[ SHOWGSD-L ] Re: Small dog needed
- From: BJBuie@xxxxxxx
- To: showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Thu, 24 Feb 2005 23:08:39 EST
> I am in need of a small pet for myself. I am unable at this time to
have a German Shepherd, and would like some companionship for myself in the
form of a small house dog. I love Jack Russell's, and most Terriers.
Something with personality. Not a throw pillow for the couch. If it be a
pure bred,
and nice, I would probably show it. Thanks for your help, Randy
When my last Shepherd died in 1986, I knew I was about to be transferred and
also knew that the next several years of my life would require lots of
business travel, more transfers which could mean townhouse or condo living at
least
on a temporary basis. Not the right circumstances for a German Shepherd. I
acquired a Yorkshire Terrier. He was all of 4 pounds, 8" tall at the shoulder
and 10" long. I called him my "8X10 Glossy"! He could fly with me in the
cabin as long as the crate fit under the seat in front. He could wait in a
hotel
room while I attended a business meeting and be there to keep me company at
night. He frequently attracted perks during out travels, he would sit on my
lap
in the airport. I usually would wait in either United;s or American's "club"
section where the airline employees would be taken with him and would shower
us with attention and "extras," including, on occasion, an upgrade to First
Class!
He wasn't a "foo foo dog." He was a true terrier in a very small package.
He wasn't "yappy." He would bark when someoen came on the property his bark
sounded like a larger dog. Most people who heard him thought he was at least
Schnauzer size. He wasn't afraid of big dogs, wanted to walk right up and
introduce himself. He would play ball or "kill the rat," (a small stuffed toy
dog
that he would grab by the back of the neck and shake viciously and growl at,
again for hours, mimicking the Yorkie's original role as a vermin killer). By
keeping him in a Schnauzer clip in the summer and a puppy clip in cold weather,
grooming was easy. He died just 3 months before his 16th birthday and was
relatively problem free. He was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 2, however as
soon as I had the soon to be ex-husband removed from the household, the
incidence of seizure activity was greatly reduced! :)) He did tear an anterior
cruciate at age 14 1/2, but came through the surgery as good as new.
When he was 14 and I semi-retired and moved back to the Kansas City area, I
was finally able to get another Shepherd and "Buie" made it clear to the
Shepherd puppy that he was the boss. It was quite comical to see the Shepherd
lay
her head on the foot of the bed, hoping to be allowed on the bed and see this
little old grey dog go charging down to the foot of the bed, barking in such a
way that you just knew he was telling her to stay off "his" bed.
Corgis are also excellent choices for Gs folks as many on this list can tell
you. II had a Corgi with the GS back in the 1970s when I was handling and
acquired one for the Grandchildren who I train and take to Shepherd functions
such as our Kansas City club herding instinct test and the GSDCA temperament
test. I am, along with so many of us long time Shepherd people, a little too
old
and a little too "pudgy" to get around a Shepherd ring anymore and thought
that Corgis would be my "Old Lady Breed". I really love their attitude and
working ability. However, one Corgi sheds from their 30 pound body as much
hair as
any 80 pound GS! I just can't see myself cleaning up that much hair when I'm
80. So, I am quite content to get my Corgi fix from my Grandchildren's dog
or from my frequent stays at Caralon!
I have chosen Cavalier King Charles Spaniels as my second breed. Several
current and former GS people have them, including Meredith Johnson Snyder,
Diane
Piagatinni, Peggy Mickelson, Kelly Savala and more. They are very mellow and
people keep them in herds of mixed numbers of boys and girls with only a very
rare individual not getting along with the others. CKCS still have spaniel
hunter instincts and someone is always posting to the Cavalier list about the
successful hunting and capturing of squirrels completed by Cavaliers. Their
coat doesn't have an undercoat. The standard is clear and firm regarding no
trimming so they are a wash and wear breed if you want to show them yourself.
They are always ready to do whatever the owner wants whether it is a walk in
the
woods or a nap on the couch.
There are some health issues and as with GS, you need to deal with a breeder
who is careful about the correct testing and certifications.
Jack Russells are very high activity, hence high maintenance dogs. They also
tend to be stubborn. Some call them "Cats in dog suits." Many JRs found
themselves in rescue situations due to the popularity of "Moose" (screen name,
"Eddie") on Frasier. Cute puppies, but a real handful in a household situation.
Betty J. Johnson
Tintagel
www.Tintagelgsckcs.com
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