What breed is best for me???

[Emery7]

Hi there! I am looking for a certain breed of dog to get. I adopted a beagle mix with a jack russell, and he is way too high strung for me. So, I am having to give him back to the foster home. I feel horrible about doing it, but I need a dog I can live with for 10-15 years (typical life expectancy). I don't care the size of the dog, but personality wise, I want a more laid back dog, a dog who LOOOOVES to cuddle (very important), and a dependent dog compared to an independent dog. The beagle/russell mix I have, he is pretty independent, and I want more of a dependent dog. Any suggestions?? I have actually looked into Chinese Crested's. What I've read, and heard about them from breeders sounds exactly what I want, but they are very hard to find, and I don't have the money to buy one from a breeder if they are asking over $200 for it. Please help!!! Thank you!! I hope to hear lots of responses!

GOD Bless!!
~*countriecurls*~

 

[Wolflily]

Hello there!
Much as I'm not a fan of purebreeds, you can't really go wrong with a Golden Retriever. Standard Poodles and Greyhounds could fit your profile but how big do you want to go?

I have three mixed breeds who are all incredibly smart, healthy, and beautiful, too! One is a husky/golden/sheperd mix and she's fifteen - very healthy for her age but does have arthritis and hypothyroidism. (Both treatable to some degree) She weighs about 50 lbs and looks like a golden wolf.
One is a husky/pitbull/sheperd mix and he's 8 1/2 and the rascal of the bunch. Some of it is his breeding but he also came to me when he was 2 years old - unneutered, untrained and unsocialized. He's come a HUGE way but it's taken a lot of work! He's about 45 lbs and is smooth coated with sheperd markings and one brown and one blue eye.
The last is mixed with we think Italian greyhound and maybe some type of small spaniel. She's so cute! She's 16 and looks like a miniature Saluki hound. VERY sweet dog - also pretty healthy for her age. She is in renal failure (kidneys) and needs a special diet, is going blind and deaf, and is getting a little arthritic, but she's spunky as ever and very happy.

I usually recommend mixed breeds - they are typically healthier and less high-strung, but you've got to know what breeds you've got mixed in there and if those combos work for you! In your case, the beagle mix was definitely too much!
Hope that helps - take your time and look around - don't rush and the right one will come along eventually.
Wolflily

 

[Dagna]

Ok, your first problem was getting a beagle/JRT mix lol...both very high strung, especially the JRT. In your situation, I would avoid pretty much all terriers, herding breeds, and definately labs. Considering also your monetary situation, where you mentioned you couldn't spend more than $200, go down to your local municipal shelter. Don't focus on a specific breed of dog, just go down and look for the dog with the personality you want. You may be looking at an older dog as well, as they are not quite as active. Maybe a chihuahua. They tend to be very laid back and cuddly, however if you have children, it may not be the best option as they tend to be nippy. I also, wouldn't get a CC. I considered it, but one they are very hard to find. If you can find a breeder, you're usually looking at about $1000 for a pet quality. A breed rescue will run about $200-250. Also, they are very difficult to care for. They must wear sweaters int he winter, cannot wear wool or have lanolin anywhere near them due to allergies, must have sunscreen on when they go outside and also should have mosturizer applied to their skin. So...expensive to care for.

My best advice, just go to a shelter and look for a dog with a personality that matches what you want. You can also contact rescue groups and tell them what you want, and most should match up a dog that is what you want.

 

[Emery7]

Hey there. Alright, about the Chinese Crested, there are also powderpuff Chinese Crested's! But any more feedback on dogs??? It's greatly appreciated!! Please help!

 

[ShetlandRose]

If you do a Google (or in my case DogPile) search and use the words "dog breed quiz" (don't use the quotation marks) you will come up with several websites that offer questionnaires to help you select breeds of dogs for yourself or your family (some ask more questions than others). You might find it fun to play with those a bit for a good idea of what types of dogs will most fit your ideals and lifestyle.

ShetlandRose

 

[Emery7]

Hi there. It's me. I'm very heartbroken, and torn as to whether I should get rid of my puppy (the beagle jack russell mix). I need prayer!!

Please continue to send different ideas on dogs, and it doesn't even have to be a certain breed, mix's are good too. But please pray for me!

 

[Emery7]

Alright, over dinner tonight (which I went to dinner around 8:00pm), and after lots and lots of prayer, and crying, and thinking ~ I've figured out what I am going to do!!! I'm going to keep my puppy, Sullivan! I love him so much, and after thinking so much about giving him away, all of the reasons why I love him, and all of the reasons why I CAN'T give him away came into my heart! He is only 17 weeks old, and he's doing so great for being that age!! He's already house trained, he just has a *few* minor accidents in the house, typically if another animal has pee'd (my mom's dog isn't house trained, and I live with my mom). He is just an awesome dog, and I know that I want to keep him!

I'm going to exercise him for at the least 30 minutes per day, and I'm also going to start taking him to training classes! I think exercising with him will help take away some of his "hyperness"!! Anywho ~~ Just wanted to update everyone! If this doesn't work out, after exercising with Sullivan, and taking him to training, and I start to feel the way I did a couple of days ago (about not wanting him) then I'll consider giving him away again, but I feel like God is telling me to keep him, and make sure to try EVERYTHING with him before ever giving him up, and I truly feel that this idea will work! Anywho ~~ Thank you everyone for everything!

Any additional comments about how to train him, or how to get out some of his hyperness would be awesome! Thank you everyone for your prayers and comments!

GOD Bless!!!

 

[SnowOwlMoon]

Training class is an excellent idea! You have a mix of 2 intelligent, high-energy breeds. A goal to try for is the CGC certificate (Canine Good Citizen), given by the AKC to all breeds and mixes. When he gets older, you might look into doing competition obedience, flyball, agility or some other dog sport to occupy his mind and harness that energy. We have our Airedale mix in agility, and he LOVES it! We have also done flyball and herding with him--anything to wear out brain and body. (A tired dog is a good dog!).

 

[Emery7]

Well, I am wanting to give Sullivan back to the foster mom I got him from next week. I believe that is what God wants me to do, and I believe that God will find Sullivan a great home with other dogs! As for me and searching for a dog... I am going to be so careful! I have a friend who works for a Chinese Crested rescue, and she said she can find me a Crested. Which the Crested's have the personality I want. I also found a dog online on a rescue site, I've talked with the lady, and she said that this puppy is a very laid back dog, and just *loves* to snuggle! She also said that I could take her home with me for a couple of days to see if she is right for me. She is a cutie pie. Does anyone think I'm rushing into things? My dad feels like I am pressing the issue of getting another dog. Anywho ~ comments are welcome!! GOD Bless!!

 

[ShetlandRose]

Sounds like you want a Chinese Crested! ... And it appears that you have done research on the breed. Didn't you say there is another dog in the house that your mother owns? What breed is that? Will they get along?

I believe that Sullivan will do fine in another home. A dog that young and energetic will adapt to new people if they are kind.

It is very good that you can try your new dog for a few days, so you wouldn't be locked into a contract immediately. I sure hope it works out for both you and the "right" dog. So many dogs need loving homes out there. Just one teensy caution...sometimes rescued dogs can have problems not of their own making. And it can take patience to develop a bond and relationship (just like rescued children). Love and patience, that's what I use.

Wishing you "Happy Tails!"

ShetlandRose

 

[sonshnes]

Hiya! I have a cockapoo, or so the animal shelter where I got her says. It's a mix between a cocker spaniel and poodle. She can sometimes be a little hyper or get really excited from the cocker spaniel in her, but she's a great dog. No one, and I mean no one, can sit on the floor without having her in their lap in a matter of 2 seconds. She loves to play around and have fun; I don't consider her high strung. Obviously, you'd have to look for a cockapoo at a shelter or something, but I think they're great. Of course, I'm biased.

 

[ShetlandRose]

Just wanted to add here...

I have 2 rescued dogs. My Sheltie was hyper when I adopted her because she had come from a home with an ADD child and marital troubles, but it didn't take very long before she became comfortable and secure. There isn't a dog on the planet that is as LOVING as this sweet Sheltie or as intelligent. She is my constant companion.

My Border Collie was rescued as the syringe was actually in the hand of the person who was going to euthanize him. Got there just in time! He is quiet and completely devoted and loyal, but my husband had to take a firm hand in training. Patience pays off. We have 2 wonderful dogs (and I hope they think about us in the same way).

Rescued dogs can be greatly rewarding.

ShetlandRose

 

[Emery7]

ShetlandRose ~ Hey there. My mom's dog living at home is a Dachshund that is around 8 or 9 years old. She is pretty laid back, and doesn't like to play much. When Sullivan (the beagle/jack russell mix) wants to play with her, she just growls at him. Although, when my brother brings his long-haired Dachshund over, she is fine, and will only *sometimes* play with his dog. Alright... I am definitely looking for a more laid back, cuddly dog! I have researched the Chinese Crested's pretty extensively, and I have talked with breeders, and people who own them, and people who rescue them. They sound like exactly what I want! Now I am having the dilemma of the other girl puppy I mentioned before, which is an American Staffordshire Terrier mix, the one that I could keep for a couple of days before saying I want to adopt her or not. To adopt her, it will be $200. She has been microchipped, and she will be nuetered prior to adoption. She is current on all of her shots, and is on heartworm and flea prevention. So it covers a lot of medical expenses. I paid $175 for my boyfriend's rescued Golden, and he was only nuetered, and up to date on shots. My boyfriend wants to microchip his Golden, Beau is his name. I would have to SAVE to adopt this puppy! Unless someone would help me out in my family. But I'm not sure if I should *wait* for a little bit before getting another dog. My dad suggests I should do that. But I feel like I will be passing up the opportunity of getting the girl puppy (her name is Chastity), and then I feel like if I get Chastity, that I will pass up the chance to get a Chinese Crested. Which the Crested's despite maybe having skin problems, they absolutely LOOOVE to cuddle! My mom also thinks that I am not being fair to Sullivan, and that he is an awesome dog, which I completely agree with her there, but I think it would only be fair to Sullivan and myself to give him to a home where he would match their personality better. I just cannot see myself with Sullivan for 15 years, especially since he doesn't like to cuddle a lot! He will cuddle with me, but only for like 1 minute at the max. And I just want a COMPLETELY CUDDLY dog!!! Any suggestions on what to do in my situation?

sonshnes ~ I researched cockapoo's! They are just adorable!! Thank you for letting me know of their temperment! I'll definitely look into that!!

 

[ShetlandRose]

Hi countriecurls! The American Staffordshire Terrier (Pitbull) mix would be one I would have to advise to be very cautious of. I know lots of them are great dogs, and I have known some of them. They have a lot of vitality and will fight an enemy to the death. Training can produce an obedient dog, but it will have to be able to distinguish immediately the intentions of visitors or strangers and not be agressive with other dogs. Please don't anyone jump on me here! In some counties of my home state of Michigan it is illegal to own an AST (sometimes called American Pitbull Terrier) or a Pitbull cross. They make excellent guard dogs. Honestly, I would be nervous for the safety of your mom's Dachshund. (Oh, I just know people are going to jump all over me!)

But I don't want a guard dog. I love the mushy, cuddly love-type dogs. Shelties are my life-long love, but I have also owned (been owned by) other dogs such as a Golden Retriever (wonderful dog) and a Collie (another rescued dog) and of course my Border Collie.

You won't be doing Sullivan a favor if you keep him when you would rather have a different type dog with a temperment more to your liking. I can almost guarantee that because of your feelings you will sooner or later pass him on to another home. Sullivan will thrive with a family who wants a Beagle-Jack Russell type dog. Then everyone will be happy.

I'm not familiar with the Chinese Crested breed, so I looked it up in my favorite dog breed book. Wow, they're cute little darlings, aren't they? My book said that it is believed they originated in Ethiopia or Turkey (possibly the Orient) but no information exists. It also reported they are "lively, cheerful, intelligent, never noisy or agressive and the breed is a companion dog that needs a warm atmosphere." So--do you live in a warm climate?

What do you want most? I remember my first Sheltie. I had always wanted a Sheltie ...always...always...always. I saved up and bought her and we spent almost 16 years together. And I have had Shelties ever since (her babies and rescued Shelties too). People said, "Oh they shed too much." Well, I have a brush and a vacuum. "They're yappy." No they aren't--but they talk to me.

So it comes down to your decision. What do you think would be the happiest for you and your dog (whomever it may be)? It's tough, I know.

Keep posting please. I sure want to find out what happens.

ShetlandRose

 

[HesMyAll]

I think that a trip to your local library would be a great place to start. They have many good books on different breeds of dogs and how to select the right dog for your individual situation. You also might want to visit a dog show and talk to some breeders about any breeds you may develop an interest in. Breeders are invaluable sources of info on their breeds. Good luck to ya.

 

[Key Of David]

I used to have a Boston Terrier named Rocky. He was a mess...and had a personality for days. He loved people without being too jumpy licky, and would bark when anyone even so much as drove up. He would bark at things sometimes we had no idea what...but he was hearing something. He was like this, also, without being TOO vocal all the time. He was really intelligent and affectionate...and would play for as long as you wanted without being hyper at all. I'll be getting another Boston eventually. Great breed of dog!

 

[Annabel Lee]

My mom also thinks that I am not being fair to Sullivan, and that he is an awesome dog, which I completely agree with her there, but I think it would only be fair to Sullivan and myself to give him to a home where he would match their personality better. I just cannot see myself with Sullivan for 15 years, especially since he doesn't like to cuddle a lot! He will cuddle with me, but only for like 1 minute at the max. And I just want a COMPLETELY CUDDLY dog!!! Any suggestions on what to do in my situation?

Keep Sullivan. I agree with your mom, you are not being fair to the dog.
You describe your puppy as an awesome dog yet you want to give him away because he isn't cuddly enough?

Unless a dog has serious behavioral problems which would put you in danger, there is never a reason to return a dog.
You've adopted this puppy, he is a member of your family now, not an article of clothing to return to a store because he doesn't "fit".
You do know what happens to most unwanted mix-breed dogs...they are killed.

 

[ShetlandRose]

It doesn't sound to me as if countriecurles has the attitude that her dog Sullivan is something to be discarded at all. She cares for the dog or she wouldn't have written for advice in the first place. From reading all her former posts, I think she cares about Sullivan a lot. Do you know how many dogs I have seen in my lifetime that were misplaced and in homes where their temperments were not suited to the people who originally took them in a moment of emotion? Mistakes can be made. Why not try to find a good home for Sullivan while he is young?

I have a neighbor who gets inappropriate dogs for her spoiled children. Whatever is cute at the time. They like the puppy for a few weeks until they find "fault" with the animal and the kids whine that they have to care for it. Then OUT it goes, tied for the rest of its life to a small doghouse in the yard to suffer in our extreme winters. In just the short time I have known them they have had six different breeds. All outside--all neglected. If only they would have found good homes for the dogs, or better yet not had any dogs at all. But they "loved" them. Bah! I know, that is an extreme case. (This doesn't refer to you, countriecurls)

I think I understand countriecurls. There are certain dog breeds that I likely couldn't bond well with either.

countriecurls: Have you considered a Pomeranian? Now there's a cuddler! See that sweet face up in the corner of my post?

ShetlandRose

 

[ShetlandRose]

Oh, just as a cheerful postscript ... My best friend in downstate Michigan has taken unwanted dogs for years and places them in loving homes. She retrieves them from the animal shelter, people call her to give her dogs, and she has even been known to rescue them from highways. After she cares for them and finds good homes, she always allows the option for them to bring the dog back in case it doesn't work out for some reason. She knows it happens. In all her years of dog rescue she has saved them all.

Also ... some animal shelters, including the county shelter where I presently live, do not give lost and unwanted pets a time limit. Our shelter does not put to sleep animals unless they are dangerous or beyond medical help. I wish they were all that way and I wish more people would adopt rescued dogs and cats. (Sigh)

"Happy Tails"

ShetlandRose

 

[Emery7]

Ok, one thing to be cleared up: When I give Sullivan back, he is going back to the foster mom, he will not be returned to a shelter. The rescue mom said it is fine to bring Sullivan back, because it is all a part of finding the best home for the dog. If he doesn't match my personality, and doesn't match my wants in a dog, then it is only fair to the dog and myself to find him another home. He will *not* be euthanized! He will be adopted very soon, because he is just a sweetie! I am helping the foster mom find him a home, and we both won't let him be without a home! God will find Sullivan a home with other dogs, and an owner who wants his type of dog!

ShetlandRose ~ Hey there. I live in Georgia, and it is a warm state. The only time it gets cold, is in the winter, which I can get sweaters for the CC. And in the winter, it is *always* warm in our house!! I am almost always running one of those portable heaters!! *lol* I'm not very big on cold weather myself!! So my doggie wouldn't have to worry about that either! Hehe! I also did some research on the Am. St. Terrier's and when I read that they have tendencies to be aggressive (eek), I pretty much put that idea out of my head! I don't want an aggressive dog. My boyfriend has a Golden Retriever, and I would worry that they would fight or something, and I DON'T need that! So I am sticking to the CC's! My friend that works at a CC rescue, she is helping me to find a CC of my own. It's going to take a couple of months, but it'll all be worth it when I find that right one! I definitely want a CC, and their temperament sounds JUST like what I want, and I know God will bring me one in His own time! I think the CC's are just as precious as can be! When they get older, they get ugly, but for some reason, I am still attracted to them! My boyfriend, he thinks they are ugly! I was going to show you a picture of one of the CC's my friend is helping me to maybe adopt, but my email isn't working! *blah* I'll show you as soon as my email begins to work again!

Key Of David ~ Thank you for the suggestion on Boston Terriers! I think they are adorable! But I think I am going to stick to trying to find a Chinese Crested!!

Hesmyall ~ I have researched what seems like every breed there is known to man! I like to do research on the internet more than the library! I'm not allowed yet to insert URL's, but if you go to www dogbreedinfo com ~ That is where I got all of my information on the breeds! To the left of the page, you'll see where you can search for certain breeds. I went to the Alphabetized breed list, and pretty much looked at every breed they have listed! Enjoy!

Annabel Lee ~ I promise Sullivan will not be euthanized! I would never let that happen to him! If I knew that would happen to him if I were to give him back to the foster mom, I would find a great home for him myself! I do love Sullivan very much, and he loves me very much! By finding him a wonderful home that matches his personality more, I believe it will be best for both of us!

If I had a HUGE farm, I love animals so much I'd rescue all of the homeless animals and give them a wonderful home! Anywho ~~ I'll keep everyone posted on how things go! More comments are DEFINITELY welcome!!! GOD Bless!!

CountrieCurls