Tips on pursuing a specific breed of dog?

[vanillacourage]

We had to unexpectedly put down our longtime dog several weeks ago.  We think we will be ready for another dog in the spring, plus the weather will be warmer for walks/training/etc.  We will probably get a puppy, and we're being careful to only consider breeds that are a good match for our family makeup & ability to exercise/interact with them.  For this reason, we may not be able to just go to a shelter and pick one out like we did before.

Any tips on finding reputable resources for specific breeds?  I've taken several of the "which breed is right for me?" quizzes and keep getting pointed to French bulldogs - but looking online it seems that the legit market for that dog is mainly for show and they're all $1k+ (OMG) which we don't feel is ethically an option for us.

[smock]

You can limit by specific breeds on Petfinder.com. I'm sure you can find tons of French bulldogs in shelters, but you're right that you probably can't just walk in and find that breed--thank goodness for the internet!

[dcannie]

go to the akc website if you are interested in info on specific breeds. once you decide which is right for your family look for a breed-specific rescue organization. they will be able to tell you more about each individual dog since they have been living with a foster family.

eta: i forgot you were only interested in a puppy. from what i have seen they are rare in breed specific rescues, but it's worth taking a look at. 

[CurlyQ284]

What kind of dog are you looking for? Do you want a dog thats ok with a yard or a running buddy? (I'm guessing the former because Frenchies aren't going anywhere) How about grooming, how often are you willing to groom? Do you have young kids/older kids/no kids? Other pets?

What kind of dog was your last dog? That one worked out, could you just get another one?

[CurlyQ284]

If you go with a breeder, check with the AKC for breeders in your area to make sure its not a bad breeding situation, backyard breeder or puppy mill situation.

[sake]

i would look into breed specific rescues. I know someone who is affiliated with a rescue who has a lot of french bull dogs it seems like. where are you located?

[vanillacourage]

Dec 4, 2013 9:23:49 GMT -5 CurlyQ284 said:

What kind of dog are you looking for? Do you want a dog thats ok with a yard or a running buddy? (I'm guessing the former because Frenchies aren't going anywhere) How about grooming, how often are you willing to groom? Do you have young kids/older kids/no kids? Other pets?

What kind of dog was your last dog? That one worked out, could you just get another one?

These are all the questions asked by the quizzes.   

Our previous dog was a black lab/pointer mix.  We think we'd like a smaller dog (he was 85 lbs) this time - more like 30-50lbs.  Would not consider small terriers or "yip yip dogs". 

Large yard and we'll do walks, but no jogging or needing a specific amount of exercise a day.  We work outside the home so the dog has to be ok with being crated while we're away.  Short hair, minimal grooming required.  We have two small kids so compatibility with them is the most important thing.

[CurlyQ284]

Aww thats sad. I have a West Highland Terrier who isnt yippy at all. He's awesome but he doesnt like young kids.

My questions were selfishly just a way for me to determine if i can recommend Westies lol.

[steph196]

I contacted our local pug rescue to get a breeder recommendation. They only recommended one person in the area, so that is who we went with. We paid more money, because she was a show breeder, but we wanted to make sure we weren't supporting a backyard breeder. Plus, we knew the bloodlines and knew that he wasn't being bread with any problems from his lineage. We ended up showing him for about 2 years at the breeder's recommendation. Weird world! Haha!

[steph196]

Dec 4, 2013 9:33:43 GMT -5 mofongo said:

Pug:)

App Like!

[vanillacourage]

Dec 4, 2013 9:31:43 GMT -5 CurlyQ284 said:

Aww thats sad. I have a West Highland Terrier who isnt yippy at all. He's awesome but he doesnt like young kids.

My questions were selfishly just a way for me to determine if i can recommend Westies lol.

Oh sorry, wasn't lumping them together! I don't think of terriers as yip-yip dogs (more like Pomeranians, etc).  We've just ruled out small terriers b/c we want a bigger dog than what most end up as at adult size. 

Thank you for your help. 

[CurlyQ284]

I'm trying to think of medium sized dogs but most of them need grooming (cocker spaniel) or need lots of exercise. I'm going to keep thinking.

[orval]

Beagle!

[darkling_glory]

www.frenchbulldogrescue.org

If you're in the Chicago-land area, there is also Chicago French Bulldog rescue.

But, please, do a lot of research. Frenchies are seriously awesome, but they are expensive, both initially and in upkeep and maintenance. Since July, I've spent >$700 at the vet for various ailments related to allergies, tumors and neck issues.

They're temperament is awesome, but they are so unhealthy it's ridiculous. Yes, not all of them will have the issues that Dozer does, but you must be prepared.

And bonus PIP!

[CurlyQ284]

Dec 4, 2013 9:49:03 GMT -5 darkling_glory said:

www.frenchbulldogrescue.org

If you're in the Chicago-land area, there is also Chicago French Bulldog rescue.

But, please, do a lot of research. Frenchies are seriously awesome, but they are expensive, both initially and in upkeep and maintenance. Since July, I've spent >$700 at the vet for various ailments related to allergies, tumors and neck issues.

They're temperament is awesome, but they are so unhealthy it's ridiculous. Yes, not all of them will have the issues that Dozer does, but you must be prepared.

And bonus PIP!

Ahhh so cute! I have an English Bulldog with lots of issues, i didn't realize Frenchies had a lot of issues too.

[vanillacourage]

Dec 4, 2013 9:42:57 GMT -5 CurlyQ284 said:

I'm trying to think of medium sized dogs but most of them need grooming (cocker spaniel) or need lots of exercise. I'm going to keep thinking.

We could go bigger - like I said, our Baxter was large and in-charge.    Ideally we'd like a dog that's a bit smaller to make it easier to transport, or for family to be willing to watch instead of having to board at a kennel when we're out of town.  But it's not a prime concern.  Biggest issues are being kid-friendly and being ok energy-level wise with infrequent exercise.  Want to be sure it's a good match on both sides.

OMG - found this puppy available 4 hours from us.  Squee!

[hopecounts]

Dec 4, 2013 9:54:12 GMT -5 vanillacourage said:

Dec 4, 2013 9:42:57 GMT -5 CurlyQ284 said:

I'm trying to think of medium sized dogs but most of them need grooming (cocker spaniel) or need lots of exercise. I'm going to keep thinking.

We could go bigger - like I said, our Baxter was large and in-charge.    Ideally we'd like a dog that's a bit smaller to make it easier to transport, or for family to be willing to watch instead of having to board at a kennel when we're out of town.  But it's not a prime concern.  Biggest issues are being kid-friendly and being ok energy-level wise with infrequent exercise.  Want to be sure it's a good match on both sides.

OMG - found this puppy available 4 hours from us.  Squee!

That pup is precious!
Guessing its a rescue?

[CurlyQ284]

Dec 4, 2013 9:54:12 GMT -5 vanillacourage said:

Dec 4, 2013 9:42:57 GMT -5 CurlyQ284 said:

I'm trying to think of medium sized dogs but most of them need grooming (cocker spaniel) or need lots of exercise. I'm going to keep thinking.

We could go bigger - like I said, our Baxter was large and in-charge.    Ideally we'd like a dog that's a bit smaller to make it easier to transport, or for family to be willing to watch instead of having to board at a kennel when we're out of town.  But it's not a prime concern.  Biggest issues are being kid-friendly and being ok energy-level wise with infrequent exercise.  Want to be sure it's a good match on both sides.

OMG - found this puppy available 4 hours from us.  Squee!

Omg so cute! I want to snuggle and inhale puppy smell.

[darkling_glory]

Dec 4, 2013 9:54:06 GMT -5 CurlyQ284 said:

Dec 4, 2013 9:49:03 GMT -5 darkling_glory said:

www.frenchbulldogrescue.org

If you're in the Chicago-land area, there is also Chicago French Bulldog rescue.

But, please, do a lot of research. Frenchies are seriously awesome, but they are expensive, both initially and in upkeep and maintenance. Since July, I've spent >$700 at the vet for various ailments related to allergies, tumors and neck issues.

They're temperament is awesome, but they are so unhealthy it's ridiculous. Yes, not all of them will have the issues that Dozer does, but you must be prepared.

And bonus PIP!

Ahhh so cute! I have an English Bulldog with lots of issues, i didn't realize Frenchies had a lot of issues too.

I think French Bulldogs are number two to English bulldogs in upkeep. I saw a list of top five most expensive dogs and both were right at the top.

He's seriously an awesome dog though. So chill and easy going. He's my baby!

[kwx2]

I would recommend going through and AKC breeder as well. We got our corgi through the AKC breeder we found on the internet. You want to make sure they are reputable, and NOT a puppy mill. Usually when you find them on Petfinder, and other similar sites, they are puppy mill dogs, even if it states that they are purebreds and all that stuff. It might take a little while,and a little $$ when you finally find one, but it will be worth it in the end!

[vanillacourage]

Dec 4, 2013 9:55:06 GMT -5 hopecounts said:

Dec 4, 2013 9:54:12 GMT -5 vanillacourage said:

We could go bigger - like I said, our Baxter was large and in-charge.    Ideally we'd like a dog that's a bit smaller to make it easier to transport, or for family to be willing to watch instead of having to board at a kennel when we're out of town.  But it's not a prime concern.  Biggest issues are being kid-friendly and being ok energy-level wise with infrequent exercise.  Want to be sure it's a good match on both sides.

OMG - found this puppy available 4 hours from us.  Squee!

That pup is precious!
Guessing its a rescue?

Yep.  They have three puppies.  I'm emailing them to find out their policies....

This is what they have to say about her, does it sound encouraging?
New Arrival!!! Lizete is a female Fawn & White French Bulldog registered APRI DOB 10/07/2013. Health checked by our D.V.M., is a healthy puppy ready for adoption. Current on vaccinations, fecal tested negative, microchipped and ready for his forever home. She weighs 5 lbs.  She was rejected by a broker due to overbooking and rescue had the chance to get her before she was shipped of to puppy auction.

[Jalapeñomel]

Bassett hounds are fabulous family dogs, and they need minimal exercise. They also have short hair. You do have to be careful not to over feed them though.

[CurlyQ284]

Dec 4, 2013 10:05:10 GMT -5 kwx2 said:

I would recommend going through and AKC breeder as well. We got our corgi through the AKC breeder we found on the internet. You want to make sure they are reputable, and NOT a puppy mill. Usually when you find them on Petfinder, and other similar sites, they are puppy mill dogs, even if it states that they are purebreds and all that stuff. It might take a little while,and a little $$ when you finally find one, but it will be worth it in the end!

I have ALWAYS wanted a corgi but they're pretty active, right? Since they're herd dogs? I dont think I could provide enough exercise for one. A girl I know in college had one in an apartment and he ripped all the stuffing from the couch, I assume because he had energy to burn and became destructive?

[kwx2]

Dec 4, 2013 10:08:25 GMT -5 CurlyQ284 said:

Dec 4, 2013 10:05:10 GMT -5 kwx2 said:

I would recommend going through and AKC breeder as well. We got our corgi through the AKC breeder we found on the internet. You want to make sure they are reputable, and NOT a puppy mill. Usually when you find them on Petfinder, and other similar sites, they are puppy mill dogs, even if it states that they are purebreds and all that stuff. It might take a little while,and a little $$ when you finally find one, but it will be worth it in the end!

I have ALWAYS wanted a corgi but they're pretty active, right? Since they're herd dogs? I dont think I could provide enough exercise for one. A girl I know in college had one in an apartment and he ripped all the stuffing from the couch, I assume because he had energy to burn and became destructive?

We live in a condo.... and she gets walked 2ce a day.  she is a total lovebug and is perfectly happy laying with you on the couch!  They do require exercise, and we have her on a flyball team that she gets to run and whatnot at least once a week with a bunch of other dogs.  Mine has never been destructive, aside from the lovely puppy months!  Great dogs over all though!  I want another one as soon as we bite the bullet and buy another house!

[CurlyQ284]

Dec 4, 2013 10:11:26 GMT -5 kwx2 said:

Dec 4, 2013 10:08:25 GMT -5 CurlyQ284 said:

I have ALWAYS wanted a corgi but they're pretty active, right? Since they're herd dogs? I dont think I could provide enough exercise for one. A girl I know in college had one in an apartment and he ripped all the stuffing from the couch, I assume because he had energy to burn and became destructive?

We live in a condo.... and she gets walked 2ce a day.  she is a total lovebug and is perfectly happy laying with you on the couch!  They do require exercise, and we have her on a flyball team that she gets to run and whatnot at least once a week with a bunch of other dogs.  Mine has never been destructive, aside from the lovely puppy months!  Great dogs over all though!  I want another one as soon as we bite the bullet and buy another house!

Good to hear. I love my bulldog but I cant afford another one. She has so many health issues.

[hopecounts]

Dec 4, 2013 10:07:02 GMT -5 vanillacourage said:

Dec 4, 2013 9:55:06 GMT -5 hopecounts said:

That pup is precious!
Guessing its a rescue?

Yep.  They have three puppies.  I'm emailing them to find out their policies....

This is what they have to say about her, does it sound encouraging?
New Arrival!!! Lizete is a female Fawn & White French Bulldog registered APRI DOB 10/07/2013. Health checked by our D.V.M., is a healthy puppy ready for adoption. Current on vaccinations, fecal tested negative, microchipped and ready for his forever home. She weighs 5 lbs.  She was rejected by a broker due to overbooking and rescue had the chance to get her before she was shipped of to puppy auction.

Yep, sounds great, I'd see anout what info you can get on the parents but at that age a clean health screen would be my biggest concern since behavior issues shouldn't be an issue.

[circa1978]

Flexible is also good. We thought we wanted a Shiba Inu and ended up going with an American Eskimo, which has many of the same qualities, because we fell in love with him after seeing him on Petfinder through a rescue group. Like PP said, you can screen for that breed or work with a rescue, which I highly recommend. Our breed rescue often has puppies and can transport them.

Also, Just having a breeder with AKC papers will not guarantee the puppies are properly bred, had the right health verifications or ethically treated.

In general, breeders who actively show their dogs will also have a pup or two in each litter to be sold as a pet and not for show. To most people, the dogs will look alike but the show dogs will conform the most to the breed standard. They have the plus of being screened for breed-specific health issues and are bred for demeanor. You can find those people at dog shows or through recommendations on the dog show circuit.

We found our first purebred dog as a puppy through a rescue. The second we bought to show through a breeder. Both are wonderful.

[chickens987]

Dec 4, 2013 9:49:03 GMT -5 darkling_glory said:

www.frenchbulldogrescue.org

If you're in the Chicago-land area, there is also Chicago French Bulldog rescue.

But, please, do a lot of research. Frenchies are seriously awesome, but they are expensive, both initially and in upkeep and maintenance. Since July, I've spent >$700 at the vet for various ailments related to allergies, tumors and neck issues.

They're temperament is awesome, but they are so unhealthy it's ridiculous. Yes, not all of them will have the issues that Dozer does, but you must be prepared.

And bonus PIP!

We got our frenchie through FBRN, it took about 6 months of applying only for dogs (we were turned down for 2 before Tot) that would be a good fit with our family. Our english bulldog we got as a puppy from a breeder (and he's been very healthy), but I knew I wanted to rescue for #2. She is honestly the most loving, adorable thing and she's been very low-maintenance. We got very lucky. She was somewhere between 7-9 when we got her in 2010 and the only issue she has in arthritis in one leg that was likely broken when she was in the puppy mill. She doesn't seem like a senior either except for her gray muzzle. 

[chickens987]

Dec 4, 2013 10:07:02 GMT -5 vanillacourage said:

Dec 4, 2013 9:55:06 GMT -5 hopecounts said:

That pup is precious!
Guessing its a rescue?

Yep.  They have three puppies.  I'm emailing them to find out their policies....

This is what they have to say about her, does it sound encouraging?
New Arrival!!! Lizete is a female Fawn & White French Bulldog registered APRI DOB 10/07/2013. Health checked by our D.V.M., is a healthy puppy ready for adoption. Current on vaccinations, fecal tested negative, microchipped and ready for his forever home. She weighs 5 lbs.  She was rejected by a broker due to overbooking and rescue had the chance to get her before she was shipped of to puppy auction.

This sounds like she's possibly an import (the broker overbooking thing is kind of a red flag to me) - and I would proceed with caution. A lot of imports (usually from eastern europe) have health issues and I am always wary of ads with typos like there are in the ad (his vs her, of vs off).

[vanillacourage]

Dec 4, 2013 10:38:21 GMT -5 chickens987 said:

Dec 4, 2013 10:07:02 GMT -5 vanillacourage said:

Yep.  They have three puppies.  I'm emailing them to find out their policies....

This is what they have to say about her, does it sound encouraging?
New Arrival!!! Lizete is a female Fawn & White French Bulldog registered APRI DOB 10/07/2013. Health checked by our D.V.M., is a healthy puppy ready for adoption. Current on vaccinations, fecal tested negative, microchipped and ready for his forever home. She weighs 5 lbs.  She was rejected by a broker due to overbooking and rescue had the chance to get her before she was shipped of to puppy auction.

This sounds like she's possibly an import (the broker overbooking thing is kind of a red flag to me) - and I would proceed with caution. A lot of imports (usually from eastern europe) have health issues and I am always wary of ads with typos like there are in the ad (his vs her, of vs off).

This is good advice.  Re: the bolded - they have four puppies available from the same litter, three male and one female.  I wonder if they just C&P'd the health info from one of the male puppies.