenneled in the kitchen when were not home. I've taught him sit, down (lay), and he's learning stay. He's also picked up his name but doesn't yet come many of the times he's called. He's learning the whole house breaking thing. Though has had a couple accidents. The neighbors love him. He loves the neighborhood kids. We socialize him with every dog, cat, and person we can. So far so good.
It all takes a lot of time. Even more, A LOT of patience. But if you put in the work it's worth it over the long haul. I know I'll have a faithful buddy for the next 10-12 years.
Good luck.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 16,195
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 16,195 |
Schnauzer, smart and fun, good around kids, protective and loyal. They don't shed but you do have to brush them.
#GMSTRONG
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 14,513
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 14,513 |
Labradoodles are suppose to be great dogs - intelligent and hypoallergenic
I would suggest doing obedience training early and font and if they are going to be an indoor dog a crate is a must - our dogs spend a lot of time and every night in their crate - I do keep them close to the front of the house in case someone tries to break in or is just an annoying sales person....
<><
#gmstrong
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 42,413
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 42,413 |
I don't get the crate thing. I've had dogs my whole life and have never used a crate. I just have a dog door that allows the dog to go in and out whenever it wants.
What's the point of the crate (I am asking this seriously)?
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,144
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,144 |
It's based on the theory that a dog won't go where he sleeps. I've crate trained a few dogs successfully, and it was very quick....especially with the German Shepherd pup. The idiot beagles we have now took a lot longer.
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.
- John Muir
#GMSTRONG
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 42,413
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 42,413 |
So it is more for house breaking than it is for discipline?
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,144
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,144 |
Yes. You want the dog to see the crate as his safe spot....a place he wants to go when stressed. There shouldn't be anything negative associated with the crate. There's a book called "The Art of Raising a Puppy" by the Monks of New Skete, that goes into a lot of detail and explains the theory behind crate training. These guys have been raising and training dogs for decades, and have it down to a science. I followed their techniques with my Shepherd (got him as a pup in 1989) and he was the smartest, most well behaved dog I've ever owned. The monks are still going strong and have revised their books several times since then.
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.
- John Muir
#GMSTRONG
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 30,826
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 30,826 |
Quote:
Yes. You want the dog to see the crate as his safe spot....a place he wants to go when stressed. There shouldn't be anything negative associated with the crate. There's a book called "The Art of Raising a Puppy" by the Monks of New Skete, that goes into a lot of detail and explains the theory behind crate training. These guys have been raising and training dogs for decades, and have it down to a science. I followed their techniques with my Shepherd (got him as a pup in 1989) and he was the smartest, most well behaved dog I've ever owned. The monks are still going strong and have revised their books several times since then.
I agree about the "safe" spot. When I got my lab, I had her house broken in just weeks. I kept the crate after that, but I never shut it. The door was always open. And Mo, the dog, would go in there all the time. It was "hers", and I respected that.......just as she respected my bedroom. At night, she lay in the hall with her front paws in my bedroom......never came in though, as she wasn't allowed. (until the one night when she was about 2 years old....I looked at her and said "come on Mo".....2 jumps and she was in my bed!!! So excited about being there, dancing and prancing....and she peed. She never came into my bedroom again.)
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,144
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,144 |
Once potty trained, the shepherd always slept in our bed at the foot. When our son was born, he slept in the hallway between our rooms. Boy, I miss that dog....talk about home security! We now have two cute but dumb beagles and a border collie who aren't allowed upstairs at night.
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.
- John Muir
#GMSTRONG
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 50,507
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 50,507 |
My dog sleeps on the foot of my bed. He sleeps pretty soundly, but if he hears something, he's up and alert, and barking like crazy.
Just what I want.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 42,959
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 42,959 |
Quote:
Dont want to go the breeder route. I heard Mutts tend to be healthier?
I don't know where you heard that. If you go to a reputable breeder, you won't have issues.
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,964
Dawg Talker
|
|
Dawg Talker
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,964 |
I don't know that I'd agree with that.
Many "breeds" exist because somebody thought they looked good that way. Long-term health is rarely, if ever, a factor in the decisions they make.
Pugs and bulldogs are prone to a large number of problems due to the "unnatural" snout shape, also back problems. Many large breeds have an unnatural rear hip line which increases the possibility of hip displasia (sp?).
A "mutt" tends to balance out some of these human-induced problems. None of my mutts ever had tennis elbow, displasia, or flat feet, all of which the papered purebreds suffered from. The purebreds also seemed dumber. The one that had both tennis elbow and flat feet used to fall asleep with his face in the water bowl. Damn near drowned at least once. That dog was the Forrest Gump of German Shepherds.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 50,507
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 50,507 |
Yeah, pure blood labs can be prone to hip displacia. (sp) Weiner dogs can have major back problems.
I have had great luck with my mutts. My dog Buddy, a border collie mix, lived to be 13 or 14 as best we can tell. Charlie, a lab mix, lived to be almost 18.
I have friends who have pure breed dogs who have gone in 8-10 years, or had expensive health issues.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 15,570
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 15,570 |
My mom has a pure bred Bichon and while it's a good natured, friendly dog, though I am not one for little dogs at all, it has had numerous ongoing problems costing thousands over the years. The dog has to see an allergist, takes special medication because of yeast infection in feet, 3 bouts with kidney stones, special diet restrictions, had tumor removed, anxiety, grooming twice a month, it just goes on and on.
My family has a lab, shepherd, rott mix and has been one of the best dogs I've ever had. Great with kids, friendly, but alert as a guardian. My wife and I got it as a rescue when he was 3 and he's now 13 and has never had a medical issue and shows few signs of slowing down.
I have always had rescue dogs myself (including growing up), but I am interested in a Rhodesian Ridgeback when the time does come someday.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 15,097
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 15,097 |
My Girl is a "Rotterman": half Rottweiler, half Doberman.
She's been the ideal pet:
Gentle to those who are accepted by her Pack Alphas, incredibly hostile to all interlopers... and an absolute joy to spend time with, 24/7.
I just love a Big Girl who isn't afraid of having a good time, and isn't 'emotionally conflicted' about being big and assertive.
Bella is now a young mature adult... and has topped out- at 95+ lb. (She's 3 years old now)
She was a 'rescue Dawg' when we got her at 6 months... with a 'puppy weight' of just 16 lb!
Waaaaay too many people choose a breed/hybrid based on size/looks, without taking into consideration 'breed temperament.' That leads to "owners" who are unprepared to successfully take care of the breeds that they've adopted.
Best (most recent) example: TONS of dog owners adopted Jack Russell Terriers, based upon the dog they saw on the TV show: "Frasier."
What they didn't know was this fact: This breed of dog was developed as a 'working breed'. Which means, they must be kept busy at assigned tasks. If these smart dogs are not kept constantly stimulated/challenged, they'll create their own entrertainment... and you'll most likely NOT like the way in which they express that creativity.
Our Bella is much the same way. If we leave her in the back yard to herself, she'll turn our property into a dug-up moonscape within hours.
I take our girl on daily walks, challenge her with new 'tricks,' and try to stimulate her with new chalenges every month or so. It's exhausting (on the daily, BUT... it's worth it in the end, when you can walk your dog down the street, and she responds to your commands like a well-trained Marine:
"Stop."
"Sit."
"Stay-"
"Walk."
"No Pull... "
"With me, with ME"
Dawg... 90% of having a well-trained dog is being a well-trained, consistent Dog Owner.
I spent countless hours watching Cesar Milan's "The Dog Whisperer" before we adopted Bella... and got better results from our Big Girl than any other dog we've adopted in the last 30 years.
Check out his TV show/website... you can't go wrong- no matter what breed you decide to adopt.
A True Believer,
Clemmy.
The Smart Ones are always the biggest hassles, for 'casual pet owners,'
"too many notes, not enough music-"
#GMStong
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 42,959
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 42,959 |
Quote:
I don't know that I'd agree with that.
Many "breeds" exist because somebody thought they looked good that way. Long-term health is rarely, if ever, a factor in the decisions they make.
Pugs and bulldogs are prone to a large number of problems due to the "unnatural" snout shape, also back problems. Many large breeds have an unnatural rear hip line which increases the possibility of hip displasia (sp?).
A "mutt" tends to balance out some of these human-induced problems. None of my mutts ever had tennis elbow, displasia, or flat feet, all of which the papered purebreds suffered from. The purebreds also seemed dumber. The one that had both tennis elbow and flat feet used to fall asleep with his face in the water bowl. Damn near drowned at least once. That dog was the Forrest Gump of German Shepherds.
I've had three bichons. No issues. except the one that got old and died. not sure that's considered anything other than normal.
Your talking about these designer breeds and on that, I can agree. But on breeds that have a long history like the Bichon, you are incorrect.
Go to a reputable breeder and you will have a lesser chance of an issue. Go to a puppy mill and I don't care what kinda dog you get, pure breed or mix, you have a much greater chance of having trouble.
Let's be honest here. Any breed, from a breeder or puppy mill or rescue can end up getting ill or having health problems. Some breeds are more prone to one ailment or the other. There isn't really any way around it. So when you get a dog, you are taking on a responsibility to care for it.
There are no guarantees.
Anyway, the original poster wanted a small dog and I can highly recommend the Bichon. But be prepared to be owned and be prepared to get your faced licked and get prepared to have a dog that will pick his master and sit in that masters lap constantly.
Oh, and be prepared for hefty grooming costs.. The little guys do take some work..LOL
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,276
Dawg Talker
|
|
Dawg Talker
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,276 |
Our Bichon also had allergy issues and was always chomping on her paws. Lovely dog though. I assume all sizes of dog are nice but I've only ever had a poodle and a bichon. I'm partial to the tiny ones. As Caesar Milan warns you need to be careful not to treat the tiny ones any different than the big ones. Things like barking, biting, and dominant behaviors from a tiny dog are cute, but often corrected in larger breeds. My vote goes for Bichon. Wonderful breed, but all dogs are nice 
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,438
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,438 |
Jc
Allergy issues and health problems can all be caused by low grade dog foods. Dogs aren't designed to digest corn and grocery store brands are made mostly of corn. If a dog has problems, try switching to a premium brand of dog food made mostly with meat and vegetables. It solves so many problems. Especially skin problems. :-)
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,367
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,367 |
Quote:
Jc
Allergy issues and health problems can all be caused by low grade dog foods. Dogs aren't designed to digest corn and grocery store brands are made mostly of corn. If a dog has problems, try switching to a premium brand of dog food made mostly with meat and vegetables. It solves so many problems. Especially skin problems. :-)
Boy, that is the truth. Great advice, way too many people feed dogs food they should not be eating. And some of the brands that are bad might surprise some people. Doing some research is a great idea in this area.
The pure breed vs mutt on health issues is being blown out of proportion here. Both can have issues. The claims that mixed breed dogs are healthier than pure breeds is simply not true.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 50,507
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 50,507 |
Quote:
The pure breed vs mutt on health issues is being blown out of proportion here. Both can have issues. The claims that mixed breed dogs are healthier than pure breeds is simply not true.
Yes, and no.
Pure breed dogs are far more likely to have problem like hip dysplasia than mixed breeds are. Weiner dogs are far more likely to have spine problems than other breeds are. Some dogs specifically bred with shortened snouts are likelier to have breathing problems than your general mutt. If breeders are not careful, and dogs are interbred too often, then they can develop problems. Miniature lap dogs are likely to be eaten by cats or large birds.   OK, the last was a joke. Maybe.
Nonetheless, you cannot dismiss health problem among purebred dogs, because they do exist, especially in certain breeds.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,438
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,438 |
While some breeds of dogs are predisposed to certain health problems, it doesn't mean that overall they are less healthy than mutts. Any dog can have health issues. Crossbreds can inherit health problems from their purebred parents. There isn't any guarantee that any dog will be healthy. I had an lab x husky who had so many health problems and needed so many surgeries. Some of these were the result of the crappy food I fed her until I learned better. And some of these were inherited problems from her husky side. She was a mutt and still had the problems. That said I have two purebred huskies who have so far been perfectly healthy. It depends on the genetic line of the dog. If you go to a reputable breeder they will run genetic tests on their puppies to ensure they don't inherit problems. They will also try to ensure their dogs arent inbred. However there are so many factors that decide the health of an individual. It is not always breed based. Frequently it is environmental. Most common problems such as allergies, itching, scratching, chewing on themselves in the absence of fleas, dull coat, skin tumors and lesions, underweight, general bad health...is caused by low grade dog food. It is like if you spent your life eating nothing but corn chips. Your health would be bad also. 
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 13,576
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 13,576 |
I have a miniature Australian Shepherd. This dog is awesome, but a lot of work. She has a high energy level, but it's nonstop. That's the hardest part, it's near impossible to tire her out. She is such a great dog, though. Big dog trapped in a little dog's body. She's incredibly smart, and easily trained. She can be a handful when there's a lot going on, but she's only 7 months old.
I think she'll mellow out a little once I figure out a good job for her. I used to take her to a field that was always full of trash, and she liked pick it up, but school started up and they won't let us in.
There is no level of sucking we haven't seen; in fact, I'm pretty sure we hold the patents on a few levels of sucking NOBODY had seen until the past few years.
-PrplPplEater
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,991
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,991 |
Quote:
I've never had a small dog. I like my dogs to be big enough that they can remove the hand of anyone stupid enough to break into my house so I can send that hand out for fingerprinting.
That would be a Chow. A woman I worked with had two of them, and she found them playing with a bloody sleeve, and blood all over a window sill. From the amount of blood, she said they must have shredded the guy's arm.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 50,507
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 50,507 |
My dog has a blue tongue ...... so he might have some Chow in him.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 42,959
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 42,959 |
Quote:
Quote:
The pure breed vs mutt on health issues is being blown out of proportion here. Both can have issues. The claims that mixed breed dogs are healthier than pure breeds is simply not true.
Yes, and no.
Pure breed dogs are far more likely to have problem like hip dysplasia than mixed breeds are.
Not according to this:
http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts...n-purebred-pets
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,426
Dawg Talker
|
|
Dawg Talker
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,426 |
My wife and I rescued a black lab a month ago. Great, great dog. I'll never have another dog that isn't a rescue. She's so appreciative of everything we do.
[color:"green"] "World domination has encountered a momentary setback. Please talk amongst yourselves." Get Fuzzy[/color]
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,276
Dawg Talker
|
|
Dawg Talker
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,276 |
I'm curious about people's rescue dogs.
My roommate had a pitbull rescue from the streets of LA he brought home to us in SF.
The dog never seemed to warm up to anyone besides the owner. He was constantly skittish and withdrawn when he owner wasn't around.
I'm sure it doesn't speak to all rescues but it concerns me about potentially picking up damaged goods.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 8,767
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 8,767 |
We have two male Jack Russels. Never again.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,144
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,144 |
Learned the hard way? Same here. I went from a very intelligent German Shepherd to Beagles. I never appreciated how smart the shepherd was until we got these idiots. They're cute and I love them, but boy are they dumb.
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.
- John Muir
#GMSTRONG
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 50,507
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 50,507 |
My dog was an Angels for Animals dog. He doesn't like anyone being in my house except for me. (well, he likes my mom too, and he actually liked my former neighbor too.)
Other than that, he doesn't really want anyone in the house. The weird thing is that if I take him out for a walk and someone comes up to him he's the friendliest dog there is. He's just very protective of my (his) home.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,027
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,027 |
Quote:
I'm curious about people's rescue dogs.
My roommate had a pitbull rescue from the streets of LA he brought home to us in SF.
The dog never seemed to warm up to anyone besides the owner. He was constantly skittish and withdrawn when he owner wasn't around.
I'm sure it doesn't speak to all rescues but it concerns me about potentially picking up damaged goods.
It all depends on the age of the dog and what exactly they went through, which you almost never really know.
We got ours at around 6 months. She's still pretty skittish, but she wouldn't hurt a fly.
She's also a pain in the ass when she's being watched by friends or at a kennel/dog daycare . There's a place that will watch them for an hour or multiple days, and it's a huge warehouse type place that lets dogs run around before putting them in a run. She has escaped out of her cage at night multiple times. Just last June some friends were watching her while we were on vacation in NC, and she took off the minute someone opened the front door.
Sometimes when I leave for hockey, she tries to run out with me because she doesn't like being at home by herself. She's very attached to us, especially my girlfriend. That was probably the first nice person she ever came into contact with.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,185
Dawg Talker
|
|
Dawg Talker
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,185 |
My parents have a Yorkie and he is such a little gentleman. He never barks, doesn't shed, has great patience, is very smart, and even smiles (yes, his mouth curves up and he literally smiles when he's happy). He's a little guy at about 10-12 pounds but thinks he's about 100 pounds with his fearlesness to protect my parents. He is by far the best dog I've ever encountered.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 683
All Pro
|
|
All Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 683 |
Not really a small dog guy, I did enjoy my Jack Russell for 17 years. She was a very good dog. Had sort of a big dog attitude and was great with the kids. Her hair was a bit of an issue, my wife hated it, fine short hair that was tough to clean up.
I would like to voice strong agreement with the rescue proponents. My current dog is an unknown mix from a rescue kennel. Probably some Husky, some Border Collie (my personal favorite) and maybe some standard collie and St Bernard. He is just over a year now, but he may be the best dog I have ever had. Perfect with kids, gentle, not overly aggressive. But he still has the ability to make someone think twice about entering my home. My father in law came over once when we weren't home. He said the dog never got nasty, but it was clear he wasn't going to get in the house. LOL, good boy!
Also with the food. I never had a dog that was sensitive to anything common. I do notice with my new pup, cheap stuff makes him gassy. Most of the time he gets Blue Buffalo Wild, he likes it and his digestive tract seems much happier.
|
|
|
DawgTalkers.net
Forums DawgTalk Everything Else... Dogs?
|
|
![[Linked Image]](http://www.dawgtalkers.net/uploads/PortlandDawg/banner.jpg)
![[Linked Image from s2.excoboard.com]](http://s2.excoboard.com/forums/25521/user/302752/484538.gif)
