Dog people-- help us decide when to get a dog!

JCbride2015 · May 2014

We want a dog SO BAD; have for ages now. This summer finally feels like the right time, but I want to make sure we're being responsible about it.

We plan to adopt a small dog from a local rescue organization. I'm not sure if we should get a puppy or an adult dog. I'm torn because PUPPIES but adult dogs are less likely to get adopted, and hopefully would be less hyper.

Other considerations: I'll be home a lot this summer studying, so I'll have time to train and be with the dog. We'll get pet insurance, but don't have oodles of other cash if something really catastrophic happens beyond the plan limits. In November we'll both be working full time, so money will be easier but we'll be out of the house a lot. I think we'd get a dog walker at that time.

Mostly I'm trying to decide whether to get the dog now (more time, less money) or later (more money, less time).

Thoughts:

--What unexpected expenses surprised you when you first got your dog?

--What books/resources were most helpful when training?

--Puppy vs. adult dog thoughts?

--Breed recommendations for an apartment with cats?

Blergbot · May 2014

Please get an older dog. They NEED you! I know they sound big, but greyhounds are the best! They are sprinters, so while they like to run really fast, thats for a few seconds. Then they just laze around all the time. They are very cat-like dogs, so they tend to do well with them. They have a super sweet temperament and retired racers need homes. You can find local groups that will put together fun races (just to get their energy out, not for bets) at local parks. We had two when I was a teenager/young adult, and once you get one you are hooked on the breed for life. I know they are funny looking, but they have these big saucer-shaped eyes that just say "love me" and your heart just melts. Greyhounds for life!

ETA: while you can't usually find a greyhound at a shelter, there are usually regional non-profits that work to adopt out retired racers.

afox007 · May 2014

Honestly having time now seems like a better bet than money. If you are going through a shelter they have already checked to ensure they are healthy and many include one free vet visit.

As far as she I would lean towards adult. Every shelter dog I have gotten was 2 and that was the perfect age; they were overlooked for not being a puppy, but still young enough that you have plenty of years ahead.

The only unexpected expenses I had had with pets were get bills. I had my current dog 2 years before he got some weird stomach bug that ended in a 200 vet bill. Our cat we only had 2 weeks and she got attacked by a neighbor dog and broke her leg.

As far as cats I don't know of specific breeds but my dog is a jack russel/beagle mix and has always loved kitties. I would consider bringing your cat if possible to introduce them.

emmaaa · May 2014

I definitely recommend an adult dog from a shelter. Like you said, they are less likely to get adopted. Also, most shelters and rescue organizations will have the dog fixed and all shots up to date.

I think if you have time to train during the summer, that's when you should get your dog. Especially because sometimes adult dogs are more difficult to train and take more time.

Something that I hadn't considered for our first dog was the monthly expenses. Such as heart worm medication ($30) and flea and tick medication ($30). However, they do have a medicine now that is called Trifexus or something that has both in it for $30.

I think terriers are great indoor, small breeds. There are usually a lot that are "mutts" that have terrier.

As far as training, we trained ours based on what recommendations our vet gave us. I trust our vet over any book so I would ask them or the shelter/foundation you rescue them from!

smalfrie19 · May 2014

This is a tough one. First for breed, I would go online see if you can find a few quizzes that may direct you to what kind of dog your lifestyle is suited for.

When it comes to puppy vs adult there are a lot of pros and cons for each.

Puppy pros: the bonding factor, the cuteness factor, the malleability to your lifestyle

Puppy cons: the training can be every extensive, possibility of damaged carpets, getting up in the middle of the night the first month to take out.

Adult pros: possibly less hyper, possibly trained/potty trained

Adult cons. you really never know their background, getting an adult dog can come with a whole slew of emotional or medical issues.

Just really think on it. Dog are a lot of responsibility and some people might disagree, but in my opinion, its like having kids.

KatieinBkln · May 2014

I think you'll find you need the time more than the money.

Our dog is a small breed rescue, and we love him, but...he has some issues. He was a stray and we think he might have doggie PTSD because every once in a while he gets so food aggressive (about human food) that he doesn't just growl or bite, he attacks like he wants to kill. Full on biting without letting go. It's scary and we are getting him help because we adore him and he's a sweet, snuggly guy 95% of the time (but that 5% is a dangerous 5%, so it must be addressed).

SO, if you do get an adult rescue dog, I would just say to pay attention both to its history and its behavior before you pull the trigger. Our dog is also a big jerk to bigger dogs, which, surprisingly, has not yet come to bite him in the ass (literally) but it could. We didn't know this when we got him because we jumped right in without seeing how he reacted to the neighborhood pooches. Now we just have to go with, "sorry, he's not friendly" when a happy-looking pit bull approaches.

Surprising costs included general vet bills (more than you hope for, especially at shot time) but insurance will help with that. The most surprising cost was when he bit me and sent me to the hospital because it got infected...(yes, this story gets deeper and deeper. Sigh.) You can avoid this if you get a dog whose issues are less intense, shall we say.

But going back to my original point, I think the very BEST thing that you can do for a dog is spend time with it, training it and just bonding with it. My pup came upstate with us over the long weekend, and I swear he's been happier, sweeter, and less likely to go into a barking war with the dog next door since spending all that time with us. So if you have the time this summer, I would get the pup this summer. (This is also a bonus if you get a puppy, since they need TONS of time--my sister just got one and it was a blessing she happened to be living at home and only working part-time, because the pooch took up every extra second!)

Swazzle · May 2014

Both of my cats were adopted at Liberty Humane Society

We got a dog in 2009, however, we didn't adopt her from there. H's friend's dog had puppies and we decided to go see them and ended up bringing one home. She's a pit bull and she does fine with our cats. I would say either go with a puppy who can be trained to be ok around cats or find an older dog that is already used to them.

I took Lucy to the training classes at PetSmart in Secaucus and had a really great experience there. It was very reasonable priced too, IMO.

Things to remember that cost money: Food (obviously)

Treats

Collar/leash

Puppy weewee pads if you go that route

Pet insurance

Shots each year (or every 3 years)

Flea and tick meds

Toys -- depending on the dog you can go through these fairly often

Also, make sure you check with your landlord/building and see if they charge you a fee for having a dog. And if you were to get a pit bull or other "bully" breed, I would make sure they're allowed in your building as well because there are a lot that don't.

ETF paragraphs

FiancB · May 2014

We're getting one too! Not till after the wedding and everything though. We don't want to get one and then immediately leave it to go on our honeymoon.

I think puppies are overrated. I would like a young dog, but a tiny puppy needs a lot more attention and between teething and potty training and everything else, are way more work. I have adopted a 4 year old sheltie in the past and she needed a couple weeks to adjust, but after that she was glommed onto me just as though she'd known me her whole life.

We have ferrets so we're very conscious of wanting something that doesn't want to kill things. My sheltie was excellent this way. We are looking at possibly getting a toy poodle, a bichon, pomeranian, or papillon. That's kind of an individual thing- any one of those might harass cats, it just depends, but rescues are great about testing that out and matching dogs to the right home. Fosters are even better.

You will want a crate, but that's not very expensive for a small dog. Teeth cleanings are $$$ and can sneak up on you- they run $500 plus since they need to be put under for it. Little dogs tend to have a lot more teeth issues so commit to daily brushing!

Training- I was a kid and I did 4H. My 4H group also was happy to take adults that wanted help and an opportunity to socialize. I know Petco and Petsmart have some basic puppy kindergarten and obedience classes but I'm not sure how good they are. Whatever rescue you get your dog from should be able to point you in a good direction.

Sammyantha13 · May 2014

Boston Terriers all the way!! (More on that later.)

But I digress. Getting an adult dog certainly has advantages. I adopted mine from a rescue specific to Boston Terriers, and I feel like if you decide on a breed you want it would work to your advantage to find a rescue specific to that breed. The people who foster the dogs obviously love the breed, and you're likely to get more info from them--about the breed and about the dog's history. I know all the people who foster the Boston's are absolutely nuts for them and treat them like their own.

So, my dog was 3 years old when I got her. Which was a good age. It will depend on what history your dog has, but I got lucky because mine came from a family who just didn't want to take care of her anymore. (I don't understand this?!? But that's a whole other topic.) So anyway, she came from a very well-off family and she was already spayed (if you adopt a dog over 6 mos. old they should be spayed/neutered), she was already crate trained and housebroken, and she didn't have any aggression or anxiety issues. Her only problem is she can be a brat when it comes to other dogs, because she has been an only dog her whole life and is kinda selfish/jealous. She might territorially growl a bit but she's never bitten another dog. But like I said, she came from a breed-specific rescue, and I feel like if you get a dog from a shelter you probably won't know their history, but that's okay!

We did just get another dog a few weeks ago--a Boston puppy who is 12 weeks old now. Even though I just said my rescue dog can be jealous, the two have really bonded and are getting along great. If you decide to get a puppy, be aware that you will be getting up in the middle of the night every night for at least a few weeks to let the puppy out. So if you wait until the fall when you have a job that might not be a good idea. Puppies require a lot of shots in their first few months, and when they get to 6 mos they need to be spayed/neutered.

Advantages to Boston Terriers: These dogs are so lovable. I swear any of my friends who have met my dogs have loved them, and once you get a Boston you will want one for the rest of your life. They are basically big dogs in a little dog body...they will play with you for hours. Typically between 15-20 lbs, they are GREAT apartment dogs. They love people, kids, elderly (lots of old people have them since these dogs were super popular around the Depression era) and they do fine with other dogs/cats usually. They don't shed much, they aren't yappy dogs. They will bark if someone is at the door; I consider them 'alert dogs'. Lol. Even though they love to play they require very little exercise, just indoor play is good enough for them. So you wouldn't need to hire a walker. They are snub-nosed dogs so they snore a bit, but three generations of my family has had Bostons (totaling about 15 dogs over the past 75 years) and we've never had any health issues related to their respiratory systems. They are prone to cataracts though--my family dog is 14 now with cataracts and even though she's completely blind she gets around fine. They don't have hip or joint problems like bigger dogs can. So they aren't very expensive vet-wise.

As you can see, I could gush about Bostons forever...truly great dogs. Let us know what you decide and good luck!

APDSS22 · May 2014

Both of our dogs are rescues that we got at age 2ish from local rescue groups. The little one has some issues that crop up occasionally because we don't know his history before the rescue group took him in. He gets anxiety in the car and usually has carsickness from that. Our current theory is that he was abandoned in a vehicle. He seems to have anxiety attached to certain noises and types of people as well, but for the most part he leads a very normal doggie life. He is almost un-trainable, but we're working on that a little bit at a time.

The bigger dog has attached himself to our little dog (who we've had longer) and gets visibly upset when he can't find our littler dog. We brought the little dog with us when we got the bigger one to make sure they got along. It might be a good idea to do this with your cats. Both of our dogs get very curious about cats but they've never tried to co-habitate with them as far as we know.

Dogs, in my limited experience, seem to need time a lot more than money. Luckily, my husband works full time so we can do both. He makes the money, I spend the time with them. It could be a shock to the bank account if the shots aren't up to date but most shelters keep shots current and should have records to give you. Our second dog came to us with a huge tick in his ear which turned into a situation warranting 3 vet visits in the first couple weeks we had him. (Tick search-and-destroy visit with prescribed antibiotics, dog sick from antibiotics, check up/everything finally leveled out enough to do his shots visit).

Make sure you've got everything the dog will need or money to buy it. Hopefully someone with cats and dogs can give you breed recommendations. All I can say is that my miniature schnauzer and pit bull/collie mix have never had troubles with cats but they've also not been exposed to them for long periods of time.

Vivandiere8 · May 2014

I think it's better to get a dog when you have more time than money. The most important thing to a dog is that you can give it time, training and affection. It sounds like you have enough to afford a dog's basic needs (maybe even more than enough if you are able to afford pet insurance, yay!), and I thinking sacrificing the quality time in the beginning in the off chance something catostrofic might happen isn't worth it in the end. I think any dog sitting in a shelter would agree if it could speak

I would suggest going with an adult dog. One nice thing about them is you can have a better idea of what you are getting. Often they can tell you if that dog is good with children, or other pets, or house trained, or whatever. You can spend time with it there and see how friendly it is, if it likes to play, if it gets along quickly with strangers, etc. The trouble with puppies is they are all so cute and friendly, but you don't know how it's temperament will turn out. Research into different breeds can help. Though I do want to point out mixed breed dogs on average have far less medical issues than most purebreds

Good luck!

FiancB · May 2014

I'll add in that IMPO pet insurance is a waste. There are a lot of common issues they won't cover. I think you're financially better off making sure you have a few hundred dollars in an emergency account at any given time. There aren't many things that will cost more than that, especially for a small dog.

Small dogs are often prone to slipping patellas, and the buggy eyed ones can have an eye pop out but again, not super expensive to fix, not like a torn ACL or hip dysplasia in a big dog.

sarawifenow · May 2014

Get a dog! Seriously they are the best source of endless love out there! I am partial to my beagle, but hey, they are not for everyone.

Having owned puppies and older dogs, I have to say that you get over that puppy phase REAL quick! I got my Bailey Girl when she was about 8 months, so she still had plenty of puppy in her. Rescues tend to "sell out" of puppies a lot quicker because nobody wants an older dog. I think older dogs are SO much better.

I think it is important to do a lot of bonding together when you first get your dog as this builds trust and helps to establish you as the "leader of the pack". So I say, get one now!

As far as expenses go, Bailey has a lot of little issues, so we are at the vet all the time. Most vets offer payment plans for the unexpected, so if something comes up you should be ok. Hope this helps! Post pictures!!!

theartistformerlyknownas · May 2014

Skip the pet insurance; it's a giant waste of money.

Definitely prioritize having more time > having more money (as long as you have ENOUGH money to get started). Make sure you think about any time you'll want to just pick up and go somewhere, or stay out late...can't do that easily with a dog.

I adopted Willy when he was about 6 years old. He's a Chinese Crested hairless from the Naked K-9 rescue organization. He was VERY nervous around strangers for about the first year - very common among rescues, especially older ones - but warmed right up to me from the minute we met. He has a bit of a Napoleon complex so sometimes he tries to pick fights with bigger dogs. But he's an absolute sweetheart and I love him to bits! It's an awesome breed - no shedding, and I get to buy him clothes!

JCbride2015 · May 2014

Wow, thanks for all the thoughtful responses! Reading through now.

MrsAitch · May 2014

Looks like most of your questions have been answered, but I'll just say, while I don't worry much about specific breeds (I actually prefer a mixed-breed dog), but I do care about size. In my experience small dogs are annoying and yappy and needy and energetic and sometimes aggressive, while big dogs are more gentle and loving and often quieter (two big barks rather than 500 screechy little yips). Medium dogs in my experience are often more like big dogs--it's mostly just those teeny little toy breed ones that act like that.

Belthil · May 2014

We got our dog as a puppy and H swears we will never do that again, he wants to adopt older dogs from now on. Puppies are so adorable but it's hard to tell what their personalities will be like until they're a little older and most older dogs are kennel trained or housebroken. Plus I've heard that the older dogs that get rescued are so grateful for their new homes and families just because they know what life is like otherwise. The downside to that as PP have mentioned is there may be some behavioural issues due to that.

Another upside to getting an adult dog is you know how big he is. Unless you're getting a purebreed puppy that's not a given. We were told 55-60lbs and our guy is a beast at 100lbs.

I'd go with getting the dog over the summer rather than waiting, not only will you have more time but it'll be nicer outside so you can bond through walks/work on leash manners more.

I think the biggest expense that we weren't expected besides vet bills ($1000 since January cyst removed and biopsied, check-up, blood work, shots, tick/heartworm prevention) was how much stuff our guy has destroyed. Shoes, paper, our yard, clothes, xbox controller, tv remotes... you name it. If we left it out he got into it.

Most rescues will know how the dog interacts with cats, so that's something I'd ask whoever you're looking at adopting through

theartistformerlyknownas · May 2014

MrsAitch said:
Looks like most of your questions have been answered, but I'll just say, while I don't worry much about specific breeds (I actually prefer a mixed-breed dog), but I do care about size. In my experience small dogs are annoying and yappy and needy and energetic and sometimes aggressive, while big dogs are more gentle and loving and often quieter (two big barks rather than 500 screechy little yips). Medium dogs in my experience are often more like big dogs--it's mostly just those teeny little toy breed ones that act like that.

FWIW, this is not the case at all with Willy! He's a snuggly lazybones who almost never barks (unless he's barking at a big dog just to be a dick). He lets my baby nieces and nephews pull on his ears and never so much as side-eyes them. So it totally depends on the dog.

penguin44 · May 2014

Sammyantha13 said:

Boston Terriers all the way!! (More on that later.)

But I digress. Getting an adult dog certainly has advantages. I adopted mine from a rescue specific to Boston Terriers, and I feel like if you decide on a breed you want it would work to your advantage to find a rescue specific to that breed. The people who foster the dogs obviously love the breed, and you're likely to get more info from them--about the breed and about the dog's history. I know all the people who foster the Boston's are absolutely nuts for them and treat them like their own.

So, my dog was 3 years old when I got her. Which was a good age. It will depend on what history your dog has, but I got lucky because mine came from a family who just didn't want to take care of her anymore. (I don't understand this?!? But that's a whole other topic.) So anyway, she came from a very well-off family and she was already spayed (if you adopt a dog over 6 mos. old they should be spayed/neutered), she was already crate trained and housebroken, and she didn't have any aggression or anxiety issues. Her only problem is she can be a brat when it comes to other dogs, because she has been an only dog her whole life and is kinda selfish/jealous. She might territorially growl a bit but she's never bitten another dog. But like I said, she came from a breed-specific rescue, and I feel like if you get a dog from a shelter you probably won't know their history, but that's okay!

We did just get another dog a few weeks ago--a Boston puppy who is 12 weeks old now. Even though I just said my rescue dog can be jealous, the two have really bonded and are getting along great. If you decide to get a puppy, be aware that you will be getting up in the middle of the night every night for at least a few weeks to let the puppy out. So if you wait until the fall when you have a job that might not be a good idea. Puppies require a lot of shots in their first few months, and when they get to 6 mos they need to be spayed/neutered.

Advantages to Boston Terriers: These dogs are so lovable. I swear any of my friends who have met my dogs have loved them, and once you get a Boston you will want one for the rest of your life. They are basically big dogs in a little dog body...they will play with you for hours. Typically between 15-20 lbs, they are GREAT apartment dogs. They love people, kids, elderly (lots of old people have them since these dogs were super popular around the Depression era) and they do fine with other dogs/cats usually. They don't shed much, they aren't yappy dogs. They will bark if someone is at the door; I consider them 'alert dogs'. Lol. Even though they love to play they require very little exercise, just indoor play is good enough for them. So you wouldn't need to hire a walker. They are snub-nosed dogs so they snore a bit, but three generations of my family has had Bostons (totaling about 15 dogs over the past 75 years) and we've never had any health issues related to their respiratory systems. They are prone to cataracts though--my family dog is 14 now with cataracts and even though she's completely blind she gets around fine. They don't have hip or joint problems like bigger dogs can. So they aren't very expensive vet-wise.

As you can see, I could gush about Bostons forever...truly great dogs. Let us know what you decide and good luck!

100% agree. Bostons are the perfect dog for apartment dwellers that need a small dog with a big dog personality. My parents have one, and I want to get one. Low maintenance dogs.

The only issue with bostons is they have eye issues sometimes since their eyes stick so far out. But that isn't their fault. They have great personalities.

You said yours barks at the door, but my parent's boston only barks when he is playing with toys and wants you to throw the ball or something. I have never heard him bark at the door or a person. And he's never met a person or dog he doesn't like. Or cat.

FiancB · May 2014

MrsAitch said:

Looks like most of your questions have been answered, but I'll just say, while I don't worry much about specific breeds (I actually prefer a mixed-breed dog), but I do care about size. In my experience small dogs are annoying and yappy and needy and energetic and sometimes aggressive, while big dogs are more gentle and loving and often quieter (two big barks rather than 500 screechy little yips). Medium dogs in my experience are often more like big dogs--it's mostly just those teeny little toy breed ones that act like that.

IMO, this is more because people tend to spoil the shit out of tiny dogs. Treat them like a big dog and they will act like one.

Barking definitely can be breed specific though. I had shelties and there are some that are truly incorrigible.

JCbride2015 · May 2014

FiancB said:

I'll add in that IMPO pet insurance is a waste. There are a lot of common issues they won't cover. I think you're financially better off making sure you have a few hundred dollars in an emergency account at any given time. There aren't many things that will cost more than that, especially for a small dog.

Small dogs are often prone to slipping patellas, and the buggy eyed ones can have an eye pop out but again, not super expensive to fix, not like a torn ACL or hip dysplasia in a big dog.

OK this is only as far as I've read down the thread so excuse me if somebody else has already noted this-- but OMFG!!! That sounds terrifying!

FiancB · May 2014

JCbride2015 said:

show previous quotes

FiancB said:

I'll add in that IMPO pet insurance is a waste. There are a lot of common issues they won't cover. I think you're financially better off making sure you have a few hundred dollars in an emergency account at any given time. There aren't many things that will cost more than that, especially for a small dog.

Small dogs are often prone to slipping patellas, and the buggy eyed ones can have an eye pop out but again, not super expensive to fix, not like a torn ACL or hip dysplasia in a big dog.

OK this is only as far as I've read down the thread so excuse me if somebody else has already noted this-- but OMFG!!! That sounds terrifying!

It doesn't really seem to bother them too much, but it is pretty horrifying!

emmyg65 · May 2014

Instead of getting pet insurance, put the money you'd spend on premiums in a savings account. There's just so much the insurance doesn't cover that I've never seen a plan that seemed worth it.

theartistformerlyknownas · May 2014

FiancB said:
show previous quotes

JCbride2015 said:

FiancB said:

I'll add in that IMPO pet insurance is a waste. There are a lot of common issues they won't cover. I think you're financially better off making sure you have a few hundred dollars in an emergency account at any given time. There aren't many things that will cost more than that, especially for a small dog.

Small dogs are often prone to slipping patellas, and the buggy eyed ones can have an eye pop out but again, not super expensive to fix, not like a torn ACL or hip dysplasia in a big dog.

OK this is only as far as I've read down the thread so excuse me if somebody else has already noted this-- but OMFG!!! That sounds terrifying!

It doesn't really seem to bother them too much, but it is pretty horrifying!

If this is horrifying to you, don't get a pug. My sister's has to have his anal gland expressed every now and then. Yes, it is as disgusting as it sounds.

JCbride2015 · May 2014

Wow so much helpful input! Okay, a few things:

--I would LOVE to have a big dog like a greyhound, German Shepherd, lab, or golden. I grew up with big dogs and they are the best. However, as @swazzle mentioned, apartments around here have strict limits. I have to pay a higher fee if the dog is over 25 pounds. Plus our apartment is small, anyway.

--So, little dog it is. I've thought about Pomeranians, Papillons, Bostons (@Sammyantha13 I've never had one but I hear great things about them all the time).

--And we're open to a mixed breed dog, too. My sister's dog is the cutest, sweetest baby in the world and all we know is she's half Chihuahua. We guess the other half might be Jack Rusell but we've really got no idea.

Is pet insurance really unnecessary? I figured it would be worth it for a dog because they are more likely to get into stuff they shouldn't, like my sister's poor little Mona last year. She ate something poisonous and almost died. My sister went into like $3k of debt saving her little doggie life.

But that was sort of a crazy situation and we would probably be able to set up a payment plan if something like that happens.

JCbride2015 · May 2014

lolo883 said:

show previous quotes

JCbride2015 said:

FiancB said:

I'll add in that IMPO pet insurance is a waste. There are a lot of common issues they won't cover. I think you're financially better off making sure you have a few hundred dollars in an emergency account at any given time. There aren't many things that will cost more than that, especially for a small dog.

Small dogs are often prone to slipping patellas, and the buggy eyed ones can have an eye pop out but again, not super expensive to fix, not like a torn ACL or hip dysplasia in a big dog.

OK this is only as far as I've read down the thread so excuse me if somebody else has already noted this-- but OMFG!!! That sounds terrifying!

It doesn't really seem to bother them too much, but it is pretty horrifying!
If this is horrifying to you, don't get a pug. My sister's has to have his anal gland expressed every now and then. Yes, it is as disgusting as it sounds.

FiancB · May 2014

Care Credit is taken by a lot of vets. I didn't qualify when I applied in the past, but I had zero credit at that point. I would do that over insurance.

LDay2014 · May 2014

This is all I have to say

jdluvr06 · May 2014

I don't have much to add since the PPs have it covered but depending on how much time you want to spend exercising the dog should play a big factor in what you get. Any kind of terrier is going to want more exercise. They are energetic. My friend just got a chi weenie (sp?). It is a mix between a chihuahua and a dashcund. Super sweet and she doesn't need much exercise.

NYCMercedes · May 2014

While sitting here reading this, my dog has terrible, terrible SBD farts. Gag! He's a large mix and so even tempered and lovable. We got him at six weeks and had him 13 years now. I do suggest a mix breed, as I believe them to be healthy. I do suggest an older dog, too, as they are trained and have settled down a bit. We've never had any big expense at all so I don't recommend insurance. While he does have cysts, the surgery estimate was $2500 (expensive city), they don't seem to bother him so they just sit (cyt? ho ho) there and do nothing.

theartistformerlyknownas · May 2014

Oh one other tip - get a microchip AND a collar/tags. Neither is fool-proof. The Tagg pet tracker is worth looking into, too. Fluffy getting away is far more likely than needing some expensive surgery or whatever other calamity.

Dog people-- help us decide when to get a dog!

Re: Dog people-- help us decide when to get a dog!

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