Well said.
I'm with you, my pure bred boxer Hollie (in my avatar) has the intellectual capacity of a tire. Meanwhile my Jack Russell, Betsy, who is a rescue, could change a tire if I needed her to.
People who judge spending
- Thread starter brokenarrowjbe
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Well said.
I'm with you, my pure bred boxer Hollie (in my avatar) has the intellectual capacity of a tire. Meanwhile my Jack Russell, Betsy, who is a rescue, could change a tire if I needed her to.
Abner seems smart enough. HE is certainly full of energy and willing to get back up when the great dane knocks him down. But I spent money on a Murnak case and they acted like I was burning the money. Just saying. Wait till I spend several thousand on a nice table then have a mechanic fix it up. That will get their attention.
dogs and love
One of my favorite books is, "Dogs Never Lie About Love" by Jeffrey Masson.
One of my favorite books is, "Dogs Never Lie About Love" by Jeffrey Masson.
wait, did someone say $300 for a pair of shoes was CRAZY?! :angry:
I EASILY have 2 to 3 times as many shoes as my wife
priorities man, priorities
I EASILY have 2 to 3 times as many shoes as my wife
priorities man, priorities
lol, that was good.
You're right concerning the mix of standard poodle, golden, and lab - but the labradoodle is a special case. They were bred specifically for the purpose of being a hypoallergenic breed. They aren't simply a "cross" of those breeds. To develop the breed the level of inbreeding necessary simply knocked the brains right out of the damn things. They're mega-high-energy, low intellect, and in general just a royal pain. They're usually very good with humans, and they also socialize well with other dogs - however they do also have a bit of a reputation for "snapping" at other dogs at a moment's notice after days, weeks, or even months of successful socializing. On top of all of this they also have hip issues and eye issues. The fellow that created the hybrid initially has been quoted as saying he has deep regrets.
It is possible to get a good one, in terms of behavior, just like any other animal - they're out there. But they're exceedingly rare. If you manage to get a good one, count your lucky stars - but don't count on getting so lucky again.
I agree. I have friends who spent thousands on these "designer mixes" of well-known breeds, and you're right -- all that in-breeding knocks the brains out of 'em. The labradoodles I've seen, although very good with humans, are also very dopey.
My apricot poodle, on the other hand, was a rescue, and she reminds me *every day* how thankful she is that I rescued her. She's quiet, extremely smart, and knows, by my mood alone, what to do to make me feel better. Sometimes, it's just putting her paw on me, looking me right in the eye, giving me a "kiss" (lick) and then curling up right next to me (making contact) while I work. Almost as if to say, "I know, you're not happy, but here -- here's a kiss to let you I appreciate the life you gave me, and I'll be here, right by your side, if you need me." The same thing with my Briard terrier mix. He doesn't look "designer" at all (actually kind of "ragamuffin"-looking), but at the same time, he has the heart of a king. He's "Mr. Personality." You walk in the room with him, and people go, "whoa! who is that?" One poster mentioned being able to change a tire. That's both my poodle and Briard terrier mix. My breeder-purchased West Highland terrier (my wife's dog), on the other hand, would have a hard time matching wits with that tire. Although that breed was never known for being smart, I think whatever brains he could've had were no doubt in-bred out of his line. "Stubborn" isn't the word I'd like to use. What's more stubborn than "stubborn"?
Anyway, with human desire for "designer" breeds of dogs for whatever reason (and remember, unlike the old days when breeds were created for hunting/survival reasons; today, breeds are created almost exclusively for aesthetic or other head-scratching reasons like "hypo-allergenic"), sometimes even the basic characteristics of a dog, like intelligence, can be compromised or bred-out. There are lots of very appreciative dogs out there that need rescuing. Sure, some may have behavioral problems, but not all of them, and there are real gems if you know how to look. From here on out, it's going to be rescues for my wife and I. We've even helped friends adopt dogs, and so far, we're batting 1,000 in picking the perfect companion.
-Sean