I'll attest to Mel's suggestion of a Cockapoo. I've never in my life purchased a dog because it always seemed such a waste when so many cuties were waiting at the shelter. However, when our young children decided they wanted a puppy we did a ton of research on tempremant, physical characteristics, etc. and landed on the cockapoo. They are very playful yet mild mannered, smart as whips, and don't shed AT ALL. They really are very low maintainence which just means you have more time to love on them!

You want to avoid "backyard breeders." Check with the kennel clubs in the same area of the breeder, find out who their vet is and contact them for a referece, as well as speaking with some of their customers. If you are buying a mixed breed dog ask for the pedigree of the sire and dam of the litter so that you don't end up paying top dollar because someone's poodle got out of the fence and bred with some unknown cocker spaniel down the street (there would be nothing wrong with such a puppy, of course, you just don't want to pay $600 if you aren't certain you are getting full breed on all sides). Finally, ask the breeder that whose puppies you are interestred in. Shipping purchased pets isn't an uncommon practice and a reputable breeder likely has a policy regarding it.

I was totally set on a yorkshire terrier until I read that they are not recommend for small children. I do not have any kids but that is just it, I am 20 years old and I am sure I will have a baby within the next 15 years - I don't want to have to give my dog away.

The puppy I wanted in texas found himself another good home. I can still get a dog from there but they have no other puppies - they do have a SUPER cute 2 year old that I could love too, but I totally want a puppy. I have bought a magizine for dogs in canada and lists of breeders (not many in bc tho ) I have gone through there and read about all the dogs I have been thinking about. The boston terrier is still on the list, it does shed but requires no grooming (unlike a lot of the other little dogs). Another one I read about is a Coton De Teluear (sp?) they are super cute and dont shed. My boss at work has one.

I like the bulldogs but they are SOO pricey and they get fat. I never thought finding a dog would be so hard. I have nothing against mixed breeds but worried I wont find a good breeder. My boyfriend and everyone else is sick of hearing about it, my boyfriend has now said "get whatever you want, its your dog." I just want his opnion because he lives with it too. I am so sick of looking for the perfect dog.

Argh. I feel like I am putting too much thought into this. I have spent the last week thinking about nothing but it. I know why everyone is getting mad.

I just want you to be sure that you really want a puppy. I got a puppy in November last year and I knew that they were a lot of work. I had read all about them on the internet, talked to the vets etc. However, I could not fully comprehend just how much work it was until we got him.

Three of us shared the responsibility of looking after him. We took two weeks of work between us so that he was not left alone at all at first. After that, someone stayed at home with him until 11am, and then someone else would come home for lunch at 2.30, and someone would be back from work at 5.15 so that he was never left alone for very long.

While we were in the house, we would have to watch him constantly to make sure that he did not go to the toilet, and if we saw any behaviour that indicated that he wanted to go, we had to scoop him up and take him straight outside. He went outside every hour, and if he didn't go, we would take him back inside, then take him out again 5 minutes later. If he had an accident, it would need to be cleaned up with a biological cleaner to break up the smells. If not, they just continue to go there. Other cleaners such as bleach can make it worse because to a dog they smell quite like urine.

Our puppy stopped crying after the first couple of nights, but we were advised to put the puppy in a crate next to our bed so that we would hear when he got restless and needed the toilet (2/3 times per night!). The aim was to try and make sure that he never went in the house (impossible!).

He also needed to be socialised. He needed to experience new things all the time so that he became a happy, friendly dog rather than a frightened little thing. You have what is called a "plastic period" until they are about 16 weeks old, in which they will pretty much accept anything. However, puppies cannot walk on the ground until they have been through their course of vaccinations, so we carried our puppy (Josh) in a rucksack that we wore on our fronts, and we took him around to see everything he could see. We went into town and cities to see traffic and lots of people, we found cyclists and people wearing helmets, people with beards and long / short hair, people of different ethnic groups, children in buggies, children under 5 (and it is very important to try and enlist some children to play nicely with him if you are considering having your own family at some point), cats, other dogs, if in the country like me then things like cows, horses, sheep and tractors are also important. Once he could walk we did all the same things on the lead.

Having a puppy is just like having a baby; we were kept up at nights, we had to watch him constantly so that he would not go to the toilet or eat anything small that he could choke on (and he would magically find things despite our efforts), take him out and about so that he could meet new people and things. It was an awful lot of work. My sister knew how much work it was because we told her and she is a vet, but she only fully understood when she came to stay and we left her in charge of the day shift for a week while we went to work - now she is thinking of getting an older dog who is already toilet trained, say 6 months old to a year.

I don't know what I think about doing it again. Josh is now nearly 9 months old, and he is such a sweet loving dog which I'm sure is partly due to the bond we created with him as a puppy. I love him to pieces, and the hard work we had at the beggining sort of fades into the background as time passes. I don't want to put you off, but I do want you to be prepared (if you aren't already). Our older dog is a rescue dog, and he is just as loving and sweet. He has had bad experiences and as a result is scared of other dogs, children and men, which Josh doesn't have thanks to the efforts we made in socialising him. So you can have a lovely dog whether you get one as a puppy or as an older dog. Just be sure that you feel that you can cope with a puppy before you make the plunge (and you have an understanding boss who won't mind if you turn up for work absolutely shattered for a few weeks, and disappear off home again at lunch time to feed it). Also, you mentioned that your bf said that this is your dog. How much help will he be able to provide you with, it could be pretty hard to do it on your own.

Sorry for such a long post, and I hope you don't feel like I'm preaching at you or trying to put you off. I'm sure that you will love your new friend, whatever you choose.

Pachyderm - I really want to thank you for that post and reminding me just how hard a puppy is. In some ways I am thankful my new house has hardwood floors throughout the ENTIRE house (much easier to clean up accidents). I have thought about taking time off when we get the puppy and even thinking about making it a month (if I can) when my boyfriend works nights that way there will be someone home with it every second for the first month.

I know it will be TONS of work but I really think it will be worth it the end. I am worrid like you mentioned going home from work at lunches... I won't be able to do that because I work too far away.

What sort of dog did you choose? I am still having a hard time chosing a dog, I found a REALLY cute "party pom" the owner has been very helpful in answering my questions but she comes with no papers and she has no pictures of the parents... so I am leary of buying her. I want my first dog to be a good dog, or the best I can get. I am still considering this little guy at a rescuse center in texas, but I am sure it will be super stressful for him to be sent all the way up here. If you go to this page, http://wanderz.net/Rescue/Dogs.htm and then look for Mel Gibson - I have fallen for him too. It is such a hard choice! I never thought it would be this hard just to find the right dog for me!

I had a yorkie and mine was awsome with my kids! I think you should just really think about your personality and the dogs personality traits too. It's also all in how the dog is raised, I think. I have had pound puppies and akc breeds and the truth is a dog is a dog is a dog. They all pee on your carpets, tear up your furniture, whine all night when you first get them, dig in your yard, and cost alot of money to keep healthy.....but the companionship and love surpasses all of that. My dog drives me CRAZY most days but then she does something cute that reminds me of why I got her. I don't think I will ever go without animals in my life. We can tell you all day long to get a certain kind of puppy or not to get one at all...but the truth is you have your heart set and you know you will get something reguardless! I hope you find the perfect match!!

Whatever kind of dog you get, please be sure to actually SEE the dog before you get him (or her.) I agree with Daisy Boo - there are so many unwanted pets out there, just waiting for a home, waiting to be loved & spoiled (which is what dogs are for, IMHO!) Pure-breed does not necessarily mean "better dog" - in fact, I prefer mutts, because in my experience, they are much easier to train & have less physical problems. Breeders don't usually care about dogs anyway, they're just in it for the money - it's a profit deal for them. Occasionally you will find a breeder who truly loves dogs, but I promise you - it's rare.

I know you have your heart set on a puppy, but remember, a dog that is one year old, or even two, is still considered quite puppy-like, and if you get a dog from a rescue organization, the dog will most likely have been fostered and will be decently well-trained (sit, stay, come, off, down - the 5 commandments you WANT your dog to know!) and most likely already house-broken.

I got my dog from a rescue organization when she was 4 months old. She had been adopted out to a family with small children when she was 2 months old, & returned after 3 weeks. Parents said she was a "bad dog" that she tried to bite the kids. Well, come to find out, those kids just tortured that poor animal, pulling her tail & petting her "too hard" (toddlers are NOT good with dogs or cats!) and to this day, she doesn't like toddlers! She will be 10 years old this summer, and is the absolute light of my life! She's part daschund, part spaniel, and part speculation and I just love her to death!

I also have a cat, and she will be 18 years old this October.

Good luck to you, I hope you get what you want, and I hope you have as much joy with your new dog as I have had with my baby all these years!

How do you know the breeder LOVES their dogs? Where can you find good mixed dogs that are coming from a good breeder?

That seems to be the hard thing for me, I would like a mixed breeder but can't seem to find a breeder that does mixed breeds. Everything is pure breed when dealing with the breaders and everything that is mixed is in the paper and then you don't know if they are coming from a puppy mill or something bad like that.

This has been the most frustrating thing - its like I have to get a pure breed because they are the only dogs I can find "good breeders for' or that come with a health thingy and papers or whatever. I find a dog, but they I have this skethcy feeling because I don't know where it is coming from.

I NEVER KNEW finding a dog was so hard! I have emailed all the boston terrier breeders here on Van Isl - maybe I can find something. We have a local classfieds paper that has lots of mixed puppies, but again, how do you know what's good or bad?

I know I want a boston terrier (well almost positive, I have read about every type of smaller dog and they seem to be the best for me) I would like to see it mixed, but the last breeder told me it will be very hard to find. I almost need to take a trip to Ontario or something to find a dog.

THIS is EXACTLY why you should SEE a dog before getting it. If you're dealing with a breeder, whether it's a pure-breed or mixed-breed makes no difference - you should request to see the ***** on premises and the stud if available. You can tell a lot by seeing how a dog's parents are treated. Are the dogs dirty? Too many dogs? Skinny? Sickly looking? It truly makes a huge difference. Many breeders, who are in it only for the profit, will over-breed a ***** until the poor dog simply cannot put out anymore! This only leads to sickly pups, who often have so many health problems that they can never lead a healthy life.

If a breeder has a dog that is raised indoors, good shiny coat, clear eyes, clean teeth, seems to be a "happy dog" - then it probably is, & the breeder is most likely a dog lover, meaning they truly CARE about their dogs therefore they care about the puppies they have.


Any breeder that REFUSES to let you see the ***** &/or stud dogs - for ANY reason - RUN FAR FAR AWAY from them! Because you've likely stumbled into a puppy mill.

So again, I say good luck - and I hope you find JUST THE PERFECT PUPPY for you!

So having a dog shipped from somewhere else in Canada is a BAD idea? I have seen pictures of all the puppies and the dad but not the mom. I guess there is no way to sell from a picture tho.

This is the email I just got from the person in Ontario - does it sound too good to be true? They seem to know what they are doing but maybe I am wrong:

Hi,
First of all you have chosen the right dog to fly. Terriers have the personality and bounce that is quite surprising. I have had both parents of the reds flown in from the states. I was very nervous about them but when I picked them up they just looked around made sure that they where on stable ground and started playing with the toys I had brought with me. These puppies are pretty sociable so they will just take it in stride. Tell me what you are looking for in a puppy and I can help you at this end. None of my puppies are aggressive or mean spirited. Do you have a cat or other animals. They are not intimitated by others small or large. They are very curious puppies as well.
I believe in crates and when you are out feel free to keep them in a crate until you get home. They do not need a lot of running space but they do like to play with you. They love balls, stuffed animals and chewys.
All this dog will require from you is love and hugs. They like to sleep with you but if that is not what you want they will sleep in a bed beside the bed just so they can be close. They are good apartment dogs because even though they like to run it is not like big dogs that have to. Boston are very smart and easy to train.
They love kiddie pools and they love the heat.
They don't eat much but I am feeding Pedigree for adult dogs. They can be changed to whatever but do it gradually. Watch when you do buy food that it does not have a high number on the protein level. 23%-or 22% is high enough.
If you don't have a vet shop around. Find a vet that you are comfortable with and the prices are reasonable. Start out with "I am buying a new puppy and will need her/him to have their booster shots. How much does it cost?" That way you can pick and chose your vet by the feedback you get.
From the pics you can pick one out and put a $200 deposit in my CIBC account to hold that puppy. You will then pick out a name that will go on a registration paper that you will receive in the mail. I fill that out on this end and you send me your address and I send it out to you after I get them back from CKC. It sometimes takes them 4-6weeks to file the papers but don't be alarmed if you don't see them for a bit. I can email you when I get them so you can start looking for them.
The health certificate shows you that they have been needled and the vet has checked them over and they have a clean bill of health. I guarantee my puppies for one year that if or should they have a hereditary problem that we would not be aware of I will replace the puppy. It is called a Replacement Only Quarantee.
There are not to many red bostons out there so if you have any other questions let me know. I have found no difference in personality or behaviour just in the colour.
Thanks

Well, personally, I wouldn't trust having a dog "shipped" to me. Traveling is hard on a pet, especially when they're flying. I have a friend who works at an airport & sees animals "shipped" on a regular basis. He has told me some truly horrifying stories... so, nope, not me! I'd never "ship" a pet!

RED FLAG, RED FLAG, RED FLAG!

Boston Terriers - ANY DOG - doesn't require "just love & hugs"... this person is SELLING to you. She/He is a SALESMAN, pure & simple.

Also, beware - BOSTON TERRIERS DO NOT LOVE THE HEAT! Neither do they love cold - either of the extreme is not good for a "Bosty". But they are pretty good dogs - my best friend had one for a long time. She sure was a "yappy" little thing... but cute as a button.

Thanks Beach Patrol - your right. I guess if I don't NEED to have it shipped then I shouldn't. I am just VERY UNHAPPY with the local breeders I have contacted so far.

I mean HOW HARD IS IT TO ANSWER MY QUESTIONS? Don't just write me back and tell me that you have no puppies! I know you don't have any puppies, but if you want me to give you 1500$ you could at least tell me when you expect some, or answer at least one of my questions!

Finding a dog on Van Island is truely a PAIN!

Thanks, I think ALL small dogs are yappy. I don't know what other small dog to consider, I think I have been through them ALL! Maybe a pug, or a fluffy thing but then it needs grooming. I need a dog that is okay being left alone while I am at work, at most 8 hours, but still... lots of small dogs says they cant be left alone. My gramma has a boston and she leaves her alone with no problems, she goes and curls up on the bed and sleeps.