Choosing a dog

bugslet

elsien wrote: »

I'm surprised anyone bothers coming on here any more to ask for information about breeds and puppies.
They either get cross-examined about whether they've thought enough about what a puppy involves, or they get told to forget about a breed and get a rescue.
I appreciate this is all well meant because poster want owners to be aware of what they're taking on but the people coming on here are concerned enough to ask because they want to get it right. So a couple of pages of people generally telling them they've not thought it through is probably enough to send the OP running for the hills and not bothering to come back. Which is a shame when they've made the effort to ask the question in the first place.
There's a balance between getting a point across and scaring people off and on this issue I think it too often goes the wrong way.

And I will declare an interest in that my last 3 dogs have been a specific breed. And also rescues. But I'm not knocking anyone who decides they want a puppy if they've done their research to avoid the puppy farmers.

Well said Elsien, there's room for both rescue and pups IMO, as you say, make sure the pup comes from a good home and nothig wrong with some basic questions, but do away with the judgements.

GBNI wrote: »

Schnauzers are a funny little breed. I find they interact with other schnauzers in a way they won't do with other breeds of dogs. They can also be very aloof with strangers or people they've decided they don't like.

I agree! My two half sisters were very close, always sleeping on each other. Ruby really missed here sister when she died and when into a few weeks of grief:(. She has taken to the Giant Schnauzer and vice versa, though the giant obviously thinks she's a mini and squeezes into Ruby's bed with her.:rotfl:

arbrighton

Love my miniature poodle. Has papers. Was cheaper than some cross breeds are sold for.
Doesn't shed. And certainly is not brushed for 20 min plus each day. Neither she nor I could be bothered with that. We bought a known, non-shedding breed as I do get allergies with other dogs and we wanted a puppy to train/ socialise without previous issues to get over.

She's fine with one 30 minute walk per day (as she does business in the garden) but will climb big hills etc/ fetch for ages. She's a bit too clever for her own good though and despite our best efforts can be a bit nervous around new people

bugslet

I don't get the schnauzer brushing comment, mine go unbrushed for weeks; it's only the last few weeks before a haircut that I brush them.

Poodles are fantastic, lively and intelligent.:D

Katiehound

A friend has a min. schauzer and he is very cute, a real character. As said above poodles are extremely intelligent and probably would benefit from being 'worked' in some way- obedience, agility. HTM, whatever.... Personally I am all for rescue dogs , but each to his own.

Above all OP please do your research and buy from a reputable breeder who grills you as if you were applying for a job! A breeder who is more interested in the welfare of their pups than the actual money is the way to go.

arbrighton

Poodle jobs in our house include endless ball fetching (and water retrieving when it's above freezing!)

And being a guard dog. Although once you open the door, anyone will just laugh at her

Person_one

arbrighton wrote: »

And certainly is not brushed for 20 min plus each day. Neither she nor I could be bothered with that.

I actually only brush mine every other day, but I keep them clipped pretty short and I clip them myself so I know I can sort any problems if they do arise. Ideally, and if the coat is longer than half an inch or so, it should be daily.

It only takes a day or two for tangles and mats to start to form in the tricky bits like around the ears and the 'armpits' (don't know what they're really called on a dog!) and they can be pretty uncomfortable for the dog, but you probably aren't aware of them if you're using a professional groomer to clip them. Regular grooming also keeps them accustomed to being handled so that its not too stressful for them when they are clipped or need their feet, ears etc. looking at by the vet. It means you can spot lumps, bumps, cuts, skin issues etc. nice and early too.

Anybody getting a non-shedding breed should be prepared to give them a brush/comb through every day. Just like you might not walk them absolutely every single day of their lives due to various circumstances, but you have to be prepared and ready and willing to do so.

I know what you mean about poodles being a bit too clever though, its fairly depressing when you're getting regularly outwitted by your dog!

arbrighton

I do know where mats tend to appear and try to get to them but sadly her 'armpits' are the ticklish spot that we struggle with!

Her tail is a lot shorter than it was now so less of an issue (it was a bit of a which end is which scale)

I do run hands over her etc and attempt to clip her myself in between pro-clips (a bit like mums and pudding bowls I reckon)

Person_one

Its more important than most people realise, the skin under a mat gets pulled so is uncomfortable, and its not very nice for the dog when the groomer has to spend ages detangling a non shedding dog whose owners haven't kept on top of things.

Loads of dogs will wriggle like mad at first, and its harder to get a rescue dog used to it than a pup, but if you persevere and make it a rewarding, pleasant experience you'll soon have a dog who comes running when you pick up the brush and comb like they do when you pick up the lead!

toffee'n'tom

Best reply I've had. You've hit the nail on the head. As if I haven't thought of all avenues. And my daugher and I are both asking the questions!!

elsien wrote: »

I'm surprised anyone bothers coming on here any more to ask for information about breeds and puppies.
They either get cross-examined about whether they've thought enough about what a puppy involves, or they get told to forget about a breed and get a rescue.
I appreciate this is all well meant because poster want owners to be aware of what they're taking on but the people coming on here are concerned enough to ask because they want to get it right. So a couple of pages of people generally telling them they've not thought it through is probably enough to send the OP running for the hills and not bothering to come back. Which is a shame when they've made the effort to ask the question in the first place.
There's a balance between getting a point across and scaring people off and on this issue I think it too often goes the wrong way.

And I will declare an interest in that my last 3 dogs have been a specific breed. And also rescues. But I'm not knocking anyone who decides they want a puppy if they've done their research to avoid the puppy farmers.

CassieKeith123

Well, it really does depend on the circumstance. How big is your house? Will somebody be able to regularly check on your dog? That kind of thing.

We've had a number of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is our family and they have always made the best friends. They're so calm in temperament and aren't hyperactive/yappy.

Have you narrowed down your choice yet?

Maybe get your two children involved in choosing and researching the breed, so they're on board with what to expect and how they'll need to be looked after.