how did you decide what breed to adopt/rescue?

We're not quite ready to get another dog just now, but we've been researching breeds lately. We all really miss Buca, especially my 3.5 year old...but I want to wait at least another year to adopt/rescue a puppy, because I want to be able to devote my full attention to him/her. (it's just too hard with a 19 month old right now).

My DH and I are disagreeing on the breed (although it will most likely be a mutt). I would like a small dog (under 20 pounds), he wants a large breed, possibly another Rottie. We are both set in our ways. I also want to make sure the dog is good with children, although I know that it really depends on the actual dog, and is not entirely dependent on the breed. Why is this so hard? Did anyone else have this argument with their husbands? Thanks!

Re: how did you decide what breed to adopt/rescue?

OMG yes, DH and I went nuts deciding on a dog. I wanted a lab & he wanted a pit bull. Neither of us wanted to compromise but I searched petfinder daily and we decided to go with a lab mix. When we saw Jersey (lab/boxer mix), we both fell in love w/ her pic. Ended up being the best decision ever! You'll both probably have to compromise somewhat. It is a big decision, I would recommend just looking online to see what pets need homes, you may just know the right dog when you see it. Good luck!

Re: how did you decide what breed to adopt/rescue?

I had this breed before. Someone who knew me learned of a dachshund that needed a home and asked if I still love dachshunds.

Message edited 2/21/2007 12:26:56 AM.

Re: how did you decide what breed to adopt/rescue?

We both wanted a mini pin. We decided to look in North Shore to see what they had because we wanted to adopt. We really wanted a little dog... But As I walked by the huricane Katrina dogs there in a cage sat my Rudy... It sonds so CORNY and STUPID But I actually felt my self starting to cry and I knew he had to be mine... Sometimes when all 70 pounds of him is in bed I think ahhh mini pin (im kidding) I wouldn't change him for the world.

Re: how did you decide what breed to adopt/rescue?

We weren't in agreement on the breed - Dan wanted a lab puppy and I wanted a Weimeraner - when the rescue contacted me and told us about Misty, we went to meet her and Dan fell head over heels with her. We haven't regretted our decision at all.

Re: how did you decide what breed to adopt/rescue?

With any dog (rescued & obtained from a breeder) I did a ton of research on the breed itself first. Although rescue dogs are not always of the precise temperment that the breed standard will dictate, you can get a pretty good idea. Most rescue dogs, if rescued at the right time in their development, will be more affectionate and more willing to please, but could aslo be less trusting & harder to "welcome" into a home. If they are from a mill they may have no knowledge of humans other than violence. Talking to the foster parents of any rescue dog is key, since they have spent the most time post-rescue with the dog & can give you great insight into habits, behaviours & post-rescue training. Also I always choose dogs that were rescued/fostered into homes with smaller dogs & children, so that I would not have to re-train any new dog to accept what is already in my house.

The most important thing is to know that the rescuer is upfront & honest about the details of where the dogs came from. One of our rescued dogs was rescued from a fighting ring - well the shelter told us that it was an owner surrender. We had to (after a year of trying to un-train the dog & many trips to the vet & trainers) re-home the dog into a home with no other pets - why? b/c the dog saw our small dogs as "bait" and our larger dogs as adversaries. It was heartbreaking for me & DH. The reality is had we known her real origin, we would not have rescued her into our home.


Best of luck

Re: how did you decide what breed to adopt/rescue?

When I met DH I already had Ebony (my Lab). When he passed away, DH wouldn't consider any other breed - actually neither would I, he was such a great dog.

Besides, DH wouldn't be caught dead walking a dog under 60 lbs and I wanted to be sure he would walk him!! LOL!!

Re: how did you decide what breed to adopt/rescue?

We knew we wanted a small dog and when we saw sandy, we fell in love, she had HUGE floppy ears and ran right up to the front of the crate and sat there and looked right at DH...she sold herself to us.

ETA: she is an italian greyhound mix

Message edited 2/21/2007 2:26:10 PM.

Re: how did you decide what breed to adopt/rescue?

He chose us. He was left for dead in a box right near DH's car where he was parked during work. He is a pit bull. Love him!

Re: how did you decide what breed to adopt/rescue?