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by redhotz from Home

Last Post 5 days, 4 hours Ago


This doesn't exactly fall into any exact category, so I'm posting in news, as once my decision is final, it WILL be news! 

I have been trying to decide on getting the kids a pet.  Of course I'd love to get them our dream dog, a golden retriever, however, we are currently renting a new place, and it isn't the right time for us to take that plunge.  So I've come across an ad that has miniature schnauzers and Scottish Terriers.  I am working on my homework about each of these breeds.  However, I am looking to my fellow bloggers to see what you think.  One plus I have found is that either would work well for us as both my children suffer from allergies, and one website I read that the mini schnauzer is a great choice for such persons. 

So, everyone, tell me what you know about these breeds, and any advice you have.  A small breed dog  seems right for us right now, I do not work, so I am able to be home and devote time to the new addition.  I appreciate all input you can give!  Thank You!

Redhotz

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StephentheHeathen read my blog view my photos
Mar 27, 2008 | 9:22 AM

I have owned two Miniature Schnauzers in the past and I would recommend them. They don't shed, but they do have to be clipped and brushed to keep the tangles out and of course the occasional bath. They were good around the kids and highly trainable, better than the kids were. LOL

I have heard that they can become one person dogs, but I didn't have that problem. The only problem that I have heard of with the Scottish Terriers is that they are very active and need a lot of things to do so they don't tear things up.

Hope this helps and good luck!

butterfly5 read my blog view my photos
Mar 27, 2008 | 10:28 AM

Scottish Terriers need lots of room to run. I made the mistake of getting one and not having a fenced in yard. There were times I had to chase that dog for hours around the neighborhood. Definately not a good choice for an apartment. Just my opinion:-)

jpbikerfreak read my blog view my photos
Mar 27, 2008 | 10:47 AM

Mini Shnauzers are extremely hyper, bark constantly and chew up everything in sight. Beware.

StephentheHeathen read my blog view my photos
Mar 27, 2008 | 11:06 AM

jp - never had those problems, maybe the kids kept them busy and/or maybe I trained them right.

TobyKCMO
Mar 27, 2008 | 11:09 AM

I have a Miniature Schnauzer who is 8 years old. I have had her since ahe was 12 weeks and she is the absolute LOVE of my life. I cannot imagine life without her. Yes, she went through a chew phase, all dogs do that, but it was just paper. She does not bark constantly. They are very protective and territorial. She does get a few tangles in her skirt, but she loves to play and we have invented all kinds of games. Like all animals, they deserve lots of attention. We have lived in some small places and got along just fine. Let us know what you decide.

talkshowhost
Mar 27, 2008 | 11:09 AM

if you are dead set on a specific breed, i would contact a schnauzer/scottie rescue group. they will also be able to give you TONS of information about the breed and what to expect.

a good opportunity for your family would be to go to the Pet Expo at the American Royal the 3rd weekend of April. they have rescue groups of all sorts of animals/dogs and you can get a wealth of breed specific info along with proper nutrition and training...

good luck!

Carrie read my blog
Mar 27, 2008 | 11:21 AM

I've never had one, but aren't Beagles great family dogs. They are cute too.

JigSaw read my blog view my photos
Mar 27, 2008 | 11:38 AM

Dachshund!!

gammy2002 read my blog view my photos
Mar 27, 2008 | 12:01 PM

We got a mini schnauzer from the animal shelter for my son when he was young. We had three kids and the dog was very loyal and protective. Made a great pet for all. My son has allergies and the dog slept with him.

Kids are grown now but still remember that pet!!

Carrie read my blog
Mar 27, 2008 | 12:08 PM

Jigsaw, I have a 10 month old Dashound and he barks alot and for sure doesn't listen very well. He's cute & all and is very good with my 6 year old but, MAN..... Is he ever stubborn. He's also hard to house train. I guess if you're home all day with them it's easier but being at work doesn't help.

Rose read my blog view my photos
Mar 27, 2008 | 1:47 PM

redhotz I have had Miniature Schnauzers for around 38 years and just love them dearly. You do have to keep them groomed but I have the groomer clip the two I have now short. A very shorts skirt and short on the legs. This way in between grooming all I do is bath them. I personally bath my two at least once or twice a month. I use Head and Shoulders reg. and they smell so good. Now the black schnauzer we have Dusty we have had him since he was 6 wks old the girl Phoebe was given to us at the age of 7 months. They are not hard to house brake learn very quickly. Phoebe was kept out most of the time till we received her and she learnt rather quickly. But now she does chew things. Dusty doesn't. I have to put things out of her reach. I think it is being bored. So I'd be on the safe side pick things you want to protect up. But I love them both and wouldn't give either of them up for nothing. Now they both love to bark. Dusty mostly. I put a training collar on them both and that usually works fine. I just say no and that is it. But once you get a Schnauzer you'll never regret it. And my two just love everyone. Just take time and train it. You can put it in a training cage when you are gone if you are in fear of it tearing anything or going potty at least till you have it trained. Just a suggestion.

twistersister read my blog view my photos
Mar 27, 2008 | 1:48 PM

Redhotz,
terriers are good dogs, but tempermental later in their years...
I had one and she was good natured but got pissy later on...
beagles are high strung and most variety's of cockerspaniels have health issues that can make them moody too later on...
I would recommend a shelty(kinda like a miniture collie) they are pretty well natured.
Never forget the loveable mutt...cross breeds can be well mannered... I would just avoid anything cross bred with chow or husky...and prob pit or rott.
But you did say you were looking for a little dog, so I am sure that isn't on the list...LOL. Good luck Red! Post a pic of your baby when you get it!

Searchingtoo read my blog view my photos
Mar 27, 2008 | 2:12 PM

I love my Yorkie poo.. He is only 5.6lbs, doesnt shed and was house trained by the time he was 5 1/2 mths old. He was easily trained to do all sorts of tricks. yorkie poos dont know they are little dogs and consider themselves members of the family and get their feelings hurt if they are left out.

ClickChick read my blog view my photos
Mar 27, 2008 | 3:44 PM

Sheltie's are good with kids, very smart, love to be with their families, they are typically not roamers and they definately will let you know when the doorbell rings. They are smallish...but not frou-frou and adapt to apartment life. I've heard it's just the male doxy's that are a problem, but I've never owned one. All we've ever had was Shelties and G-Shepards.

1vizsla
Mar 27, 2008 | 5:04 PM

Just remember that both breeds you are looking at are terriers and need a job or they can be destructive. Terriers are not goldens and will not behave as such. Just because they are small does not mean couch potato. Look for personality to fit your lifestyle not breed as most breeds have both high energy and more laid back type of dogs. The pet expo is a great place to meet breeds of all types and find a rescue that will fit your families lifestyle. Also think about how much time/money you are considering spending for grooming. Are you willing to take care of the dog when the kids become tired with it? Contact both breed clubs to learn more about each breed to make certain it fits your lifestyle.

Carla

BasehorLady read my blog view my photos
Mar 27, 2008 | 5:40 PM

I absolutely adore terriers. I've had three of them with our sons. They have been VERY gentle and tolerant and loving! I encourage you not to buy from someone in an ad. PLEASE go to a shelter that rescues pets that really need a loving home. A great place to look online is www.petconnection.com You can even search by breed, age and size and city. I've found my last two dogs that way and they are totally AWESOME!

Busybee read my blog
Mar 27, 2008 | 8:13 PM

Good luck on choosing the right pet. We have an adorable Lhasa Apso (they look just like a Schitzu but larger). We just love to watch her play with her toys. She can be very entertaining by entertaining herself. :) We got her from a pet shop. (She was 4 months old so we got a really great deal on her.) Tried the shelter adoption and that did not turn out well at all. It was a disaster. I read up on them and decided she would be the perfect fit for our home - - and I was right. :) We knew going in that she would have to be groomed often and we were willing to do that. They do require A LOT of brushing. We keep her in a puppy cut (short). She trained to "potty pads" really easy and still uses them when we are gone. Actually she runs the place. She allows us to stay here. ha. ha. All kidding aside, she is very well behaved and the joy of our lives.

redhotz read my blog
Mar 27, 2008 | 9:25 PM

Thank you everyone for your advice! I really appreciate it. Well I finally got my sailor man to agree on this new adventure. I called the folks who had the pups and they were all gone. So, I talked to a friend of mine who used to work in a vets office and she is very knowlegable about different breeds and care and temperament. I will take a look at the website from basehor and the expo sounds like a great idea, and a chance to get out of town and do something different with the kids! Thanks again to everyone! I will keep you posted! I am looking for a puppy. My gram rescued a cockerspaniel when my son was 6months old, we were cautioned but took him anyway. When we introduced this dog (we think was about 2 years old) to our son, he curled up around our son as if they'd known each other forever. He left us to go to doggie heaven about 6 years ago. It's really taken this long for all of us to be ready for another love of our life. It may sound crazy, but I am wanting something that I can carry around, and "mother" as my husband puts it. I can't have any more children, and apparently, this may fill that void! Anyway, until I have more info....I will go for now!

BasehorLady read my blog view my photos
Mar 27, 2008 | 10:04 PM

I've always been fond of small dogs. I don't like large dogs, maybe it is because I love to carry and cuddle my dogs, and I do that a LOT! Good luck to you redhotz!

redhotz read my blog
Mar 27, 2008 | 10:56 PM

Thank You basehorlady! I will keep on looking. You know, years ago, as a child, it didn't seem to be such an ordeal, finding a pet. But now days, there are so many things to take into consideration. I too want a little dog that I can cuddle and snuggle and pamper. With the kids growing up, and soon moving on, I want something that will keep me busy! I am looking for info on the expo. If anyone has info on it, I'd gladly appreciate it! Thanks again!

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redhotz

May each of you take one day at a time. Enjoy your children, spouses and family. Never taking anything for granted. Life is short, life is what you make of it. Live every day like it's your last.

Member Since: 3/17/2007