Big Dogs

[Tiramisu]

I think most of us have Yorkies. I have five Yorkies and a ShihTzu. I adore them all, but I want a bigger dog. I've decided on an English Springer Spaniel. Hubby doesn't say NO (and I probably wish he would). He only says, "Don't we have enough?" or "Why do you want another dog?"

I did look at rescue, but am so afraid of bringing an older dog around my g-kids and little doggies. So, here's a little girl I'm interested in.

[Janet]

My brother had two of these Spaniels. They need lots and lots of exercise. I think he ended up giving them to his wife's sister or something, they lived on a farm with a lake...I don't know. But he just didn't have time to give them the exercise they needed. They like to run.

They sure are beautiful dogs.

[Tink]

They're very pretty dogs, but I have to agree with Janet that 'hunting' dogs are often very hyper, active dogs.

Just like Sled dogs are known to be terrible shedders who love to run off.

Often if you consider the purpose of the breed you'll have a good indication of what they're like to live with on a daily basis.

Since you alredy have Yorkies, I'd absolutely avoid any dog that has a hunting or high PREY instinct as it could be deadly to your tiny dogs.

[Tiramisu]

They're very pretty dogs, but I have to agree with Janet that 'hunting' dogs are often very hyper, active dogs.

Just like Sled dogs are known to be terrible shedders who love to run off.

Often if you consider the purpose of the breed you'll have a good indication of what they're like to live with on a daily basis.

Since you alredy have Yorkies, I'd absolutely avoid any dog that has a hunting or high PREY instinct as it could be deadly to your tiny dogs.

Good thinking - THANKS. Do you know anything about the two different breedings of English Springer Spaniels? Something about a Field Breed and a Show-Bench Breed, with distinct differences in size, activity, and behavior?

[Tink]

I really can't say I know the difference in spaniels.
I do know there's a major difference in field and bench-bred labs.
I have a bench-bred female and she's a very sedate, calm dog with a very self-assured attitude. She's got a wide, blocky look that's almost hinting of a rottie from a distance. She's content to be a couch potato and cuddle as much as she can.

I have 2 field bred labs and they're far more active, excitable and needy of large amounts of exercise. They're much narrower bodied, longer nosed, love to run and run and run... They're loving, but in a much more frantic, bouncy way. They'll lick you to distraction.

If it's the same for spaniels, they're very different dogs.

[gja1000]

I too, think the Springer Spaniel is a beautiful dog. Someone gave one to my son-in-law when my granddaughter was young, about 2 I think. They ended up having to give the dog away again because it was too hyper for the 2 year old. It was very smart and followed commands, but its need for exercise, as Tink mentioned, was so high that if not walked and exercised A LOT every day, it got so hyper they couldn't trust it to not knock down the baby accidentally.

Also, I had another friend who had a Springer Spaniel who turned aggressive toward the grandchildren when they arrived. They had to put the dog down because of this. It could not be trusted around young children.

I also agree with Tink that a dog bred to hunt small prey, might not be the best around little Yorkies.

Good luck with your decision!

[pope1982]

Wonderful breed! I have been friends with this girl for years.
She has 3 Springers (Riley, Jasmine and Tucker) and tons of video of them... you can get ahold of her through her youtube account and ask her questions about her breed, she's great :)

http://www.youtube.com/user/ashsmash288

Good luck!

[Tiramisu]

THANKS ALL - This girl is a show-bench breed, so she is supposed to be more laid back. I'm still thinking about it. There are so many other things I need right now. But, I want this puppy! And, that's why I would only get a puppy so she can be raised with my g-kids and other doggies. I just wish my Hubby would say "NO"! No I don't!

[gja1000]

Good luck! She sounds like a wonderful dog!!! You must have a really soft heart - makes me smile! :)

[Janet]

She's so cute Sandy....you'll know what to do. I think sometimes, we get a sign or something letting us know what to do.

[DianaB]

Sandy, the puppy is adorable but I would sure take into consideration what the girls have said about this breed. Personally I don't know anything about them. Have you checked out what the parents are like? That should give you some indication of what the pup will be like.

[Tiramisu]

Thanks for your input! The owner sent me pictures of both parents and promises me that these are the docile, couch-potato breed. In each picture, they are just lounging around on the deck and couch. He and his wife are school teachers and the two parents are their only two pets. I sent an email asking him a few more questions and am doing some deep thinking about it. The pup won't be ready to leave for a few more weeks, so I might set a date and say if she's still available then, I'll take her. Then, if she's gone, that is what was meant to be.

[Tiramisu]

Owners are lowering the price. I told him I'd let him know by Monday. If he still has her on Monday - she's mine! I changed my mind several times just typing the email to him.

[Tiramisu]

As much as I want this little girl, I'm passing. I do keep thinking that somebody has to take her, but I have to wait because of the economy. My gamble is that her price will need to be cut in half before I would buy her.

Buying groceries for the first time in a month was a huge price shock.

[judy]

That just might be the sign you were waiting for. After Gracie's attack, I wouldn't even take a chance.

She sure looks sweet though.

[Tiramisu]

Ugh! Owners still have all six pups and have lowered the price to less than half. I am haunted with the thought of what will happen to that one little girl. I GOT A PAY RAISE and tomorrow's my wedding anniversary. So, I sent an email that I want the little girl, if he'll still let me get her.

We were in Wal-Mart yesterday (getting potting soil and humus) and I almost get her a doggie bed, but Hubby said to wait. I have a big wire crate that I can use to get her trained.

I'M EXCITED - I know we'll need to be extra cautious with her and the little doggies, but that will come naturally since I'm the biggest worry wart out there. I'll have her spayed ASAP and keep her busy. I've been reading lots.

We'll see - the owners might not want me to have her since I was so iffey before. I hope he understands that it was because of the storm expenses.

[Ponyup]

My parents have a weimereiner which is definitely a high prey breed. We already had logan when they got her as a puppy so she grew up with him. they play fine. She's a little rough, but is getting better as she ages. I just watch very close, but lately there hasn't been much to worry about. They fight with each other to get attention from people. I'm sure she'll be fine with your little ones.

[Dobie]

Just throwing in my 2 cents - dobermans make great family members!

[Tiramisu]

THANKS - "Hopefully" I'm getting her tomorrow. It's our anniversary, so I'm hoping Hubby will drive me the hour and a half and find a place to eat out along the way. He's from the area where the puppy is, so it should work out well.

[gja1000]

I'm happy for you - I know you have thought a lot about this and have been led by your heart!

Let us know when you get her and for sure, we need pictures!!! :)

[Marilyn]

She looks so sweet in her pic!!! Know you will enjoy her!! Congrats on your decision. Sincerely hope all goes very well!!

[Tiramisu]

Rats!!! The guy's wife sold the pup yesterday. Supposedly, she thought I was taking a boy. So, it wasn't meant to be. I'm a little sad, but it OK.

[judy]

Oh, Sandy! I'm sorry! Like you said, it wasn't meant to be, but still....

[Tiramisu]

He said he should have more in 6 months, but I'm out of the mood right now!

[Tiramisu]

One of our next door neighbors has what looks like a pit bull puppy in an open kennel/dog run, in his backyard. It barked most of the night last. I'll be calling him if it starts up again tonight. He had his one free night.

I'm so afraid of those dogs and crazy with fear that they will maul my g-babies or doggies. To add to my anxiety, he (a young single guy) hasn't cleared the tree that Ike dropped on his fence. We only have a small fenced area for my doggies (20'x20'). So, if the dog gets out of that kennel, most of my yard is open hunting.

[gja1000]

One of our next door neighbors has what looks like a pit bull puppy in an open kennel/dog run, in his backyard. I'm so afraid of those dogs and crazy with fear that they will maul my g-babies or doggies. To add to my anxiety, he (a young single guy) hasn't cleared the tree that Ike dropped on his fence. We only have a small fenced area for my doggies (20'x20'). So, if the dog gets out of that kennel, most of my yard is open hunting.

I agree, I am afraid of those dogs too. It doesn't sound like the young man is very responsible re: tree still on fence - so I wouldn't be confident that he will properly train the pit bull pup. I think an untrained pit is very dangerous. Of course, everyone knows of a pit bull that is an excellent dog, and I agree, they can be good dogs, but they can also be very vicious. I would be very anxious too.