Considering getting a dog...Eurasier questions

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Right, you lot know me. And won't pull any punches.


I'm thinking about getting a puppy. Now let's get the usual questions out of the first.

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Not a rescue dog, I've done that twice. Not by choice, the ex tended to do exactly as he pleased and then leave me to clear up the mess. Literally. Plus the cats. I don't want to do it again.



Not an adult dog. A puppy. And not a rescue puppy, who could end up being 95% pit bull type. Not that bull terriers aren't lovely, but if I wanted one, I'd get one, not try to get something else and still end up with one. Like the bloke round the corner, who got a black 'lab' but it's turned out to be a giant black staff x lab - which means you have a monster with a black hole where most have a stomach. And it looks perfect for a scumbag to nick for fighting, as it has the Staff head, but the lab bulk. (Absolutely adorable, but I just not right for me).


I have a small house with a fully enclosed small garden. It's a quarter of a mile to the park, if that. There are lots of other parks in the area as well, but that would be the regular one.



I have three cats. One is familiar with dogs (and doesn't think much of them, but likes their kibble).

The advantage of a puppy is that they learn from the outset that the cats are the boss.



I know about broken nights, accidents and suchlike. Plus, I actually want a puppy, not somebody else's dog they've screwed up and then I have to try and fix it. Which isn't always successful, and I refuse to dispose of a pet like it's a faded cushion cover. If I get a pet, I will be responsible for it for the rest of its life and responsible for its eventual passing. No palming it off onto somebody else when I'm bored with it. Or being miserable and unhappy because it doesn't fulfill the role I wanted it for in the first place.


I don't work at present, but if I do get a job, as I live near the town centre, I would always be within 20 minutes of home - so would be able to come home at lunchtime. As it is, if I were to get one, I would start right from the outset accustoming him to being left for short periods, gradually increasing them.


And, to be 100% truthful, I'm lonely. I spend over 90% of my time alone and I don't like it. I want a puppy, to grow into a dog, to be part of my family for the next 15 or so years.

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Anyhow, I'm actually wanting to ask about breeds.

I was thinking of a medium sized dog, one about knee height. I just can't image having a dog smaller than the cats and don't want something huge, as I really don't like the idea of the pain they can end up with through bad breeding.


I've got preference for appearance too, and I like hound and 'wolf like' faces. Fur isn't a problem - I'm used to dealing with great fluffy tumbleweeds with the cats. Although a Samoyed was discounted on the grounds of the male being too big and white long hair being a little too much to bear. If I thought I would be a suitable owner, I'd be looking at a GSD. But having met the famous Zara , possibly a bit too big for me. Although black and tan hair isn't such an annoyance And Zara is adorable.



So, I've looked and thought about various types, the Spitzes, the Samoyed, that kind of thing. And I'm feeling quite drawn to the Eurasier. Their size, their temperament, their look, they sound like they could be suitable.


However, they're not very common in the UK, so I wondered if anyone here had any experience of them before I brave the pages of Dogsey.


(BTW, I'm one of those sad people who would be quite prepared to trundle over to Germany to bring one back with me - no distance too far for the right animal.)

I will not be going anywhere near puppyfarms, here, Ireland or anywhere else. And I am awkward enough that, if I think something is dodgy, I won't proceed.




In the same vein, I wondered whether there were other breeds that posters feel might be suitable - something that doesn't really suffer too much from overbreeding issues, something that doesn't appeal to shaved headed dog fighters or badger baiters, but doesn't fit into the average handbag.

If I were to get a puppy, I would do whatever it takes to ensure that dog's welfare. So don't worry on that score.

And in any case, I am only thinking. This could take years before I actually act on it.



Any comments?


(Oh, and BTW, GR, you don't seem to be getting my PMs?)

Sally_A

Eurasier??? Love 'em, seen them live a few times and Andy Bell can still belt out a cracking tune!

zaksmum

Jojo, first let me say I think you'd make a brilliant dog owner. Your circumstances seem perfect for making the move and you certainly don't need to tell us you'd do everything to ensure the dog's welfare - we know.

How would you feel about a mixed breed if you knew the parentage - a first cross? I have a black labrador/whippet first cross with both parents being pedigree dogs and he's an outstanding dog, with the placid temperament of the labrador and the speed and agility of the whippet. Short haired too, making grooming a bit easier and perhaps not too prone to moulting. For me the wolflike breeds would be too big and powerful, sadly.

I don't know anything about the Eurasier though.

I do agree that a puppy is the best bet - you get more years with them, and they don't come with emotional baggage.

Whatever you decide, here's wishing you many happy years to come with your new best friend!

Frugalista

Have you contacted the breed clubs? It may be worth travelling to the breed club show (all breed clubs have at least one show a year) where you could talk to enthusiasts without "commiting" to any particular breeder whilst you are looking around.




www.theukeurasierclub.co.uk/

www.eurasiersociety.org.uk/


I have also occasionally seen them at general championship shows all around the country. I don't know what part of the country you live in but, as we are right in the middle of the show season, there is bound to be one within reasonable distance from you at some time.

Person_one

Don't know anything about Eurasiers I'm afraid, but please don't refer to rescue dogs as 'somebody else's dog'.

scaredy_cat

Border terriers are cute.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/borderterrier.htm

minimad1970

scaredy_cat wrote: »

Border terriers are cute.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/borderterrier.htm

They certainly are cute, and feisty, funny, love a cuddle, mine's especially cuddly now he's been to the hairdresser and I wouldn't be without him, even though he can be a little swine.:D

phill99

You have a real chip on your shoulder about rescue dogs.

Mara69

phill99 wrote: »

You have a real chip on your shoulder about rescue dogs.

Rubbish. She doesn't want a rescue dog and has shared her reasons why. Enough said.

gettingready

Jojo - you owe me a new keyboard ... all my coffee went over my current one reading your post.

Just to clarify - Zara is very big for a female GS. All my friends' GS females are around the 25-30kg mark and much smaller than Zara, Zara is just a big girl....Thanks for singing her praises LOL

Sorry but can not see you with any type terrier or other dog of similar size/temperament.

Simples, get a GS.....:D

gettingready

(Oh, and BTW, GR, you don't seem to be getting my PMs?)

was wondering why you ignoring me.. nothing from you for ages....