Comments on: Expanding Our Family

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 14:04:30 +0000

You should reconsider the French Bulldog…my husband and I got a frenchie puppy this past June and he has been the sweetest pup I have ever met (totally objective, of course). We also have a pug, and the frenchie does much better in various climates than the pug does. We have not found him to overheat. Also, as far as health problems go, many pups can can have health issues and I think if you generally keep your dog in good shape that will take care of many of the issues. French bulldogs have great personalities…they are very playful, but also LOVE cuddling up afterwards. I would recommend trying to spend some significant time with the litters and doggie mommas you are considering so you can get a better feel for what fits you best.

By: Latest shelters dog news – Cesar Millan Celebrates With World’s Most Nervous Dog | Shelter Dogs

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 02:02:23 +0000

[...] Expanding Our Family | Newlyweds and Nesting: Elizabeth Anne … [...]

By: LeilaMac

LeilaMac — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:57:32 +0000

I’ll have to reiterate what other comments have said – beagles have reputations for not only destroying things but they bellow! Which is probably why you see so many beagles and beagle mixes in shelters. Sad but true. :(

Where in Mississippi are you?!?! My husband just got a relocation offer with his company to Vicksburg and we’re going through the decision process…would love to know more about it!
.-= LeilaMac’s most recent blog post: {random musings} birthday loot! =-.

By: Carey

Carey — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:33:49 +0000

We have two Beagle pups that are around 8 months old- and I love them both. Our girl, Zuzu, is the sweetest thing and loves to cuddle. Orson, our boy, is a little more independent but we chalk that up to being the first born. They are high energy dogs and left alone, will chew up ANYTHING. We’ve all lost several pairs of shoes, they’ve knawed my Hancock dining room chairs, and even a couple of corners on my wooden china cabinet. I don’t blame them (too much) because they really need to be kept busy or be outside to play. If you can devote a lot of time to them until they calm down, they’re super great dogs and very loyal. But whatever breed you get, I highly recommend crate training- it makes life soooo much easier! Good luck :)

By: Kristy

Kristy — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:47:39 +0000

My aunt had 2 Brittany Spaniels while I was growing up, and I adored them. They were both very sweet and playful and seemed obedient enough, but I don’t know what kind of training it took.

My fiance is dying to get a Beagle, but I have the same concerns you do. And now that we finally have a yard, I think we’ll end up with a dog sometime in the next year.
.-= Kristy’s most recent blog post: 40 Days =-.

By: Erin

Erin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:16:34 +0000

My husband and I got a brittany about 3 years ago. He is by far the sweetest, most loving, smartest dog I’ve been around in a long time (but I’m a lil biased!) But Brittany’s are great companions. We’re actually thinking about getting another one next year! We too the “which dog is right for you quiz” too, and the recommendations were similar. But after I did more research the Brittany was the way to go. I found a breeder that was in Indiana (we lived in Florida at the time), who also happens to be a vet, so that helped my anxiety about getting from an out of state breeder. My main advice though, is once you get your pup, be sure to socialize him/her early, so they will be friendly when they grow up. We know too many owners who sheltered their dogs as puppies and now they have bad social skills and can barely be around people. Our Brittany love everyone! Good Luck!

By: Disgruntled Julie

Disgruntled Julie — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 03:10:30 +0000

I would never try to discourage someone from getting a dog on which they had their heart set, BUT, that said, everyone I know who owns a beagle has been in way over their heads. Without thinking, I can name 7 families who have TERRORS of beagles — rambunctious does not begin to describe it. Gnawing off legs of chairs, destroying kitchen floor linolium, clawing up the living room carpet… if this is your definition of rambunctious, then by all means, go for it, but it is not mine. I have never heard anyone as dissatisfied with the behavior of their dogs as I have heard from the beagle owners that I know!
.-= Disgruntled Julie’s most recent blog post: Harumph =-.

By: Jaime

Jaime — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 01:47:06 +0000

I vote shelter dog! You can find many purebreds in shelters and if you keep looking, I bet you can find one you like. Have you tried using petfinder.com?

We have an English Bulldog and a husky/shepherd mutt who are both rescues. The mutt is the best dog I’ve ever had and so smart! We love the bulldog too, but much like the french bulldog, he has health issues and isn’t tolerant of the heat. But he sure does like to snooze!

Good luck and just realize it’s a committment for the animal’s entire life, but it sounds like you are doing all your research.

By: Jill

Jill — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 01:20:51 +0000

We have a brittany and my parents have two brittany's. They are GREAT dogs and so fun to have around. I would TOTALLY recommend them!!! .-= Jill's most recent blog post: EtSy.LoVe of the week =-.

By: kate

kate — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:33:17 +0000

I grew up around my grandfather’s Brittanys and they are the sweetest dogs and SO smart (he has always used his for bird hunting and they’re brilliant)! Great family dogs and I’ve never met one with an “odd” personality!
.-= kate’s most recent blog post: little update =-.