Doggie Dilemma

[JerseyJanice]

We want to get a dog soon because I'll be home for several months to house train it. My husband and I both grew up with black labradors, and our dogs were excellent animals. Based on that, we wanted to buy a lab.

So I asked a co-worker, who is wild about dogs, if she knew of any good Labrador breeders. She has two akitas herself and absolutely dotes on her pets. She told me she'd ask the breeder of her two dogs, who happens to be a judge at AKC shows for working class dogs. (Akitas and labs are considered "working" dogs.)

The akita breeder told my co-worker to try and talk us out of getting a lab. She said that because it's the most popular dog breed right now, it is far overbred and often inbred. She also said that because of their recent popularity, labs are not the same dogs in temperament that they were 25-30 years ago when my husband and I got our childhood pets.

She suggested a breed called a "flat-coated retriever." It's like a cross between a golden retriever and a lab. The flat-coated retrievers come in black or brown, they're furrier than labs (like goldens), and are a bit taller and thinner than labs. I checked the breed out on the AKC website, and it does look like a very nice dog.

But to be honest, my feeling is that if we can't (or shouldn't) get a lab, we should get a mutt or mixed breed puppy. I'm inclined to try to get one through our local shelter.

DH isn't sold on the idea that labs are so bad now, though, and still wants one.

So just looking for some opinions here. Do I ignore what this woman told me and try to find a good lab breeder? Using standard advice for finding a good breeder? (No way would I go through a pet stop or other mass breeder.) Should we get a mutt or mixed breed instead? Explore the flat-coated breed that was suggested more thoroughly?

BTW, we definitely want a puppy. I want my child to have the bonding experience of raising a puppy. And I'll be home to train it.

 

[LindaR]

If you want a lab, get a Lab!

Your friend was partially correct.....ALL breeders know about line-breeding and variations of that. They are just trying to pass along the best traits by doing that.

ANYWAY, go buy a Dog Fancy or Dog World magazine and start calling breeders and checking into the references they give you.

There are two "types" of Labs. The english (or show) type is shorter and stockier and is more calm natured than the hunting (or field) Lab, who is taller and more hyper (needs that energy to hunt all day).

Spend the time really talking to the breeders. Even if that breeder does not have any available puppies he/she will know a few other breeders (that they breed with, or compete with) and will be happy to give you that info.

You need to be prepared to spend money to get a healthy guaranteed well bred Lab.

Good luck!

 

[wvjules]

I think everyone should get a dog from a shelter. I dont know how people can go out there and pay money for a dog when there are so many that are homeless and put to death. If you really want a lab then look for lab rescues instead of going through a breeder. Personally, I think saving a dog is more important than bonding from puppyhood. Your son can bond with a dog regardless of its age.

 

[Leota]

I heard the same thing re. Labs from the woman who runs the kennel / obediance school we use, breeds Landseer Newfoundlands. She is very knowledgable & dedicated to all dogs & I trust her opinion greatly.
If you go purebred, do alot of research to find a good, reputable breeder & be prepared to pay.....

*edited to add that I have had both good & bad experiences with dogs from the shelter. Some of the dogs we encountered there had come from bad situations & weren't suitable for homes with kids, even if the previous owners marked "great with kids" be careful. If I were a person who didn't have children around, I would be willing & able to work with a dog who needed recovery & re-training - not everyone can do that.....

 

[Christina78]

I'm with wvjules. I don't understand why people will pay so much money, and support an industry that can be very seedy, when there are so many perfectly good dogs that would love to be part of your family at your local animal shelter! The best dogs I've ever had are mutts from shelters. Purebred dogs are notorious for health problems. Take a trip to your local shelter, I'm sure there will be a great puppy waiting for you!

 

[Blondie]

I guess I'm in the minority here, because I've paid lots of money for two pedigree Weimaraners, and have never regretted the decision.

I agree with Leota, some (but not all) rescue animals come with extra baggage. Some have been abused and neglected and need extra TLC and training before they'll be suitable around children or other animals. I have had some friends tell me the best dog they ever had was adopted from a shelter. They seem to know they are being rescued!

Then again, I've had some friends tell me the same things about their expensive pedigree dogs.

I agree with LindaR, if you want a Lab, then get a Lab. Just do your research first. I'm sure you will make the best decision for you and your family!

 

[Rajah]

Compromise -- find a Lab rescue.

I can understand wanting to get a pet directly from the breeder, though, as that's what we've done with our kitties (it was VERY important to us to have purebred Siberian cats.). If/when we get a dog, though, I'm going to see what I can find at the shelters/rescues first.

 

[airhead]

I logged on the DIS to lift my spirits this morning and get my mind off of Louie.
Louie is my brother's family dog. He's an awesome 4 yr old
Black Lab who loves kids and other dogs. He's got a real soft personality and is content to be a couch potato! He is just a sweetie. You couldn't ask for a better dog,really. He never barks
and never has accidents even when left alone all day! His biggest (and only) problem is that he sheds. Seems my sister-in-law has decided she no longer wants Louie .He "makes the house dirty". I'm sick about this. She knew 4 years ago when they asked me to help find them a good dog,that labs shed. Most dogs shed,that's just the way it is. So,like an idiot,I found Louie. I'm so sorry I brought him here.
Please make sure before you bring a dog home,you realize
its not a temporary thing. I'll never forgive my brother and sister-in-law for this. It has ruined our relationship.
Good luck in finding your pup!

airhead

 

[jrmasm]

www.petfinder.com

 

[sha_lyn]

I have a lot of problems with the shelters around here. First they charge $125 for a cat and close to $200 for a dog. Their reasoning is that they must recover the money they have. However they could adopt out 10X to number of pets if they lowered their prices. You must also sign papers that you will never let the cats out of the house or get them declawed, and that non of the amimals will become pregnant or trained as working pets of any kind.

The flat coat retreiver sounds like a good compromise. You might want to look into them further. Other than that as others have said, do plenty research.

 

[aahmom1]

Airhead, can you take the dog? I would hate to see him put down because your brother is selfish.

Compromise -- find a Lab rescue.

I can understand wanting to get a pet directly from the breeder, though, as that's what we've done with our kitties (it was VERY important to us to have purebred Siberian cats.). If/when we get a dog, though, I'm going to see what I can find at the shelters/rescues first.

I don't see the difference, what is the difference between getting a dog from a rescue and getting a cat from a rescue?

I got my Golden from a breeder and he is just the sweetest thing ever, but I wouldn't have the nerve to suggest somebody else get a dog from a rescue instead of buying it from a breeder. I believe that would make me a bit of a hypocrite.

 

[PandyPaws]

My vote is for adoption from a shelter. My SIL got a wonderful Lab (puppy) from a shelter a couple of years ago

 

[Toby'sFriend]

First they charge $125 for a cat and close to $200 for a dog. Their reasoning is that they must recover the money they have. However they could adopt out 10X to number of pets if they lowered their prices.

Most shelters have found that by increasing their prices, they weed out a good number of impulse buyers that are likely to simply return the pet in a month or two when it turns out that the adorable little doggie refuses to sit in a corner and act like a stuffed animal.

I can understand wanting a puppy to baby for a bit, but they grow up so fast anyway. Toby came from a shelter and he was about the best dog I've ever met so I'm a little biased there. My current dog Mikey was rescued from a "breeder" who called herself that but had her business in such a mess that she couldn't even obtain official papers on the dogs. He's a sweetie too, but definately not the sharpest knife in the drawer.

 

[caitycaity]

we got my dog from the spca and he was the sweetest thing. i am definately prone to "pound puppies."

 

[airhead]

I'd take Louie in NY minute if I didn't already have 2 dogs. He's a great dog,he really is. I love that dog but I just can't afford 3 dogs!
I have 2 Dobies right now. Big dogs eat a lot! Not to mention vet bills. Believe me,I've gone over this in my head over and over again. My other concern is,that if I take Louie,my brother will go back and forth about taking him back. I couldn't deal with that. See,he doesn't want to give the dog up. Its my sister-in-law.
So,I have put the word out to all my dog friends about Louie.
keep him in your dog thoughts,please...

airhead

 

[arizonacolbys]

My hubby & I decided we just had to have a dog after we got married. I did a lot of research & fell in love with Labs. They have great temperment & can easily be around kids and other dogs. We found a local breeder & got a Chocolate male lab. He is the Best!!! He is very intelligent & probably only had half a dozen accidents in the house during the housebreaking phase. We thought that was incredible compared to other family pets in the past.

We only had Colby about 2 months & decided he needed a buddy while we are at work/school. So...we went out & got a Yellow female lab. They are the best of friends & are the greatest "people" in our lives!!! They are our "kids" for now & am glad everyday that we chose to get a lab. My MIL loved ours so much that we just recently got them a male Chocolate Lab for their 30th anniversary!

We did look into the local shelters some, but didn't have much luck in finding what we wanted. I have a family member who got a mixed dog from the shelter & have had nothing but problems. The dog barks so much that the cops have been called on them numerous times & the dog is so nervous that it has bitten my younger sister-in-law. We believe she has been abused (which is really terrible), but not everyone has the ability to take in an abused dog & care for them properly.

I think too many people purchase dogs on an impulse without realizing what traits come with which breeds. This leads to the dogs ending up in shelters, etc. If you have researched the lab & really want one - that's what I would go with!

Sorry so long - hope this helps!!!

 

[aahmom1]

How sad Airhead I know how much big dogs eat, they can eat!

 

[wvjules]

See,he doesn't want to give the dog up. Its my sister-in-law.

Simple solution: get rid of the sister-in-law.

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

As the proud mother of two 7 month old lab puppies...... I feel the need to pipe up and share my experience here.

A little background.... we built our dream house this past year. We expected to move in around June. In May we adopted two labs, one black and one chocolate from an "oops" litter of a friend. Their female had run off and found a mate.

Long story short, we moved in the end of August. We STILL don't have a fence up. These two puppies have lived in our dream home for over three months. No accidents, nothing torn up... you get the idea. They are the best dogs I have ever seen.

So, we went against the grain in a lot of ways. We adopted from a non-breeder. We got the pups (male littermates) when they were between 5-6 weeks old. We have kept them both primarily as indoor dogs. They each weigh 70+ pounds and are still growing.

And the best part... although they have been costly to feed and house.... we got them FREE!

Everyone is correct in saying do your research. Is it necessary to pay big bucks? No... unless you cannot find a suitable pup at the time you are ready to adopt. I realize that we got very lucky with the temperment of these two labs, but, on the other hand, I saw them for the first time the day after they were born. I spent a lot of time with the mother, and visited every day for 5 weeks (at least once!) to cuddle and play with these eight puppies! My DH thought I was nuts to get two, but I could easily have carted all eight of them home!

Do what is right for you, listen to your heart, and good luck!!!!

 

[airhead]

I blame myself for bringing Louie into my brother's life. I'll never,EVER help anyone get a dog again. I feel very responsible for his situation. When I question my brother about
the dog finding a new home ,he just says,"he's fine here".
What that says to me is that Louie just "exists" but really isn't wanted. I know they don't allow him down stairs to be with his family while they watch T.V. poor dog stays alone at the top of the stairs. God forbid he shed on the carpet!!


Airhead