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#1
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Breed recommendation?
My BIL and kids (almost 3 and 7) are thinking about getting a dog. My SIL is
not a dog person, but BIL seems to think he can talk her into it, and he LOVES dogs. She's been around my dogs for ages and is fine with them, pets then, gives them treats, has offered to watch when we're on vacation (more out of politeness than anything else, IMO) etc. but just not that into dogs. He is thinking something along the lines of a Beagle. I suggested adult, already known good with kids and mellow, because while BIL is a nice guy and loves dogs, he's also lazy. I also said that unless SIL is on board 100%, no dog for them, because she is going to be spending a good amount of time with the dog, and will have to be at least somewhat responsible for care. I think part of SIL's problem is the cleanliness issue, and I was thinking that a low-shed dog might be better, but can't think of a low-shed breed that fits all the other criteria (likely to be kid friendly, mellow, easily house trained, sturdy, easy to find in shelter/rescue). The kids are generally good with dogs. The 7 year old, especially so. The 3 year old has his moments (he is not hurtful, just has moments where he runs around like a wild beast and might not watch where he's going), but is generally a good kid. BIL and SIL work opposite schedules, so time alone for the dog will be minimal. Assuming that all dogs get along, I've volunteered to watch the dog for them when they go away on vacation. I think that a larger dog would work better in their situation, but SIL is more likely to agree if the dog is smaller (20 - 30 pound range). I'm not sure at all about Beagles as a choice for them, because while they are generally good natured dogs that are likely to get along with humans and dogs, they also tend to be less tractable, more likely to be unreliable off-leash, and can be loud. What sort of dog would you recommend (if any)? Suja |
#2
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Breed recommendation?
"Suja" wrote in message ... My BIL and kids (almost 3 and 7) are thinking about getting a dog. My SIL is not a dog person, but BIL seems to think he can talk her into it, and he LOVES dogs. She's been around my dogs for ages and is fine with them, pets then, gives them treats, has offered to watch when we're on vacation (more out of politeness than anything else, IMO) etc. but just not that into dogs. He is thinking something along the lines of a Beagle. I suggested adult, already known good with kids and mellow, because while BIL is a nice guy and loves dogs, he's also lazy. I also said that unless SIL is on board 100%, no dog for them, because she is going to be spending a good amount of time with the dog, and will have to be at least somewhat responsible for care. I think part of SIL's problem is the cleanliness issue, and I was thinking that a low-shed dog might be better, but can't think of a low-shed breed that fits all the other criteria (likely to be kid friendly, mellow, easily house trained, sturdy, easy to find in shelter/rescue). The kids are generally good with dogs. The 7 year old, especially so. The 3 year old has his moments (he is not hurtful, just has moments where he runs around like a wild beast and might not watch where he's going), but is generally a good kid. BIL and SIL work opposite schedules, so time alone for the dog will be minimal. Assuming that all dogs get along, I've volunteered to watch the dog for them when they go away on vacation. I think that a larger dog would work better in their situation, but SIL is more likely to agree if the dog is smaller (20 - 30 pound range). I'm not sure at all about Beagles as a choice for them, because while they are generally good natured dogs that are likely to get along with humans and dogs, they also tend to be less tractable, more likely to be unreliable off-leash, and can be loud. What sort of dog would you recommend (if any)? Suja Although I have no idea how available they would be in shelter/rescue, I can't recommend Cavalier King Charles Spaniels highly enough. They top out at 20 pounds though (I keep Kiba at 17-18 pounds), so may not be as large as your BIL would like. But for sheer love in a fur coat, you can't beat a Cav. They are content to lie at your feet, or run in the bush, whatever you want. They're intelligent, and easily trained. They do not like to be alone, but that won't be a problem in your BIL's situation. If any animal can convince your SIL that dogs are swell, it's one of these guys! Just MHO, of course. :-D There are health issues, though. Be aware of that, although I'm sure that statement rings true for most breeds. -- Phyrie Kiba the Cav's Pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/phyrie/...758930/detail/ |
#3
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Breed recommendation?
Suja wrote:
My BIL and kids (almost 3 and 7) are thinking about getting a dog. My SIL is not a dog person, but BIL seems to think he can talk her into it, and he LOVES dogs. She's been around my dogs for ages and is fine with them, pets then, gives them treats, has offered to watch when we're on vacation (more out of politeness than anything else, IMO) etc. but just not that into dogs. He is thinking something along the lines of a Beagle. I suggested adult, already known good with kids and mellow, because while BIL is a nice guy and loves dogs, he's also lazy. I also said that unless SIL is on board 100%, no dog for them, because she is going to be spending a good amount of time with the dog, and will have to be at least somewhat responsible for care. I think part of SIL's problem is the cleanliness issue, and I was thinking that a low-shed dog might be better, but can't think of a low-shed breed that fits all the other criteria (likely to be kid friendly, mellow, easily house trained, sturdy, easy to find in shelter/rescue). The kids are generally good with dogs. The 7 year old, especially so. The 3 year old has his moments (he is not hurtful, just has moments where he runs around like a wild beast and might not watch where he's going), but is generally a good kid. BIL and SIL work opposite schedules, so time alone for the dog will be minimal. Assuming that all dogs get along, I've volunteered to watch the dog for them when they go away on vacation. I think that a larger dog would work better in their situation, but SIL is more likely to agree if the dog is smaller (20 - 30 pound range). I'm not sure at all about Beagles as a choice for them, because while they are generally good natured dogs that are likely to get along with humans and dogs, they also tend to be less tractable, more likely to be unreliable off-leash, and can be loud. What sort of dog would you recommend (if any)? Suja Afew additional points to consider in evaluating potential dogs. How large is their house and is it multistory or otherwise problematic for older dogs? How will their yard be set up? If they have a fence is it easy to dig under, jump over, or climb? Do they live in the mid-Atlanic region or is the climate unusually stressful for some breeds? In terms of cleanliness most things scale simply with size, but drool is an exception. It is usually a minor problem for dogs under 60 lbs and a major consideration over 100 lbs. How does the SIL feel about drool? IF she can stand it the most tolerant dog with kids might be the Neuf. Generally with children under six years of age I recommend avoiding most breeds under 15 lbs, as too fragile. I would also avoid most terriers, as too active and nippy. However the two Border Terriers I have known would have worked well with young children. Not as loud as beagles, but unreliable off leash. The two Airedales I have known were also relatively calm for terriers. If the BIL is considering Beagles he might also consider a Basset Hound. The strong pack orientation often bounds well with kids. The size is big enough to put up with minor abuse. They look smaller than they really are because of their legs, which might appeal to the SIL. I believe they are easier to train than a Beagle, not that that's saying much. The contractor that built our house had a well trained pair that could be walked reliably off leash. They are loud, however, and can have problems with drool. If they are not looking for a playmate for the kids, an older Greyhound could work out well. With children that small I would avoid the nippier herding breeds: Shelties, Corgies, and Heelers. How do they feel about your brother's Boston Terrier? If they like him wouw would they feel about a French Bulldog? I have really liked the personalities of the Shar-Peis I have met,, but they do seem prone to eye and skin problems. -- Bill Clodius los the lost and net the pet to email |
#4
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Breed recommendation?
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#5
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Breed recommendation?
"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 |
#6
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Breed recommendation?
"William Clodius" wrote in message: How large is their house and is it multistory or otherwise problematic for older dogs? It's your typical multistory townhouse. Plenty big, but lots of stairs. However, my dogs do just fine there, and they aren't spring chicken exactly. How will their yard be set up? If they have a fence is it easy to dig under, jump over, or climb? Do they live in the mid-Atlanic region or is the climate unusually stressful for some breeds? Yard is the size of a small deck. 6' privacy fenced. It might work for emergency potty purposes, but not otherwise. They live fairly close to me, so no harsh weather conditions (other than ice in winter and hotter than hades heat in summer) IF she can stand it the most tolerant dog with kids might be the Neuf. Are you kidding me? Drool + hair. It's the stuff her nightmares are made of, I'm sure. How do they feel about your brother's Boston Terrier? If they like him wouw would they feel about a French Bulldog? Everyone loves Shazzy. She's just that kind of dog. A larger Boston might work, although I'm not sure about the energy levels. I have really liked the personalities of the Shar-Peis I have met,, but they do seem prone to eye and skin problems. Plus, they tend to be dog aggressive. Suja |
#7
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Breed recommendation?
In article ,
Suja wrote: 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. Yeah - they seem like awfully nice dogs but the health problems just sound insane. It's not something I would choose for myself. -- Melinda Shore - Software longa, hardware brevis - Prouder than ever to be a member of the reality-based community |
#8
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Breed recommendation?
Suja wrote:
"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. There are dozens of Cavs in my area. Only the teeeeniest minority came from breeders that I wouldn't want to beat with a large stick. But only a small number of them have developed the physical problems that the breed is famous for. The one I was keeping an eye on most (puppy mill Cavvy, from a warehouse style pet shop) has, at age 7, some slight arthritis in his back leg. That's about it. While I think its important to be careful, and I know my experience is nothing more than anecdotal, I simply haven't been seeing a higher percentage of issues in that breed than in any other. |
#9
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Breed recommendation?
Tara Green spoke these words of wisdom in
: Suja wrote: "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. There are dozens of Cavs in my area. Only the teeeeniest minority came from breeders that I wouldn't want to beat with a large stick. But only a small number of them have developed the physical problems that the breed is famous for. The one I was keeping an eye on most (puppy mill Cavvy, from a warehouse style pet shop) has, at age 7, some slight arthritis in his back leg. That's about it. While I think its important to be careful, and I know my experience is nothing more than anecdotal, I simply haven't been seeing a higher percentage of issues in that breed than in any other. My vet adores Cavs. He has tried several times to import and/or find good breeders, doing health tests. He think's he's found "The one" at great expense, and after great vetting of the breeders, and every dog he's purchased has developed issues relatively young eliminating them as breeding prospects. Of course my vet was aware of the problems of the breed, and went looking for issues long before they were clinical. So perhaps the owners of the cavs that you are familiar with simply haven't looked yet? Perhaps their issues are subclinical? How about a Boykin? |
#10
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Breed recommendation?
diddy wrote:
Tara Green spoke these words of wisdom in : Suja wrote: "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. There are dozens of Cavs in my area. Only the teeeeniest minority came from breeders that I wouldn't want to beat with a large stick. But only a small number of them have developed the physical problems that the breed is famous for. The one I was keeping an eye on most (puppy mill Cavvy, from a warehouse style pet shop) has, at age 7, some slight arthritis in his back leg. That's about it. While I think its important to be careful, and I know my experience is nothing more than anecdotal, I simply haven't been seeing a higher percentage of issues in that breed than in any other. My vet adores Cavs. He has tried several times to import and/or find good breeders, doing health tests. He think's he's found "The one" at great expense, and after great vetting of the breeders, and every dog he's purchased has developed issues relatively young eliminating them as breeding prospects. Of course my vet was aware of the problems of the breed, and went looking for issues long before they were clinical. So perhaps the owners of the cavs that you are familiar with simply haven't looked yet? Perhaps their issues are subclinical? Nope. As much as I hate to say it out loud for fear of contributing to BYBs and puppy mill sales, the only cavs that *are* showing any of the dreaded diseases are owned by people who carefully researched. Trust me, I made certain that those I knew with BYB and PM Cavs were up to date on all the things that can go wrong. These are affluent people living in an affluent neighborhood in NYC. The vets in this neighborhood are beyond amazing. If there's a problem, it would be found. That's not the case....at least in my immediate vicinity. |
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