Dog Breeds, Expense

On Wed, 23 Aug 2006 03:38:12 GMT, Thomas Silverstein
wrote:

Do you think that certain types of dogs tend to require a greater
financial commitment that others in terms of food, housing, veterinary
care and so on? Are there particular breeds that you feel require far less
or far more financial resources in order to properly care for them.

I'm not asking in terms of the price one might pay to a breeder in order
to purchase the dog. I'm asking in terms of the financial means required
to properly care for the animal.

I would not want to bring an animal into my home that I would be unable to
properly provide for.

I think even more important than the breed is the breeder. Every
breed has genetic health problems that are of concern in the breed.
Most breeders don't test for these health problems in their breeding
stock and you can end up with seriously expensive and heart-breaking
health problems because of it. If a breeder can't tell you what
diseases run in the breed and what testing they have done to prevent
those diseases popping up in their puppies, RUN! Vague assurances
that their dogs have always been healthy or there aren't any problems
in this breed also mean you should run away. Good breeders will be
able to show you how they have looked to the health of each puppy
produced by genetic testing and record keeping back generations and
will be proud to tell you all about what they have done. They pride
themselves on it and want you to know how well they are doing by their
dogs and won't have any reason to be vague or evasive. Do the
research before you see the dogs. Many a good intention is thrown out
the window when you see a cute little puppy!

--
Paula
"Anyway, other people are weird, but sometimes they have candy,
so it's best to try to get along with them." Joe Bay