"Suja" wrote in message
...

"Phyrie" wrote in message:

Although I have no idea how available they would be in shelter/rescue,

That'll definitely be an issue.

There are health issues, though. Be aware of that, although I'm sure
that statement rings true for most breeds.

IMO, most breeds don't have the same type of serious issues that Cavs
have, which is unfortunate, since they're terrific dogs. I don't think I
can in good conscience recommend a breed that will develop MVD. Plus, my
vet says that every Cav she's seen has serious back problems, and that is
a really bad combination with kids.

Suja

MVD?

~shady_angel~ wrote:

MVD?




Mitral Valve Disease

"Suja" wrote in message
...

Everyone loves Shazzy. She's just that kind of dog.

Seriously! How could you not? I've only seen pictures of her, and I'm
smitten.

A larger Boston might work, although I'm not sure about the energy
levels.

That was my first thought. The Bostons I've known have been built like
little tanks--very sturdy. Or how about one of the other smaller bully
breeds? StaffyBull or a smaller Pit mix? Obviously, working with a
good rescue group is important, but there are definitely kid-friendly,
non-dog aggressive bullies out there.

Or how about a Cocker Spaniel? They need more grooming than a bully,
and there are some temperament issues in the breed, but Cockers are
common enough that there should be a good chance of finding a nice one
in rescue. They're a good size, quite sturdy, and IME generally good
with kids.

Miniature Schnauzer? My grandparents and a couple of aunts have always
had them. It's a *huge* family, with literally packs of kids of all
ages, from toddlers to teens, constantly in and out of my grandparents'
house, and their dogs were always quite happy being in the middle of
everything.

(I'll refrain from recommending a Boxer, although I was *most* adamantly
informed last week that mine is a miniature. Who knew?! Although I
will say, they are *very* clean dogs, which might appeal to BIL's wife.)

--
Shelly
http://www.cat-sidh.net (the Mother Ship)
http://esther.cat-sidh.net (Letters to Esther)

"Phyrie" wrote in message
...

"Suja" wrote in message
...

"Phyrie" wrote in message:

Although I have no idea how available they would be in shelter/rescue,

That'll definitely be an issue.

There are health issues, though. Be aware of that, although I'm sure
that statement rings true for most breeds.

IMO, most breeds don't have the same type of serious issues that Cavs
have, which is unfortunate, since they're terrific dogs. I don't think I
can in good conscience recommend a breed that will develop MVD. Plus, my
vet says that every Cav she's seen has serious back problems, and that is
a really bad combination with kids.

Suja

I thoroughly understand that. I researched as much as I could before
deciding on Cavaliers. The wonderfulness of the breed outweighed the
health concerns, for me, at that time. It remains to be seen if that
continues. Kiba's only two years old and healthy.
Kiba has one luxating patella (that the vet is fairly certain is a
traumatic injury, not congenital) and that's it. So far. I know that
it's likely he'll develop MVD, but the dogs in his breeder's lines are
long lived, even if they develop it. His grandfather is 15. Very old for
a Cav.
My vet loves Cav's too. It's pleasant when your vet is almost as
enthusiastic as you are about your dog.



We got Bindi (yes -- named after Steve Irwin's daughter) a little over a
year ago
as a companion to our other dog, Nelson. Nelson is a 6 year old pure pred
Havanese
(a breed I'd strongly recommend). Bindi is a mixed breed: half Cavalier
King
Charles Spaniel and half Coton du Tulear. We knew of the tendency toward
MVD
in the Cavs when we got Bindi, but are hoping that the Coton mix will work
towards
reducing the risk.

In any event, Bindi is a love, but a sneaky one. She loves to play,
particularly with
Nelson, and is always egging him on. She chews, too -- shoes, furniture,
paper, you
name it. Also, as a puppy she was difficult to house train. Her bladder,
particularly
as a puppy, is quite small, and when she asks to go out, you'd better be
there because
she can't hold it. If you're not there, she'll basically say "screw it" and
let go.

"~shady_angel~" said in
rec.pets.dogs.breeds:

MVD?

http://letmegooglethatforyou.com/?q=MVD+dog

The first hit is Mitral Valve Disease in Cavalier King Charles
Spaniels.

--
--Matt. Rocky's a Dog.

Shelly wrote:
"Suja" wrote in message
...

Everyone loves Shazzy. She's just that kind of dog.

Seriously! How could you not? I've only seen pictures of her, and I'm
smitten.

A larger Boston might work, although I'm not sure about the energy
levels.

That was my first thought. The Bostons I've known have been built like
little tanks--very sturdy. Or how about one of the other smaller bully
breeds? StaffyBull or a smaller Pit mix? Obviously, working with a
good rescue group is important, but there are definitely kid-friendly,
non-dog aggressive bullies out there.

Or how about a Cocker Spaniel? They need more grooming than a bully,
and there are some temperament issues in the breed, but Cockers are
common enough that there should be a good chance of finding a nice one
in rescue. They're a good size, quite sturdy, and IME generally good
with kids.

Maybe its regional, but I rarely see a Cocker
with a decent temperament.

Given a choice between a dog likely to die
young, or a dog likely to snap at kids (or
the other typical response, pee on the floor
eveytime I greeted them), I'd have to go with
the early non-biting non-pee-er.

But, like I said, that may well just be a
regional thing

Miniature Schnauzer? My grandparents and a couple of aunts have always
had them. It's a *huge* family, with literally packs of kids of all
ages, from toddlers to teens, constantly in and out of my grandparents'
house, and their dogs were always quite happy being in the middle of
everything.

Decent dogs. A bit headstrong, but pretty
sturdy and lots of personaltiy.

(I'll refrain from recommending a Boxer, although I was *most* adamantly
informed last week that mine is a miniature. Who knew?! Although I
will say, they are *very* clean dogs, which might appeal to BIL's wife.)

"Tom Royer" spoke these words of wisdom in
:

Nelson is a 6 year old pure
pred Havanese
(a breed I'd strongly recommend).

A havanese is indeed a VERY nice dog. I've never known a bad one. I've known
about 20 of them. But then, the ones I've met had exceptional owners. They
would have made any breed look good. But i agree, the Havenese that I have
met have been superior pets.

I like the Shih Tzu as well.

diddy none said in rec.pets.dogs.breeds:

A havanese is indeed a VERY nice dog. I've never known a
bad one.

Based on those I know well, I really like Havanese. They can
have an attitude, but that's what I like.

Three out of three play well with larger dogs.

--
--Matt. Rocky's a Dog.

Haven't been around here in a long while...

Someone mentioned Border Terriers. NO. Not this household at this time.
With parents who are not dog wise, this breed can be a Disaster.
Especially with a pre-schooler in the family. In addition, the adults
need to be terrier people... which I seriously doubt the wife is or ever
will be... and have to question whether your brother is (lack of
information). The humans Must be the leaders.... strong leaders. We're
doing major counselling these days to keep these dogs Out of rescue
because the owners have let their dogs get the upper hand.

They DO shed... medium amount and require special grooming. They are
highly skilled chewers with alligator jaws. All are born with a
degree in mining engineering and United Mine Workers union credentials;
indoor digging in furniture and carpets/rugs is not uncommon. They are
also professional hunters.... possibly second only to the JRT... but
it's closer to a tie between the two breeds. And are very inventive
problem solvers.

Border Ts really need a dog-savy owner... with previous successful dog
ownership experience, with brownie points if one or more of those dogs
have been another terrier breed.

14-18 into rescue in the average year in the US... 1-3 in Canada, no
placements in homes with preschoolers. We're getting more and more who
require some behavior rehab of some sort before placement... based on
lack of training and/or lack of a correct pack order.

Miniature Schnauzer is not a great breed for a family with kids under
about 7-8 yo. Frankly, this family is not Currently right for any of
the terriers... to include the bully or staffie bull. Few terrier
rescues place a dog in a home with kids under 8-10 yo.

I agree with several comments about the Havanese. Nice breed. I've
considered stealing every one we've had in our obedience classes. I
also adore the Cav. There are healthy ones... And a larger Boston
might work.

Reality 101: Just remember that, "If Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody
happy." This really may not be a great home for any dog..... because of
that. You've already said that your brother is lazy... so who's left
with the dog care? Half-hearted agreement to get a dog is a definite
minus, and sets the dog up for failure and kids with broken hearts and a
disposable-pets attitude. The kids will grow up to be quite normal if
they never have a dog. {grin} I know... heresy.... {another grin}

Jo Wolf... with Border Terriers since 1983, US coordinator for breed's
rescue since 1989.

"Tara Green" wrote in message
...
~shady_angel~ wrote:

MVD?


Mitral Valve Disease

Thanks.