Getting a Puppy!!!! [Archive] - Front Office Football Central

oliegirl

05-01-2005, 10:02 AM

Flasch186

05-01-2005, 10:06 AM

Radii and I are looking into adopting/aquiring a puppy...it needs to meet these specifications:

1. It needs to be young, because we have a 7 year old boy and 2 cats, we want a baby puppy so he/she will have an easier time adjusting to having a boy and 2 cats in the house.

2. It needs to be a small breed...westie, scottie, mini-size dog.

Has anyone had any luck adopting (1st choice) or buying a dog like this? Or does anyone know about dogs and can provide some advice on good breeds to look at? I was thinking about a Chihuaha (sp??) but after doing some research found out they are very nervous and that is probably not a good kind of dog to have in this house.

IMO, there is no better breed of dog for kids and families than English Bulldogs. They have an extremely high tolerance for pokes and pulls (stuff that kids do), they are extremely loyal and smart, and they know when it is time to play (which they love) and they know when its time to sleep (which they love). I highly reccommend at least considering them even with their expense.

jshipman2

05-01-2005, 10:07 AM

Go with a Beagle. They are great with kids and are so loving.

oliegirl

05-01-2005, 10:09 AM

IMO, there is no better breed of dog for kids and families than English Bulldogs. They have an extremely high tolerance for pokes and pulls (stuff that kids do), they are extremely loyal and smart, and they know when it is time to play (which they love) and they know when its time to sleep (which they love). I highly reccommend at least considering them even with their expense.

I know someone who has an English Bulldog and they are great, but a little too big for what we are looking for. Basically, after lots of begging, radii seems to have consented to a SMALL dog, he doesn't like dogs much to begin with and with the cats, the kid, etc...I don't want some big ol' honkin dog tearing through the house and knocking stuff over :) If there was a Mini English Bulldog breed I'd definitely consider it.

Dutch

05-01-2005, 10:10 AM

You can have my lab. It's like having 10 puppies in one dog.

Simms

05-01-2005, 10:11 AM

I have a 7 year old and a 5 year old, and two 1-year old cats. We bought a puppy last October that's a beagle-sheltie mix, and he's been great. Almost fully-grown now at 30 pounds (and he's a bit overweight, to be honest) he fits perfectly in our not-so-big apartment, and he's been great with both the kids and the cats.

jshipman2

05-01-2005, 10:15 AM

Mines name is Hank. We got him back in '98, so he is about to turn seven. He is great because when you want to play, he plays. The rest of the time he just hogs his recliner, the sofa or our bed.

albionmoonlight

05-01-2005, 10:20 AM

oliegirl

05-01-2005, 10:27 AM

Also look at local rescues (some of them are breed specific; some of them are not). Tell them what you need. They care as much about giving the dogs a good home as you do about getting the right dog. There may be a laid back small mongrel puppy just waiting for a home like yours. If not, there was still no harm in looking.

This has been my main area of research...both our cats are adopted/rescued and I like the idea of doing that again with a puppy. So far I have found the following which might work for us:

http://www.forsythpets.com/adptpuppies.htm

At the bottom of the page are 6 puppies that come from a German Shepard mom and a Terrier/Chihuaha mix dad. I have emailed them and asked a number of questions about these puppies...if it wasn't for this stupid trip we are going on next week I swear I'd be up there right now waiting for them to open so I could bring one of these home! So cute!!!!!

gstelmack

05-01-2005, 10:36 AM

Petfinder.com has a pretty good list of rescue dogs as well.

Glengoyne

05-01-2005, 11:04 AM

I'm not sure about any of those breeds you mentioned, but one thing my wife and I looked for when we were selecting a breed of dog was how well the breed connects with multiple family menbers. That in addition to how they work with children. Some breeds like the Boston Terrier were good fits except that they typically bond with a single family member. We settled on a Corgi, a Cardigan(the kind with tails), and have been very happy with the temperment.

I would say they are about the same size as a Scottie, but they are probably a bigger dog than you are looking for. In any case. Good luck in your quest.

Wasabiak

05-01-2005, 11:08 AM

If you are looking to purchase a dog, I can tell you from experience that Bishons are a great breed. They are great with kids, very mild tempered, they don't shed, and they don't get very big typically. They are a bit spendy though (Maybe starting from a couple hundred bucks and up). Just my recommendation. Good luck finding a puppy, and have fun with it.

edit--I just checked petfinder.com, and there are many Bishons available for adoption. So there you go.

chinaski

05-01-2005, 11:21 AM

Please, if you want a pet, adopt one from the local Humane Society. It can take some time finding the right dog, take a few visits if you have too, but eventually you'll find the perfect dog.

valhalla

05-01-2005, 11:31 AM

I would recommend getting a boston terrior.. They are basicly mini bulldogs, mine is about 5 months old now and he is great.. Very smart dog, only had a few accidents in the house the first few weeks (young puppies cant hold their bladder), didnt take long at all for him to be house trained. I use to have a border collie, and so far this dog is just as smart or smarter which has really suprised me.

Like someone else said about bulldogs knowing when to play and sleep and loving to do both, the same is true with this dog.. He sleeps A LOT, hes a lazy little bastard which is great.. Hes smart enough to know you dont want to play and will just go to sleep.

The first month and a half was hell (got him when he was 2months old), but im sure its that way with any puppy.

Only negative so far is he wakes up at 7am, and makes sure i wake up with him.. =[

Took him to the park the other day and was trying to get his groove on with this other dog, i didnt know puppies did the wild thing. It was pretty funny.

digamma

05-01-2005, 11:44 AM

We rescued a Westie several years ago. Actually, I should say, my in-laws rescued a Westie, but he's been ours for 3 years now (they had him for two, but then moved to a complex that didn't allow pets). They got very lucky in getting him--they showed up the day he was brought in to the humane society.

Smaller dogs are tougher to rescue, so I think you have to be more diligent about searching for opportunities.

I love our little guy (curled up at my feet now).

Abe Sargent

05-01-2005, 12:05 PM

papillon

General Mike

05-01-2005, 12:13 PM

I got a Samoyed from the animal shelter in my town. A purebred sammy goes for $1,000+, but I got him for $40. It may be hard to find a puppy there, but you can probably find a young dog.

Edit: Samoyeds are big dogs who like the cold.

LoneStarGirl

05-01-2005, 12:15 PM

My boyfriend and I adopted two puppies last summer. We got a rat terrier, which I would not recommend to anybody with children. And we got a beagle/terrier mix. That mutt dog is the sweetest dog you could ever find. She is more beagle than anything else, and if all beagles were even remotely as sweet or happy as she is, I would strongly recommend getting a beagle. I also have a chihuahua at home, and that is not a dog for children. Not only does it bark all the time but it refuses to be house trained.

sabotai

05-01-2005, 12:15 PM

A friend of mine has a Pomeranian. It's such a laid back, trusting dog. Don't know if that's the norm for them. It does get quite hyper at types and loves to play. Most of the time, it just chews on it's bone (don't think they ever had it chew something it wasn't allowed to). It will lay on the arm rest of the sofa sometimes and go to sleep. It's a very funny dog.

LoneStarGirl

05-01-2005, 12:16 PM

Please, if you want a pet, adopt one from the local Humane Society. It can take some time finding the right dog, take a few visits if you have too, but eventually you'll find the perfect dog.

Agreed. You will find the best dogs there... and get more than one while you are at it ;)

JeeberD

05-01-2005, 12:31 PM

Get a kitten.

sabotai

05-01-2005, 12:32 PM

Get a kitten.

And the least hetersexual statement of the year goes to....

Wasabiak

05-01-2005, 01:06 PM

And the least hetersexual statement of the year goes to....

Easy there tough guy. I got 2 cats of my own, and the male cat would kick the shit out of any dog you throw at him. :D

Swaggs

05-01-2005, 02:40 PM

You can have my lab. It's like having 10 puppies in one dog.

This is the truth. Labs are like having Chris Farley on four legs. My parents have a 10-month old and it has completely destroyed their yard with its digging, biting their shrubs, carrying railroad ties (yes, railroad ties) around the yard, etc.

They love it, but everyone has told them it will act like this for like 3-4 years.

sabotai

05-01-2005, 02:44 PM

Easy there tough guy. I got 2 cats of my own, and the male cat would kick the shit out of any dog you throw at him. :D

It's getting late into the afternoon, shouldn't you be getting drunk in a bar or something? :)

Wasabiak

05-01-2005, 02:57 PM

It's getting late into the afternoon, shouldn't you be getting drunk in a bar or something? :)

I resemble that remark. :p

BTW, it's cheaper to get drunk at home, and I have control of the remote, heheh.

hhiipp

05-01-2005, 04:54 PM

DanGarion

05-01-2005, 04:57 PM

Get a mutt. Less medical issues then with a pure-breed, and less expensive.

oliegirl

05-01-2005, 07:06 PM

Daschund - Ours is great with our 4 month old, all he wants to do is curl up in a ball with her feet. Doesn't seem to favor one family member more than any other, he just goes where the love is at that time.

I would love a dachsund, but I am a little worried about the problems they have with their legs...I did see one online that was a long legged dachsund, but I have only seen the one. I have heard from other people that they are great dogs to have though. Has your vet given you any ways to prevent the joint problems they are prone to?

hhiipp

05-01-2005, 07:17 PM

No, not really. Just kinda let him live and deal with the joint problems if they come about I guess, and hope they don't.

Castlerock

05-01-2005, 07:31 PM

Adopting from the local Humane Society is a great option. If you don't go with that option, get a dog from a REPUTABLE breeder. But whatever you do:
Please don't buy a dog from pet store.

Ryche

05-01-2005, 07:43 PM

We settled on a Corgi, a Cardigan(the kind with tails), and have been very happy with the temperment.

We also have a Corgi, the type without the tails. She came into a house that already had 2 cats and handled it beautifully now. We don't have any children, but I imagine she would do great with them. We've taken her out in parades and she love the attention from the children, sitting patiently while they pet and pat and do everything else to her. Easily trained and a great 'big dog' attitude too. She is about 30 pounds, but not a whole lot bigger than the cats really.

wade moore

05-01-2005, 08:18 PM

I would recommend a Miniature Pinscher.. I'm about to go to bed now, tomorrow I'll write more why ;)

Swaggs

05-01-2005, 10:31 PM

http://rwbl-ootp-online.com/images/puppy016.jpg

Here is our puppy that we just got. She is five months old now (picture is from when she was about 8 weeks old. She is a chiuaua, weighs about 3.5 lbs right now, and is a pretty good indoor/low maintainance dog.

INDalltheway

05-01-2005, 11:10 PM

Wheaton terriers are pretty good dogs. They are very athletic, and love the snow.

hhiipp

05-02-2005, 06:25 AM

I'd vote against the Min Pinscher, another hyper/nervous dog.

wade moore

05-02-2005, 06:34 AM

I'd vote against the Min Pinscher, another hyper/nervous dog.

So not accurate...

It's all about the upbringing...

I have two miniature pinschers... one I will discount because we rescued her at 2 from an abusive home, so everything is out the window there.

The one that I have had since it was young is the sweetest dog you could ever have... Min pins have these advantages

A) Do not require a lot of exercise (I had one in an apartment and it was a reeze)
B) Very loyal and loving... can very much be 'lap' dogs... do not latch on to just one family member
C) GREAT watch dogs... they are not barkers or yappers (despite what many will tell you), but they will bark if someone comes up to your house, etc.. but that's what you want them to do.. they are watch dogs for gods sake.. but they are not like labs, beagles, etc that will bark at a leaf falling..
D) very trainable and intelligent - I was able to easily train my dogs multiple multiple tricks, and very quickly...
E) Relatively inexpensive... and also have an on-line rescue society (http://www.minpinrescue.org/) - although with children, I would personally caution against rescue unless a) they are relatively young or b) you are VERY sure about their demeanor and history... even going to visit the dog a lot can be hidden if they came from a bad background..

wade moore

05-02-2005, 06:42 AM

I have to stand a little corrected... from the Imps Website:

Miniature Pinschers can be good with children if the children are good with dogs!!! While this is a Toy breed, they are not toys. Children should always be supervised with dogs, and most especially with small dogs. While a Miniature Pinscher will tolerate a certain amount of attention from a child, grabbing, pinching, sudden moves and aggressiveness will be met with defensive reactions. If you have young, active children, you may want to look at larger, calmer breeds, such as the Golden Retriever, Labrador, Newfoundland, etc. If you are in a situation where you must have a smaller dog, you may want to look into Standard Poodles, Bichon Frise, Beagles and other small to medium breeds more suited to an active environment.

So... a mixed review for children... but I personally still think they are good...

Flasch186

05-02-2005, 06:49 AM

my 2 dogs, Phillly and Magnolia:

http://www.usfl-fof.com/house/Mtb_n_philly.jpg

wade moore

05-02-2005, 07:01 AM

Is that a min pin mix?

HomerJSimpson

05-02-2005, 07:21 AM

I love dogs, as long as they are not mine.

st.cronin

05-02-2005, 09:03 AM

Jack Russell Terriers are great dogs.

albionmoonlight

05-02-2005, 09:04 AM

Pugs fit a lot of what you are looking for, too.

wade moore

05-02-2005, 09:06 AM

Jack Russell Terriers are great dogs.

I'm thinking these are too hiper, unless they have a fenced in yard... even then....

st.cronin

05-02-2005, 09:08 AM

I'm thinking these are too hiper, unless they have a fenced in yard... even then....

Well, compared to other small dogs, I would disagree. I think they're the best of the small dogs.

wade moore

05-02-2005, 09:14 AM

Well, compared to other small dogs, I would disagree. I think they're the best of the small dogs.

Not to get into a personally driven debate.. but ;)...

Purely on hyperness, Jack Russells in my experience are at the top...

I agree they are great dogs... i agree that in many aspects they would fit what olie and radii are looking for... but if they are worried about hyperness around a baby, Jack Russells are incredibly hyper...

chinaski

05-02-2005, 09:21 AM

Not to get into a personally driven debate.. but ;)...

Purely on hyperness, Jack Russells in my experience are at the top...

I agree they are great dogs... i agree that in many aspects they would fit what olie and radii are looking for... but if they are worried about hyperness around a baby, Jack Russells are incredibly hyper...
I concur. A friend has one and the things INSANE.. it literally jumps straight up in he air and licks me on the nose (im 6'1, its 9"). If its not doing that, its running around @105mph. Smart and really loyal dogs, id get one - but barking "yipping" dogs can kinda piss me off.

Franklinnoble

05-02-2005, 12:10 PM

It's not a dog if it's not at least 40 pounds.

Carry on.

Flasch186

05-02-2005, 12:39 PM

Is that a min pin mix?

dont know? its a mutt

Arles

05-02-2005, 12:56 PM

I vote for a whippet (I would have said greyhound but it seems that dog could be a little big given your first post).

http://scd.mm-b.yimg.com/image/1241854394

There are whippet rescues (most are bred for racing, but many flame out) where you can get them for a fairly cheap price (couple hundred bucks fixed). They are already trained, very good around other pets and great with kids. One of our neighbors has one and she is a very well-behaved dog with their children.

oliegirl

05-03-2005, 09:39 AM

UPDATE!!!!

I have found the puppy I want, his name is Kermit and he is a dachsund mix....VERY cute! You can see a pic of him at http://www.petfinder.com/pet.cgi?action=2&pet=4377387&adTarget=468doggeneral&SessionID=427780ba260469df-app2&display=&preview=0&row=100&tmpl=&stat=

Problem is, we are leaving tomorrow for Chicago and won't be back til Monday...so I can't go get him until Tuesday. I called the Humane Society that has him and they won't hold him for me, even if I FedEx them the adoption fee! So everyone cross your fingers that no one else gets him before we get back!!! And if there are any South Carolinians on the board who knows someone at the Pickens County Humane Society, please call and tell the guy who is working there that I am a good person and will take great care of this dog and that they should hold him for me :)

hhiipp

05-03-2005, 10:31 AM

Do I win a prize for recommending the winning breed (if you leave off the mix part)? http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

JeeberD

05-03-2005, 11:16 AM

I hate to admit it, but that is one cute puppy...

Glengoyne

05-03-2005, 11:18 AM

I concur. A friend has one and the things INSANE.. it literally jumps straight up in he air and licks me on the nose (im 6'1, its 9"). If its not doing that, its running around @105mph. Smart and really loyal dogs, id get one - but barking "yipping" dogs can kinda piss me off.
The Jack Russel is a very intelligent breed. If they are given plenty of attention, and by plenty I mean an exceeding amount of attention, they are great fairly mellow dogs. If left to their own devices, they will get into trouble because they get bored. I recall a JR site that proclaimed that no height of Chain Link fence could contain a JRT. They actually had pics of a dog climbing a chain link fence. We eventually decided against the Jack Russel, but it was a breed very much in the running when we set out to find a breed of dog.

For Ryche, regarding your Pembroke Corgi(Sans Tail) and children. One of the purported historic use of Corgis was baby sitter. Well maybe better classified as Child herder. They are very good with kids. We actually have one of each Corgi, Cardigan and Pembroke, and they are great.

Oliegirl, I do hope you get your Dachshund. They are a great breed. They are smaller dogs that have a bit of the "big dog" mentality. Best of Luck!!

Eaglesfan27

05-03-2005, 11:19 AM

I hate to admit it, but that is one cute puppy...
Agreed. Glad that I've convinced Mrs. Eaglesfan that we aren't getting a puppy until we have a child that is old enough to help take care of them ;)

oliegirl

05-03-2005, 11:47 AM

Do I win a prize for recommending the winning breed (if you leave off the mix part)? http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

Only my eternal appreciation!!!! Unless of course you can talk radii into giving you a cash reward, but good luck with that! ;)

FrogMan

05-03-2005, 11:57 AM

Agreed. Glad that I've convinced Mrs. Eaglesfan that we aren't getting a puppy until we have a child that is old enough to help take care of them ;)wow, you got yourself covered for about the next 18 years, assuming she gets pregnant real soon, otherwise, keep adding years to that figure :D

FM

Swaggs

05-03-2005, 12:03 PM

It says "*Adopted" by his name. Is that you?

oliegirl

05-03-2005, 12:10 PM

No, I just checked and saw that - when I called he said someone came in this morning and adopted him :(

gstelmack

05-03-2005, 12:13 PM

I will add an additional piece of advice: you do not pick a dog, the dog picks you. You can help filter down the list of potential candidates, but in the end the dog will pick you. If you take a dog home that is disinterested and isn't real excited to go with you, it ain't working out no matter how much effort you put into it. So don't force it.

JeeberD

05-03-2005, 12:14 PM

Sorry, Olie... :(

GoldenEagle

05-03-2005, 12:16 PM

Here is the two pups that LoneStarGirl mentioned. I started a thread saying we adopted them awhile back. They have been two very loving dogs. I would recommend the rat terrier breed to anyone.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/FOFC_GE/dogs6.jpg

This is Anna, sporting her Halloween costume. She was abused pretty bad before we got her. She has pretty much made a full recovery though. She was just treated for heartworms and is 100% healthy now. She is a sweet, loving dog who likes to play. She is high strung, but all rat terriers are. She is about two years old.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/FOFC_GE/dogs7.jpg
This Pepper, also sporting her cool Halloween costume. This dog is a mess. She is very friendly. She is about half beagle and half rat terrier. It makes for a wonderful combination. She is always wagging her tail, as the picture shows. She is about a year and half old.

wade moore

05-03-2005, 12:17 PM