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Post by aquaduct on Jul 2, 2009 10:00:31 GMT -5
Alright, my 19 year old daughter is making noises about acquiring another dog (don't have one right now, but have had several over the years). She works at a dog-friendly winery (they can come out and wander the grounds while you sip cab franc) so, theoretically, she could bring the dog to work, etc.
We're not real thrilled about another dog at this point since we live in a relatively smallish townhouse with no fenced yard and with nice furniture and other sundries that we don't want ruined. I also know that eventually it will become my dog since I'll be the only one to take care of it long-term. And we're all pretty busy so often the dog will be home alone with our 2 elderly cats (unless daughter takes dog to work, etc.).
The debate has now been thrown squarely in my lap ("Talk to your father!"- I swear, there is nothing more mystifying to a guy than the relationship between mother and daughter).
I could entertain the notion of a dog if it was 1) capable of stairs, 2) smallish, 3) non-destructive, 4) non-nippy (don't want the cats cowered in the closet all the time- been there, done that), 5) easy to maintain, and 6) kind of a homebody that wouldn't tend to run off if let out the back door on a February morning.
The wife has heard good things about King Charles Cavaliers (sp??) that might fit the bill. We've already had other small breeds like miniature pincshers that we like, but don't fit all the criteria (very destructive as a puppy and a bit nervous and nippy with strangers).
I've gone with pound rescue dogs before, but those tend to come with issues that surface after they're in your home, so I'd probably prefer to go for a new puppy that with some breeding assurance.
Any thoughts from the assembled masses?
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Post by omaha on Jul 2, 2009 10:06:49 GMT -5
I don't think I'd get a dog if I were in your position. But for your criteria, a Cocker Spaniel like Major would fit:  That's really just a variation on the King Charles Cavaliers idea (those are spaniels, after all). |
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Post by Doug on Jul 2, 2009 10:16:44 GMT -5
The smallest standard poodle you can find.
Poodles: toy <10in min 10-15in standard >15in - real big
The smaller standards are in less demand, have the advantages of standards.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2009 10:22:21 GMT -5
You should consider a Boston Terrier.  Small, good natured, low maintenance, requires only moderate exercise. Can't say how one would do with the cats, though. After all, it is a terrier. Tom |
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Post by epaul on Jul 2, 2009 10:25:53 GMT -5
I would recommend a nice Labrador Retriever. I don't suppose they could be considered smallish, but I always recommend Labrador Retrievers. Damn good dogs. (and they love jazz guitar. any kind of guitar. preferably wood, as carbon just tastes funny.)
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Post by millring on Jul 2, 2009 10:26:39 GMT -5
I'd second Doug's poodle suggestion. They have the added attraction of being very trainable. And if you don't like the 'fru fru' cuts, a standard kennel cut is very attractive.
Oh, Cavs are nice, friendlier than their Cocker cousins. But from what I understand, not particularly trainable.
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Post by epaul on Jul 2, 2009 10:28:50 GMT -5
I have to admit, I have really liked the two Boston Terriers my brother has had. They both were very affectionate and very likable. And robust and healthy (compared to many to the cockers I have encountered)
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Post by Fingerplucked on Jul 2, 2009 10:30:26 GMT -5
I don't think I'd get a dog if I were in your position. Thought it bears repeating. Since your daughter's 19, I'd let her get a dog only if she is going to take full responsibility for it, from buying it, feeding it, leaking it, training it, and paying for all the things that 19 year olds don't think of, like vet & grooming bills. If you take any other approach, then it's your dog, not hers. And since you don't really want a dog, saying no shouldn't be that hard. |
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Post by aquaduct on Jul 2, 2009 10:33:05 GMT -5
I don't think I'd get a dog if I were in your position. Don't know if your daughters are old enough yet (can't actually see the lovely picture here at work) to experience this, but there's no way to win this one (nor break even, nor even quit the game). Wife doesn't want a dog but also doesn't want to scar my girl, so they go to the puppy store together. Then they call me to come see all the cute puppies. Then she bitches all the way home about how much of a mistake it's going to be to let her get a dog. It's coming, it's only a matter of time. I just need to figure out what kind of dog I ultimately want to be saddled with. |
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Post by Doug on Jul 2, 2009 10:39:30 GMT -5
I would recommend a nice Labrador Retriever. I don't suppose they could be considered smallish, but I always recommend Labrador Retrievers. Damn good dogs. (and they love jazz guitar. any kind of guitar. preferably wood, as carbon just tastes funny.) I would second the lab if the smallish wasn't in the mix. Niki is a very small lab about 21 in and 35 lbs. Most labs today are large and even getting one from smallish parents isn't a sure thing, both of Niki's parents were big, bitch about 30 in and 100 lbs and sire about 32 in and 90 lbs and he was young and not filled out. |
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Post by millring on Jul 2, 2009 10:42:07 GMT -5
so they go to the puppy store together. If you decide to get a dog, may I BEG you to not go to a puppy store? Please? |
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Post by billhammond on Jul 2, 2009 10:55:23 GMT -5
Would your daughter maybe settle for one of these? Might be fun for your cats, too.  |
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Post by Doug on Jul 2, 2009 10:56:17 GMT -5
so they go to the puppy store together. If you decide to get a dog, may I BEG you to not go to a puppy store? Please? I second that. Go to a breeder. |
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Post by t-bob on Jul 2, 2009 10:58:09 GMT -5
so they go to the puppy store together. If you decide to get a dog, may I BEG you to not go to a puppy store? Please? Yes, rescue organizations have everything, from puppies to old dogs. Dante is a rescue dog. |
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Post by Village Idiot on Jul 2, 2009 11:09:12 GMT -5
Are you sure your daughter wants a dog just because it'd be really cool to be one of the people who has a dog at the winery? By the time the pup is mature enough to go, will she still be employed there? She's only 19. I'd suggest no dog.
That being said, if you do get one, I'd go with Tholme's Boston Terrier idea. Every Boston I've known has been a great dog. Or, better yet: I promise I will never be caught owning one, but if you want a small townhouse dog that is calm and sits around all day, maybe a pug or a French bulldog. (I know I know). Their laziness, however, would fit the bill quite nicely.
I agree with everyone else who has said no puppy store. Some pet stores take in shelter puppies, but you have to be careful. You don't want to be part of the puppy mill consortium.
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Post by knobtwister on Jul 2, 2009 11:16:38 GMT -5
Would your daughter maybe settle for one of these? Might be fun for your cats, too. I can set my mouse trap on stun and fix you right up. ;D |
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Post by Cornflake on Jul 2, 2009 11:23:25 GMT -5
I'm a Lab fan, but I can't see having one under the circumstances you describe.
My daughter works in a vet's office and was recently briefing me on the characteristics of various breeds. She's worked with almost all of them. As a result, she's come to share my lack of enthusiasm for most small dogs. If I were you, I'd pass.
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Post by millring on Jul 2, 2009 11:27:04 GMT -5
Two of the best small dogs I've ever seen in obedience and agility: Border Terrier...  Puli...  |
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Post by Fingerplucked on Jul 2, 2009 11:38:59 GMT -5
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Post by david on Jul 2, 2009 11:49:19 GMT -5
There is a book out there - I bought my second copy after loaning the first to someone - and it gives you all the characteristics of akc breeds, with the caveat that you cannot attribute breed characteristics to "puppy mill" dogs. In your case I would look at the characteristics of: shedding, grooming, exercise, dominance toward strangers, dominance toward other dogs (or cats), size, and trainability. It gives all those factors and more. But from what I remember, the smallest acceptable, well bred poodle, is an excellent recommendation for you. You might want to take some time, tell your wife and daughter that you really need to take time to research the matter, buy a few books, preferably, hard to find, slow delivery books, on the subject, then take 5 or 6 months to find the right breeder. By that time, your daughter might have moved out or grown out of her dog phase. A few other thoughts are that smaller dogs make smaller piles, but smaller dogs also live longer, so in the end, you probably put up with the same amount of . . . stuff. Either way, you are looking at a 10 to 16 year commitment to a lot of stuff. Take your time stepping into it.
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