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| | Subject: My first puppy | Posted: April 21, 2008 @ 12:56 PM | | Hi all,
I'm about to graduate from grad school in a few weeks and my parents are willing to get me something big for my graduation present. I've always loved cocker spaniels and wanted one, but my family has never owned a dog (plenty of cats, but no dogs).
Anyway, my parents offered to buy me a dog of my choice for a graduation present. My mom works with a woman who breeds Cavalier King Charles spaniels, and she offered my mom a discounted rate of $800 for one when one of her females gives birth this fall. (I checked online--they sale for $1200-1500, so this is a deal). I love this breed's looks, but they seem prone to health problems, and most only live 8-10 years. (I think this was the breed of dog that Charlotte has in Sex and the City--"Elizabeth Taylor"). However, I know that this woman takes good care of her dogs and that her puppies are bred from champion stock (not that I care about that in itself, but they're likely to be healthier than others).
But I also love cockers, and most puppies sale online for $300-700. I don't know any reputable breeders of cockers near me. I'm thinking about getting a Cavalier now, and adding a cocker a little down the road. Thoughts? Anybody have either of these breeds?
I'm a single gal who will be looking for a place with a yard, and I enjoy taking walks and playing with dogs, so that won't be a problem. I'm pretty responsible, and I've been told that having a puppy is a lot like having a baby in terms of care. But is there anything else I should know about owning a puppy?
The first is a sample pic of a cocker spaniel, and the second is a Cavalier King Charles spaniel.
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| | | | | This account (nosernggrl) is no longer available. | | 216 total posts | |
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| | Subject: My first puppy | Posted: April 21, 2008 @ 2:27 PM | | First, congrats on finishing grad school!
As for the cavalier's, I have a friend who has a beagle cavalier mix, and he is the SWEETEST, funniest, bossiest dog I have ever met. If my husband would let me get one, I totally would.
Dogs, and puppies, are a lot of work. We have a one and a half year old yellow lab who demands a lot of attention from us, and a lot of exercise. But if you read up on the breed, talk to your potential vet about things they have seen with the cavaliers, and psych yourself up for all the walks and potty training, you should be ready for it!
Puppy training I would HIGHLY recommend. We did all our training through Petsmart and it ended with our pup getting her Canine Good Citizen. The training isn't too expensive, and it gives you things like sit and stay that they learn sooooo fast compared to doing it on your own. Plus they give you tons of coupons for treats and food and even free nail clippings! And with other pups in the class your pup will learn socialization which is super important!
Ultimately the choice is yours! Good luck, and let us know what you decide!  |
| | | | | | Subject: My first puppy | Posted: April 21, 2008 @ 8:44 PM | | Cute breeds you've chosen and from what I hear, they are mildly tempered and friendly. I can't really speak from experience b/c all I've ever owned are Bichon Frise.
However, I did want to add my 2 cents about adopting from the Humane Society or the Animal Shelter. I adopted Kasper from the Humane Society when he was 8 months old and he couldn't be a better dog.
Just know that not all dogs from breeders are perfect and healthy. Case in point, my aunt bought a pomaranian from a reputable breeder for $700 and now at 6 years old he has major hip and back problems.
Also, there are rescue groups for just about every breed out there to adopt from. They're really accomodating and based in most metropolitan areas. BTW, I dont' work or advocate for these organizations, I have just adopted in the past and encourage others to do the same. I really can't say enough about the joy of adopting from one of these organizations.
Cocker Spaniel Rescue: Link
Cavalier Rescue: Link Shoot, they have Cavalier's featured on the homepage that are 1 year old available for adoption.
And there are many other rescue groups too. I recall at my local Petsmart one Saturday, they did an adoption day there also. Personally, I would totally encourage you to visit at local adoption organization before thinking to purchase a $700 dog.
Good Luck!
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| | | | | | Subject: My first puppy | Posted: April 29, 2008 @ 6:11 PM | | I have three dogs, all from animal shelters. Jessie, our first, is a blue heeler mix, but she's really small. She's been fantastic, loving, playful, and we didn't even really need to potty train her. Spike, a beagle mix, is great too. He's much more laid back and doesn't like going outside a lot, but he wags his tail just when you walk in the room, you don't even have to look at him. Then we got Copper a few weeks ago. Another beagle he is the most loving dog I have ever met. He is forever wanting to be pet and loves to snuggle in the bed.
There are THOUSANDS of animals needing homes, and truth be told, a lot of the times an animal that has been abandoned is more loving because they haven't been spoiled.
Cocker spaniels have weak bladders. They get excited and tend to pee. I worked at a pet shop and every time we had to get a cocker spaniel out to be played with or seen, they peed on me. This is just something to think about if you don't like to deal with messes because they can have problems even after they are potty trained.
My favorite breeds: pugs, basset hounds, beagles, English bulldogs, Boston terriers, French bulldogs, boxers.
My advice, do some research on your favorite breeds online before you buy, and don't pick out a dog just because it's cute, pick it out because it's personality suits you. |
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