posted
We're looking at getting a new dog, and we've narrowed it down to these two breeds. We probably won't be getting the dog for awhile since we're still kind of reeling from Licorice's death, but it took us several months of searching before we found him. (we're picky!) Does anyone have anything good or bad to say about either of these breeds? We're looking for a dog that's great with kids, highly intelligent, and likes to play. We know we can't replace Licorice, though I wish we could, but we're dog lovers.
Also, we went to the local humane society today to donate the remainder of Licorice's food and treats. I start volunteering there tomorrow! They are a no-kill shelter and incredibly devoted to finding great homes for animals.
space opera
[ August 11, 2004, 09:25 PM: Message edited by: Space Opera ]
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posted
If you're looking for a smart animal that pretty much rules out beagles. They aren't anything like Schulz would have you believe.
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posted
My little girl shana (90 lbs) is a yellow lab and couldn't have a better disposition. Interestingly she really really hates beagles, but other then that is usually really easy going. My sister has a bichon/maltese (about 9 lbs) and they play together all the time and she is really gentle with him. Guess that is just a long way of saying i really like the retrievers i have known. Best bet though is probably going for personality rather then breed. Since you are working in a shelter you can get all the inside info on what the dog is like, i would just go for the nicest one you can find.
Posts: 24 | Registered: Feb 2003
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posted
What are you looking for in a dog? And specifically what kind of "retriever" are you thinking of? Are you looking at mixes or purebreds?
In any of the retriever breeds getting from a reputable breeder is a MUST because otherwise you can end up with a dog with bad hip and pay 5-6K for hip surgery just so the animal can walk. Not a good scenario, and I've seen it repeated too many times. It is better pay the $1000 it costs to get a puppy from a good breeder to save yourself the multiple thousands later on with the health problems.
In general Golden retrievers are more laid back than Laboradors. Labs often have a 2 year spazz puppyhood before they turn into normal mellow dogs. Goldens may or may not have brains of their own, but that is good with families with kids because they are more likely to put up with kid-mauling.
(There are also Flat-coated, Chesapeake Bay, and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, but i'm assuming when you said "Retriever" you meant Lab or Golden)
Beagles aren't bad dogs, they just have very different personalities from your "retriever". They are more independent and aren't nearly as people oriented. Their attitude is more "what can you do for me today?" than "what can I do for you?" That having been said, I've heard they are fairly good with romping with kids as long as you have a fenced yard. If your yard isn't secure they have a penchant for roaming. (I know your last dog got hit by a car, and I don't know how it got loose but if this is a problem, definitely NOT a beagle.)
If you are rescuing a dog from the pound, I would just say judge the personality as it is. Realize that you DON'T have any guarantees on health, temperment etc. Hopefully you will get lucky but be prepared to have issues come up that you weren't expecting.
Beagles belong to the cat family...they are aloof, independent, sneaky, and defiant, and they seem to have brains the size of a pea. Ours is not housebroken unless she wants to be that day, runs off chasing rabbits all day and heads the other direction when you call her, even if you have a cookie. Ok, she is cute, but that's all.
Posts: 1379 | Registered: Feb 2002
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posted
go to the SPCA or Humane Society and ADOPT a dog that needs a home... Mutts live longer, stay healthier and are smarter overall than purebreds. Why support the puppy mills, inbreeding and inhumane care of "papered" dogs? There are *plenty* of animals already in need of a good home and they won't cost you $1K to buy and an arm and a leg to keep healthy.
Yes, I am biased. My Sweetpea is a mutt, and every cat I've ever had my entire life has been rescued from a shelter.
My two cents...
Posts: 262 | Registered: Jun 2004
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I'll contest those statements about pure breeds later, but not while I'm working.
I'd vote for retriever or lab. Both have hyperactive (field dogs) and calm (pets) variations. I'd like to recommend an alternative to pounds if you do decide to select a particular breed. Seek out the rescue group for retrievers or beagles, and contact them. They rescue dogs from kill shelters, place them in foster homes, and then adopt them out after they think they're acclimated and have an evaluation on the general type of dog they are. You'll have better luck learning about how they interact with kids, in public, with other pets, and so on if you go through a rescue group as opposed to the pound. I know that mixed breeds have similar groups, but I don't know what they are called.
posted
Labrador -- above those two other choices. But if you are set on one of them, my personal advice is the retriever. Beagles can be slightly more unpredictable with kids. (but there are wonderful beagles out there too!)
FG p.s. - I think of "labs" as being the short-haired version, and "retrievers" as the longer-haired ones
posted
So I personally would love a retriever although I'd really love a lab. I just like really big dogs though.
However, I feel the need to say something positive after reading what everyone's written about Beagles. My uncle has had several beagles that he has loved. They have been trained to be good hunting dogs and I've seen them playing with my cousins and seeming to have a good time.
Size is probably someting else to consider. If you have a house that can't handle a big dog then a beagle woudl be a better option. They also can't knock someone down by jumping on them.
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posted
Adding to the consensus, I had a beagle when I was younger, and she was a horrible house dog. We tried making her an outside dog, but she would howl at every car to the point that neighbors complained. She scratched up our doors and chewed up our sneakers. We ended up giving her away after my younger sister was born. Beagles might be good for the country, but if you live in any sort of populated area, I suggest another breed.
Posts: 1947 | Registered: Aug 2002
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We are definately looking at getting a puppy. We brought Licorice home at the age of 8 weeks. We bought him from a reputable breeder, saw both his mom and dad, and had a chance to totally shape his personality. I had always heard before that fox terriers were hyper. Licorice was very playful with the kids and soooo gentle with them. We enjoyed the puppy experience and want to do it again. Perhaps at some point we will get an older dog as well, but right now we're about the puppies.
Size isn't a concern. We have a huge fenced-in yard (Licorice slipped out the front door) and actually are going to look at a 7-acre property tonight. I have to admit that I'm kind of worried about adopting even a puppy from the shelter. I know they need homes, but I'm concerned about not having any idea about health, temperment, etc. Any more thoughts on any of this would be appreciated.
space opera
edit: I did mean golden for retriever. I also won't get a chance to see very many dogs at the shelter. Most of them stay with foster families in surrounding areas, since the shelter only has room for 3 dogs at a time.
[ August 10, 2004, 03:43 PM: Message edited by: Space Opera ]
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posted
<<<Don't get a beagle, and don't get a puppy.
Beagles belong to the cat family...they are aloof, independent, sneaky, and defiant, and they seem to have brains the size of a pea. Ours is not housebroken unless she wants to be that day, runs off chasing rabbits all day and heads the other direction when you call her, even if you have a cookie. Ok, she is cute, but that's all.>>>
Ok.If a Beagle was not the dog for you then you should have researched more, considering that most of the traits you objected to are readily known after 5 minutes of research. Do your dog a favor and find a Beagle rescue in your area if you really dislike her so much. Every animal deserves a loving home and while you might think you are your antipathy vibrates off the screen.
To The Original Poster:
Beagles can be great pets but it is important to know that, being scent hounds, they tend to follow their noses. So ID tags and maybe a microchip are more than advisable. They are prone to ear infections because of the droopy ears that trap moisture, yeast, and bacteria. They are not the most obedient breed but obedience is not what they were bred for.
Retrievers, it depends on what kind. Labs are good but tend to have a long puppyhood in terms of behavior (2-3 years they begin to mellow out). Goldens tend to be a little more easy going and easier to train.
Depending on how much grooming you want to do, if you are looking for a family dog, a Collie might be a good choice.
Please don't rule out an animal shelter - 1 out of 4 dogs in shelters are purebred. Also for every popular breed of dog there are people that rescue them (foster them until a permanent home is available) You can call your local shelter for rescue info or google it ____ rescue and your state.
The propensity to greater health of a mixed breed dog is called hybrid vigor and relates to the increased gene pool but tends to be related to first generation mixed breed. But if you get a mix and the breeds in the dog are pretty clear you have a good chance of predicting temperament.
LOL, by the way - I'm Michelle and worked at one of the busiest animal shelters in the country for 4 years. The shelter featured on Animal Cops, Detroit.
Posts: 152 | Registered: Jul 2004
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posted
I'd be pretty reluctant to get a puppy at all. I've always gotten full grown dogs, either from the pound or as strays, and with them you can judge their personality pretty accurately. I've have wonderful mutts and wonderful pure-breds both. It all depends on the individual dog, in my experience.
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quote: Why support the puppy mills, inbreeding and inhumane care of "papered" dogs? There are *plenty* of animals already in need of a good home and they won't cost you $1K to buy and an arm and a leg to keep healthy.
The whole point of spending more to begin with, is so you don't have to spend an arm and a leg later on. I don't know for sure what the going rate from reputable for Labs or Golden is, some breeds are different than others. I would almost never charge that much for a Cardigan Corgi. But what that $1K includs is extensive genetic testing for the parents, especially hips and eyes, to insure that their offspring ARE healthy and that they STAY that way.
If you get a purebred dog from a reputable breeder you are supporting the production of quality dogs in home environments rather than puppy mills.
Of course puppy mills stay in business because most people view their pets as commodities and as a result go out and get the first one that catches their eye at a pet shop and they want instant gratification, rather than putting the time and thought a responsible person like Space Opera is putting into her search for her next dog.
Most reputable dog breeders will never ever make a profit on their dogs. They spend so much more in the health checks and showing in breed, obedience, or field trials, than they ever get back from the puppies, it is rediculous. I could estimate how much I've spent on my Cardigan Corgis before considering breeding a litter (and I still haven't) and it would curl your toes. Why do I do it, because it is something I love to do. Dogs are a passionate hobby. But I would probably have to breed 5-10 litters per year in order to make up the amount of money I put in, and if I breed 10 litters in the next 15 years I will be very surprised.
/end rant
AJ
And what Michelle said. She's totally right about rescuing. My only reccomendation would be to make sure you get the dog into a good obedience program right away so you can work through any issues that might be there.
posted
I've been looking toward getting a beagle for a while now. I live in the city, and while I see folks walking them all the time, I don't feel right until I get a yard. I grew up with a lab/border collie runt mutt, and my parents have a border collie now.
Beagles are very stubborn. They can learn, and they are reasonably bright for a dog, as a breed, but they require extra work. The have a pack mentality stronger than many breeds, if trained well, due to their original use as fox hunters. They do follow their nose, so if they aren't well secured (they can jump higher than you think, not unlike Jack Russell teriers) they will often escape to follow a nice scent.
All the beagles I have seen here in Boston though seem very well behaved (no tugging on the leash, obedient), so if you prefer beagles, but are afraid of their behavior, it isn't helpless
There's an online beagle rescue site (www.brew.org I think) that services the NE, mid-atlantic and midwest. Check them out.
posted
Much depends on the shelter but often there is a health plan - where any health issues within a certain period are covered. Also a lot of shelters give you 2 free months of insurance through the ShelterCare program.
Most shelters also assess the animals carefully and anything other than a very young puppy is usually put through temperament testing. Also if the shelter knows that breeds are in the mix you can get a really good idea of temperament when combined with the testing done and what you observe that day.
I swear to you that the majority of dogs in shelter are there through no fault of their own. They are there because having a pet was inconvenient, or because nobody every got that a pets is an investment of time, patience, and money. Or because nobody got Mom spayed and nature took it's course.
I can tell you about countless success stories. Some of them live with me now. Like my Paddington, who passed away a couple years ago, but was a perfect gentleman always.
Also you CAN find a purebred at a shelter. The day I got hired in at the shelter I fostered a Sheltie puppy with a broken leg. I also fostered a Pomeranian puppy. And saw a lot of other purebred puppies. It takes real PATIENCE to find a purebred puppy because people are going to be trying to make a buck over that dog but they exist! And purebred older puppies and adults are out there, too.
I cannot believe I did not mention this. It is not letting me insert a website but there is a national registry where shelters list the animals they have and you can search your area. Email me and I will get that to you. Let me try again: PetfinderPosts: 152 | Registered: Jul 2004
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posted
<<I'd be pretty reluctant to get a puppy at all. I've always gotten full grown dogs, either from the pound or as strays, and with them you can judge their personality pretty accurately. I've have wonderful mutts and wonderful pure-breds both. It all depends on the individual dog, in my experience>>
There is nothing wrong with getting an adult. The last puppy I got turned 10 years old in May. They have all been adults since then.
Puppies take patience but there is also something rewarding about building that bond right away and molding them into a well-ebahved adult.
Very much an individual choice.
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posted
Farmgirl: I see what you are saying and I do apologize if it looked like I was beating A Dead Horse. It is just that all too often I have seen animals suffer because people blame the dogs for traits that are common to their breed. It's not the Beagles fault that it acts like a Beagle. It was up to the humans to make an informed decision.
Also cats did not come off at all well in the description either.
But I apologize for lack of diplomacy.
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posted
Oh, sure, I wouldn't condemn anybody for getting a puppy or anything--it just isn't for me. It seemed like only puppies were being considered, and I wanted to suggest that one could go with adult dogs too.
One of my favorites (although really, when I think about each dog that I've had over the years, they're pretty much each my favorite, if you know what I mean) was a white german shepherd purebred that I got from the pound when he was about two. He died years ago, now, and I still actively miss him. Definitely the most intelligent dog I've ever had the pleasure of knowing, and one of the kindest and most gentle as well. He had a real air of wisdom about him too, somehow.
I'm glad that I don't have the option of resurrecting one of my dogs; I really don't know who I'd pick. Each of them has been so fantastic in their own ways.
Posts: 16059 | Registered: Aug 2000
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posted
Agree with AJ. Support reputable breeders if getting a purebred. $1000 from someone that knows their breed, understands genetics, and spares no costs to do genetic test in a bargain. That same price from a pet store is a RIP OFF. Pet stores get those puppies for very little and then raise the prices - and the puppies are not from healthy parents for the most part.
You can go into a pet store and have it be clean but these dogs come from utter hell in the worst case scenario and neglect in the best case. The puppies are the lucky ones - they have a chance. What about the female dogs that are bred repeatedly and treated like equipment?
You do not necessarily <sp> get what you pay for so do research.
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posted
<grin> Michelle my dogs are at www.corgipages.com LowRyder is my Kennel name even though I haven't bred anything. Kingsbury is where one of my dogs comes from. AJ
Posts: 11265 | Registered: Mar 2002
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posted
Noemon -- I once had a white German Shepherd. I would probably never have one again.
Not that he was a bad dog -- he was a wonderful, intelligent dog (as you say of yours) but we have always been a multiple-dog family, and he definately was the personality for an only-one-dog family. He just didn't believe in sharing anything at any time.
Luckily, we found him a wonderful new home with a couple, where he was an ONLY dog, and he did beautifully.
posted
Currently I have 3 Shelties and a Greyhound. The dog I mentioned earlier, Paddington, was a Sheltie also.
I got him as a senior and was older than the shelter would normally consider for adoption. I took him home and it was one of the best decisions ever. He just was this amazingly mellow, centered, good natured dogs. We said he was really a Bassett Hound that dressed up as a Sheltie for Halloween and the zipper got stuck.
Of the current dogs there is Riley. Had him since he was a puppy and he is my heart. I cannot believe how much I love him. He is 10.
There is Cindy. She is 15 and slowing down. Rescued her when she was 6 and 1/2.
There is Grannie/Zelda. Got her from shelter as a stray. Seemed ancient so I thought I would give her a last happy couple months. 8 months later she is this insane, nutjob that we found out has "perfect blood" and appears to be going nowhere soon! She is our tiniest dog but has the biggest attitude - typical.
Then there is Rhiannon. Our 4 year old Greyhound. She likes to collect things. Shoes mostly but last night she was carrying around a glade candle in it's holder. Drop her in a Payless and she would pass out from the joy.
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posted
I love Corgis! We had a Corgi/Sheltie mix at the shelter that her new owner named Fergie. Just loved her. Poppy has the best face.
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posted
Poppy is a riot in person. Her personality is the ultimate performance dog. She is an agility home now and will be doing that now that her mothering stint is over. I was fighting for Jacque to let me have her to do obedience but I think she will be a better agility dog.
posted
Really FarmGirl? That's interesting--mine is the only white German Shepherd I've ever known, so I can't generalize about the breed, but mine wasn't possessive of his people at all. He shared us with neighborhood dogs who may as well have been our dogs, for the time that they spent with us, as well as quite a few cats, and never had a problem with them at all.
When we first got him, he's been a stray in the country for about 9 months before wandering into town and being picked up by the pound (we found this out because we later bumped into someone who knew him from his previous life as an abused dog), and had survived on whatever he could catch--and he could catch pretty much anything he put his mind to catching. He definitely saw cats as a good source of food. I discovered that if I picked up an animal and held it, and let him smell in in my arms, he could consider that animal to be off limits as prey. A number of times, I saw him start to take off after I cat that I'd marked as off limits (as I did with every cat that would let me hold it long enough), catch it's scent, and then wheel away from it.
Posts: 16059 | Registered: Aug 2000
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posted
I also vote for the golden retriever. They are very good dogs for kids...and put up with a lot. In addition to a great temperament, I have found them to be easier to train than other dogs (German Shepards are good in that aspect as well...but shepards can be territorial).
Beagles are too vocal in my opinion, and they don't make very good family dogs, they are better for people who don't like to play with the dogs.
I would get them as a puppy so you can bond with them at a very young age. Going to a reputable breeder is a must. Otherwise you risk getting a dog that is inbred, and will have health problems later in life (particularly with hips and other joints). Ask people who live in your area about their experiences with a particular breeder.
Posts: 1901 | Registered: May 2004
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posted
We have two awesome dogs. The older is a beautiful 85 lb. purebred chocolate lab from good stock. The younger is a 50 lb. black lab/chow mix we got from the pound when she was about a year old. (The mix, like Lab mixes in general, seems to have mostly Lab appearance, intelligence, and personality, and is EXTREMELY affectionate [even with strangers], but she also has some chow "guarding" instincts--she prefers to sit in the driveway or on the lawn where she can watch everything that goes on in the neighborhood. She also "waits up" until everyone is home, even if they get home at 3 am.) They are both well-behaved and love each other and us dearly. So, we have had positive experiences with both purebreds and mixed breeds.
Also, an earlier poster's suggestion of a lab/beagle cross might be worthwhile. Our local hardware store owner has one (it looks like a SMALL black lab), which he brings to work. The dog naps under the counter, but he will call her out to say hello if you want. She is a sweetie.
posted
Ok, I think I've read enough on here and other places to realize that a beagle wouldn't be the best fit for our family. We tend to like dogs that want to be involved constantly. That said, I appreciate all the wonderful insights so far! We played with a lab today while we were at the shelter (just for fun), which was the first time I'd ever been around one. The research I've seen says they're great with kids and pretty darn smart, much like retrievers. One question though - do they have as many potential health probs. as retrievers? (i.e. hip probs.) I'm thinking we might want to find one from the shelter. In this case, would a mix be best?
quote:Ok, I think I've read enough on here and other places to realize that a beagle wouldn't be the best fit for our family. We tend to like dogs that want to be involved constantly. That said, I appreciate all the wonderful insights so far! We played with a lab today while we were at the shelter (just for fun), which was the first time I'd ever been around one. The research I've seen says they're great with kids and pretty darn smart, much like retrievers. One question though - do they have as many potential health probs. as retrievers? (i.e. hip probs.) I'm thinking we might want to find one from the shelter. In this case, would a mix be best?
space opera
Labs are retrievers. Are you asking about Labrador Retrivers vs Goldens Retrievers? It really depends on the gentic background of the dogs. Most purebred, bigger dogs have a tendency to problem hips. Not enough to panic about though.
Keep the weight of whatever dog you get in a healthy range. Most dogs are obese. Really. To the point that most people do not even know a healthy weight and that is strain on hips.
A lab or a lab mix as well as a golden or golden mix could be a great dog and they are breeds that tend to be great family pets. With any dog - but Labs a little more so - obedience is important if they are to be around kids. Labs tend to be big and goofy with a zest for life - untrained you might end up being pulled down the street.
A shelter is a great idea whether you get a mix or a purebred. Just ask a lot of questions and make sure that the dog does well around kids. If you do not want to bring your own kids - comandeer someone elses for a minute! Posts: 152 | Registered: Jul 2004
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posted
Ooops - I guess I was asking about labs versus goldens. Thanks for the info. We like goofy dogs, so it sounds like either one of these breeds might be a good fit.
I have been feeling slightly guilty, though. Licorice hasn't even been gone a week and already I'm doing research on the next dog. I just miss him SO much! I've barely slept since he died. I hate coming home and knowing that he isn't going to be there. And I hate the emptiness of the house and yard without him. He was so special and unique, and I know that he can't be replaced. I just always received a lot of comfort from him, and I really miss that companionship.
posted
Please please, for the love of God and less confusion all around refer to Laborador Retrievers as "Labs" and Golden Retrievers as "Goldens" not as "Retrievers". The word "Retriever" is extremely ambiguous since it refers to the original task of the breed, and both breeds had the same task. It is driving this dog person crazy with its usage on this thread.
Labs are NEVER called "Golden Labs" They are YELLOW Labs, (and also come in Black and Chocolate)
Golden Retrievers can vary on the color spectrum from white-butterscotch to red-gold but are Never black or Chocolate.
Conformation they are structurally different. Labs have much burlier bodies and broader head, while Goldens have narrower heads and generally a slender, but still substantial build overall.
Goldens also have longer hair though the length can vary. It can be prone to matting and regular brushing is slightly more important.
posted
Sorry for being snarky above. I should go to bed, I'm becoming ill-tempered and I'm not a sea bass.
You know James Herriot said that the best way to recover from losing a pet is to get another. Having another being to love can actually help with the grieving process. It doesn't mean that you loved the previous animal any less, but having a new animal to love keeps your soul soft and tender, rather than hardening and stagnating.
In personal experience I never fully worked through my grief over losing Splash until I got Jake my next dog several years later. (I was in college and I couldn't get another dog right away.)
posted
I didn't think you were snarky. I'm glad you corrected me!
What you've said makes me feel better. Besides just missing Licorice for the wonderful dog that he was, I miss having a dog to love. I just miss that "other" presence in my life. It's been an extremely rough time; I don't remember even being this upset as a child when we lost dogs. I'm going to try to put the guilt aside and focus on the fact that the reason I'm thinking of another dog is because Licorice was so wonderful that he showed me that my life feels lonely without a pet to love.
posted
I have had three dogs and two were from the pound.
One was a Collie/Shepard mix, one was a Brittney/Springer Spaniel mix, and the current one is a Yellow Lab/Rotti mix. I prefer female dogs as they have great temperaments once you get them spayed, and are better with kids...IMO, of course.
I am a HUGE fan of dogs, and I really like the rescue group idea. I have a friend who runs a 3 season shelter around here (or he did a few years ago) and he had some really great dogs there. They wouldn't keep any dangerous dogs, and if there was a problem they were honest about it. Adopting a young dog from one of those groups is a wonderful idea, and it often saves the dogs life in the bargain.
I strongly advise anyone who has a lot of room to go with either a Golden Retriever or a Lab; they are both wonderful breeds, and perfect for families that like active dogs. If you want an active dog but you want one a little smaller, say 50 lbs or so, look into mixes that have part Lab or Golden and part Brittney or Springer Spaniels...they are a bit smaller on average, but still are extremely active and fun.
I would stay away from what they call "single-owner" breeds such as Dalmatians or German Shepard's and Chows. Rotti's as well...they are all great dogs, but they tend to be focused on a single owner who is their "pack leader", and they have dominance issues with others. They are great in a mix with a more family oriented dog such as a Lab or Golden....I love my Penney, all 98 lbs of her, so mixes are great if you aren't planning to get all caught up in the show/breeders scene.
My dog is a huge kid inside, but her age is showing. Larger breeds don't age as well as medium breeds, on average, so keep that in mind as well. Penney probably only has a year or two left, and she is only 11...which is a fairly healthy age for a big dog like she is.
I think that as long as you get a Lab, Golden, or a mix with one (or both) of those breeds, you will be very happy with the dog.
quote:I have been feeling slightly guilty, though. Licorice hasn't even been gone a week and already I'm doing research on the next dog. I just miss him SO much! I've barely slept since he died. I hate coming home and knowing that he isn't going to be there. And I hate the emptiness of the house and yard without him. He was so special and unique, and I know that he can't be replaced. I just always received a lot of comfort from him, and I really miss that companionship.
It is normal and healthy to go through a grieving process. It is up to you or not whether you are ready yet and neither waiting nor getting one right away makes you a bad pet owner.
I had people come into the shelter to have their dog go to sleep, sob in each other's arms, and then ask to see the adoptable dogs. To me that is a tribute to the place that animal had in their lives - that they cannot imagine not having a dog.
Some people do need to wait. They need to feel the grief. That's ok too.
Every animal shelter is different but I am going to be honest with you. You need to go into the shelter willing to be honest about what happened to Licorice and what you will do to be extra careful in the future. You seem responsible and I would adopt to you in a second but most shelters do look at past pet history and there is a chance that they will have a concern about a repeat. Most shelters will understand that accidents happen and I hope that this is the perspective of the shelter that you go to.
Posts: 152 | Registered: Jul 2004
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They can be a bit high energy but generally you get most of the lab-golden package in a slightly smaller dog, that isn't quite as prone to structural problems.
As for cocker spaniels, people are going to shoot me for this but I can't stand the American Cocker spaniel. There are now two separate breeds based on coutry of origin and both are accepted by the AKC. I would take the English Cocker over the American Cocker any day of the week and twice on Sundays.
AJ
(Yeah Michelle I've been concerned about that too, since a good shelter does look at past history and demise of previous pets. But all you can do is be honest at the same time. A preventative strategy would definitely be a good thing to outline ahead of time.)
posted
Either Labs or Golden retreivers are good with kids. I don't think they are any different on the health issues. You just have to be careful to get a good breeder who is careful about not inbreeding.
Labs do tend to chew more has puppies. They have 2 years of being a puppy...and those can by trying years. Golden Retrievers tend to be a bit more mellow and they don't chew as much. Of course with both breeds, behavior can differ from dog to dog...these are just general guidelines.
Overall even as they get older I have found Labs to be more energetic...and Golden retrievers to be more calm.
Posts: 1901 | Registered: May 2004
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I've heard those sheep-herder doglets are super intelligent but need lots to do and lots of space.
fallow
PS. ignore the "beagle-bashers". beagles have a sweet friendly temperment. good with kids. they just have a tendency to vocalize a lot and stick their noses into anything remotely interesting/edible.
quote:PS. ignore the "beagle-bashers". beagles have a sweet friendly temperment. good with kids. they just have a tendency to vocalize a lot and stick their noses into anything remotely interesting/edible.
Thank you! I personally love Beagles - although they are not right for everyone. I love stroking a Beagle's ears (and have an addiction to said activity) and have seen a few as therapy dogs. I like the bark too. I think people could do a lot worse as a family pet as long as they read up on the breed, have a secure yard, and keep tags on him/her.
You could put the same dog in two homes and in one it will be the dream dog and in the other it will be considered the dog from hell. That is why people need to be educated in their decisions and stop blaming the dog for really what amounts to being in the wrong home.
Posts: 152 | Registered: Jul 2004
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posted
Given that one "escape" already happened though I'm not sure that the beagle is the right choice in this instance.
I'm not anti-beagle by any means, don't get me wrong. But my first dog was a high-energy Australian Shepherd, that was a wonderful dog. However the amount of resources it took to keep her exercised and entertained so she wasn't destructive were absolutely huge.
I personally love herding breeds, but I switched to Cardigan Corgis for a bunch of reasons, one of the biggest being that they fit in far better with my lifestyle.
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AJ - You do have a point there about a Beagle not being right in this case. But like the Lorax speaks for the trees I had to put in a good word for the Beagles.
I especially did not understand the perception that they are aloof because the only ones that struck me as aloof were the ones that were kept solely as hunting dogs. One of my favorite Beagles of all times was turned in by an old man because the dog did not hunt. Asked the guy the dogs name and he looked at me like I was insane - dogs have names? I mean, he did not name his hunting rifle either, I am sure.
The little thing was so shy and scared so I named him Bashful. He loved crawling into laps and hiding his face and once he knew you were not going to hurt him he loved you.
I have Shelties. Other people think they are neurotic and never shut-up. For the record it took me 4 tries to get a neurotic, yappy one. But there is no perfect breed for everyone.
I have said in this thread that labs are often a good choice for families - and I mean it. But I would not have a lab because the match would not be right for me.
What was my original point? Oh, right. I speak for the Beagles!
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*grin* my Cardigan Corgi Jake is crashed out under my desk right now. He is the laziest Cardi you will ever find. Right now he is giving me the "oh my aching paws" look, since I roadworked him today. My other one Ciara loves the exercise and can't get enough of it.
So even in breeds there are always individuals as well.
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It is just that all too often I have seen animals suffer because people blame the dogs for traits that are common to their breed. It's not the Beagles fault that it acts like a Beagle. It was up to the humans to make an informed decision. ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
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