Looking to get a dog

[Brandwin]

We are looking to get daughter a puppy, one that's going to stay small, maybe 3-7 pounds. I haven't owned a dog since I was about 14 years old.

We saw one last night that was half chihuahua, half maltese, but the lady had a ton of dogs and it just looked like a dirty place. Someone told me not to get a dog from a "dog farm" but I don't know. Told the lady we would think about it.

Any tips as far as grooming, shots, getting the dog fixed etc... any type of dogs you guys recommend? We don't want to spend over $200. I know that probably narrows the choices though.

[slickdtc]

Re: Looking to get a dog

Rescue a pet from a local animal shelter. You can fall in love pretty quickly.

[areobee401]

Re: Looking to get a dog

I agree a dog in a shelter needs a home more then one on a farm.

[av7]

Re: Looking to get a dog

Rescue a pet from a local animal shelter. You can fall in love pretty quickly.

I agree a dog in a shelter needs a home more then one on a farm.

This. I believe dogs in a shelter have their shots taken care of along with being spade/neutered so you dont have to deal with the 1-4 week recovery.

I've always liked Terriers, I have one but she's a mix (Terrier with Shiba Inu, looks like a miniature Fox) and over the weight of what you'd like (15-20lbs).

[p_rushing]

Re: Looking to get a dog

This. I believe dogs in a shelter have their shots taken care of along with being spade/neutered so you dont have to deal with the 1-4 week recovery.

I've always liked Terriers, I have one but she's a mix (Terrier with Shiba Inu, looks like a miniature Fox) and over the weight of what you'd like (15-20lbs).

look at petfinder.com, they list pets available and usually you can get them for about $200 donation, which includes all their shots and spade/neutered

Terriers are great, I had a boston terrier and they are great dogs, real smart and fun to play with.

[Matt Diesel]

Re: Looking to get a dog

How old is your daughter? Toy dogs are not usually a good choice for small children and the dogs are frail and not immune to "accidents" that kids may cause. Of course it is different for each child and I do not know how keen your daughter is to treating smaller dogs. Thats obviously up for you to decide.

I always believed that training matters more than a particular breed. Terriers are cool dogs but they are bred to bite prey, usually small running prey. Most other dog breeds were bred to NOT bite prey, even hunting dogs. You should take that into consideration.

Larger dogs, mostly herding dogs, are more protective and understanding of children. Bernese Mountain Dogs come to mind as a great family dog that has a great deposition for kids. I know you want a smaller dog, so this doesnt really help. Just putting out all options for you to think about.

But if you want a smaller dog, Cocker Spaniels are great dogs that tolerate kids better.

I agree with the posters above as a mixed breed dog from a shelter is the best choice as 1) They are in more need 2) they are not as susceptible to behavioral extremes and medical problems as some purebreds.

Whatever you do, I suggest obidience school and having your family participate. Everyone should handle the dog in class. Its actually pretty fun.

Good luck bro.

[Brandwin]

Re: Looking to get a dog

Well, it looks like we are getting a mini daschund. I did read they have problems with their backs if jumping alot and going up or down stairs. They are asking for $200. I asked my boss about it as she has one and she seemed to think it was a good idea.

[McLite]

Re: Looking to get a dog

My g/f had a mini dashund but it got killed by a German Shepherd that escaped from the neighbors house (what makes it even worse is that I have a German Shepherd).

Anyways the dog was very sweet and faithful. I'm a fan of bigger dogs but it was very friendly and well behaved.

[gtm]

Re: Looking to get a dog

Well, it looks like we are getting a mini daschund. I did read they have problems with their backs if jumping alot and going up or down stairs. They are asking for $200. I asked my boss about it as she has one and she seemed to think it was a good idea.

Hi Dookie, my wife and I got a mini Dach 16 months ago. We have had a female "party" (multi-color) Pekingnese. She will be 3 years old in April. So we did decide to get her a brother for companionship and to play with. This is our 2nd Dach and yes, handle them properly. My wife ordered steps to help both dogs get on the bed. Also get the same for a sofa, love seat or any other furniture you would like to give him/her access. Otherwise, you need to pick them up properly and put him/her whereever. Yes, they do sleep with us. We show and give them lots of love.

[Brandwin]

Re: Looking to get a dog

We got Spot last night and our daughter loves it! He is 8 months old, about a footlong, 6 inches tall and weighs about 7 pounds. I didn't go with my fiancee but she didn't get a shot record from the vet. She got records, but they are just written on an index card. So I am going to call today and see what vet she got them at and if she can give me a copy.

I hope we didn't get duped on this. Our daughter loves it, so in the end I guess that's all that matters.