All right all you dog people...choosing a breed

[Kaitie09]

I hate to say it, but I totally agree. I realize you (op) are trying to help your family make an informed decision, but sounds to me that they aren't willing to do what it takes to make sure they have a breed that will match the family. I see the dog being at the losing end on this one. This is how so many dogs end up in shelters. People go by looks, not what the specific breed entails, and end up not liking what they have chosen. Dogs are what they are, they can't help what breed they are. Maybe your aunt should look into another type of pet that is less demanding? Maybe a cat or something that doesn't require as much human dependancy? Sorry if this sounds harsh, I just worry that whatever dog they might choose, will be chosen for all the wrong reasons.

They have 2 cats now, and they have been talking about a dog for years. Although they might end up with a bad dog, our family is not the kind to get rid of a bad animal. My mom/aunt grew up with mutt that would physically attack anyone who entered the yard, they just learned to sneak around back when he wasn't looking. My grandfather had very strong opinions of taking responsibility for the things you get. Our entire extended family has that same idea, you chose this, you are forced to deal with the consequences if you make a stupid choice.

If the dog turns out bad, the most that will happen is he/she will be put away when people are over.


I think they are still set on the labradoodle, so there is not much I can do or say now to change their minds. I found 1 breeder in the area that do extensive medical history on both parents, along with having a certified trainer come in at 5 weeks and start teaching basic commands. Their website is very clear about the fact that these dogs may shed, and they request to meet with the potential owner in person before they puppies go home. They flat out say that you can choose a color and go on a waiting list, but the first litter of puppies might not fit the family, so you may have to wait. They have a 2 year warranty for their dogs, and all a spayed before being sent to their home. They also refuse to ship by air, but you can pay extra for a pet shipping truck.

That is probably the best Its going to get, so that was the only website I sent to them.

 

[yomama]

Quote:
Wow, that sounds like a pretty good breeder at least. Is your family adamant about getting a puppy? If they aren't, and really want a dog that has limited shedding, you should see if this breeder, or any other rescue, has an adult dog that needs a home. That will save you from having to house train, hopefully, and you will already have a good idea of what the temperament might be like, plus whether it sheds or not. I know alot of people would rather get puppies instead of adult dogs. However, I'd rather get an adult dog instead of a puppy. I realize that puppies grow with you, but you can develop quite a special bond with an adult dog too. And like I mentioned before, you will already know what good and bad habits it may have, what kind of temperament and so on. Not having to potty train is always a plus in my book!

I have had many rescue dogs over the years, as well as dogs that I've had since pups. Most of my dogs since pup hood have bonded with me, but all of my rescues have. Almost like they know they are getting a second chance. I'm glad to hear that your family has the mind set to stick with whatever decision is made. I wish them luck!

 

[ProudK911]

No responsible breeder is going to send home a puppy without having met the family- so why is your aunt having you shop for this dog? Anybody (so-called) "breeding" Labradoodles is NOT a responsible breeder! (see comment from dianerra- that is right on the money!) People breeding "designer" dogs are in it just for the money! Not the betterment of the breed (what breed there... ) as a proper breeder will breed their dogs from, and only after rigorous genetic/phenotypic testing appropriate to their breed. As a help for you and your family members, please go to my website at: www.jaydeesphs.com and go to the articles section- there are articles about the responsible breeder vs the puppy mill, what to look for, etc when adding a new pet/family member to your household. Labradoodles are NOT non-shedding, nor are they hypoallergenic! There are plenty of labradoodles in the shelters these days- once their owner suffers through their half LAB blowing its coat spring and fall when it was supposed to "not shed" **even poodles do- just more like us!!!** BTW- 25% of shelter dogs are pure-bred... and from lackadasical uncaring irresponsible people breeding their dogs and not being responsible for what they let be on this earth! Only buy from a breeder who has a no-questions-asked absolute return guarantee! I wholly understand people wanting a purebred dog to raise from a puppy. Why don't you take your family to visit a couple dog shows where your family could talk to people who are devoted to the fancy and their breed of dog? That is the best way to get accurate breed information, and on their health problems. Also, www.offa.org is the main data base for health testing in dogs. You can learn a lot about different breeds' health issues there.
Even once a breed is decided on by the family: visit more than one breeder! Talk to as many as you can, even if they're way across the country- they may know local people, and maybe can steer you in the right direction. There are many different "strains" within each breed! Take my breed, for instance, the GSD (German Shepherd Dog): there are GSDs bred for the AKC show ring, for obedience & agility, for protection, for service/assistance dogs. All are GSDs, but the different 'types' of dog can mean harmony or disaster for your home. Example- a first time dog owner does NOT want a sport/protection trained GSD-- what a miserable situation- if the dog doesn't get euthanized for biting and being out of control in inexperienced hands, he'll end up in the shelter many times because he's unmanageable for them. The same dog in a professional competitor's hands could maybe go to the BSZS- the biggest Schutzhund competition of the year, held in Germany! Don't go to a breeder who breeds "just pets" for "just pets". Only buy pups from titled & health clearanced parents (not grandparents, or great-grandparents, but PARENTS) from breeders who are active in their breed, and knowledgeable about their blood line/s. Pups of any breed should come with a contract and a health guarantee beyond 3-10 days when you first take the puppy home. The best breeders always sell their pet puppies (non show animals) on Limited AKC registration. (UKC breeds register differently) and many show/breed quality pups on limited registration or a coownership if on full registration.
AND PLEASE IF YOUR FAMILY WANTS A MUTT-- GIVE ONE A CHANCE- GO TO A SHELTER!!!! WHY PAY $1-2000 FOR A MUTT YOU CAN GET FOR NEXT TO NOTHING AT THE POUND?

Jen P & the Pack (and of course mad chickens!) getting off her soapbox about responsible breeding of ANY animal! (even my chickens)

 

[dainerra]

what she said, X1000!!

 

[tdgill]

http://rufflyspeaking.net/blog/puppy-buyer-ettiquette/

Puppies as birthday gifts are bad ideas, Labradoodles are an even worse idea, from the OP it really doesn't sound like anyone is ready for a dog in this situation.

I agree with this opinion. Doesn't sound like anyone is mature enough to handle the responsibilty

 

[ProudK911]

http://rufflyspeaking.net/blog/puppy-buyer-ettiquette/

Puppies as birthday gifts are bad ideas, Labradoodles are an even worse idea, from the OP it really doesn't sound like anyone is ready for a dog in this situation.

What an excellent article. I am going to include a link to it on my own website. I have a nice little educational section started...
Jen P & the Pack thinking what a handsome Akbash Dog (or maybe a short coat Anatolian, but I don't think a Kangal though...)

 

[crumptz]

I'm a huge fan of Viszla; however, NOT if you aren't going to walk it half of the year! Those dogs are great if you plan on devoting lots of time running 'em!

 

[dainerra]

I love that blog post! very good points for people who aren't used to the world of purebred dogs. The part that really gets a LOT of people is not getting to pick their own dog. You can bet they really freak if they find out the breeder might have already given all the pups their registered names or that the breeder has to approve the name!

I think her #1 point might be the most important. Shop for a BREEDER, not a puppy. or maybe it's the part where she said "My responsibility is not to make you happy" A good breeder makes clients happy by matching them with the perfect that fits best into their lifestyle.

 

[Kaitie09]

She put a down payment on a labradoodle and will be getting it in August. She did tell my younger cousin about it so that she could pick out a name.

 

[miss heny]

we own a cockerpoo female that is the sweetest thing on the world, she barely shed, she has the more cocker look tho, and is a "mutt" in a way.