So you'd like to get a dog, but you're not sure what kind. Purebred? Mutt? There are certain advantages to owning a mixed-breed dog, believe it or not.
As I write this, one of my mutts (a Boxer mix) has just settled down at my side. She has some of the best qualities of Boxers in her, the playful energy, the loyalty, and the intelligence. Looks wise, she has the unmistakable Boxer under bite and the slender Boxer build, but her coloring and other features are all about her other half, Shar Pei. She has a lot of loose skin on the neck, and her forehead crinkles up so cutely. It makes her look like she's thinking really hard.
Shar Peis are known for being a little standoffish to strangers, but in my pup, the aloofness is countered by the Boxer friendliness to give her a great, loving temperament!
By Catherine Forman
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I would like information, on a Shih tzu dog, 5 years of age. A lady that has to move to another state is giving him to me in a week. Will this dog take to me, being that he has been with this family for 5 years? Thanks for any info.
By Darlene from Sharpsburg, GA
Most dogs will; it may just take some time. My mother takes in animals like that. She has an old rat terrier from a neighbor that died recently, the poor pup was 12yrs old, and got used to her quick! He treats her now just like he always lived with her. She said he would pace and look for the original owner, and she always made sure that the only time he was outside, was in the fence, where he couldn't leave.
Thank you so much, I feel much more secure, and better about this. I really appreciate the feedback. God bless.
Fatboyslimsmom hit the nail on the head with what she wrote. You shouldn't have any problem with the dog acceptiing you. The first few months or (if you're lucky) weeks the main problem you'll have is he'll miss is other family. But with love and patience and understanding, which I get the feeling you are overflowing with, you'll both do fine.
Just be sure and not let him outside without a fence or a leash. And even in a fence for a couple of weeks I'd be out there with him so be sure he doesn't try to dig or climb his way out. Or squeeze out around the gate. But with a 5 yr old Shih tzu you've got many years coming of love and devotion on both your parts.
Lucky you! Shitzus are very nice dogs. I would love to have another. I adopted one and he was a love, but my son's girlfriend fell in love with "Butch" (and he with her) that I finally gave him up to her. Anyway, lots of treats, patience and time. He will mourn, but you can win him over.
I am adopting a 5-8 yrs old Poodle mix. The owner told me that he is a good dog, but pees sometimes at night. He also bites me when I want him to do something that he doesn't like. I have never owned a dog. Is that normal?
By newdog from Orlando, FL
What things are you are wanting the dog to do that causes it to snap at you? Talk to the previous owner and find out what they do in handling the dog to do certain things. It may be distrustful of you depending on how long you've owned this dog.
