Getting a new dog

Isualum13

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We got a poodle mix and find the lack of shedding to be well worth the price. Plus, I save enough on the allergy medicine that I'll make up for the cost pretty quick.

But I guess it depends on why you're getting a mix.
The "mutts" also tend to have fewer health problems and a longer lifespan.
 

ImJustKCClone

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We got a poodle mix and find the lack of shedding to be well worth the price. Plus, I save enough on the allergy medicine that I'll make up for the cost pretty quick.

But I guess it depends on why you're getting a mix.
Sometimes it makes sense to get a specific breed if you want specific results. I have a friend who loves cats, but she's deathly allergic to the dander they produce (her face swells, she has difficulty breathing, etc). Even without Covid rules, she can't come to our house to visit simply because of the number of cats we have.
She did her research and found a breed that has little to no dander and they worked with a breeder and have two gorgeous long-haired cats in their home now, safely. Surprisingly, Sphinx cats (the hairless ones) still produce too much dander for allergy sufferers...

Side note - my cats are all rescues. People think it's okay to dump unwanted cats out in the rural areas because "they can hunt, and feed themselves". :(
 

candg4ever

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My wife and I are looking at finally getting a new small dog to complete our "family". The kids and grandkids are all in the WDM area, so the house feels a little empty.

If your not locked in on a breed or type, I strongly recommend looking at shelters, rescue and foster services and local Animal Rescue League sites. They all do a lot of good for both the animals and their new families.

These options also provide a number of choices for you and your mate to sort through and find one that "fits".
 

ISUTex

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I think we are looking for smaller dogs in general. Breed isn't a huge concern as long as its decently small . It is me and my girlfriend, and this will be our first dog and think we will be able to handle a smaller dog better at first. Plus we have a smaller house as of now and think a big dog might feel trapped in it, ha.


Mini Schnauzer. They don't shed. Good lap dogs. Very smart.
 
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Cyclones_R_GR8

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My favorite are the people who pay 500-1k for a dog who just ends up at the shelter a few weeks later because "they didn't know dogs were so much work."
My brother in law was a vet and people used to bring in animals to be put down because they decided they didn't want them or they didn't like the animals personality.
 

NodawayRiverClone

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Search for breeders online, but go in person. You should be able to find breeders for most breeds within the surrounding states. Puppies are a 10+ year commitment, it's worth taking a day out of your life to meet your breeders and see the operation.

Also on that note. If you're trying to buy online because it's less expensive, don't. Puppies are expensive for a reason. You don't want a breeder that cuts corners like not getting proper vet care. Again, this is a 10+ year commitment, spend the money up front to make sure your new best friend is the best it can be.

This is good advice. Good, reputable breeders will probably want to meet potential buyers of their dogs. Good breeders will want to be a little cautious because there are organizations trying to get on property and turn dogs loose.

If one is looking for a specific breed, go to AKC website for a list of national breed clubs (as Collie Club of America). The state level of the club will know which breeders have pups for sale. Puppy mills will not regularly have puppies tested for issues the breed may have.

If one is looking for a shelter dog, ask the shelter if they know the dog is ok around peope/kids, has been inside, needs a yard that's fenced, if it is picky about food.
 
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CloneGuy8

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Just my opinion, but adopting a shelter pet is a great way to go. You give a dog a good home, and you don't have to worry if you're dealing with a unethical breeder. Petfinder.com is a good site.
 

Cyclones_R_GR8

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Unfortunate that he could not adopt the animal and put the owner down. Win-win.
My mom got a couple of cats from him. They also had a dog that had a hip problem and he decided he wanted the dog so he told the owner he was just going to keep it. Performed the surgery and that dog is about 10 years old now.
 
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sunset

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We have always adopted but recently purchased our first puppy. We fostered a bullmastiff years ago and fell in love with the breed. It is rare to find them in shelters and I really wanted to know the parents before bringing such a big dog into the house. We found a breeder on line then communicated via messaging and FaceTime. We visited to see puppies and mother/father before paying any money. Worked out really well, very happy with our addition.

To an earlier point, some big breeds do not necessarily need a lot of space. Our dog just turned one and weighs around 130 pounds. He still has puppy energy but as long as he gets his morning walk he is plenty happy to lounge around the house the rest of the day.
 
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NorthCyd

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I can't believe people pay a ton of money for these 'designer' breeds which are really just mutts. It's crazy. Good for your cousin taking advantage of the fad.
Every "breed" was a mutt until some organization decided to designate it otherwise. What is wrong with mixing different breeds to get desired traits? That's why we have different breeds to begin with
 

Cyfan1965

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Irresponsible breading is why a lot of Dalmatians are deaf. The ones that had the most spots that were seen as desirable had hearing issues. Like the push face dogs that can't breath.
 

mynameisjonas

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The only issue I see with the AKC website is they don’t have mixed breeds as an option, so that narrows down the choices.
 

zumbro clones

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I agree with getting a rescue. It was our first choice but we couldn't find a rescue dog in the area that was a good fit for the family. If you can't find a rescue, you can look for a breeder nearby with the following website:


We got our first puppy this way. The breeder we found had a Facebook account with plenty of references. We visited them before we bought our puppy to ensure that it was a legit place and not a puppy mill.

For a second dog we got a retired breeding dog (Moyen poodle) since we didn't want another puppy. We had forgotten how much work a puppy is.

I also agree that a poodle mix is an excellent choice. We don't have any shedding problems and our dogs are super easy to train.
 
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t-noah

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I think it's more the owners. My dog is a pure bred, came from two parents that were both champion show dogs. He was born with an overbite and couldn't be sold as a showdog, so he was thrown in a horse barn as a puppy. Once I saved him, he became the sweetest, most loyal and low maintenance dog I've ever seen. He's just happy when you're in the same room as him.
Did you get a new dog yet? Are you referring to the Corgi you recently lost here?
 

1100011CS

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Every "breed" was a mutt until some organization decided to designate it otherwise. What is wrong with mixing different breeds to get desired traits? That's why we have different breeds to begin with
That's a good point and, obviously, there's nothing 'wrong' with it. I just find it odd that people would pay a ton of money for them.
 

t-noah

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I agree with getting a rescue. It was our first choice but we couldn't find a rescue good dog in the area that was a good fit for the family. If you can't find a rescue, you can look for a breeder nearby with the following website:


We got our first puppy this way. The breeder we found had a Facebook account with plenty of references. We visited them before we bought our puppy to ensure that it was a legit place and not a puppy mill.

For a second dog we got a retired breeding dog (Moyen poodle) since we didn't want another puppy. We had forgotten how much work a puppy is.

I also agree that a poodle mix is an excellent choice. We don't have any shedding problems and our dogs are super easy to train.
Some friends bought a LabraDoddle a while back. Nice dog. Great breed combo one would think, and they likely are.

Then I looked up to see how much one would cost. About $3,000+!