From: toolan@scivax.stsci.edu
Subject: Re: Help on choosing a family dog
Organization: Space Telescope Science Institute
Distribution: na
Date: Tue, 8 Sep 1992 18:05:54 GMT

In article <1992Sep7.211351.6856@coopsol.com>, brentw@coopsol.com 
(Brent Williams) writes:
 
> We have spent some time  looking through dog books and talking to people
> we know with various breeds.  We're getting conflicting information.  We
> have narrowed it down to five breeds, and would appreciate any input you
> may have on this.  BTW, we've never owned a dog before.  Here are the breeds
> we're looking at:
> 
> *	YELLOW LAB.

		I'm just curious--why only yellow?  Why not chocolate or
		black?  I've never owned one, but I've never run into one
		that hasn't been friendly and mellow.

> *	ENGLISH BULLDOG.  I don't know how these are as a breed, but a 
> 	friend had one that was just the gentlest, kindest dog imaginable.

		I know nothing about these, sorry.

> *	DALMATIAN.  We have heard *VERY* conflicting stories about whether
> 	these are good with kids.  One Dalmatian we knew was extremely
> 	hyper; we think this would be threatening to a three-year-old.
> 	Some books we read said Dalmatians are great for kids.  But 
> 	newspaper articles right after "101 Dalmatians" hit the theaters
> 	last year said that they're too high-strung for small kids to 
> 	handle.

		I have friends who raise Dalmatians, and they are wonderful
		dogs.  We'd probably have one ourselves, but the fact that
		they shed amazing quantities of hair is a big turn-off for 
		us.  They are very energetic dogs that require LOTS of
		exercise.  My friends' 11-year-old dog would snuggle up to
		your three-year-old; however, their 1-year-old dal would
		probably bounce up to your child and bowl him over trying
		to play.  Dals are VERY popular right now--if they are
		your choice, be sure to go to a REPUTABLE breeder who has
		bred for temperament.  My friends would qualify, but we're
		in Maryland...

> *	COLLIE. Are these really as difficult to groom as one might 
> 	imagine?

		While I love their looks, I know nothing about them.

> *	STANDARD POODLE.  We hear these are really intelligent and loyal.
> 	Any comments you might have about the tradeoff between Grooming Hell
> 	and the benefits of poodle ownership would be appreciated.

		My manager adopted a standard poodle from the pound, and she
		is a sweet, gentle, and sedate dog.  If you have the 
		inclination (and a cooperative dog), it is possible to groom
		the dog yourself--clippers are readily available.  It would
		probably be advisable to weigh the pros and cons of home
		grooming vs. professional grooming, though.  We had a fireball
		of a miniature poodle that I would never dream of grooming
		myself...


	I'd like to make another breed suggestion, if you don't mind.  Many of
you have read this before.... sorry, but I can't help myself, and I'm trying
to help rescue some more retired racing Greyhounds...


> We have a three-year-old, and live in a house with a medium-sized backyard
> (50x60) in the SF Bay Area.  Our key criteria are:
> 
> -	Good with kids 

		Greyhounds are very tolerant of children, often to the extent
		that you may need to prevent the dog from being overwhelmed
		by your child.  My year-old niece (before anyone could reach
		her to stop her) grabbed the skin of Amber's back and used 
		Amber's height to haul herself unsteadily to her feet.  Amber
		merely braced her legs to steady herself, and did nothing
		more.  It HAD to hurt, but she did NOT take it out on the
		child.  I've heard of several day-care homes that include a
		Greyhound.
		
> -	Easy to care for fur

		Greyhounds are very short-coated.  Weekly brushing eliminates
		most shedding.  Ours shed out mostly in the spring, and somewhat
		in the fall.  At those times, we actually vacuum our dogs (with 
		the upholstery brush).  If someone steadies the dog and the 
		vacuumer is gentle and careful, there is no problem.

		Also, Greyhounds normally do not get a "doggy" odor, even when
		wet. 

> -	Responds well to obedience training

		Greyhounds are quite intelligent and respond very well
		to obedience training.  They are extremely sensitive and
		willing to please.  A rescued racer arrives leash- and
		crate-trained.

> -	Doesn't bark too much

		Generally, Greyhounds don't bark much.  I wouldn't have one
		if all I wanted was a watchdog, BUT my old miniature poodle
		(r.i.p.) actually taught Amber to bark more often.  Amber,
		in turn, has also taught the same to Topaz, and it doesn't
		help that my son has taught them to "Speak!"--and for that treat
		they eagerly obey...

> -	Loyal, friendly, good companion.

		In my experience with the MD Greyhound rescue group, I've
		never seen a bad-tempered dog.  GPA carefully screens the
		dogs they rescue; carefully screens the prospective owners;
		carefully matches a dog to a family, and offers support after
		the dog is placed if you need help for any reason.  I wouldn't
		trade my two for any reason, and I doubt we will ever have any
		breed besides a Greyhound.

> 
> Naturally, I'll summarize and post responses received by e-mail.
> 
> THanks,
> 
> -brent
> 
> -- 
> Brent Williams/Cooperative Solutions Inc., San Jose CA   (408) 377-0300
> brentw@coopsol.com
> Cooperative Solutions makes Ellipse, a development environment for
> industrial strength graphical client/server business applications.


	I'm glad to see you're doing your homework, trying to figure out 
which breed is best for you.  I hope you'll at least consider a Greyhound,
because it seems like the breed would fit your criteria.  If you (or anyone 
else) would like more information, feel free to email me and I'll be glad to 
tell you all you want to know.  Your local GPA would willingly arrange for you
to meet some Greyhounds face to face, and there (unfortunately) are THOUSANDS 
to choose from each year, as their racing career ends.  

			*	*	*	*	*
					*
	Sharon Toolan			*	My opinions are my own;
	toolan@stsci.edu		*	no one else would want them.
					*
			*	*	*	*	*

	"Mom" to Amber (8 yr. old retired racing Greyhound)
	 and Topaz (3 yr. old retired racing Greyhound)

			Make a fast friend--adopt a Greyhound!