| Rootie |
| Posted 1/16/2008 3:24:55 AM |
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Active: 10-22-2005
Posts: 102
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Hey Bowser...if you wern't so eager to find fault you might want to slow down and read the post...in the very first line she says she is NOT looking to find the perfect breed...instead of sending silly sleeping emoticons you need to wake up girl. |
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| AngelZoo |
| Posted 1/17/2008 12:58:37 PM |
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Active: 10-25-2005
Posts: 1071
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AirForceMom:
To answer your allergy question. It's actually (usually) the dander and saliva that people are allergic to, not the fur itself (but since the fur is covered in skin dander and saliva... well you know the rest.)
And I say "usually" because as humans we can form allergies to anything, and I do mean anything, at any time an allergy could come and go.
Please do be open minded about any Dog you get, they can take a lot of work to be molded into a happy family canine. Just like children you have to raise them right =D
So it doesn't just come down to a breed being "perfect".
But we can sure hope to try and get it as close as possible.
Aside from the Dog being good with children, not requiring a lot of grooming, what other concerns do you have...
energy level? does your family run/jog a lot? Or are you couch potatoes most days?
Do you want a Dog who's smart, very affectionate, always wants to and *has* to be by yourself.
Or a Dog who while nice, will be ok if you are not with him 24/7, a little more low key, only occasionally seeking affection.
Some breeds I could think of for you to research...
Whippet
Boston Terrier
Pug
Corgi
Portuguese Water Dog
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| Amy_Dox |
| Posted 1/19/2008 12:25:12 PM |
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Active: 08-16-2007
Posts: 353
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| Quote AirForceMom: I'm not wanting to know what you think the perfect breed is, I'm asking for help to find the best breed for my family. I have two young girls, and we live in ND right now and will for the next 2 1/2 yrs.... |
When you said you had children, you said "and more on the way," so Im guessing that means a baby.
If you are going to have a baby, maybe you should wait a little before getting a puppy, or get an older Dog becuase they are less of a hastle.
-Amy |
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| rambo2 |
| Posted 1/19/2008 6:00:52 PM |
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Active: 01-19-2008
Posts: 9
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Boy, have I got the Dog for you! [Just kidding -- she's mine and you can't have her!] Our mutt started life as a supermarket box pup. She was rescued from a couple of little kids handing out Puppies in front of a market. Spent her formative years moving with my daughter, her Navy husband and three little kids. Came to live with me when they moved to naval housing, no pets allowed. When they transferred again, we wouldn't give her back, as we had fallen in love with her, as had the other critters in our household [German Shepherd, Brittany Spaniel, and Schipperke, ranging from pup to elder statesman].
She's a lab -- we think. All the conformation, coloring, temperament, but she's only weighs 36 lbs. Like a tiny lab replica. Roughhouses with my teenage grandson, lies quietly and patiently with the neighbor's 8 month old. Loves cats, other dogs, delivery persons and strangers.
My point is, you can't always pre-determine all the factors you need. A generalization of breed [for personality] may be the best you can hope for. I do recommend a rescue or pound puppy. That way you actually touch and observe the animal and they've been prescreened for you. You'd be surprised how bonds can form within moments. I also recommend a neutered adult, or at least beyond puppy. With small children you don't want to deal with housebreaking along with potty training unless you're seriously masochistic! And an adult will give you a final size, as well. Between 30 and 50 pounds sounds about right for your circumstances.
Dog hair is Dog hair. Why worry about allergens before you have to? Involve the kids in animal care [and no, they won't be totally responsible -- you have to be the one!] and pet and children will all be happier.
This is years of experience and a multitude of pets speaking. |
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| AirForceMom |
| Posted 1/19/2008 10:38:24 PM |
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Active: 01-11-2008
Posts: 12
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Quote Amy_Dox: When you said you had children, you said "and more on the way," so Im guessing that means a baby.
If you are going to have a baby, maybe you should wait a little before getting a puppy, or get an older... |
No, no baby on the way. I just know we will have more someday. That's why I'd like to get a pup and get her all settled in before we decide to have another baby. Or get an adult Dog and have her adjusted to us before #3 comes along.
Yes, no one "needed" to know that, but I wanted to try the quote thing, I've never done it before!! =) |
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| AirForceMom |
| Posted 1/19/2008 10:54:37 PM |
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Active: 01-11-2008
Posts: 12
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Rambo2 that does sound like the Dog for me!!! I do think we will get a pound puppy, because like you said you know right then and there what you are going to get. Just right now our pound has 2 Saint Bernards, and a few Mastiff and Great Dane mixes... no joke! We are lucky in our community to have so few dogs in our pound, but when they only have BIG dogs that doesn't help me. I figure if I'm patient our Dog will come, and hopefully the timing will be good as well. Plus I like the idea of helping some good Dog who's down on his luck. So thank you all for the suggestions, but I think you've convinced me that the best breed for me right now is prob. a mix. But I'll tell you what once we're out of the Service, in our own home, and the kids are a lot bigger I want Danes!! I love 'em, but they just wont fit into our lifestyle right now. Call me crazy... =) |
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| rambo2 |
| Posted 1/20/2008 5:48:40 PM |
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Active: 01-19-2008
Posts: 9
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AF Mom,
If the pound, SPCA, or whatever doesn't have a pooch that appeals, try the local vet's office. They may know of a Dog looking for a home, or at least can keep their ear to the ground for you. And our vet has a big bulletin board that people use to advertise pets available. |
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| AirForceMom |
| Posted 1/21/2008 2:20:12 PM |
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Active: 01-11-2008
Posts: 12
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Vets offices, good tip! Thanks |
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| maoseger1010 |
| Posted 1/21/2008 3:48:14 PM |
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Forum Moderator
 
Active: 02-20-2005
Posts: 6601
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Quote rambo2: AF Mom,
If the pound, SPCA, or whatever doesn't have a pooch that appeals, try the local vet's office. They may know of a Dog looking for a home, or at least can keep their ear to the ground for you.... |
Grooming shops are another good place to check as are pet sitters or boarding kennels. |
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| AirForceMom |
| Posted 1/22/2008 2:15:35 PM |
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Active: 01-11-2008
Posts: 12
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Another couple good suggestions!! Thanks! What do you think of these places that charge hundreds of dollars to rescue a dog?? I feel like they are selling me a dog, not helping the dog. I understand giving something to help them pay for the stuff to help more dogs, but maybe I just don't realize how much it all costs. I could get a purebred puppy for some places fees. Yes, they are online spots, so I'm wondering if thats norm or not? |
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| maligirl1 |
| Posted 1/22/2008 2:29:59 PM |
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Active: 12-14-2007
Posts: 309
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i tried rescuing 2 dogs from 2 different places in my area.because i didn't have a fence(they didn't like that i only had an electric fence) they refused to let me adopt. there reasoning was they would rather let the Dog live the remainder of their life in a cage than subject them to not being safe by not having a fence.you might want to check with your local rescues about stuff like that.they did charge a nominal fee(cost of spaying/neutering,microchip,etc).i hope you have good luck with getting a Dog . |
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| AirForceMom |
| Posted 1/23/2008 1:26:17 PM |
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Active: 01-11-2008
Posts: 12
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Mali, That's interesting. What about all those apartment homes who have no yards at all let alone a fence. I think a yard, or fence shouldn't be a disqualifier on adopting a pet. I've had very big yards before and never let my Dog just out to run. I prefer walking my dog, going to parks, going on runs to just letting my Dog out. No nothing is wrong with letting your Dog run in your yard, but for me if my Dog is out having fun, I'd like to be there too. Yes, I have had dogs that I just let out, and do the other things with them too... I'm just saying No Fence shouldn't be the reason you can't adopt a Dog who needs a home! Nut that's just me... |
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| maligirl1 |
| Posted 1/23/2008 2:41:45 PM |
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Active: 12-14-2007
Posts: 309
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airforcemom,i agree.but there answer to me when i told them that he would be on a leash with me when walking was"the Dog should have the freedom to run if they want.they didn't think an electric fence was adequate.too easy to run through and run off.but it worked out for me in the end.i did get a beautiful little corgi.hope you have good luck with getting a dog. |
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| pupLOVER0696 |
| Posted 1/23/2008 3:47:46 PM |
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Active: 01-23-2008
Posts: 11
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i have a mini daschund (i dont know how to spell that). i thihnk that would be a GREAT Dog with your kids and its very playful and affectionate. they get along with other animals and LOVE people. also my daschund has short hair with is very good in hot weather and you can put a little Dog sweater on it if its cold.   |
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| rambo2 |
| Posted 2/11/2008 8:44:26 PM |
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Active: 01-19-2008
Posts: 9
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AirForceMom,
Just curious -- have you found a Dog for your household yet?
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| maligirl1 |
| Posted 2/12/2008 8:23:55 AM |
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Active: 12-14-2007
Posts: 309
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i will have to agree with rambo2.no 2 dogs of the same breed will be the same(different dispos,moods,temperment) i love my corgi but maybe another corgi would have completely different personality that you wouldn't like.i hope you have found a good dog.sounds like you will be a good Dog mommy.good luck. P.S. rambo2-your Dog does sound cool. |
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| ShoobyTheDog |
| Posted 2/15/2008 5:10:49 PM |
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Active: 02-13-2008
Posts: 143
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You just discribed a Cockapoo.  |
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| backyardbreeder |
| Posted 4/28/2008 4:55:48 AM |
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Active: 04-28-2008
Posts: 5
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My husband has a lab and he likes big dogs, I like small dogs and the only kind we both liked was mini daschunds. We got one and he likes it more than the lab now. We liked it so much we got a second one. They are great with our daughter and the hair is not a problem. They are cuddlers and you don't have to worry about them getting in to much because they are vertically challenged. Get some info on them see if its a match for your family. |
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| moggie |
| Posted 4/28/2008 6:14:57 AM |
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Active: 09-01-2005
Posts: 345
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 i think you should consider a maltese 1st. they are wonderful little dogs and are for the most part the most hypoallergenic of all the breeds. they are small, very outgoing and happy go lucky. they can be kept in a puppy clip, and the girls will adore him. hubby may decide he wants something a bit more guy like, but he would easily fall in love with a maltese. you can move anywhere you want to with a maltese, even when renting. the 2nd Dog i thought of was a minature poodle. you can possibly find a mini Poodle who will be around 20#s as an adult. you will have to look hard as it seems like shady breeders have finally made the minature Poodle harder to find since they have bred toys with minis and called them either one they wanted.the Poodle is not as hypoallergenic as the maltese, but they are very intelligent and very outgoing also. my third thought would be the bichon frise. they are a bit heavier and more robust than the maltese. you did say non shedding, small to medium, somewhat hypoallergenic...these are the 2 breeds that came to mind. good luck!! |
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| regi720 |
| Posted 4/29/2008 8:24:08 AM |
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Active: 04-29-2008
Posts: 6
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Hi Airforcemom I have a suggestion I know you want a short haired Dog but I have to tell you I bought a TOY Yorkie, Hes 13 pounds so hes medium sized and he is SOOOO great with my 5 year old he hypoallergenic and hes the sweetest Dog that I ever owned..Nothing but kisses for my chidren.. so if you can put up with the hair being long but has all the other qualities you are looking for than Id say a yorkie is your dog.. I want to post a pic of Chili my sweet yorkie mind you hes not a tiny Dog hes sturdy and midsized I had a teacup yorkie he died at age 3 ..so you dont want anything like that when I bought Chili I was so thrilled with his personality he stays by me all the time and is just perfect ,, so look up toy sized Yorkies and see if one could be a fit for your family...Have a great day !
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