Posted by Dinah on April 23, 2009, at 8:29:22
In reply to Re: Is it a bad idea for me to adopt a dog? » MollieQ, posted by TherapyGirl on April 23, 2009, at 6:22:12
> Corgis and Shelties were both on the list (FBF's dog is a mix) and so are Beagles (the dog I'm seriously considering is part Beagle).
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> What the heck is a Bedlington Terrier, btw? No offense to anyone here who may have one, but that dog looks like a llama. LOLNo offense to any of the dogs I'm about to mention. There's a breed for everyone, and the important thing is a good match.
What are you looking for in a dog? A quiet house potato? Or a lively companion? Do you like one who is sweet and compliant? Or one who is independent and has a sense of humor?
Shelties vary widely in temperament because they've been popular for a long time. Checking for temperament is very important. They can be fabulous dogs or they can be high strung and snappy and nervous. Most are not overly friendly with strangers, even if they aren't shy. Part of the desired part of the breed is a bit of reserve. They like to be given things that challenge their brains. When you meet a potential sheltie adoptee, worry a bit about the ones who run away and have to be captured to meet you. But if they politely sniff your hand while not making eye contact, instead of greeting you with the enthusiasm of a long lost friend, this is entirely normal. That same dog might hurl itself at its masters feet once it accepts that person as master.
Corgis can be great dogs. But they are also shepherds. Some need a fair amount of exercise, just like Shelties. And their natural inclination is to herd by nipping heels. If a puppy has a proper upbringing, this can be channeled productively. But I've heard of Corgis who could be problems.
Beagles are great, but they are hounds, and it's important to remember that. Some are quite vocal. That's not an insult to them, it's their job. They also have the potential be a bit stubborn and on occasion like to roam. Again, this was necessary for what they were bred to do. It wasn't beneficial for them to be looking back to their owners for instructions.
Older sighthounds are surprisingly happy as couch potatoes. I've heard great things about retired racing dogs. They can form fierce attachments to their people, but they aren't slurpy extroverts.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels manage to capture the sweetness of the spaniel while not having the energy of a spaniel. They are the exact opposite of high strung. I really really recommend them for people who want to bring a dog to the workplace. Especially if the workplace has other people around. I've seen them in many workplaces, and recommended them to many people in that situation, and everyone I've recommended it to has ended up falling in love. I'm not sure how available they are as rescues, even as mixes. But I'm sure there is a breed rescue group. I adore the breed myself, while admitting that I personally am drawn to dogs that are a bit less perfect.
Obviously individuals within the breed can vary widely. But breed traits do tend to persist. I have a book by Daniel Tortora that I've found very helpful. "Right Dog For You" I like that he accurately pegs some breed quirks that aren't always widely understood. I'm not sure he has some of the newer breeds included.
Breed specific rescue groups can be a great way to get a dog. They usually do extensive temperament testing and work hard to match dog and owner. They don't only have purebreds. Most breed specific rescue groups also get called to rescue dogs that are part that breed, or sometimes even vaguely resemble that breed. They can be a little fussy about placing their dogs, but only because they want a good match and a forever home.
If you have any specific questions, let me know. I've made something of a study of it. I always thought in my retirement years I'd get involved in rescue, and I've really looked into it. I'm not sure I'm cut out for it though. I have zero dominance. If you want to babblemail me privately, I've owned many breeds of dogs over the years, congregated mainly among spaniels, sheepdogs, and sighthounds. But I've had fairly extensive acquaintance with many many others.
People are very different in what they like in a dog. And dogs, bless them, come in all shapes and sizes and temperaments and intelligences. As if God designed them to be our friends and helpers, and recognized that one size definitely does not fit all. I've read that the potential combination of genes is extraordinary.
BTW, I think Bedlingtons are groomed to look like lambs. My mother has coveted one for years. Terriers as a whole tend to be lively, scrappy, independent little things. I've always figured they would run rings around me. Though I've also always wanted a Skye terrier, who is known as a very bonded one person dog.
poster:Dinah
thread:891981
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20090421/msgs/892290.html