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Question for dog lovers ? or experts? or?
I was at Petsmart today and everytime I go there I get all excited b/c of all the animals. A lady was walking out with her dog and it was the CUTEST THING EVER!!!!
She left before I could ask her what breed her dog was because I think I might want one of those once my lease here is up and I can finally have pets that aren't "fully aquatic". So -- I was hoping maybe someone could help me figure this one out. It was a small dog, pretty fluffy, and looked almost exactly like Lady from Disney's Lady & the Tramp. Is this even a real breed? Or maybe it was just a really pretty mutt? hehehe Thanks for the help anyone can give! |
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If it's a purebreed, it should be recognized by the American Kennel Club - here's the link to the breeds sorted by groups. http://www.akc.org/breeds/recbreeds/group.cfm
There is history and information about all breeds, and pictures. Even if the one you saw is a combination of breeds, if you browse around you can probably recognize some traits, and you might see one you like even more! If it's a small dog, I'd recommend starting in the Toy or Terrier groups. |
Re: Question for dog lovers ? or experts? or?
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If you have to have a purebred dog, there are breed rescues for nearly every breed of dog. Petsmart & Petco have both purebreed rescue as well as mixed breed rescue groups virtually every single weekend. They are FULL of wonderful dogs. Go and find the one that looks up at you & wins your heart! A rescue group will help you determine what kind of dog would be best for you and your circumstances (working long hours, in an apartment with weight limits, no yard, etc) Please trust me.... registration papers for a purebred are good for nothing more than potty training. Please don't support the puppy mills!!! Never ever buy a dog from a pet store. |
While I think "Lady" from "Lady and the Tramp" was a cocker spaniel, please allow me to push my mama's dog, the Bichon Frise.
http://www.bichon.org/images/photos/1puponas2.jpg I am very allergic to dogs & cats, and she wanted a dog very badly after my daddy passed away. After much prayer, we found an elderly couple who had had a puppy mill, but were going into a home. The puppies all gone, my mama adopted the Sire, Mister Buff, or Buffy. This was a happy ending for all involved in this particular puppy mill, as both the sire & dam both had champion lines, and were only 4 years old. Buffy is a 14# bundle of fluffy love, and even though I didn't particularly care for dogs, he has me wrapped around his little paw! I'm his "Mama #2" and brush him almost daily - with not sneezing! Here's some more about bichons. |
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He is the cutesy "schmootsiest" thing I've ever seen! :D So you don't sneeze when you brush him? Because I am allergic too, but would love a less allergenic dog, if it was possible? Maybe his fur is a bit more "wooly" so he is less sneeze-causing? Hmmm.... |
I luv those dogs! I could just eat them they are so cute!
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I had put my nose directly into dozens of dogs before I found that the Bichon's appeal was true - no sneezing, no hives - nothing. I would even let him sleep on my bed - and I have NEVER allowed an animal to do that! If I had to say that Buffy was a problem, it is that he loves TOO much! He will fret when my mama leaves him, sometimes to the point of semi-hysteria. This could be from being a rescued dog, too, though. Also, he was sitting on her desk (since they're so little, bichons like to be up on a people level) when the mailman dared to come, and he made a flying squirrel-like leap at him - and tore his ligament. Now, he lets us carry him up steps that are too much for him - like a purse! |
This isn't Buffy, but this was his non-smart manuever:
http://www.bichon.org/images/photos/flyingpu2.jpg This is the "show cut". Buffy is a bit more relaxed. http://www.bichon.org/images/photos/bichnfem2.jpg The texture of his fur, when brushed out, is similar to a flotaki rug, only softer. It's incredibly soft!! |
I second the recommendation for adopting a dog from a breed rescue group, or even a shelter. There are plenty of purebreds that come to shelters, too. (And lots of cute mutts of course! :D ) I got mine at a shelter, and he's a purebred, and the best dog on earth!
While we're talking about breeds of dogs we love, I'm going to give props to the Welsh Terrier. They're small, don't shed, and can live in an apartment or a house. Terriers aren't for everyone...they're very energetic and they can have a bit of an attitude. But if you like a spirited, intelligent dog they can't be beat! Here's information and cute pics of Welshies, from WTCARES (the breed rescue group), and here are pictures of Barney, my Welshie. |
I'll echo what other people said about checking out breed rescue programs or even the pound. If you decide you want a certain breed, and it's a relatively common one, there's a good chance you could find one in an area pound.
Definitely better than supporting puppy mills where animals are poorly treated! Also puppy mill dogs are often not so healthy, so if you got one from there you may be getting yourself into a lot more medical bills than you would otherwise want! Honeychile, that dog is ADORABLE!!! My small terrier has hurt herself jumping off things, and sometimes we carry her up the stairs, too, when they're too much (and when her pride will allow us to.) :D |
Yes, "Lady" from Lady and the Tramp is a Cocker Spaniel. How do I know? I know because I own a Cocker Spaniel. :)
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http://userpic.livejournal.com/6057534/171752 http://userpic.livejournal.com/6057701/171752 http://userpic.livejournal.com/6435832/171752 http://userpic.livejournal.com/8785941/171752
Lhasa Poo! Our last doggie was a purebred and kind of a monster to everybody but me. Charlie is a great dog, albiet spoiled. :D |
GeekyPenguin, your dog is too adorable! :D
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I would definitely recommend a maltese! My family adopted ours from a rescue after she was abandoned in a closet when her family moved. We've had her now for over 10 years and she is just the sweetest thing. She travels with us almost everywhere and everyone just loves her. We don't like her hair long, like the show dogs, so we keep her hair in a puppy cut. I wish I had a picture of her to share because she is just too cute. :)
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Love the pound puppies, but...
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You do run a risk doing this. You could adopt a dog with serious medical issues or behavioral problems that you are not prepared to resolve. Most shelter dogs come with no medical evaluation or vet work. Crappy dog owners often dump their dogs at shelters when they contract heartworms because the treatment is $500-$800. It is a terrible situation for the unsuspecting adopter who gets the dog from a shelter, but cannot afford this unexpected expense. Adopting from rescue saves you from this dilemma. A reputable rescue organization will have had their dogs fully vetted, vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and treated for existing medical problems. These dogs are often housetrained and have some obedience training done by the rescue group, too. A rescue group will often be able to give you an idea of the dog's temperament, exercise requirements, and help find the RIGHT dog for you. Sure, you may want a Labrador, but they will help you see that a Chihuahua is a better fit in your 850 sq ft apartment with no yard! These groups get their dogs from the local shelters, so you are still saving a little life! |
The shelters near me all do a vet check on their dogs, and if the dogs have heartworm, they do the treatment and do NOT adopt the dog out until the treatment is completed. Granted, these are private shelters and not city animal control...although the shelter right down the block from me gets most of its dogs from animal control.
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I have a cocker spanial Lhasa mix that we got from a shelter. He was a puppy when we got him and his owners gave him up because they did not like his coloring, but I love my baby Skittles and I would not give him up for anything. One thing about cocker spanials tough is that they can be very tempermental, but if you take time with them they defentaly work through it. Good luck with your dog search and to agree with everyone else look at shelters first.
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yay! thanks so much for all the comments/suggestions.
When my lease is up in the summer, I will definitely check out the animal shelters to adopt :) honeychile, i think Buffy is the absolute cutest little puppy i have ever seen! and that is really awesome that they are less allergic-reaction causing too. :) |
Has anyone mentioned petfinder.com? You can sort by breed, type of animal, geographic locations. It's mind-boggling. It's how I found my Sally (who, BTW, is a REAL dog, not a little yappy one like you ladies seem to prefer ;) )
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/4...51680000003610 That's Sally in front with Roxanne in the back. My babies:) |
all the pics people are posting of their dogs just make me wish i could get a puppy right now!!!! awwww!
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As you may have guessed by my comments, I have been involved in animal rescue for many many years. It is my passion! You are absolutely right when you say that a responsible shelter/ pound would do the vet work that I discussed (vax, spay/neuter/ HW test & treatment, etc, etc). Private shelters and rescue groups DO routinely provide this kind fo medical care. City run shelters and humane societies rarely have the funds for this kind of medical care :-( It is so expensive. Also, the city facilities do not have the kennel space or personnel to care for animals needing lengthy medical treatment. Rescue groups work closely with city shelters to save those animals and provide medical care. |
I am a huge animal lover and I agree that adoption is better than buying a pure bred any day but I also agree that you have to be very carefull! My family has ended up adopting a lot of animals from other families that adopted them from the shelter and then realized that the dog had a lot of medical issues. While there are a lot od places that are nice, clean and a great place to adopt from there are many that are not!! Make sure you scope out the facilities!!
On the other side I do have a pure bred cocker spaniel (unpapered) that is the joy of my day. He has the best personality and I had a save him from the bad place he was in as a puppy. |
I have been working with English Bulldog Rescue for 8 years now. I'm the webmaster for their site: http://www.buddiesthrubullies.org
We rescue dogs from shelters or people surrender them to us. We nurse them back to health & then find them good homes. We take on allt he expenses, which is why we hold several fundraisers every year (and accept paypal donations!) Our biggest event is the Bullympics, where 30+ bulldogs compete for the gold! It's hilarious to see so many bullies in one place. but I digree... there are lots of breed-specific rescues. Here's a page that I maintain for breed rescuers in Florida: http://flarescue.tripod.com |
Re: Re: Question for dog lovers ? or experts? or?
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Re: Love the pound puppies, but...
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It sounds like you're talking about a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Small, very fluffy-looking, great big old eyes. Very expensive, too. :p
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We just adopted a labrador retriever mix from the Humane Society (he also has some Chow in him that we didn't know about until we took him to the local vet for a well dog exam), and I know that they (the Humane Society) did the vet check and microchipping as well....I think it depends on the area that you are in....but I agree about adopting from places like this, we've adopted both of our current dogs from there, and both of them have such awesome personalities....now, if they'd only get along so they could run in the same yard together...:(
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I know that Pet Smart has adoption days on the weekends, but we didn't like the breeds of dogs they had (too big for an apartment). I wanted so badly to take them all home and give them love, but ya just can't :(
Another good, smaller dog is a PUG! That's what I wanted origonally because of my allergies. But those little pups can be expensive too :) |
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For someone who knows, thetalady perhaps, isn't it true that a lot of purebred dogs tend to have certain health problems that go along with their breeds? The results of inbreeding over time, is what I remember hearing. Like, smushed-nose dogs with their breathing problems, and dogs of another breed (can't remember which) that have a high chance of having hip problems, etc? A good reason to go for a mutt, not a purebred! And yes, I'm the proud owner of a little yappy mutt from the shelter. :) |
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I love my mutts! I've had purebred dogs, and I've loved them too, but my mutts are something special:D |
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Labs- allergies & hip problems Bulldogs- horrible allergies & ear infections Cocker spaniels- serious ear & eye problems Pugs- breathing & eye problems Great Danes- bloat and on & on & on...... Many breeds have problems inherent with their physical characteristics which are the fault of human design. Many breeds are basically man-made, concocted for human vanity rather than functionality. Other problems can occur due to poor breeding and inbreeding. I am a Lab lover, myself. With this breed, hip dysplasia is simply a common fact of their lives, sort of like arthritis with us. The AKC site given earlier is good for identifying common problems. I also agree that mixed breeds often seem to be healthier overall than many pure breds. Just depends on the dog. I do have a couple of "All American" dogs myself! |
I adopted the most beautiful, sweet and cuddly Alaskan Malamute from a rescue group. The poor gal was born with juvenile cataracts and had been blind most of her short life (she was 18 months old when I adopted her). The group's national parent group paid for her to have surgery so that she could see again. Since she was blind and very dependent on humans, she's very sweet but suffers from separation anxiety. The poor girl ended up on IVs the last time I boarded her because she was so stressed out that she couldn't eat and was having the runs. She's the perfect dog, when I'm home, but she really is sad and stressed when I go away.
Dee |
Visit dogbreedinfo.com for more information on all sorts of dogs.
As for me, I nominate the rottweiler as BEST BREED EVER! EDITED TO ADD - The Great Dane is a close second though! |
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As for breeds & diseases, Bichons sometimes develop a non-malignant tumor at the back of their throats which causes them to cough. When my lil Buffy goes into a coughing fit, he looks up at us, like "What just happened? I'm so scared!" We're going to see about the possibility of having it removed. |
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Labs-bloat bull dogs-elongated soft palates, breathing problems, labor problems (for those stupid people that "breed" them) Great Danes-live to about 8-9 years of age (not long enough for me), hip problems cocker spaniels-behavior problems (many bite believe it or not), skin allergies, cherry eye no dog is perfect but you need to find the one for you. For example: if you are looking for a running partner do not get a bulldog or chihuahua (I know this seems common sense but we have had many heat stroked bulldogs-hello people they cannot breath as it is). make sure you budget at least 100$ per month and put this away for possible medical problems/expenses. I just spent 700$ on my cat that was vomiting and that was 1/2 off at the clinic I work at. Bottom line-animals are an expense, they WILL cost you money. I highly recommend looking into pet insurance also. This is becoming more and more popular and useful but buyer beware there are some bad companies out there so do your research! |
AGDee,
My dog had terrible, terrible separation anxiety. I think a lot of it had to do with the fact that he had three homes in two weeks. (his original owner brought him to the shelter at age six and a half, because he and the other dog they had were too rough around the new baby, then he was adopted out for less than a week but brought back because the other family also had a baby and he was too nippy around their baby. He's the only baby here though...actually, he's wonderful when we see babies on the street or at the park, he sits there and lets them pet him. I think it's just a matter of him living with and competing for attention with one - he is a major attention hog! but I digress.) He'd pee and poop in the house whenever he was left alone, no matter if we were gone for 5 minutes or 5 hours, no matter how long a walk he was on before we left. My vet recommended I put him on Clomicalm and I finally did that just after Thanksgiving. It's a drug specifically to treat separation anxiety in dogs. Costs around $30/month. Barney will be on it for six months and then he'll be weaned off it, if everything goes well. It took about three weeks to kick in but it's worked WONDERS since it has. I give him a pill once a day in the morning and I no longer come home to surprises in the house! You might want to look into it for your dog. |
I have a friend (who is also a vet.) that has her weimi on Clomicalm as he has separation anxiety and it works well. She still cannot kenel him when she goes out of town but she can at least leave the house and not worry about what she is going to find when she comes home from work.
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Anyone know anything about Vizslas, Bernese Mountain Dogs or Bearded Collies. I am looking for a new puppy and I have a couple of questions. PM me.
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