More about dogs

[mbstude]

Small dogs are great. Hanging out with Jim McCuan and his Mini Schnauzer Zoey got me to wanting my own. I've had Heidi coming on 8 or 9 months now. She was 4 years old when I got her from a woman who had gotten her as a puppy. Heidi was.. less than well mannered. Her former owners use to do things to make her growl because it was "funny". She's been with me all day, every day since, and she's about as sweet, well mannered, and fun to be around as any dog I've ever seen. Full of personality too. She's my backseat driver, garage supervisor, and defender from squirrels. And, the best chick magnet that a guy could ask for, lol.



She's even picked up a new trick or two, too.

[JBOYLE]

That is an excellent suggestion Leo. Not every puppy in a "show dog" litter is a future show dog. Some of the sweetest dogs are purebred dogs that may have minor flaws that would keep them out of the show circuit. Undesirable markings, or physical abnormalities might keep them from being "marketable" for show purposes...but the spirit, breed characteristics, and unconditional love and companionship are the same.

You're correct, you can get the "pet quality" dogs from show kennels at reasonable cost.
Two of our three bassets came to us that way (the third was a rescue).
Douglas, (left) is one such dog, his brother was the #1 basset in the country for awhile. The kennel kept them until he was about six months before deciding which one to keep. For not much more than a backyard breeder you find in the newspaper charges, you get a great dog in looks, temperment and health.
I know professional breeders get a bad rep. There were hardly puppy mills (most only breed 1-2 litters a year) and he got excellent care and socialization while growing up. And they have to place the less than show quality dogs somewhere, so there are some bargains to be had. Also, they occasionally have retired show dogs or females that are done breeding available (though most of the time they stay at the kennel as pets).

[LeoH]

That is an excellent suggestion Leo. Not every puppy in a "show dog" litter is a future show dog. Some of the sweetest dogs are purebred dogs that may have minor flaws that would keep them out of the show circuit. Undesirable markings, or physical abnormalities might keep them from being "marketable" for show purposes...but the spirit, breed characteristics, and unconditional love and companionship are the same.

Exactly. I have nothing against non-purebred dogs, but, having some basic knowledge of a breed's characteristics can only help when learning about a mixed breed. I read somewhere that, what a mixed breed mostly appears to be is likely going to be it's major temperament. That's good information to know.

FOR ME, I like several breeds, but there's one that has just fit me and our family's lifestyle, so I have no interest in learning new breed personalities in a day to day setting 3 of our 4 dogs have been breeder 'seconds' or give backs. The other was a 'mix' that was our predominant favorite showing and I bought in order to prevent her being used as a breeding source for more subsequent 'purebred' puppies.

[rockinhawk]

Steve, My cousin has some Malemute pup for sale. They may be mixed. Not sure but if so they would have some Shepard/Huskey in them. If you are interested, I'll put you in touch with him. They are in So. Ga.

[Bob Bryant]

There has been considerable discussion about the pets in our lives. If you like dogs this video will make you smile. If you were under your Studebaker and needed a tool it could probably bring one to you...but it might be metric for a while! A dog has to learn, too.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/PztO-OvzRyg?rel=0