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puppy advice please!

  • 12-11-2010 11:00pm
    #1
    Registered Users Posts: 25


    Hi all,
    am hoping for some help :) am in the midst of thinking about getting a new dog, my mam already has a pom so looking for a smallie again. have been looking at the spitzs as they are similiar, but also looked at perkinese, shih tzu, lhaso apso, maltese, so many and so hard! liked the spitz as the have the cute factor and have decided on a white dog. any ideas or help is very much appreciated. Dont no anyone who has any of these dogs so not sure how they are round the house and with people etc etc
    thanks
    mazzie
    oh and one who can manage long walks :)


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,132 ✭✭✭Sigma Force


    What about a Papillon, they're super cute and well able for long walks, obviously when they are pups you need short regular walks rather than one long one but as they get older they can go for hours. Very good natured and great with other dogs. They aren't pure white though but white with other colours like sable/brown. An all white dog can be a pain to keep clean, Papillons hair is pretty easy to keep just a quick brush every other day does it.


  • Registered Users Posts: 35 Princess Aries


    Hi Mazzie,
    Im looking into getting a puppy at the mo too, I have decided on a Westie (Westhighland Terrier) have done loads of research into the breed. They are small but love loads of exercise but can do with a short walk if thats all you have time for on those busy days! They dont shed but do need to be groomed regulary, they are also quoted as being really good fun family pets.
    I know this isnt a breed you mentioned but you can never have too much info!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,132 ✭✭✭Sigma Force


    Westies shed, all dogs do even 'low shed' dogs, Westies are a great little dog but not recommended for young children.


  • Registered Users Posts: 25 mazzie


    have looked at the yorkshire terrier but not the westies, oh its so hard, decided on one breed then look at the info, then look at another and like that one and so on! lived on a farm so usually had sheepdogs/collies so used of the lovability factor - but then reading that it could take awhile to actually find the right puppy! decisions, decisions, decisions!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,412 ✭✭✭toadfly


    Have you decided if you want to buy or rescue? Loads of pups in rescue as well not just older dogs.

    Have you any kids? I wouldn't recommend Yorkies or Westies for young kids but I guess if you socialise them from a young age they would be fine. I know someone with Maltese and they wouldn't be my choice. I prefer terriers!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,712 ✭✭✭lorebringer


    There is a Spitz rescue based in Meath - they would be a great place to start if you are looking for a rescue or even to ask about the breed. http://www.japanesespitzrescue.com/index.php?Contact_Us

    There are loads smaller breeds in pounds and rescues around the country, most of which are young dogs so please have a look into this before you buy - when you get a young adult you know what their personality is like before you bring it home, they bond with you just as much as puppies do and they are often partially trained (less work for you!). Puppies are great but A LOT of work and with so many unwanted dogs across the country, having a look won't hurt (and you might find the perfect dog for you!).

    If you do decide to buy - please make sure the breeder has all the relevant health checks done and do loads of research!

    Good luck!


  • Registered Users Posts: 25 mazzie


    yup have looked into rescue centres and would love to rescue one but where we live is so open, it doesnt help our case, our backyard is basically a field - i live on a farm so its not enclosed enough for the person in charge. pals of mine all have rescue dogs and can see the love and affection they get, unfor not going to happen for me. no, no kids just me at the min - not working so spending time with a puppy isnt a problem and would relish the challenge of training, my mam already has a pom so used of having an inside dog isnt a problem


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,034 ✭✭✭Bizzum


    Hi Mazzie,
    Im looking into getting a puppy at the mo too, I have decided on a Westie (Westhighland Terrier) have done loads of research into the breed. They dont shed but do need to be groomed regulary, they are also quoted as being really good fun family pets.
    I know this isnt a breed you mentioned but you can never have too much info!

    Westies do shed, reasonably heavily: enough to leave a good layer of white hair on your clothes after you pick them up.
    They can and do elicit allergic reactions in sensitive people.
    As a general rule, they tend not to be that tolerant with young children. They are strong-willed and stubborn terriers.
    I'd suggest, if you want the truth about Westies, that you consult the impartial expert on the breed at www.westierescue.ie


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,972 ✭✭✭Cherry Blossom


    Hi Mazzie,
    Im looking into getting a puppy at the mo too, I have decided on a Westie (Westhighland Terrier) have done loads of research into the breed. They are small but love loads of exercise but can do with a short walk if thats all you have time for on those busy days! They dont shed but do need to be groomed regulary, they are also quoted as being really good fun family pets.
    I know this isnt a breed you mentioned but you can never have too much info!

    I'm afraid not, they will be extremely destructive if under exercised. My Westie spends an hour every day digging up the beds in the stables, an hour racing round the garden stalking things, has 3 walks a day and still spends the rest of her time tearing round the house trying to dig holes in the furniture and carpets. Definately not for the faint-hearted or inexperienced dog owner. They are similar in temprament to Rotties and Dobies ie. extremely stubbern and strong-willed but a lot quicker, with a much higher prey drive and a lot more energy. I actually got mine as an alternative to a Doberman.

    That said, these are the same reasons why I love them and wouldn't change her for the world ;)


  • Registered Users Posts: 35 Princess Aries


    Omg lads, you are all turning me off the idea of a Westie now and I was totally set on the idea!!

    I know all dogs shed, i mean thats a given even I shed and have short hair!! :D the description I gave is whats in all the books Ive read and all the info dvd's i watched about them..

    There was always a dog in my house growing up and I love them and know how much of a huge responsibility they are, but this is my first dog to have of my own..

    Im nervous now about the young children thing, i dont have any kids myself but would like to someday, also all my friends have young kids and babies.. Any of the books ive read on Westies have said u should give them good socialization from a young age around kids and other dogs to get them used to being handled and not to be nervous of other dogs..

    Could anyone reccommend any other breeds that might be suitable for me.. I live in a hse but have a small garden, I love to walk so would like a dog that likes to exercise, but also on busy days would be happy with a shorter walk. I planned on having the dog in the garden during the day if I have to go out but in the house at night time.. I would like a small dog that likes affection but is also independent..

    Any help would be greatly appreciated! :)


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  • Registered Users Posts: 35 Princess Aries


    Ok been Googling like mad here, and have found the breed "Havanese" , they are quoted as "being good with young children, are small active dogs with good temperment, playful and easy to train"

    Would anybody know anything about them?

    I had my heart set on a Westie as im sure you can tell from previous posts i have left but want to make sure I get the right breed for me, my partner and the dog of course! Im a really responsible person and would hate to bring a dog home and for there to be problems and issues down the line because that would not be fair on the dog..

    The commitment I am making is definitley a long term one and I want to do it the right way..

    So any info on Havanese dogs would be greatly appreciated :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 724 ✭✭✭Ms. Chanandler Bong


    There are general characteristics that every breed has but that's all they are - characteristics. Not every single Westie is bad with children. My mum has had chihuahuas all her life, I currently live with 2 in my house. Chihuahuas have a reputation for being snappy with kids. Both mine adore kids, one will quite happily sit for hours as long as she's being petted, the other loves playing tug-of-war & fetch. In all the ones my mum has had, it's only when they got to elder ages that they started being cranky, same as every other animal on the planet! :D
    IMO, it's as much about how you raise your pup as it is breed characteristics. If you have your heart set on a Westie, get one. You strike me as someone who's done your homework on what's needed.
    In regards to the shedding argument/discussion, any dog kept indoors sheds all year round. Those kept outdoors will shed mainly when they're losing their winter & summer coats & lightly inbetween.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 657 ✭✭✭portgirl123


    my auntie has 2 westies, one is a dote with kids the other i or anyone else would not trust it with kids one little bit. both have been to training and both always had kids around from the time they were 8 weeks old, the one that doesnt like kids was fine with them at first then when got to about 6 months he went abit snappy and cranky.even with adults can be funny.

    What about something like a shih tzu or yorkie? i have both. great with kids, cats other dogs.


  • Registered Users Posts: 35 Princess Aries


    my auntie has 2 westies, one is a dote with kids the other i or anyone else would not trust it with kids one little bit. both have been to training and both always had kids around from the time they were 8 weeks old, the one that doesnt like kids was fine with them at first then when got to about 6 months he went abit snappy and cranky.even with adults can be funny.

    What about something like a shih tzu or yorkie? i have both. great with kids, cats other dogs.

    Thanks guys for the comments, still not 100% about what breed to go with, ive been researching loadsa different types.. Portgirl looked at Shih tzu's and really like them, also like Bishion Frise.. I actually found that a good few people that are cross breeding Bishion's with Shih Tzu's or Cav King Charles and they are adorable! seem to be really good temprament too.. So the search continues for the mo!

    Oh sorry for hyjacking this thread but thanks everyone all comments have really helped! :D


  • Registered Users Posts: 135 ✭✭midgej


    If you're looking for a cute, low shed, good natured breed that's good with kids I would thoroughly recommend a cavachon. Some people call them designer dogs, others call them planned mongrels :D but whatever you want to call them they're adorable. They're a cross between a Bichon and King Charles Cavalier.
    As many of the pure breeds are over-bred some tend to have behavioral or health problems, but the cross-breeding helps eliminate this. We have Jessie, our Cavachon 8 months now, and she hasn't snapped once and has never been sick. She adores kids, and is extremely gentle with them, and gets on great with other dogs.
    There's no such thing as non-shed, but she's pretty close, we get a few hairs now and then but nothing worth talking about.
    She loves her walks, but loves cuddling up in front of the fire even more. If you have any questions about the breed just ask. Good luck, and enjoy your puppy when you get it...they're such fun :)
    PS. I've attached a photo, just in case you don't know what they look like.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,713 ✭✭✭lrushe


    I have a Japanese Spitz who's almost 10, here are the pro's and con's as I have found them:

    Pro's:
    *They are a v.healthy breed, very few health problems.
    *They have no oil in their coat so it doesn't attract dirt or odours (no doggy smell:)). Any dirt that does get on the coat can be easily brushed out to bring them back to their snow white coat again.
    *Intelligent, easy to train dogs.
    *Despite their long coat they are not excessive shedder (except when they drop their coat twice a year).
    *Great guard dogs, no one will get into your home without the neighbourhood knowing about it:)

    Con's
    *Can be hyper if not exercised daily or given too much protein.
    *Needs to be groomed thoroughly 2-3 times a week but only bathed about twice a year. Be careful when grooming as the coat is a 'dry' coat and the hairs can break easily if over or too roughly groomed.
    *Can be known to bark excessively, they need to be taught at an early age that this is not acceptable.
    *Can be a very 'one person' dog and wary of strangers if not socialised enough when young.

    Overall a smashing little dog and by far one of the easiest I've ever raised. I call Ben, my Spitz, my bomb proof dog, I can trust him anywhere and with anyone, but as with all dogs the work has to be put in when they are young.
    Hope this helps and good luck!:)


  • Registered Users Posts: 22 RandR


    Hi, We are thinking of getting a Cavachon puppy this summer. Can you tell me where you got yours? I am also wondering about Care of the dog, as a puppy I understand they are easy to train. Did you find this? I am also concerned about chewing, did you find the puppy chewed everything? I know they will chew but are they good at sticking to their toys ?

    In terms of the kids too, I have 4 young children the yougest will be almost 2 when we get the puppy do you think a cavahon will be OK with this young child?

    Thanks in advance!
    R.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,000 ✭✭✭andreac


    Please reconsider your breed.
    The cavachon is not a breed, its a mongrel and mostly bred by back yard breeders and puppy farmers to just line their pockets with little or no consideration for the health and welfare of the pups.

    They intentionally cross 2 breeds, which by the way is against Irish Kennel Club rules, give it a fancy/stupid name like a Cavachon and rip people off by charging ridiculous prices, which are basically just mongrels.

    There are plenty of mongrels/cross breeds free in rescues and pounds and there is no need to pay a couple of hundred for one off these dodgy breeders so please, please do your homework before buying any dog and stay away from these so called designer breeds.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,132 ✭✭✭Sigma Force


    @Princess Aries mabey try dogstrust or a nearby shelter you never know, my parents dog is a small house dog she's a chihauaua (sp?) daxie cross and a rescue, my middle pooch is the prettiest dog in the whole world and only 7.5kg and also a rescue so small dogs come up looking for rescue places a lot.

    If you do go for a pb dog I still say, unless there's kids that tend to be rough in the house and only if you have time because they love company a Papillon is the perfect little house dog, if the right breeder is chosen they are generally healthy as pbs go and so so cute but they are expensive but I remember one being in rescue a good while back but they don't come into rescue often.


  • Registered Users Posts: 135 ✭✭midgej


    RandR wrote: »
    Hi, We are thinking of getting a Cavachon puppy this summer. Can you tell me where you got yours? I am also wondering about Care of the dog, as a puppy I understand they are easy to train. Did you find this? I am also concerned about chewing, did you find the puppy chewed everything? I know they will chew but are they good at sticking to their toys ?

    In terms of the kids too, I have 4 young children the yougest will be almost 2 when we get the puppy do you think a cavahon will be OK with this young child?

    Thanks in advance!
    R.

    Hi RandR,
    We got ours near Ballyhea, in North Cork, through an advert on donedeal.ie. It was just a private home, the mum was a King Charles, their own family pet...nothing close to a puppy farm. We found her very easy to house train, and has always been well behaved in terms of chewing. She stuck to the toys that she was given and just chewed them, the only incident was with a pair of shoes that I left near her basket one night by mistake, and she assumed they were for her to play with....I think that was more my fault than hers though. Even then she didn't do too much damage to the shoes, as her teeth were so small. Other shoes, bags etc were her reach at other times and she never went near them.
    All dogs vary a little depending on the nature of their parents, but speaking from my experience of our Cavachon, I would trust Jessie 100% with a 2 year old. We don't have kids, but have lots of nieces, nephews and friends kids, and she is always extremely gentle with them, she varies her style of play depending on the child, the smaller the child the gentler she plays.
    As is evident from Andreac 's post, not everyone is in favour of cross breeding, but to be honest I haven't regretted my choice of dog for one second, she is the happiest, healthiest, nicest natured dog I know and I couldn't ask for anything more. If you need any other info just ask....best of luck with your pup.
    Midgej


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  • Registered Users Posts: 22 RandR


    Hi Midgej,
    Thanks so much for your prompt reply. I have no intention of buying from a puppy farm I would be very careful bout this. I have done significant research on which dog would be most suitable for our family and the Cavachon (cross breed or not) is certainly coming in the most suitable.

    It is good to hear get confirmation that they are generally easy to train dogs that are child friendly. I'm more or less convinced now!
    Just one more question did you get Pet Insurance?

    Thanks again,
    R.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,972 ✭✭✭Cherry Blossom


    RandR wrote: »
    Hi Midgej,
    I have done significant research on which dog would be most suitable for our family and the Cavachon (cross breed or not) is certainly coming in the most suitable.

    As you have done your re-search then I'm sure you are aware of the massive health issues rife within the CKC and that 60% don't live to reach their 5th birthday and 90% don't reach their 10th birthday. I wish you the best of luck trying to find some-one who fully health-tests their breeding dogs because I have never heard of any of these cross-breeders doing this. Reputable breeders do of course but they don't cross breed as it's against kennel club rules and they wouldn't have much of a reputation if they did. I have 4 kids here who would be absolutely heart-broken if anything happened to our dog so I can't imagine how badly they'd be affected if it were their own, so I'm glad I went for a breed which has a long life-span.

    So, basically yes, well done for having done all your research on the 2 breeds involved and the best of luck finding a puppy which comes free of the problems people have bred into them because I think you are going to have a struggle on this one!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,000 ✭✭✭andreac


    RandR wrote: »
    Hi Midgej,
    Thanks so much for your prompt reply. I have no intention of buying from a puppy farm I would be very careful bout this. I have done significant research on which dog would be most suitable for our family and the Cavachon (cross breed or not) is certainly coming in the most suitable.

    It is good to hear get confirmation that they are generally easy to train dogs that are child friendly. I'm more or less convinced now!
    Just one more question did you get Pet Insurance?

    Thanks again,
    R.

    Do you not realise that the only people breeding these so called breeds like Cavachons are nothing but puppy farmers and backyard breeders?:mad:

    Are you really that naive to think that these so called breeds are bred with care and attention?? Sorry to burst your bubble but its the exact opposite.

    They are bred soley to make money easily for the so called breeder because they are given a ridiculous name like a Cavachon:rolleyes: and foolish people hand over their money for these dogs which havent been health tested etc, so please, wake up and realise what really goes on with these designer breeds being bred by puppy farmers, as that is what they are!!


  • Users Awaiting Email Confirmation Posts: 919 ✭✭✭Shanao


    Sorry to come across as a spoilsport here, but no responsible breeder would cross breed their dogs. Even if the dog is indoors in a lovely bed, that still means they are backyard breeders.
    Bichons are prone to:
    Bladder stones
    Gum disease
    Patellar luxations (dislocating knees)
    Cushings disease (symptoms include constant thirst, constant panting, strange behavior, thinning of the hair, depression and even seizures)
    Cataracts
    Diabetes
    Chronic ear infections
    Dermatitis

    Now, let's just add that to the list of Cavalier problems, because you have to try and understand that crossbreeding doesn't make the dog healthier, it doubles the risk of health problems.

    Cavalier health issues:
    Heart mitral valve disease
    Syringomyelia (disorder of the brain and spinal cord that is extremely widespread in cavaliers)
    Hip dysplasia
    Brachcephalic airway obstruction syndrome
    Collapsing Cavalier Syndrome- a syndrome of muscle stiffness and collapse
    Seizures
    Entropian
    Retinal dysplasia
    Syringohydromelia
    [FONT=arial,helvetica][/FONT]Cataracts as well
    Also patellar luxations

    Just to name a few.

    How can these dogs be healthy if they're prone to so many things? The answer, they're not. Sure, they might not be afflicted by any of these in the first two, maybe three years of their lives, and you'd be lucky to get that far without an issue. If you give money to these people who think its okay to breed whatever they want to make money, then they will continue to do so and Ireland's already vast problem of an overpopulation of stray and abused animals will only continue on.

    So please, please reconsider. Why not just get a bichon, or a cavalier? And please dont continue to ignore the advice of the people who are trying to help you from making a decision that could ruin you, just because one person is telling you to go for it. I've known people who have paid out literally hundreds because they bought an unhealthy puppy, and unfortunately, some of them have died, or been PTS within the first few days of being brought home.
    If you've worked at all with rescue animals, and seen some of the things that people here have, you would understand why we are so adamant to try and change as many minds as possible. We humans have already done so much damage to the canine species, please dont help fund those who are continually making it worse.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,679 ✭✭✭Freddie59


    We were given a present of a Yorkshire Terrier before Christmas. Here he is.

    We had one some years ago for 11 years. The nicest little animal you could have in your home. Very well behaved; doesn't shed; and extremely loyal. The last one we had, Tiny, was the same. We had him before we had kids and he never, ever bothered them. He was a great pal to them. Great walkers. I would highly recommend them (possibly the full size one for the OP).

    Footnote: they're also now crossing the Yorkies with the King Charles Cavalier spaniel.


  • Registered Users Posts: 135 ✭✭midgej


    RandR wrote: »
    Hi Midgej,
    Just one more question did you get Pet Insurance?

    Thanks again,
    R.

    Hi R,
    No probs....yes, I have pet insurance, and would definitely recommend that you get it, no matter what type of dog you get - cross bred or otherwise. I haven't had to use the insurance, and hopefully never will, but wouldn't be without it. She was at the vets lately to be spayed and the vet gave her a full check up and a clean bill of health, but I definitely feel happier having the insurance in place. It would break my heart if Jessie needed an operation that we couldn't afford, it's much easier to just pay the monthly premium (ours is €12 a month), and at least I don't have to worry about any unexpected costs in the future.
    Good luck with your puppy, I hope it brings you as much joy as Jessie has brought to us :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,972 ✭✭✭Cherry Blossom


    midgej wrote: »
    Hi R,
    She was at the vets lately to be spayed and the vet gave her a full check up and a clean bill of health,

    You had her tested for all the genetic conditions mentioned in the post above? Wow, how much did that cost? :eek:

    R&R at whatever stage someone posts that they have mature cavalier/bichon cross with a 'clean bill of health' that might be some indication of 'proof'.


  • Registered Users Posts: 22 RandR


    Ok - Thank for all the responses. I appriciate all the different points of view. Whatever Puppy we get I think I will get the insurance anyway. R.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,679 ✭✭✭Freddie59


    midgej wrote: »
    Hi R,
    No probs....yes, I have pet insurance, and would definitely recommend that you get it, no matter what type of dog you get - cross bred or otherwise. I haven't had to use the insurance, and hopefully never will, but wouldn't be without it. She was at the vets lately to be spayed and the vet gave her a full check up and a clean bill of health, but I definitely feel happier having the insurance in place. It would break my heart if Jessie needed an operation that we couldn't afford, it's much easier to just pay the monthly premium (ours is €12 a month), and at least I don't have to worry about any unexpected costs in the future.
    Good luck with your puppy, I hope it brings you as much joy as Jessie has brought to us :)

    Mind if I ask who the insurer is? We've been quoted €250 for a Yorkie by Allianz. I was a bit surprised TBH.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 135 ✭✭midgej


    Freddie59 wrote: »
    Mind if I ask who the insurer is? We've been quoted €250 for a Yorkie by Allianz. I was a bit surprised TBH.

    Insurance for a non pedigree dog is a little cheaper than for a pedigree, but 250 sounds quite expensive alright. We got ours through www.petinsure.ie


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1 coutt_al


    midgej wrote: »
    Hi RandR,
    We got ours near Ballyhea, in North Cork, through an advert on donedeal.ie. It was just a private home, the mum was a King Charles, their own family pet...nothing close to a puppy farm. We found her very easy to house train, and has always been well behaved in terms of chewing. She stuck to the toys that she was given and just chewed them, the only incident was with a pair of shoes that I left near her basket one night by mistake, and she assumed they were for her to play with....I think that was more my fault than hers though. Even then she didn't do too much damage to the shoes, as her teeth were so small. Other shoes, bags etc were her reach at other times and she never went near them.
    All dogs vary a little depending on the nature of their parents, but speaking from my experience of our Cavachon, I would trust Jessie 100% with a 2 year old. We don't have kids, but have lots of nieces, nephews and friends kids, and she is always extremely gentle with them, she varies her style of play depending on the child, the smaller the child the gentler she plays.
    As is evident from Andreac 's post, not everyone is in favour of cross breeding, but to be honest I haven't regretted my choice of dog for one second, she is the happiest, healthiest, nicest natured dog I know and I couldn't ask for anything more. If you need any other info just ask....best of luck with your pup.
    Midgej


    Midgej do you still have the details of the breeder as looking to get a cavachon?

    Kind Regards


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,972 ✭✭✭Cherry Blossom


    coutt_al - there are plenty of cross breeds in rescues and pounds that are free and you won't contribute to some poor dog leading a life of misery to produce them.

    As you are a new poster here, can I also just point out that it isn't really appropriate to bump up old threads like this, you can start your own if you wish.

    Locking.


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