To Choose An Adult Rescue Or A Puppy

[Loving my Oldies]

I agree Mysticview, personality and temperament are the key drivers.

I agree. There can be too much emphasis and reliance on breed. Good and bad and everything in between in all breeds. :)

ETA: And some dogs no matter how good they are individually just may not get on.

Edited April 30, 2013 by Danny's Darling

[Mystiqview]

I had a phone call today from someone wanting to rescue a bc x springer spaniel 14 weeks from the pound.

He rang to ask about the bc genetic diseases and whether this dog would be suitable.

In short - I don't know.

Too many variables.

Is the individual animal high drive and from high drive parents. Both breeds can be very energetic and active.

Why is the pup in the pound? I said from my experience as a LL Officer - pup is too old and was dumped there by "breeder" or person buying dog found it too this or too that. Better than an older dog who may have other harder to correct issues such as escaping.

Chances of genetic issues or diseases - dunno. Depends on how good the person identifying the cross is, or whether the person dumping it at the pound really knew what it was crossed with.

May be the best pup out. May be the worst. Told him about extrovert vs introvert in a litter - non breed specific. The good, the bad and the damn uglies about owning a BC. Told him if he was serious about the pup to find out the same info on springers.

Told him if he was to consider a pedigree or pure bred bc what to ask for, what to expect in price variance and what testing should be done. Also said, if he was considering another breed to find out the same before settling on any breed or breeder. Warned him about colour breeders and practically puppy farmers. Even those who are registered and advertise on DOL with permanent ads. Unfortunately ethics do not always come with CCC membership. Do your research well. Gave him some names of breeders who do the right thing and have good health tested and healthy animals - not to mention ETHICAL.

OP you have had JRT before, so hopefully know the good, bad and damn ugly of that breed. You have a BC and have hopefully experienced his/her good, bad and ugly behaviours. You have had the two breeds together so know they as a breed can live happily together. whether you choose pup or adult, just try to match their personality types and then hopefully you will just "know"

[Pretty Miss Emma]

My dog household (the former one not the current one) was made up of Emma (BC, 9 years old when I got her). Then when Em was almost 11 years old I got a BC pup, Kenzie (female). When Kenz was about 6 months old my housemate got a resuce JRT who was about 2 or 3 years old at the time (and female!). So we ended up with a house of 3 desexed bitches, mixture of young and old and everyone got along like a house on fire!! It was brilliant!!! it really does depend on the dogs. And funnily enough even though my Kenzie really does not particularly like meeting new dogs when a new (younger) dog comes and stays at our house she is fine and accepts them within around 48 hours, this particularly applies to puppies!

[tikira]

Thank you all so much, you are presenting some very pertinent points.

Research and individual compatibility is, as we thought, the key here, but it is very interesting to see how much individualism there is among breeds. Tip and Kira were a perfect match, (not through our good management I might add, and this time we want to go in fully aware of the potential issues.

Knowing Kira and the things we will have in place for puppy introduction, we really don't think we will have any problem, but blind optimism is not in my DNA, I like to know risks as well as the good news stories, even though that worries me.

We have the space and inclination to set up a puppy pen in our dining room with access through the dog door to a separate enclosed part of the back deck, and an area of grass to allow alone time and for when I am out (3 hours per week only, except for when we take out Kira for separate time). We also intend to crate train. Obviously these will be only occasionally used, as our dogs are fully part of our family, and have free reign of the house and yard as they see fit- Puppy will be no exception once he is responsible enough.

Whether we go an 8 week old puppy, or an older rescue, we will have done our research, and be aware of the correct way to introduce them. It does make it way more difficult given we are in Armidale NSW, but as you have all said, the "right" one will come along, and he will be welcomes into our family.

Di

[Mystiqview]

Best of luck. I am sure it will work out.

Just remember, sometimes all the careful planning can go out the window and it just comes down to Faith and luck. (or so the saying goes).

Also listen to your gut feeling. If there is something that is not quite right or is pefect - listen to it. It may be right.

[kelpiecuddles]

Off topic but how sad that someone would give up on a pup at just 14 weeks, they would barely have even had it home long enough to teach it the basics, especially with two smart breeds in that pup it 'should' have been a quick learner with someone willing to make the effort. Some people shouldn't be allowed to get animals in the first place

We have a herding dog and a hound. The kelpie was 4 years old when we got the basset. We just did a slow, relaxed introduction and they've been pretty good ever since. Right from the start though the kelpie was quick to put her in her place if she was being bossy. Incidentally that expression on Kiras face in that photo is the same one my kelpie gives me, "come on mum I've sat here for the photo, are we done yet?"

[Mystiqview]

At 12 - 14 weeks, it was common when I worked in the pounds for BYB breeders to dump any puppies that failed to sell. At 12 weeks, they require a second vaccination (if they bothered to do the one at 6 weeks in the first place, and many still refuse to microchip despite it being legislation)

We did have one case of one man who dumped a 10-12 week cattle puppy bought from PP because it was chewing things and nipping the kids.... HELLO!!!!!!

Brought in all the paperwork as well. That pup cost him $900. It was also a few days before school holidays. So my guess is they could not get someone to look after the pup while they were away - or wrong breed for wrong family.

Either way. Very sad