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Choosing the Right Dog
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Choosing the Right Dog
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Please keep in mind that the most important aspects
of a successful dog/human relationship are:
1) the characteristics of the breed,
2) the temperament of the individual dog, and
3) the training provided by the owner.
A purebred puppy will be expensive. Depending
on the scarcity and popularity, expect to pay
anywhere from $250 to $1,500.
My Strongest Recommendation - Attend a few dog
shows so you can:
You see what small dogs in that breed should
really look like (a problem for over bred and
poorly bred dogs such as Pomeranians and Toy Poodles);
You can buy a program that will have names and
addresses of breeders, owners, handlers and other
dog business people This can be a valuable resource
when you need a referral; and
You'll see what Toy breeds are capable of doing,
and you may be amazed.
How do you find a dog show? Easy! Check the monthly
magazines, Dog Fancy and Dog World or visit this
website: www.animalnetwork.com/dogs/calendar/calendarlst.asp
Other Things to Consider
All Toy breeds make good companions for adults,
but given their small stature and weight, they
are not the ideal family dogs when small children
are present. Many are fragile and cannot withstand
rough handling.
Whichever breed you select, please do not get
any dog advertised as being a "teacup."
Toy breeds are small enough as it is, and a "teacup"
almost guarantees you will wind up with a sickly
and high strung dog.
Be sure to ask the breeder or seller whether
the parents had X-rays and veterinarian clearance.
Organizations that provide official clearances
are the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA)
for hip disorders and the Canine Eye Registration
Foundation (CERF) at http://www.vet.purdue.edu/~yshen/cerf.html
for cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy
(which always leads to blindness).
To reduce the risk of genetic problems, you should
take your new pet to a veterinarian as soon as
possible - before the bonding process is complete.
Genetic problems may require expensive surgery,
and you may have to decide whether to return or
keep your pet.
Written by: Louise Louis
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