Dogs!

[Carolyn]

Anybody know about any kennel clubs in Sweden or any animal shelters? When we leave the States, we're leaving behind Maliq, a king among dogs (he belongs to another!). Anders' heart is going to break and mine won't be too far behind, so we need to get our own little king.

We're looking at a terrior, something relatively small. I prefer West Highlands or Border or Jack Russell or Cairn myself. Somebody small, but sturdy and full of energy.

Anybody got some suggestions?

[Natooke]

Have you 2 ever owned any of these breeds Carolyn
I'm sure there are plenty of kennal clubs in Sweden and in Örebro ... all I know is that a "Pure Bread" can coast at least 3000 and up ... again a shelter may not ask for that much. As a dog owner it is well worth paying into an insurance. Maybe Heather could spread more light on this subject.

[Sabeine]

I heard that Jack Russell Terrier's make great pets. They are also full of energy. My sister has one and it gets along great with her kids. Not too big, not too tiny either.

My mom on the other hand just got a dog. A Maltese that yaps all the time. It looks like a white mop. When I was growing up I wanted a dog or cat so badly. We never got one cause my parents were/are very allergic to animals. A few days ago she calls me and tells me that she got a dog. I would have sooner expected to here that she has adopted a baby from China, than to hear her tell me that she got a dog. Anyway, she seems to like it a lot. It never stopped yapping in the background though. I have cats now. Two of them, and they are pretty quiet.

[Carolyn]

I know terriers as a whole tend to be yappy dogs, but you can work with them on that.

The dog we live with currently is a Maltese-Yorkshire-Pomeranian mix, and he's odd, but incredibly brave and full of personality. He only yaps at people coming to the door and he really HATES little boys on skateboards, so we get to hear when they pass by. His only problem (aside from belonging to somebody else), is that he's quite fragile really. He's only 4.5 pounds and has no undercoat, which means he suffers from the cold, so wouldn't do for Sweden.

I wanted something about 10 pounds or so and with enough energy to go out with us for a walk without tiring and having to be carried. I've always liked terriers because they're very clever and loyal. I know as far as energy goes, theyr'e pretty high maintenance dogs, but that's okay, since Anders is home most of the day.

The only other dogs I've had in my life was a dachshund when I was small (she bit the postman) and a Doberman-whatever was able to get over the fence and impregnate her mix (from the face, possibly a Lab). Petey Moose was a wonderful dog, very loyal and loving, but HUGE, and I've learned, never own anything that s**ts larger than you do!

We'll look around when we get home. I'm sure going to miss Maliq and Anders will be totally lost with him. They're just regular guys together!

[Sabeine]

Have you considered a Tibetian Spaniel? They are about the size of a pomeranian, with the same fluffy fur. They are energetic too.

[Carolyn]

Don't tend to like spaniels, they have that "doggie" smell I don't like and the ones I've known have tended to drool a lot.

[sweetaud]

I saw a French Bulldog a couple times this winter with his/her owner near Järntorget and fell in love. They are adorable and quite comical, with short, shiny hair. I love dogs but I do detest the barky or doggy-smelly ones. The smell is even worse when it rains. Anyway, I would love to know where there is a kennel for French Bulldogs in Sweden.

Here is some info I found on the breed:

www.dogbreedinfo.com/frenchbulldog.htm

[Carolyn]

Faith and others,

I found a link to the Swedish Kennel Club, www.skk.se. I haven't looked at the site thoroughly yet, but perhaps they could direct you towards a breeder of bulldogs in your area.

[sweetaud]

Thanks for the info. I think I'll wait until the snow melts to think about the dog though. It's so bloody cold out, and the thought of dog walks isn't very appealling right now

[Natooke]

I looked further into the link Carolyn and found a list of different breeds. www.skk.se/

btw ... welcome to the site sweetaud

edited because the link i added ^ isn't the page i was on YESTERDAY

[sweetaud]

Thank you! ;D ;D

[Brandy]

Hi Carolyn,

We just got back and I saw this thread. Have you ever thought of a Scottie? All their nastiness (being purely a one family/ one person dog) has been bred out of them. They are so loveable now! We had one twenty years ago (my parents) and they have a 3 yr old now. What a GREAT DOG! I was talking to some breeders at a dog show about them, and they explained that they are a completely different dog now then they were twenty even ten years ago. Like any dog they still prefer their "master" (they might pick who that is), but they also just love everybody else.

That skk site has a great number of links to look at, telling you about temperment, annual costs, health of the breed in general, etc., for any dog that you are looking for. I was on it for hours!

Good Luck!

[Carolyn]

Thanks for the advice on Scotties. I've always liked them personally. A friend had several and they are incredibly loyal and tenacious.

They were away one day and their house was broken into (they had a collectoin of incredibly valuable Japanese swords). When they got home, they found the broken window and blood everywhere, nothing was taken. Apparently, the burglar was badly savaged by the dogs (one of whom died during the attack, unfortunately) and the burglar was later arrested at the emergency room.

[Brandy]

Well I guess that one happened a while ago. In today's day and age the burglar would have sued for being bitten by the dog!

Scotties today probably would show the burglat where to go! Their breed personality really has done a flip. I'd say, if you go to a good breeder, it's more like a golden retriever's personality now. Sweet, Sweet, Sweet!

[Heather L]

LOL! Mine smell wonderfully and never drool! I own two English Cocker Spaniels.... cuddle and wigglebutts!

/Heather

Carolyn said:

Don't tend to like spaniels, they have that "doggie" smell I don't like and the ones I've known have tended to drool a lot.