New dog/breed/when/what etc...

C

Cedars

Well-Known Member
Joined
19 May 2009
Messages
7,830
Visit site
I know many of you will slate me for this but I don't care, I need some questions answered.

Right so Bracken is a very friendly dog who isn't very independent and has a breakdown if we ever leave him without Chloe. He LOVES company, hates being on his own and wants to be playing with other dogs constantly. So, its fair to say we are very worried about him being on his own because we work quite long hours.

Rescues will not rehome to us, and I don't want a rescue because I need to know history etc, so we're thinking of puppies.

I don't want another lab as you don't get a better lab than Chloe. The other dogs that I know I love (collies, springer spaniels) don't fit in to our lifestyle. My OH has always wanted a terrier type dog and so we are considering one of these. I like Parson Russells as they're that bit bigger and I prefer them to tiny dogs but its fair to say other than thinking 'oh thats cute' I know NOTHING about little dogs. I also like Border Terriers.

So please give me everything I need to know about a border terrier/parson terrier puppy, OBVIOUSLY all the health tests I need to ensure it has (and any personal recommendations for breeders will be much appreciated - PM me). I don't care too much about pure bred, just so long as its history and health is known and is good.

Also, any thoughts/opinions on boys/girls with our boy (who is obviously not neutered as he's not even 5months yet but will be as soon as possible). Ye.

If you want to have a go, please go and find someone in real life to insult. Thank you. All helpful advice very much appreciated as always.

xx
 
Where abouts are you? I know a decent Parsons chap in the North East, he shows his dogs and only breeds occasionally but sometimes has youngsters that haven't quite made it for the show ring who he may re-home to suitable owners. No idea if he has anything at the mo as I haven't seen him for a few years but could give you a number if not too far away.
 
Afraid I'm Gloucestershire =[ but that type of thing would be perfect. Gosh I can't believe we're doing the puppy thing again, was so certain we would be set up for years now with our two =[
 
How about a Fox Terrier ( any excuse to post a piccie - I have 3 )


302.jpg


069-1.jpg


260.jpg
 
Cedars said:
Wow your dogs are so good looking - and so different from each other!! I will consider them too :)
Click to expand...

Thank u and sorry to hear about Chloe, FT's are very lively but also like to sleep, so great if you are out alot - we work long hrs and are very clean in the house.
Very loyal companions....................

The older one is actually FT x Parsons


Good luck in your search
 
Hmm liking the look of parsons terriers very much but cant find any litters :( lots are old and have been sold and gone now. People keep recommending farm dogs to me but I dont even know where to begin with looking for a farm with puppies.
 
What about a mini schnauzer? We have a mini schnauzer cross and she's lovely. My daughter's friend's mum breeds them so one occassionally visits, they are lovely
 
I think quite a few rescues will rehome to people without a garden, as it means your dog should be getting plenty of walks.
Definately worth looking into, before you buy a puppy - unless you're looking for something very specific.
 
This is off of Many Tears...

4. Your garden must be secure with a fence height relative to the size of dog you want to adopt. We usually only home a dog where there is a secure garden (not communal) and where the back garden is separate to the front.
 
Why would anybody have a go at you for wanting another dog? :-(

I would have a look on your local pet shop/feed merchants notice board, you should find local litters on there for many breeds. As for breed types, Labs once grown up are fairly chilled, terriers are (generally!) on the ball and looking for fun - is that what you want? Hope you get the perfect dog soon!

And regarding re-homing from a rescue centre, the local RSPCA to us wouldn't re-home an adult dog to an active retired family becuase they had no garden, only a secure back yard, and Labrador Rescue wouldn't re-home to us as we are too active and 'labradors mustn't have too much exercise, it's bad for them you know' - Grrr! The retired and active couple bought a Westie puppy sight unseen from Wales - met half way at the motorway services, and we bought a Lab puppy bred by a local vet.
 
I've never owned terriers, but those I've known have been pretty independent types who love their humans but aren't all that bothered about other dogs. I'd be concerned that a terrier wouldn't necessarily be the rough-and-tumble constant playmate that your lab (I assume that's what he is, sorry if I've misunderstood) really wants. But I could be way off here!

Anyway, I'd just say that it's worth considering that you need something with similar energy levels and play-drive as your existing chap.
 
Would you/have you considered a shih tzu? Before you groan (lol), I have now met two and have fallen utterly in love with the breed. Kept clipped and raised appropriately they are fab little dogs . . . a friend has one that can keep up with her very active lab and is very rufty tufty . . . but she's also sweet, affectionate and a natural clown.

P

P.S. Have been thinking about you . . . best wishes x
 
I wonder whether we should wait and see how he settles and maybe get another lab when he's a bit older. If he really panics without her then I suppose we'll have to act quicker.

I want another lab but I'm worried it won't be as good as Chlo :( but then I've not felt this way about Bracken. I am worried that even if we did get another dog they wouldnt be play mates cos as you say they can be v independent. Hmmm.
 
I have a border terrier and she has just spent the morning crashig around with her ridgeback pal. They are very hardy dogs. My old BT broke his leg and didn't make any fuss at all, just lay down!
We may well be getting a lab soon and I have no concerns about the little one keeping up or getting hurt, she is tough. She is very human orientated though (so was my old boy), both love / loved people and really don't enjoy being left too long at all. We do leave B when we are both working but it has taken along time and a lot of training for her to relax once we leave. Something worth considering.

Also, BT puppies are tiny. Labs rough play would hurt one and they would have to be supervised at all times.
 
Bracken is only young so I wouldn't worry if there was a gap till you had another. Just another pointer (sorry we keep harping on about rescues) is if you found a good local one, then you would have the opportunity to a: go and choose a dog you like and then b: see if Bracken would get on with it. A good rescue also offers a "trial" period to ensure the new dogs settle down. Just a thought.

but I did like the look of the smooth coated Fox Terrier. I saw one in Spain this year and he trotted along his owners like a stressage horse! Was very sure of himself as well!
 
I am more than happy to rescue-in fact would prefer it I think-but Im not having much luck finding any. Please please let me know if anyone knows of any!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top