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Koolkat - Mon Jun 16, 2008 11:13 pm
Post subject: What breed is best for me?

After Thinking about it and reading Twig's comments i do not want a Daschund dog. I am an unexperienced (apart from jet but i had help with her) dog owner.

I would like a dog who is Brilliant with cats,rabbits,GP,and hamsters. And easy to train. I Like toy dogs too.

I am commited to the 10/15 yrs of having a dog (have with jet) and devoted of giving her the best life ever.

PLZZZZZZZZZZ HELP xxxx

hev_gsd - Tue Jun 17, 2008 12:02 am
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of course i would say chihuahua!!! buts thats becuase i have one!! Very Happy

baecuase you have quite a few rabbits and other animals i wouldnt go for a terrior not all of them are bad with other animals but most are.

what kind of coat do you want it to have?
are you planing on doing any ringcraft,obedience,agility???

i compete in obedience and agility with tiger so dont let people tell you that toy breeds cant do aswell as bigger dogs because they can! and somtimes better!

its great having a toy breed because you can take them just about everywhere with you,tiger comes most places with me.
tiger is a PAT dog because he loves eveyone soooo much!

with toy breeds alot of people are just out to make some money out of them! stay well clear of these kind of people!!!
obiously a toy breed is likely to cost more because they only have a very small number of pups so the breeders do need to cover there costs.

my next toy breed i really want a papillion! such great dogs!

go onto champdogs and see all the different toy breeds,alot of the breeders are very well known in their breeds on there.

whatever you do, take loads of time choosing your breed and research them soooo much it took me 3 yrs to choose kia!

coliel - Tue Jun 17, 2008 8:19 am
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Hi,
You Could go for a cavalier King charls - they are supper little dogs full of charm and can have loads of walks or just a quick strole around the block.
Being a spaniel they are trainable and shouldnt be too bad with other small animals.
Cavaliers do have a few inherited problems so look into them although if you buy a cross breed then those problems dont normaly ocure.
At least you have a few months to do loads of reserch and hope fully you will find your dream dog.
love coliel

Koolkat - Tue Jun 17, 2008 10:42 am
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coliel wrote:

My dream dog is already here lol its jettie poo Very Happy

Ive always wanted a Cavalier King Charls. hummmmm Wink

Koolkat - Tue Jun 17, 2008 10:46 am
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hev_gsd wrote:

of course i would say chihuahua!!! buts thats becuase i have one!! Very Happy

Allthough i love chihuahua's My dad wont let me get one to small for his liking. Am going to go with a Meduim size dog like a English Cocker Spaniel. Which i will be doing algilty with and Grooming very ofen even taking her to a fancy pup parlor. Wish i could do that with jet but she is to old now and she dont like getting her nails cut she a big softie Laughing

And reaserch i was reaserching them all night -till 1.30 am this morning- lol i looked on that website tooo such a brilliant web site. Of course i am lookin now because i want to get to no the breeders and their dogs e.g temperment and health issues.

Ill come here though if i need any hints or tips

THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE Smile

if i could give you all a big hug i would lol

Koolkat - Tue Jun 17, 2008 10:51 am
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I also want a dog which is Photo Genic Laughing

LIKE JET. I love taking Photographs of animals

Twig - Tue Jun 17, 2008 7:03 pm
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I agree, Cavaliars are a good possibility as they are small, aren't over active and can get along with smaller furries. Although as Coliel pointed out they are prone to several major health problems, including heart defects and brain problems due to the skull shape. I think they are also prone to cherry eye and need to be VERY well socialised as a pup because my friend skipped socialisation classes (despite my begging) and her dog is very nervous around strangers, and I terrified the poor thing because I wore a hat one day to her house! Rolling Eyes

So its really important to seek out a very reliable breeder to prevent unnecessary heartache in the future and as with all dogs, puppy classes are a must to ensure you have a happy, good natured dog.

Of course there are loads of breeds out there, and don't forget rescues can actually have some very well suited dogs to your household and if you are going to be working a 9-5 job, a young adult is a better choice than a puppy who needs a lot more time and effort. Good luck! Very Happy

rufftydlc - Tue Jun 17, 2008 8:40 pm
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Cavalier king charles are nice dogs

coliel - Tue Jun 17, 2008 9:15 pm
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Hi
If your thinking now about a cocker spaniel how about getting a field spaniel ?
They are slitly smaller than a cocker but just as agile and intelagent and they are a declining breed so it would be great if you reserched possable breeders and asked if they would be willing to breed for you !!?
Their is one in my town and he plays beutifully with Merlin.
They dont seem to have too many inherited desiese as they havnt been bred and bred although you would have to make sure that the pup dam wasnt mated by he father !!! - These things can happen when their is a small pool of a breed.
It is fun thinking of what kind of breed to go for and very sensable to think first and act later rather than the other way around!!
love coliel

clareabella - Wed Jun 18, 2008 1:46 pm
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Does it have to be a small dog? If not then what about a Border collie? I have grew up with them all my life and have never known them to be a problem. Obviously they need alot of exercise and mental stimulation but they are overall very friendly and clever dogs. Very Happy

Koolkat - Wed Jun 18, 2008 2:37 pm
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OMG OMG OMG OMG i went to buy rabbit food today from a pet shop (ov) and i seen a Daschund and omg omg omg omg omg omg it was soooooooooo cute. I Have my heart set on one of these now.

The woman i seen J.B with i asked some questions about the breed, i asked her how old he was and she said 11 (and still going strong, he was healthy compared to jet with her hips, and still tugging on the lead) Surprised

And i was like really how many have you had and she said 8 and they have all lived to a healthy age without any problems . Although she said not to over feed them (which i wont) and give them plenty of exercise. She told me not to get the minature ones just the standerd and i said is it good for a first dog and she said absalutly there is no dog like them. She was also in her 80's. I also asked what is the oldest you have had and she said 14.

So giving these facts and am going to do tones and tones of reaserch on them and hopefully have a daschund next christmas.

Thanks for all your help.

p.s am contacting breeders on these daschunds to give me more infomation.

--update--

been reading about them and i dunno's Sad

i like cockers more now i think i will just have to see when i meet some breeds

coliel - Wed Jun 18, 2008 9:40 pm
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HI.
My uncle didnt like the minuteures , Standeds do make good pets as they get on well with other dogs, dont eat to much and can have as little or as less exercise as you want.
How ever if you want to get into agility I wouldnt recomend Dachounds.
Dont be to hasty about choosing a breed and have a realy good think although having said all of this I always think some times a breed is just meant for you !!
Keep a look out for the lady again and perhaps swap numbers so you can find out about good breeders.
love coliel

poppydog83 - Thu Jun 19, 2008 4:21 pm
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ive been thinking about getting a new pup/dog,but it wont happen just yet. But when it does happen it will have to be a smaller dog. I love my lab,and would never get rid of him. But i do find it easier to cope with smaller doggies

Koolkat - Thu Jun 19, 2008 5:26 pm
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All this thinking of getting a knew dog/puppy is making me feel so guilty on Jet. We have decided if Jet is still here when am 21 WERE NOT GETTING A PUPPY it wouldnt be fair on her.

Hopefully she is because i want to celebrate with her. SHE IS THE BEST DOG IN THE WORLD!! No other dog like her. She is the best thing in my world

CatSlave - Thu Jun 19, 2008 11:00 pm
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If your looking for a loyal, loving, friendly mid sized dog you can't go wrong with a Samoyed (biased I know) but they are the most loving of dogs, totally loyal, bark at the right times, love little furbies and mother them (yes mine washes the kittens and carries them around by the scruff etc) they definately are vocal if strangers (or friends) come by. This is a breed that are hard to train but the love and affection that you get in return are far worth the effort.

My parents have KC Cavaliers and have had several. Unfortunately although they love the breed and refuse to have anything else they have had their hearts broken more than once due to health problems - deafness, heart defects, spleen tumours etc. But I would still dognap the two they have now if I could get out of the house with them!!!

Rescues centres are also well worth a visit - there are so many dogs out there looking for a forever home through no fault of their own; and I believe that it is true that Rescue Dogs Love You More; all mine have. Visit one with an open mind ....... from personal experience I went to Wood Green Animal Shelter looking fora small long haired female under two years old ............... I came home with Sir Mongey Mutt; Male aged 8 short haired and lab sized - but he was THE most loving and loyal dog that anyone could ever ask for and I'd have a dozen of him if I could get them (he's at Rainbow Bridge now - posted on here)

Good luck whatever you decided BUT piccies are a must!

coliel - Fri Jun 20, 2008 1:32 pm
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Hi,
Koolcat Why do you think it would be unfair to Jet to get another dog ?
Dogs love other dogs for company and it can add years to the life of an older dog.
When you get a pup you dont love the first dog less your love just grows.
Merlin knows I love him and that in the order of the pack he is above Scrappy but Scrappy knows I love him too.
Their is nothing as nice as seeing Merlin and scrappy play tug of war together or licking eachother I think getting your own pup would be great but only if you realy want one.
Love jess

Koolkat - Fri Jun 20, 2008 3:20 pm
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I think it is unfair because jet doesnt really like dogs she is more of a cat person (well dog lol). When were out she is constanly Barking at them.

Also I want to focus my attention on her and give her the best life i can. And another thing me dad wont let me get one while she is still here.

coliel - Fri Jun 20, 2008 8:34 pm
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HI
Why did your father say you could get one then ?
I think it is a shame to not get another dog because of Jet as he would soon get along after a while. The biggest thing I have seen amongst dogs is when the dogs geton too well , bonding closer together than dog and master causing un wanted behavior and also pining for his pal when they have died.
All of the above can be solved as long as you spend plenty of time with each dog independantly.
Having said all of this if you feel you dont realy want or have the time for a dog and espeacialy if it was more a dream than reality then definatly dont be getting any pup !!
But I think as long as you are commited like you said in your ther posts then I should get one.
Love coliel

Twig - Sun Jun 22, 2008 5:30 pm
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Old dogs can feel rejected and replaced if you bring in a new pup as and there are dogs who genuinely wouldn't accept another dog, Merlin is a pup so of course he was likely to accept another playmate, but an adult dog is another matter entirely. It really depends on the dog, and in this case, I think koolkat is doing the right thing in waiting if she feels Jet won't accept a pup Wink

shadylady - Sun Jun 22, 2008 6:47 pm
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My dad probably said she can get one when shes 21 to shut her up going on about it lol cus i was kinda gettin fed up of her asking for one even though i love animals and im usually the 1st one to be like awwww look at its ickle eyes etc lol.

Also jet does get on with dogs its just certain one she finds she has to have a go at shes all bark no bite, just likes telling them shes there and to move lol

coliel - Sun Jun 22, 2008 7:13 pm
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Hi,
I am intrested in Twiggs oppinion that some dogs dont like new dogs coming in to their home and the idear that they may feel dejected.
Gelousy I believe is a human feeling not a well ajusted dog feeling.
Dogs are pack animals and would natrely have new pups joining their pack when th alfa female bred.
Their fore I would of assumed may be wrongly that as long as the owner is seen as top dog and introdused the new pup properly most dogs would get on.
all my life we have introdused pups to old existing dogs with no problems at all - the older dog will have a grumble if the pup anoys him too much and the pup will then back off so long as the owner allows the older dog to disiplin the pup their shouldnt be any problems exept rarly.
I am how ever nt saying that aggresion never happens but as long as dealt with properly then all should be fine.
The only time I hae ever heard of problems is when two bitches from the same litter are bought together but that is a diffrent thing all together.
Has any one else had problems ? I would be intrested to here about them.
Love coliel

hev_gsd - Mon Jun 23, 2008 1:12 am
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it happens all the time coliel,most dogs arent well bought up socialised!
most people who have dogs really dont have a clue!!! ive met soooo many different dogs that have never even been taught the most simple manners that i think i pup should know.

ive never had any problems but thats because my dogs know that it is expected of them to welcome any other dogs into our home.
my dads dog chloe is totaly different she willl not let any dog near the house,she gets on with dogs at the park and on walks but as soon as she gets into the garden she turns the total opposite.she was rescued so we dont have a clue whats happened to her in the past,but if you put another dog with her she would no doubt end up killing the dog.

i do think dogs know jelously,my dogs definalty gets jelous of each other when one is getting a treat or more attention, even if im stroking the cat they both get jelous.

i think its a good idea that your going to wait to get another dog.i think jet will feel pushed out if shes been on her own for the last how ever many years. it will stress her out you bringing another dog for her to just "get on with".if she was of a dogs dog! ha ha if u get what i mean i could see why you would want another for jet to have a companion but not if shes happy on her own. Very Happy

just to add my dogs dont see me as "top dog" they know im not a dog they just respect me and know that im the one whos in charge Very Happy

coliel - Wed Jun 25, 2008 1:50 pm
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Hi,
The whole top dog debate is a big one but persanaly I believe a dog has to know who is in charge whether you call it top dog or not is besides the point.
I agree whole heartedly that some dogs will not acsept new dogs but these dogs havnt been taught correctly it dosnt mean its too late to teach them although it may take longer to achieve.
As for koolcat not getting a pup then thats fair enough and better to deside it now than when its too late !!
Love Coliel

Twig - Wed Jun 25, 2008 7:39 pm
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coliel wrote:

But you run the risk of a young pup being attacked by the old dog which will mean the pup will need a new home at a young age and will grow up with a dog complex if the problem isn't well worked through.

As for the top dog debate, I'm not going there tonight, think I debated it on another thread anyhow. Smile

coliel - Wed Jun 25, 2008 8:28 pm
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Hi
Twigg - It is verry verry rare for an addult dog to atack a pup !!!!!
Pups are no threat to a dog pups will submit every time.
You would have to have a realy nasty dog to have it viciosly attack I would be more prown to worry about taking in an older dog as two addults may cause problems.
As for jelousy I truely dont believe dogs feel it its more like that the new pup getts atntion, fed payed with first and because the first dog is above the new pup in pack order the older dog will come up asking to be stroked etc this isnt jelousy but rather the dog keeping the pack in line. If the owner then kept on faveroutising the pup then the dog may be more likly to growl or snap but even that shouldnt be too worrying -merlin snaps at scrappy every time scrappy goes near a toy he is playing with but I just ignore it.
As long as you treat the first dog to every thing first, feed them seperatly and spend time with each dog independantly you will not have any problems.

clareabella - Wed Jun 25, 2008 10:11 pm
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We used to have 2 collies growing up, sadly when one of them died the other got depressed and the vet thought it would be a good idea to get another dog for her. We got a youngish dog about 10 months old. They were introduced well and got on fine for a while but jelousy kicked in with the older dog and they ended up having a huge fight which was horrible. In the end we had to take the dog back to the rescue centre as it wasn't fair on either dogs.

I agree that dogs do generaly mix well if introduced properly and trained etc but some dogs just don't addapt at all. I think it's simply down to each individual dog to be honest.

Twig - Thu Jun 26, 2008 3:34 pm
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Its not that rare for an adult to attack a pup, my dog as a pup was attacked by several adult dogs and I've known larger dogs to attack smaller dogs who also would be seen as less of a threat, some dogs just don't like other dogs full stop. Sad

It really does depend on the individual dog as Clarabella said.

coliel - Thu Jun 26, 2008 4:04 pm
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Hi,
I do like our litte debates but lets keep it informative for both sides of the argument but not get heated!!!!
Firstly taking in a youngish dog isnt the same as taking in a pup also the fight may of happend because the new dog had matured and wanted to be top dog this dosnt mean that they were going to fight for ever. all dogs have the odd fightand they shoud never be worried about. unless its causing real damage , the fights are all the time and especialy if they are two bitches. But even then you should b able to mange it by feeding etc sepratly.
All though obviosly as you got the dog from a rescue it may not of been properly socialised any way and may of needed a lot of work.
Secondly a small dog being attacked by a big dog is common although in the majority of cases i have seen it has usualy been the little dog that has started it., and not at the same as a pup getting atacked by an addult dog. an addult dog dose not atack a pup ever unless in extreme circumstances!!!!
Can I also point out that a snap at a pup from an addult is perfectly acseptable as is a growl etc Even the addult pinning the pup by its throat s fine - it sounds herendous but it never actualy hearts the pup .
- Those things i have described is not an addult atacking a pup but an addult disaplining the pup.
For a dog to actualy bite down hard - needing stiches and blood etc to a pup is un heard of as far as im aware.
Love Coliel

Koolkat - Thu Jun 26, 2008 8:35 pm
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WOW what a debate. Laughing

I am NOT getting another dog while Jettie is here because am pretty sure she will definitly get jelouse because when we are playing with copper/sasha or scooby she gets jelouse (sometimes)!!

And as the breed of dog i am getting i Am definitly getting a cocker spaniel xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

hev_gsd - Fri Jun 27, 2008 12:03 pm
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sorry coliel but i really dont agree with you on this one.

you said its un heard of for a pup to get attacked by adult dogs....wrong! both my dogs were attacked as pups by adult dogs not just a warning growl/snap they were fully attacked!

tiger my chi was attacked by a staffy he was doing nothing wrong at all he didnt even know the dog was there and the dog attacked him.like twig said some dogs just dont get on with other dogs wether its a pup, adult, bitch, dog ,etc

glad your waiting to get your next dog koolkat,make the most of the one you have Very Happy

i nearly got soooo many different dogs while i was working in rescue kennels but i had to stop and think each time wether that other dog would match kias personality or not i ended up waiting another 4yrs to get another dog and its been so worth the wait.do whats right by jet not what you want. Very Happy

Twig - Fri Jun 27, 2008 2:01 pm
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Koolkat wrote:

And as the breed of dog i am getting i Am definitly getting a cocker spaniel xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Cockers aren't really the best breed when it comes to small animals, you'll have to let the breeder know of your situation and seek advice on introducing and socialising your pup with them otherwise it will constantly harass them. Also they are full of energy, much more so than a dachi, which is another consideration, are there any local dog agility clubs in your area that your dog when older could become a part of to keep them mentally stimulated? Very Happy

Coliel I enjoy our debates as well, but as usual, still disagree with you on this pointt! Laughing

My dog was attacked in the street by a collie at 16weeks old why? Its not like she was any threat or even in the dogs territory and even if the adult dog does tolerate a pup, when the pup is old enough to challenge the other dogs dominance, fights can and will break out if the adult dog isn't properly socialised, and I don't believe thats a healthy environment for either dog.

coliel - Fri Jun 27, 2008 10:27 pm
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Hi,
Twigg ou are right that as the pup grows into an addult then fights will break out and i have to admit they can be realy scary but I still think seeing my dads dogs who were always much older when the next pup came in and now merlin and scrappy I supose I am abbsessed with how well they always plated etc and what they got out of having another of the same species. My ferrets play diffrently with one another than when they play with me or the dogs and the same with the dogs.
It must of been aufully scary to have your pup atacke but I still stand by the fact that it is incredably rare.

Koolcat do you mind me asking how on earth you can want a dchound one minute and then a cocker the next as they are completely diffrent breeds !!!!! I always assumed people went for things due to a reasen - I wanted a collie / spaniel type dog because I like obediance work, They have a real spark and loads of energy which is imperative to myself because my faverout thing in the world to do is go on bike rides at thetford forrest or a near by ling and have my dog runn beside me (off lead ) I also like going for long walks etc where as we got scrappy because he has loads of spirrit too but isnt to big so the children can walk him he is also of a more inderpendant nature so dosnt mind being left while I take merlin out. ( so long as he has got some toys and a kong)
He also gives merlin company and I didnt want two big dogs in my house.
So koolcat is it the way they look or have you just always liked both breeds for intierly diffrent reasens?
Love coliel

Twig - Sat Jun 28, 2008 4:27 pm
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coliel wrote:

Koolcat do you mind me asking how on earth you can want a dchound one minute and then a cocker the next as they are completely diffrent breeds !!!!! Il

Something we agree on.....

hev_gsd - Sat Jun 28, 2008 11:40 pm
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ha ha me to twig!! Very Happy

coliel - Mon Jun 30, 2008 3:18 pm
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Twigg - this must be first us agreeing with each other !!!!! (hee hee )
love coliel

scosha37 - Tue Oct 21, 2008 3:17 pm
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Chihuahua's RULE!..... Wink

Gypsysmum - Tue Oct 21, 2008 3:32 pm
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Many pedigrees have inherited diseases. Have you thought about a small crossbreed? Rescue societies may have some they are desperate to find good homes for. Or the local paper may have adverts for some. It is best to register with the local dog's home and let them know what you are looking for well in advance. They like people who look at the long term and do not get a dog on a whim.

I would agree not any of the terrier breeds but most breeds will show a lot of interest in rabbits! You will have to train your new puppy to leave the rabbits alone and this will take time and committment. I am sure you will be able to do it.

Toy breeds are good for beginners as they are not so challenging to train usually Rolling Eyes

NEVER buy from a pet shop. Always see the mother, and the father if you can. Never buy from a breeder who has lots of different breeds. Make sure your puppy has been exposed to lots of gentle handling from an early age and knows all the household sounds such as vacuum cleaner, washing maching etc.

Buy "Dogs Today" magazine. It has lots of good advice and campaigns against bad breeders.

Good Luck