Suggestions on how to obtain a dog

[Leigh Fransen]

My girls have been looking forward to having a dog for EVER. We've told them once we're in our house in SC, we'll get a dog. I grew up with Rottweilers and loved them, and I am a dog person in general, BUT:

I *cannot* deal with dog HAIR.

So I need to find a local breeder or rescue or something with a non-shedding dog variety. (I know all dogs shed, but some shed minimally. That's what we need.) I know of one doodle breeder near Charlotte, but I think their waiting list is a mile long and they want like $2000 for their pups. I'm looking to spend something more along the lines of $250-500. At the most. My ideal dog would be medium-sized and not yap incessantly.

I hate to be picky and I am aware that a dog from the pound can be great, but the simple fact is, if the dog sheds, it isn't going to make it in our house. I'm not fussy... the exact opposite, actually. I don't want to have to sweep more often than necessary. I'm totally lazy about housework and I'm trying to be smart about what will work for us.

Does anyone have any tips?

[Maureen]

Try www.petfinder.com and that can lead you to the rescue groups in your area-- I would think if you tell them what you are looking for, they can alert you when a dog is available. Good luck!

[Jeff Wilson]

You should consider a Schnauzer. They do not shed and are great with kids. We have two now and had one that passed away about three years ago. This site might help: http://www.schnauzerrescue.net/

[Leigh Fransen]

Thanks Jeff, they sound great! Which size do you have? I want a medium-sized dog, so I think we'd probably be most interested in the standard. I read about them on wikipedia just now and they really sound great, and it makes me wonder why I haven't considered them in the past. What would you say are the drawbacks of the breed?

Thanks also Maureen... I am certainly open to a rescue dog, I've just always doubted that the breed I wanted would just happen to be available when we were ready. Maybe if we can be patient it can work out.

[Jeff Wilson]

Miniature Schauzers are terriers so they can be a little higher strung, nothing even close to a chihuahua but they may not be as docile as other, larger breeds. If you go the standard route you should not have that minor issue. Ours have been fine in that regard. When they were puppies they acted like puppies. As adults, they get excited when someone comes into the house but quickly calm down once they have had a chance to greet the newcomer.

Also, they have to be groomed but at least they do not shed. The only time we have seen dog hair on the floor was when our old Schnauzer chewed some of her own hair off in the heat of summer. Schnauzers also tend to want to be close to their owners. If you want a very independent dog, Schnauzers may not be a good fit. I actually think that is part of what makes them good with kids.

[Art]

over by the new lowes in the Baxter area there is an animal rescue group. But people seem to be very concerned about the animals. We got a cat there were very pleased. Unfortunately I can't tell you the name but it is by the Lowes and Baxter.

Peace and blessings,

Art

[Joette]

It is the Humane Society of York County. They are really struggling with limited resources and volunteers mixed with lots of animals that need homes.

Joette

[Mary S-Jareo]

We found both of our dogs on petfinder.com. We have a Lhasa Alpso mix and a full-blood Shih Tzu. I too am picky about dog bred for size/hair reasons. We were extremely patient and it took about 3 months per to find both dogs. Plus lots of time spent searching petfinder for the "right" dog for our family. It became sort-of a game for my oldest daughter and myself - we would check the NC/SC rescue listings every morning and email each other with pictures and info of various dogs.

We ended up obtaining both our dogs from the same rescue group in SC and making a bit of a drive for pick-up.

There are also rescue groups per dog breed. Limiting your search to a particular breed on petfinder.com is very helpful.

Best Wishes!!!

[Brooke Atkinson]

I am a past vet tech. I agree with Jeff, mini Schauzers are a little more high strung. They are usually good with kids they have always been around, but have the potential to be snappy with others. Most small dogs are like that...the "little dog thinks he is a Great Dane" thing. Standard Schauzers are good. Labradoodles are GREAT! They are on the bigger side, but if you find one that's parents are medium size you have a good chance it will be too. I think most of the poodle mixes are good. Schnoodles, malt-i-doodle, labradoodles all good. They poodle in them makes them smart and calmer and the other breed keeps down the annoying poodle side. Call Stonecrest Vet clinic 704-752-9787. They usually have breeder info and well as a book of dogs that need homes.

[Joette]

Hi Brooke,

What is "the annoying poodle side?" We have a standard poodle and he is exceptional. I don't know much about the smaller poodles, but our standard (our second one) is fantastic.

Joette

[Leigh Fransen]

We will definitely look into the "doodle" possibility. I thought about a standard poodle but they are too big. I just hear such mixed things about hybrids. I don't know how much is true and how much is propaganda.

[Laura Anne Farley]

I am a volunteer for Broken Dobe rescue. I keep fosters at my home. All our adoptees are in homes so their personalities are tested. Our adoption fee is I believe $200 but they are fully vetter. I rescues my 2nd dobie from them. It is a wonderful supportive network and the dobies are great with the kids. Very little shedding. One of the coordinators has a rottie too FYI! also, my 1st dobe is only 45lbs. very petite. They are not meant to be large dogs. New breeders are breeding them big but their origin and purpose was to be a medium size. I have a dobie mix in foster now that is maybe 40 lbs-just had pups 9 weeks ago but should be about 50lbs or so..ever soo sweet!

[Laura Anne Farley]

Email me if you are still looking. I volunteer for Broken Dobe Rescue. I've worked with many breed and would love to help you find a pup. Let me know your status. I have apup that needs out of the pound before he is Put to sleep. I also have 2 fosters coming my way this week. You could try fostering too. [e-mail]