Dog Adoption: A Work in Progress

We've been meeting some dogs and thinking about adopting one. Pearl is leaning toward a beagle.  Carrie likes German shepherds.  I like terriers, and Marcia dreams of sheepdogs. For names, Pearl has the name Alex at the top of her list. Carrie wants to call the dog Peter (FYI her cousins have a German shepherd named Peter). Marcia has visions of Cody.

Longtime readers may remember the painful process that we endured when we had to let another family adopt our dog Jake just after Carrie was born. We are a little wary because we don't want to have to go through an ordeal like that again.

Comments

[tria]

Beagle veteran here. Beagles are sweet, but love to dig out of the yard, and shed more than cats. Terriers are sweet and energetic but need a "job" to direct their energy--in other words, lots of play and walks (which would be good for the kiddos).

Despite my current Mini Schnauzer mom status, I am a big advocate for retired Greyhounds (like my dearly departed Cookie). They are unwaveringly sweet, gentle, and calm. GPA Houston has a site that features the available hounds. If you're up for a larger dog, they're ideal.

[Robin Reagler]

Thanks, Tria. If anyone else has advice for us, please share!

[virgotex]

Terriers are wonderful dogs but often are naturally assertive/aggressive. There are exceptions to every rule, but I wouldn't vote for a terrier/child combination.

The greyhound idea is a great one. Despite their abilities, greyhounds need less exercise than many other, smaller dogs.

Exercise is key in keeping a dog well-balanced and sociable.

[Julia]

I wouldn't suggest a beagle or a terrier either. (it is the howling of the beagle that drives me nuts) I also would make sure you don't get a dog with ANY colly in it either... they are working dogs and without daily running around chasing cows in a pasture they get very distructive. You need a good city dog.... a sheep dog is NOT a city dog.

I would vote for a retired greyhound too. The best book I ever read (well, one of the best) was dogs for dummies... they do a great job listing out the qualities of each dog breed and what you should look for when matching your family with a pet.
Good luck!