Oh the insanity!

[wraithgirl]

Because I have lost all grasp on reality, I am once again considering getting a dog. Not just a dog, a *puppy

Comments

[davesbrain]

There's a sheltie that lives a few blocks away that would give Maya a run for her money, activity-wise. It is let out every morning into its yard and then runs pell mell back and forth along the fence for hours.

My personal choice for a dog is a Westie. It's a small dog (the only kind I'd get) but a masculine dog (the only kind I'd walk in public). They can be barky but they are intelligent, disciplined and well-mannered.

I cannot imagine you considering a giant dog - but you're familiar with large dogs already (one could say you've been blooded).

[wraithgirl]

In general, I like bigger dogs. The small dogs that I do like don't seems to have traits that make them suitable to a house full of cats and kids. It's not only the activity level, but the temperament that I am looking at the most. Easy-going small dogs are rare.

Westies are adorable and I love them, but they're not often a good mix with kids and cats. The same with most terriers and also hounds.

Ah hell. I have no idea.

kids and pets

[grannyscalpay]

My 2 Westies are great with kids, and also with our cat. However, their temperament is exceptionally good. In my experience, Labs & Retrievers are best with kids, but there are exceptions (eg - Marley - lol). Check out the breeder really carefully.

Re: kids and pets

[wraithgirl]

My previous dog was a lab and in general, I think they are a bit too active and headstrong for us. You wouldn't think they were that different from retrievers, but I think retrievers are now bred exclusively for family pets - basically to be couch potatoes.

I adore Westies. I have so much research to do!

[mystery_diva]

I'm not big on dogs in general, but we did have a golden lab at one point who was really nice. We lived on a farm at the time and she kept me company in the barn and on rides around the fields. A co-worker just got a golden retriever mostly for her 6-year old daughter, and they seem to be enjoying it (although they've had to coordinate her parents watching it during the day sometimes because nobody is home). And that's really all I've got.

The short-live thing could be a concern. It would mean the dog could be on the way out when Gminor is...a preteen? But the Bernie's face is extremely cute.

[pauliatchy]

Bernese Mountain Dogs are very good with kids. The ex and I did a lot of research into that particular breed, as Charlie was supposed to get a little brother at some point (which would abruptly grow into a big brother) but, timing made it not so.

8 years though? I can't imagine. Bigger dogs tend to have shorter life spans, but that's crazy. My little guy will be hitting 13 just a little while after Ella hits one, and the vet is always amazed about what great shape he's in. I still worry lots though, hence my not being able to imagine 8 years!

[wraithgirl]

I spoke with a breeder and she said 9.5 is more like the average. She also said that they don't grow old - they just "expire". Goldens tend toward arthritis and blindness. Bernese don't live long enough to actually get old. This news did not make me feel better.

It's all a bit moot now anyway. Apparently, Bernese are going for $1100 to $1400! That's just too rich for us.

[chixxor]

Just so you know, golden retrievers are like the sheddiest dogs *ever*. :)

[wraithgirl]

I *know*. It's madness. And Bernese are *worse*. They don't shed - they moult twice a year!

Re: this is all I know about dogs:

[karmaqueenie]

Best beagle impression ever. :-)