? about a dog breed

[goofy4tink]

For those of you who are looking for dogs that are hypo-allerg...you might want to look into the curly coated retriever. I believe they are non-shedding and have hair as opposed to fur. At least that's what my neighbor has told me and she has one and shows him..now at championship level.
Now, as far as purebred vs. mixed....if you buy a purebred dog from a reputable breeder, then you are getting a quality dog. You, most likely, won't be paying high vet bills for health issues/disease. Sure, you can get a not so perfect dog from a good breeder. But, any breeder worth his/her salt, will work with you if you encounter any issues with your pet. But, buy a puppy at a pet shop and that just isn't going to be the case. You will pay top dollar for a pup that has been bred merely to make money. Compare that to a dog you have gotten from a reputable breeder, who is breeding dogs trying to better that particular breed. If you get a breeder who is showing their dogs, so much the better.

I can't see the point of mixing these breeds on purpose. Sure, a dog gets loose, sows some wild oats and next thing you know you have a Great Dane-Poodle mix!! Anyone wonder why that mix isn't being done??!!! You just don't know what you are going to be getting....physically or characteristics wise. Sure, get a 'mutt' but not at a price of $800!!! Go to the nearest animal shelter or rescue agency. Support them, not those back yard breeders who just want to make a buck. I don't mean to insult anyone here but I've seen way too many pups that are unhealthy come from this type of breeder. And everyone loses in that situation...the dog and the poor family who has become attached to it.

 

[hiwaygal]

DH seems a bit more interested in a pure bred, but I can't see spending the money they are asking for them. (Which DH is also having an issue w/)

That's where breed specific rescue could be a GREAT solution for you! Once you have decided on a breed (or more than one) google for their rescue group...contact them and see what they have! Most of them charge only minimal "care" fees to adopt dogs out. I adopted my two basenji's for $400...and they are purebred, and one (adorable) puppy would have cost me at least $750.

The advantage to adopting (especially a foster-dog) is the foster family usually knows A LOT about the dog's temperament, fears, likes, health, etc. Contrary to popular belief, many of these dogs were not given up because they are mean or couldn't be housetrained. My two were given up because their former owner had to find a new place to live and couldn't find a place that allowed her to have pets. Her loss!

 

[welovedisneyx4]

We will be checking out the rescue groups. Our friend who told us about this puppy got one of her dogs from a rescue group.

Thanks for the info!

 

[wwithers]

That's where breed specific rescue could be a GREAT solution for you! Once you have decided on a breed (or more than one) google for their rescue group...contact them and see what they have! Most of them charge only minimal "care" fees to adopt dogs out. I adopted my two basenji's for $400...and they are purebred, and one (adorable) puppy would have cost me at least $750.

The advantage to adopting (especially a foster-dog) is the foster family usually knows A LOT about the dog's temperament, fears, likes, health, etc. Contrary to popular belief, many of these dogs were not given up because they are mean or couldn't be housetrained. My two were given up because their former owner had to find a new place to live and couldn't find a place that allowed her to have pets. Her loss!

Our standard poodle puppy was a rescue also. He was 5 months old, had been potty trained and the foster mom knew his temperment (he was given up, with his sister-- whom the foster mom kept, because a very reputable breeder had severe health issues and wanted the dogs placed in good homes). I don't remember who said they were thinking about a Std. Poodle, But they are mostly wonderfully tempered dogs (don't think miniature poodle temperment-- not even in the same ballpark). Interestingly, the breeding history is so long that the different colors have different temperments -another reason to do research.

Also WLDx4, please consider a "juvenile" dog. You still get a lot of the fun of a puppy (except the awwwwwwwwwwww factor) but additional benefits like no chewing, easier to housetrain, a little calmer.

Good luck in your search!