Puppy Poll

[tigger2on]

We want to get a puppy for our disabled daughter who is 7...... She is non-verbal, non-mobile but very cognitive and aware of what is going on.
I sooooooo want a Bassett Hound as it is short legged and tend to be a lazier breed of dog. I think it would be good for her because it won't be able to jump up. Or i want a Bl;ue Tick Hound like our old Ollie who passed away August 2002..... I had him for 12 years and he was awesome..... except they breed them in NC which is far to go.
My finace wants a lab or weineramer... but they need alot of attention....
Anyone else got suggestions/ opinions?? No fuzzy long haired please!

 

[KathyTX]

Are you sure you want a puppy? Have you considered looking for a dog that's 3 or 4 years old?

The reason I ask is that puppies (even the "lazy" breeds!) tend to be highly energetic, and require lots of teaching to become well-behaved dogs. There's something heartbreakingly wonderful about holding a soft, warm, squirmy puppy and feeling those adoring puppy kisses... but those pups are sure a lot of work for the first year or two.

Bassetts are precious... my neighbors have one that's almost a year old, and I definitely wouldn't describe that dog as lazy! Their eleven year old daughter has trouble walking the the energetic little guy. I expect he'll calm down a lot over the next couple of years, but he wouldn't be a good companion for a non-mobile child right now. And he does jump (or try as hard as his little legs will allow) and climb a lot right now.

If you were to consider adopting a dog that's grown past the puppy stage, you'd be able to really see and know its personality and energy level. You might be able to choose a better companion for your daughter that way. There are lots of young adult dogs with tons of love to give, just waiting for that special family to give them a home.

Just my two cents... (from one who is weighing the "puppy" vs. "adult" adoption decision herself.)

 

[DoeWDW]

Here's a great quiz to help you select the breed that would fit best with your needs:

http://www.teststeststests.com/dogbreedtest.htm

There are a lot of these types of tests out on the web. Do your research to pick a breed that will mesh well with your daughter and with your lifestyle.

Good luck!!

 

[FreshTressa]

I agree about getting an older dog so you know their personality. Also, if it is a priority, I would also suggest professional training of the dog. This will help teach it to be less impulsive.

Also, I would look into purchasing a dog that was trained to help people. I think that they train dogs to assist people with physical limitations similarly to the seeing eye dog training program. That way the dog would be trained to be a companion to you daughter and you wouldn't have the problem of an out of control puppy.

 

[mrsv98]

Well, I think Labs are wonderful, but I am biased! However, if I were you, I would do two things. One, I would call a Service/Companion Animal organization. Here is a link http://wolfpacks.com/serviced.htm When I was growing up , we had friends who's son had MD and he had a Lab that was wonderful. If they can't help you directly, they can probably give you some resources.

If you don't want to go that route, then I would look at a dog like a Corgi or a small dog like a YorkiePoo. I am not big on little dogs, but they be just the ticket for your DD. A small dog that can sit with/on her and snuggle up would be a great friend. I would hesitate to get an older dog simply because you daughter probably has a lot of equipment and an older dog might be skittish. Of course, I could be completely wrong! Whatever you decide, the is tons of research to prove that a dog will really enhance your DD's life, and your's too!

 

[MinnieMe2]

We have two bassets that we show, and I know lots of bassets and their people. While an older basset MAY be described as lazy, younger bassets are anything but. And they absolutely do jump up. While our bassets are not as athletic as our late cockers were, they are certainly capable of counter surfing, hopping into a lap, or getting onto the furniture. Keep in mind, too, that bassets are big dogs on short legs. Our two and a half year old male weighs 62 lbs. and our seven month old female will weigh approximately 50 lbs. While certainly not high-energy like some other breeds, our dogs do enjoy a good rip around the house or yard, they chase balls and each other, and until he was a little older, walking our Charlie on lead was not an easy experience!

On the flip side, our dogs are extraordinarily loving and affectionate, and they do generate a good deal of laughter. No matter what a basset does, they look funny doing it. They are loyal pack animals, and their family is their pack. They are happiest when we are all together, whether they are following us while we do yard work, attending handling classes with other dogs and their handler/owners, or are merely sleeping in a lap!

I'm not saying you shouldn't get a basset for your family. I just want you to understand that this is a breed whose looks can be deceiving. I made the decision to switch from cockers to bassets for a number of reasons, one of which is my age. I simply no longer have the energy I used to. Also, while bassets are constant shedders, their grooming needs are minimal. Their ears should be cleaned at least once a week, their nails trimmed when necessary, they enjoy a nice bath occasionally, but they don't require a great deal of trimming (except for the show ring, which probably wouldn't be a concern for you).

I would suggest that, if you decide on a basset, you might check with your local rescue organization. They will have dogs that have already been checked with regard to temperament, etc. Whatever you decide to do, I hope you wind up with a nice family companion....

 

[doxdogy]

I agree with mrsv98, contact a service dog organization. Puppies do tend to be extremely active and they can be that way for up to the first two years. If you do decide to go the puppy route check out the AKC website for breed club information in your area. If you are referred to a breeder, explain the situation to them. Any reputable breeder will be up front with you and let you know that the dog may not be a good match for your situation.