AspenMama

Date much? That's got to be one of the most sexist and insulting things towards women that I've read in awhile.

Maverick

Lot's of thoughts, no conclusions yet. I think at this point I want to go around to local shelters, breed rescues, and breeders to check out some of the breeds that have been mentioned.

Don't know how accurate this guy is, but he reviews most of the breeds listed and lists major concerns for each. Every breed seems to have it's warts, so I guess I'll just need to do some more digging before I decide.

I am not in any big hurry here. I am actually looking more towards September to get the dog (summer is a busy time for us). The reason I am looking now is that if I decide on a purebreed puppy I may have to wait several months for a litter.

That brings me to another question for you guys. Do you recommend going with a puppy so it can bond with the family from the beginning, or is a young adult a better way to go. Part of me is thinking that a 1-2 year-old dog may be a better fit for us. That way we would have a good idea on the size and temperment of the dog. It may even be housebroken already!

Thanks again for all the opinions.

brighid

I agree with most of what this guy has to say about the Sharpei, except for the health issues. At least not with our baby. I have spent considerably more on the dobe medically (but this is in part because he was malnourished and suffers some ill effects from that.)

We have had to have multiple eye surgeries on her, but even the vet (who is a leading expert on Sharpeis and owns 7 himself) says her case is rare. The eye surgeries have not been expensive.

They are definately "stubborn" and independent. Our girl is. She has never been aggressive toward people, but she has been aggressive toward other dogs. She has never attacked another animal and is normally very docile, but if another dog comes by the fence she gets very territorial and this is one of the only times she will bark. (This is, in part, because she wasn't as well socialized with other animals but well socialized with people.)

They are also very physically strong. You would be amazed at their physical strength despite their small stature.

Our girl is an apricot dilute brush coat and the horse coat is very prickly. The bear coat is very much like the chow as this guy says.

As to doberman's ... I haven't had the same experiences this guy has, but I know how poor breeding and over breeding harms any breed.

They are DEFINATELY sensitive animals and our boy absolutely hates the sound of motorcylces and will go nuts if one drives by. I think he probably has more sensitive ears. They really need human contact and a home that is filled with strife would not be a good choice. Our son is older and I haven't seen any issues with younger children who are occassionally over at the house, but it is a concern since we did not raise him as a puppy.

They most definately need to be well trained and well socialized. If you don't have the time to do both of these things a dobe is not for you. They definately have the potential to be aggressive, but our boy is not aggressive to other dogs or people UNLESS they appear to pose a threat to us. We talk him for walks with lots of people and other dogs around and have yet to have a problem.

He has stomach sensitivity issues, but I don't remember our other dobes having that.

As to whether or not to get a puppy or an older dog ... there are pros and cons to both. You have more control over the socialization and training of a puppy, but older dogs can learn new tricks. Puppies chew, puppies need to be house trained, puppies need to be socialized and trained. Older dogs can come with their own problems, depending on their situation.

Our boy was a bit jealous of our other dog, and although never aggressive would sort of push her out of the way and because he is so much bigger put his body in her place so he would be pet and not her. He was pretty needy in the beginning, but has gotten much better. He realizes we aren't going to abandon him.

Adopt/rescue organizations usually do a good job fitting a dog and a family with one another.

Brighid

notmaudeflanders

Hrumph - the greyhound review on that site is very inaccurate, unfortunately.

ps I definitely recommend a slightly older dog over a puppy for all of the reasons you have listed. I really believe that adult dogs can form just as strong a bond with their new families, as well.

brighid

I agree about the older dog bonding. When we adopted our dobe he was 5 and he has definately bonded with our family.

B

doghouse

An older dog can bond to a new family with no problems. The only concern would be whether the dog was socialized properly as a puppy. There is a fairly short window for socialization in puppies that last until about 12 weeks. It’s very important that they have good, regular, and sufficient interaction with people during that time. If not, it’s difficult to make up for that later.

Garnet

One time when I went searching for a dog, I had certain characteristics firmly in mind. I wanted a standard poodle. Fortunately, my parents took me to the local animal shelter.

I selected a dog that didn't meet a single one of my criteria. It was too small. It was ugly. It had this black stripe down it's back, wiry fur, a color that can only be described as a murky grey and one of the worst underbites I've ever seen in a critter. He introduced himself to me by running over, licking my toes, burping and then laying on my feet and refusing to get up. It was love at first sight.

Mickey turned out to be one of the finest canine companions I've ever had. I was 8 years old when I got him and he was my companion for the next 10 years. A fine dog...smart, loyal, loving...and funny as a Monty Python skit. I shan't start telling stories because they could fill a book.

Anyway, my whole point is that don't be locked into criteria because the right animal may not fit them.

Good luck in your search!

Garnet

lisarea

Awww. You done made me go all gooshy.

It never ceases to amaze me that you can just walk into some animal shelter somewhere, fall in love with a complete stranger, and make a commitment right then and there that you'll never regret for a moment. It's happened to me three times, and I just can't imagine doing it any other way.

(It only works with dogs, though.)

rlogan

[Removed]

Onager

You summed up everything I wanted to say about the joys of owning a mongrel. My little egg-sucker could not be reproduced by a generation of dog breeders. Your post evoked the emotion as well as outlining the logic of owning a mutt. Your dog was a lucky person to have you.