Would you date a guy who owned a Puli? (type of dog)

[Normalguy]

I want one but don't wanna be perceived as a fruit. Here's a pic. http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/breedinformation/herding/images/puli.jpg

[Ronni_W]

They're a little fruity! But super-cool and cute, too.

Maybe you could just say it was a gift from your sister, mom, aunt, niece (or some other girl...who isn't an ex)?

 

Oh -- would I date a guy with one? I really don't know. If he was super-macho, I guess...got a LOT to make up for, with a fruity dog like that! <lol>

I would, though, if he said it was a gift from some woman.

Edited February 3, 2010 by Ronni_W

[TaraMaiden]

No, because he'd be paying more attention to the dog, than to me.

have you any idea how much care and attention you have to give a coat like that? One week of neglect and you have a rasta-dog that all you can do, is shave and start again.....!

 

I don't care what dog a man owns.

As a dog behaviourist, I'd have no problem handling him.

The dog is never the problem, see....?

 

As an aside, the way we breed and treat dogs as exhibits and status symbols, sickens me.

The problems we cause through breeding and breed-changing, are nothing short of obscene, and what we put dogs through to achieve a pure pedigree breed are to my mind, criminal.

The website lists some of the physical and medical problems you're likely to encounter with this breed.

Really, is it worth it, just because they look the way they do?

[Normalguy]

No, because he'd be paying more attention to the dog, than to me.

have you any idea how much care and attention you have to give a coat like that? One week of neglect and you have a rasta-dog that all you can do, is shave and start again.....!

 

I don't care what dog a man owns.

As a dog behaviourist, I'd have no problem handling him.

The dog is never the problem, see....?

 

As an aside, the way we breed and treat dogs as exhibits and status symbols, sickens me.

The problems we cause through breeding and breed-changing, are nothing short of obscene, and what we put dogs through to achieve a pure pedigree breed are to my mind, criminal.

The website lists some of the physical and medical problems you're likely to encounter with this breed.

Really, is it worth it, just because they look the way they do?

 

 

Well thanks for your response but I don't think you understand the question.

 

First of all, I read that the coat takes a maximum of 10 minutes a day to take care of. I would most likely be spending more time than that with any girl I was dating.

 

Second of all I agree with you about how the AKC is creating mutants, but on the other hand GL finding certain dogs that aren't bred within the AKC standard. The Puli is one of those dogs.

 

And the reason I was drawn to the Puli wasn't beceause of it's looks. It was beceause it's a dog that will fit in my apartment with me, go jogging with me, and has a friendly disposition. I personally think its looks are atrocious but you'de have to be a moron to buy a dog completely based on looks.

 

What I'm trying to ask is, if a guy approached you on the street, let's say he was attractive, well dressed, AND had a Puli. What would your initial reaction be when you saw a guy with such a fruity looking dog.

[TaraMaiden]

I'd think that if a guy was hauling a Puli around, he wouldn't give a 5h1t of what people thought of him because he was confident enough to carry it off.

 

And it may be 10 minutes (which I disagree with, but that's not the issue) but there's general day-to-day care and attention, exercising, feeding, training, and being companionable with. being a dog-owner is a full-time job, just like being a parent.

Anyone who thinks different, is living in la-la land...

Think of holidays, kennel care, vaccinations, vet's bills, professional grooming....

It all mounts up.

 

It consumes time and money.

Couldn't you get a terrier?

Edited February 3, 2010 by TaraMaiden

[Normalguy]

I'd think that if a guy was hauling a Puli around, he wouldn't give a 5h1t of what people thought of him because he was confident enough to carry it off.

 

And it may be 10 minutes (which I disagree with, but that's not the issue) but there's general day-to-day care and attention, exercising, feeding, training, and being companionable with. being a dog-owner is a full-time job, just like being a parent.

Anyone who thinks different, is living in la-la land...

Think of holidays, kennel care, vaccinations, vet's bills, professional grooming....

It all mounts up.

 

It consumes time and money.

Couldn't you get a terrier?

 

Well most terriers (pitbull terriers, staffordshire terriers ect) are banned in 99% of apartment complexes, and as a college student I can't afford to rent or buy a house.

 

And I realize taking care of a dog is a full time job, considering that that's true, any extra time I spend on the grooming needs of a Puli is small percentage wise. Meaning that if I were to spend 6 hours a day with the dog and it took an hour a day to groom it (hypotheticly, we both know it won't take that long) I would be spending 1/6th more time on the dog than I normally would, or maybe I could incorporate that hour into the time I'm already spending with the dog. Dog won't care, he'll be getting attencion anyways.

 

So considering that all dogs are a full time job is the reason you reccomend a terrier beceause you spend less time grooming them?

 

Also in your original post you said you wouldn't date a guy with a Puli beceause he'd be spending more time with the dog than you. Considering that the time someone would spend grooming a Puli is small in the scale of how much time you actually spend with the dog I asume you mean you wouldn't date a guy with any dog beceause he'd be spending his time as a full time dog parent.

 

This is kinda strange considering you're a dog trainer. You'de think as a dog trainer that you would love dogs therefor have no problem with a guy who has a dog or even prefer for the guy to have a dog. I asume you have dogs of your own, as a dog trainer it would really be strange if you didn't. Why the double standard? You can spend time with your dogs, but he can't spend time with his?

 

You seem to have somewhat of a tough edge to you, so did the last two dog trainers I went to. All 3 of you are female. I'm noticing a pattern.

[TaraMaiden]

Well most terriers (pitbull terriers, staffordshire terriers ect) are banned in 99% of apartment complexes, and as a college student I can't afford to rent or buy a house.

I never mentioned either staffies or pitbulls. I'm talking Cairn West Highland, Jack Russell and many other small breeds.

 

And I realize taking care of a dog is a full time job, considering that that's true, any extra time I spend on the grooming needs of a Puli is small percentage wise. Meaning that if I were to spend 6 hours a day with the dog and it took an hour a day to groom it (hypotheticly, we both know it won't take that long) I would be spending 1/6th more time on the dog than I normally would, or maybe I could incorporate that hour into the time I'm already spending with the dog. Dog won't care, he'll be getting attencion anyways.

 

So considering that all dogs are a full time job is the reason you reccomend a terrier beceause you spend less time grooming them?

In a nutshell?

I'd want to date a person who felt the same way about my dog as I do.

You should consider your question form your POV, not ours.....

If you want to date a woman, and you own a Puli, she'd have to love him as much as you do.

It really is that simple.

 

Would you want a woman to be jealous of your dog and accuse you of being more devoted to it, than you are to her?

Of course not. You'd want the best of both worlds - understandably. So it's not so much a question of whether we'd date a guy with a Puli.

Would you date a woman who doesn't like your dog?

 

Also in your original post you said you wouldn't date a guy with a Puli beceause he'd be spending more time with the dog than you.

I was being facetiious-with-a-ring-of-truth, as I hope my previous point, outlined....

 

Considering that the time someone would spend grooming a Puli is small in the scale of how much time you actually spend with the dog I asume you mean you wouldn't date a guy with any dog beceause he'd be spending his time as a full time dog parent.

No. I would date a guy who's a full-time dog-parent, because I would be too.

Like I said, you need to turn the question around.....

 

This is kinda strange considering you're a dog trainer.

No, I'm not.

I'm a dog BEHAVIOURIST.

Training is the "cherry on the cake".

Behaviour - IS the cake.

 

You'de think as a dog trainer that you would love dogs therefor have no problem with a guy who has a dog or even prefer for the guy to have a dog. I asume you have dogs of your own, as a dog trainer it would really be strange if you didn't. Why the double standard? You can spend time with your dogs, but he can't spend time with his?

I already made this point above.

I'd be devoted to his dog as he is.

I would question his dating a woman who he knew from the start wasn't as keen on his dog as he is.

 

You seem to have somewhat of a tough edge to you, so did the last two dog trainers I went to. All 3 of you are female. I'm noticing a pattern.

Like I said, I'm not a dog TRAINER.

But let me tell you, in either training or behaviour - It's NEVER the dog who's the problem.

It's the owner.

Which is why in behaviour, dogs get it *just like that*. (I'm clicking my fingers here.)

It's the owners who take a while to get the new dynamics through their heads.......

And even though they can see that what I do works, instantly, they still protest, object and insist they can't do it because.... yet all they have to do is just change pert of their interaction with the dog.

They don't get it.

I'm showing them, telling them, demonstrating it and explaining it, and they can see it happen before their very eyes.

But they still resist and give me excuses as to why "it can't work for them, because....."

 

But they do it, eventually!

Edited February 3, 2010 by TaraMaiden

[TheLoneSock]

Bob Marley would have loved that dog.

[TaraMaiden]

I want one but don't wanna be perceived as a fruit.

 

You seem to have somewhat of a tough edge to you, so did the last two dog trainers I went to. All 3 of you are female. I'm noticing a pattern.

 

People in the dog world - particularly behaviourists and trainers - have very little time for those owners who purchase dogs as a fashion accessory, status symbol or a pulling magnet.

I'm sure you might insist you are not one of those, but your first question suggests that you fear the visual aspect of the dog may appear to give a negative impression of you.

 

This is why people like me, occasionally seem to have a 'tough edge' - because there are far too many 'second thought' dogs abandoned on highways or donated to kennels by owners who thought it "was a good idea at the time".

 

Given that most people buying a dog seem to want one from a young age - they are so cute, aren't they...? - they don't realise that a dog is going to be with them for probably 10 years +.

It's like being a parent, but to an alien, because the dog lives in a different world, and on a different level, of communication.

I don't mean to sound harsh, NG, but if you live in an apartment block and are a college student, with a lot of your time tied up in attending college, lectures, lessons, seminars, talks, homework, assignments, dissertations, essays and what-have-you - this breed of dog is really not one you should be considering as a pet.

 

In fact, actually, no, I don't own a dog. I've been a dog-owner in the past, for over 35 years.

 

But I live in rented accommodation too, with no garden, and the Landlord's policy is 'no dogs'.

I also I now have a full-time job, and an evening job that keeps me busy 2 evenings a week.

For me to own a dog in these circumstances would be nothing short of cruel.

 

However, my dog behaviourist schedule also keeps me quite busy.

I do no advertising, and it's all via word-of-mouth. But I have at least 2 appointments per week, for the next month and a half.

 

What I do, works.

And I'm always - but always - on the side of the dog.

Because when it comes to dogs or humans, I know whom I trust most, in the end, to do the sensible thing.

 

And it ain't the bi-ped.

 

There are very few irresponsible, wantonly cruel, neglectful or nasty dog-owners.

but there are far, far too many who mean well, but muck it up, because they simply didn't stop to think about the complete consequences of what it takes to own a dog.

That there are so many millions of dog-owners in this world, is nothing short of miraculous and a credit to the dog who has, over the centuries changed, adapted and learnt to live in the fickle, ever-changing world of the screwed-up human being.

Through evolution and industrialisation, we have changed the face of humanity, more in the last 200 years than in the entire history of mankind.

Dog has been a companion to man for over 12,000 years.

We've bred him in various guises to perform certain tasks. the Majority of which we no longer practice.

Because we've changed.

But the dog, hasn't.

And call it what you want to... from Airdale to Zuchon - the dog is still 97% genetically a wolf.

 

Think on this when buying your dog.

 

I thank you.

[Normalguy]

People in the dog world - particularly behaviourists and trainers - have very little time for those owners who purchase dogs as a fashion accessory, status symbol or a pulling magnet.

I'm sure you might insist you are not one of those, but your first question suggests that you fear the visual aspect of the dog may appear to give a negative impression of you.

 

This is why people like me, occasionally seem to have a 'tough edge' - because there are far too many 'second thought' dogs abandoned on highways or donated to kennels by owners who thought it "was a good idea at the time".

 

Given that most people buying a dog seem to want one from a young age - they are so cute, aren't they...? - they don't realise that a dog is going to be with them for probably 10 years +.

It's like being a parent, but to an alien, because the dog lives in a different world, and on a different level, of communication.

I don't mean to sound harsh, NG, but if you live in an apartment block and are a college student, with a lot of your time tied up in attending college, lectures, lessons, seminars, talks, homework, assignments, dissertations, essays and what-have-you - this breed of dog is really not one you should be considering as a pet.

 

In fact, actually, no, I don't own a dog. I've been a dog-owner in the past, for over 35 years.

 

But I live in rented accommodation too, with no garden, and the Landlord's policy is 'no dogs'.

I also I now have a full-time job, and an evening job that keeps me busy 2 evenings a week.

For me to own a dog in these circumstances would be nothing short of cruel.

 

However, my dog behaviourist schedule also keeps me quite busy.

I do no advertising, and it's all via word-of-mouth. But I have at least 2 appointments per week, for the next month and a half.

 

What I do, works.

And I'm always - but always - on the side of the dog.

Because when it comes to dogs or humans, I know whom I trust most, in the end, to do the sensible thing.

 

And it ain't the bi-ped.

 

There are very few irresponsible, wantonly cruel, neglectful or nasty dog-owners.

but there are far, far too many who mean well, but muck it up, because they simply didn't stop to think about the complete consequences of what it takes to own a dog.

That there are so many millions of dog-owners in this world, is nothing short of miraculous and a credit to the dog who has, over the centuries changed, adapted and learnt to live in the fickle, ever-changing world of the screwed-up human being.

Through evolution and industrialisation, we have changed the face of humanity, more in the last 200 years than in the entire history of mankind.

Dog has been a companion to man for over 12,000 years.

We've bred him in various guises to perform certain tasks. the Majority of which we no longer practice.

Because we've changed.

But the dog, hasn't.

And call it what you want to... from Airdale to Zuchon - the dog is still 97% genetically a wolf.

 

Think on this when buying your dog.

 

I thank you.

 

Lol I asure you if I wanted a fashion accessory I would buy an actual fashion accessory for much cheaper than a dog. If I were going to buy a dog as a fashion accessory it sure as hell wouldn't be a Puli.

 

Anyways I ended up deciding against a Puli. Read an article and don't want a dog that's constantly pissing on its own fur. Probably end up with a jack or a boxer.

[TaraMaiden]

I mean this with the kindest and most compassionate intention, but if you need any help, behaviour wise - feel free to PM me.

I have references and testimonials if you want them.

 

Remember what these dogs were bred for.

 

Do yourself a huge favour, and research the breeds well.

Diet will affect a Boxer's 'slobbering' habit, for example.

And Jack Russells need activity, more than exercise.....

one of the biggest problems a dog has to combat, is boredom.

 

Good luck.

[Simon Attwood]

one of the biggest problems a dog has to combat, is boredom.

 

 

Much like us Humans, then?

[JamesM]

Anyways I ended up deciding against a Puli. Read an article and don't want a dog that's constantly pissing on its own fur. Probably end up with a jack or a boxer.

 

I agree with much of what Tara said, but I would like to add my two cents worth.

 

First of all, the life you describe and the place you have...neither is conducive to owning a dog. And if you get a puppy, then it will be even worse. If you were my son and in college, then I would tell you to hold off for a few years until you get settled in an area that is better for a larger dog...if that is what you want.

 

Second, terriers are good, but not only do they have a mind of their own, they also keep busy. If you cannot keep them busy, then they will find something to do. If you crate them all day while you are out, then they will go nuts. It all depends on the breed of terrier that you choose.

 

Third, as the owner of boxers (which is an excellent breed in so many ways), I can tell you that this high energy breed will have a real hard time living in an apartment. We have a fairly large size house with a fenced in backyard. I could not imagine our dogs not having the option of simply racing around the yard when the need arises. Simply walking the dog on a leash will not do it for boxers.

 

Fourth, training a puppy is alot of work. It takes time and patience. In your case, you will need to be available to not only house train but teach the dog manners. Not following this at the beginning is a guarantee for disaster. Picking an older dog (about a year old or older) would be better. There will still be some retraining for using the outdoors for pooping and peeing, but this will be minimal. If you MUSt have a dog, then choose an older one.

 

Fifth, there are many good shelter dogs already that could use a home. However, remember that you still need to pick one for your lifestyle. Mixed breeds may be more of an uncertainty, but usually with a little time, you can get an idea what the dog's personality is. Choose carefully...these dogs have already been through a lot.

 

Good apartment dogs are not usually the kind that college guys like. However, there are some great dogs that might adapt to your lifestyle. Here is a link that will give you some help in that area.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/apartment.htm

 

 

The biggest reason that people give up dogs to shelter is what might be labeled as compatibility. And this is usually the result of the prospective owner not doing enough research into the type of dog that best fits his or her lifestyle.

 

Perhaps another animal may be a better choice? Fish, bird, even a cat?

Edited February 3, 2010 by JamesM

[Normalguy]

I agree with much of what Tara said, but I would like to add my two cents worth.

 

First of all, the life you describe and the place you have...neither is conducive to owning a dog. And if you get a puppy, then it will be even worse. If you were my son and in college, then I would tell you to hold off for a few years until you get settled in an area that is better for a larger dog...if that is what you want.

 

Second, terriers are good, but not only do they have a mind of their own, they also keep busy. If you cannot keep them busy, then they will find something to do. If you crate them all day while you are out, then they will go nuts. It all depends on the breed of terrier that you choose.

 

Third, as the owner of boxers (which is an excellent breed in so many ways), I can tell you that this high energy breed will have a real hard time living in an apartment. We have a fairly large size house with a fenced in backyard. I could not imagine our dogs not having the option of simply racing around the yard when the need arises. Simply walking the dog on a leash will not do it for boxers.

 

Fourth, training a puppy is alot of work. It takes time and patience. In your case, you will need to be available to not only house train but teach the dog manners. Not following this at the beginning is a guarantee for disaster. Picking an older dog (about a year old or older) would be better. There will still be some retraining for using the outdoors for pooping and peeing, but this will be minimal. If you MUSt have a dog, then choose an older one.

 

Fifth, there are many good shelter dogs already that could use a home. However, remember that you still need to pick one for your lifestyle. Mixed breeds may be more of an uncertainty, but usually with a little time, you can get an idea what the dog's personality is. Choose carefully...these dogs have already been through a lot.

 

Good apartment dogs are not usually the kind that college guys like. However, there are some great dogs that might adapt to your lifestyle. Here is a link that will give you some help in that area.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/apartment.htm

 

 

The biggest reason that people give up dogs to shelter is what might be labeled as compatibility. And this is usually the result of the prospective owner not doing enough research into the type of dog that best fits his or her lifestyle.

 

Perhaps another animal may be a better choice? Fish, bird, even a cat?

 

 

Well the reason I'm considering a dog is because 75% of my classes are online, which means I will spend about 4 hours a day home with the dog while doing my college classes, not to mention the amount of time I'll spend with the dog while I'm not doing my college classes. Also want a jogging buddy and something that's friendly.

 

But if you can name a friendly animal that will go jogging with me, that won't effect my cat allergies I'm open to considerations. Not being sarcastic I know theres some pretty wild exotic pets out there.

 

TBH though I think I'll end up with a dog.

[JamesM]

Well the reason I'm considering a dog is because 75% of my classes are online, which means I will spend about 4 hours a day home with the dog while doing my college classes, not to mention the amount of time I'll spend with the dog while I'm not doing my college classes.

 

That little bit of information changes the picture.

 

You do have time to spend with a dog. That is good.

 

You still live in an apartment. How big is it? Do you have an area that a dog can run in? Such as a dog park?

 

Also want a jogging buddy and something that's friendly.

 

IF you do run the dog and give it enough energy, then a medium size dog would work.

 

But if you can name a friendly animal that will go jogging with me, that won't effect my cat allergies I'm open to considerations. Not being sarcastic I know theres some pretty wild exotic pets out there.

 

Being that you live in an apartment, I would consider a medium size dog at most. If it were I, then I would look at the dogs at the shelter. Pick a friendly one that you connect with and spend some time with it. Not only will it be less expensive for you, but you will have a better idea of how you feel about it.

 

TBH though I think I'll end up with a dog.

 

Based on the new information you added, then a dog may fit your daily lifestyle.

 

Picking a long hair dog requires brushing and baths. It also means dog hair on couches and carpets. Since you mention women, then you might not want them leaving with hair on their clothes.

 

Picking a short haired dog means it will need to spend more time inside if there is colder weather.

 

I have seen and petted a Puli. I talked with the owner. For a Puli, it looked great as it was being shown. However, she indicated how much work was required keeping the coat looking so good.

 

Again, good companions can be had at the shelter. If you want to search in the comfort of your apartment, then go to PetFinder dot com and look for dogs in your area.

 

Good luck. As someone who has seen many dogs returned or which have ended up in the shelter because of not enough research by their owners, I get a little critical of prospective owners...only so that they truly know what they want before stepping into the world of dog ownership.

[Meaplus3]

Aww..... He's cute. He looks like he requires lot's of work on his hair.. but other than that.. probably is a good boy. So yes, I'd date a guy who owned a dog like this.

 

Mea:)

[Simon Attwood]

I want one but don't wanna be perceived as a fruit. Here's a pic. http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/breedinformation/herding/images/puli.jpg

 

 

That's clever, a dog made out of liquorice

[meerkat stew]

No dog expert, just a dog lover, but wanted to throw a few things in for OP's consideration.

 

IMO, the line (parents really) is much more important than the breed, as is the puppy selection. I have seen sweet dalmations and horrific golden retrievers. You can find tons of information about selecting a breeder, line and puppy online.

 

Consider adopting a mature dog, avoiding the year long "puppy" stage can be a boon for apartment dwellers, for a single dog owner, puppies can be a PITA, and there are some real gems up for adoption. There are also owners who due to life circumstances, are placing a mature dog, consider this also by reaching out to friends who may know of someone.

 

Since you are in a smaller space, and the dog will be inside much of the time, grooming the coat and time spent doing that is a lesser issue compared to potential shedding. Take lots of time looking at and petting the parents. You do not want an inside dog with a loose coat in an apartment, no matter hair length.

 

When selecting a breeder and breed, sometimes a champion bloodline is not optimal. Champion hunting lines tend to make lesser pets IME for example. They can be hyper and have too much energy for an inside pet existence. Lines bred for show often discount desirable pet qualities also.

[zebracolors]

Of course, late to a topic about dogs and I love dogs. But why is this even a question? What image are you trying to portray by having this or any other breed? I mean by "owning" high maintenance breeds such as the Puli. Like I know sometimes bull terriers are often associated with gangs but this sadly gives them a negative rep. I can't see what this breed or alot others could tell someone about you.

 

I don't find it wrong to own pure breeds for the average citizen by the way. If the bloodline is good, and the dog is healthy, treated well in its life AND spayed or neutered then all is good.

[TaraMaiden]

(. . .)

I don't find it wrong to own pure breeds for the average citizen by the way. If the bloodline is good, and the dog is healthy, treated well in its life AND spayed or neutered then all is good.

I find nothing wrong with anybody owning a dog, if it's for the right motives (I sometimes wonder what those 'right' motives' might be though!).

 

But there are a lot of 'if's in your last comment.

Unfortunately, there are hundreds of puppies born in puppy farms, and churned out for the masses who simply 'must have' a *insert breed here* dog, because they are so beautiful/majestic/powerful/perfect/cute/desirable.

 

I used to own a westie.

 

Before a West Highland White Terrier won the 'Supreme Dog in Show' at Crufts, puppies were sold generally for around the £150.00 mark each.

After this particular show, demand for them rose alarmingly, and prices went through the roof. The £1,000-mark wasn't uncommon.

Gradually, prices balanced out, and a little westie pup can be had for around £500 or so....

 

This alone, speaks volumes about how people primarily want a dog as an accessory.

 

The BBC refused to televise Crufts in a much-publicised move, when it objected to the dreadful practices of breeders, to produce so-called 'perfect show dogs'.

And tail-docking and ear-cutting are illegal in the UK.

Something that should also be made illegal in the USA.

 

In my opinion.

[JamesM]

I find nothing wrong with anybody owning a dog, if it's for the right motives (I sometimes wonder what those 'right' motives' might be though!).

 

But there are a lot of 'if's in your last comment.

Unfortunately, there are hundreds of puppies born in puppy farms, and churned out for the masses who simply 'must have' a *insert breed here* dog, because they are so beautiful/majestic/powerful/perfect/cute/desirable.

 

I used to own a westie.

 

Before a West Highland White Terrier won the 'Supreme Dog in Show' at Crufts, puppies were sold generally for around the £150.00 mark each.

After this particular show, demand for them rose alarmingly, and prices went through the roof. The £1,000-mark wasn't uncommon.

Gradually, prices balanced out, and a little westie pup can be had for around £500 or so....

 

This alone, speaks volumes about how people primarily want a dog as an accessory.

 

The BBC refused to televise Crufts in a much-publicised move, when it objected to the dreadful practices of breeders, to produce so-called 'perfect show dogs'.

And tail-docking and ear-cutting are illegal in the UK.

Something that should also be made illegal in the USA.

 

In my opinion.

 

I agree with your opinion. All of it...on this subject at least.

 

As for ear cutting and tail docking and as an owner of a boxer, I wholeheartedly agree. I had a boxer that was from champion showdogs. She had great lineage. At that time I felt I should do the ear cropping. I know that here in the US they say that the dog doesn't experience pain, but when I look at the pictures of her during that time with her ears taped and an Elizabethan "crown" (neckpiece to keep her from getting at her ears), she looked at the best incredibly uncomfortable. Of course, I noticed this after she died when going through her pictures. At that point, I decided that the next one would not have its ears cropped. Since my next one was an older boxer, the decision was made. Now I think the uncropped look is better. As for the tails, it is usually done before a dog is purchased. If it were up to me, then I don't think I would dock the tail...although to sell a boxer puppy in the US with a long tail may be difficult.

 

But this will bring us off topic. Sorry.

 

I am of the opinion now that if at all possible, then for the average dog owner (and that is 90% of them), the best choice is to choose a puppy or young dog from the many which are in shelters. There are so many rescue groups that will analyze a dog's personality and traits to make a good match with the next owner. These people (of which I know quite a few) will do everything to be certain that the dog you adopt is best for you.

 

And yes, there are many pure breds, too. Although in a number of breeds, this may not be the most healthy of dogs. Take boxers for examples. My very first one died at seven, and she was a purebred. I know of others who had a boxer mix, and they lived much longer. I have had boxers with the shorter (as is best according to standard) muzzle, and I have had one with a longer muzzle. Guess which one lived a better life? She had very little drooling and hardly any panting from hot weather. She had less stomach problems (ie stinky gas ) as compared to my "correct" boxers.

 

So choose a dog after much research. Hopefully, this dog will be with you for many years. My folks had dogs that lived fifteen to twenty years. Mine have only lived to be around ten. But still, if those years are not enjoyable, then neither the dog or the owner will be happy.

Edited February 4, 2010 by JamesM

[Eeyore79]

I don't think it's a "fruity" looking dog - it's cute! I tend to assume that men who have pets are loving and kind, and if I approach a cute dog in the street I often get talking to the owner. I love men who love animals

 

I don't see why you particularly want a Puli though, if you don't like its looks. There are plenty of other friendly dog breeds which would be the right size for an apartment and would keep you company and go jogging with you. My ex had a Hungarian Vizsla and it was the cutest and most friendly thing, small enough for an apartment but still quite energetic. http://www.lovevizsla.com/uploaded_images/Vizsla-Puppies-784055.jpg

 

I will add, however, that if a man had a dog I regard as "vicious" then I wouldn't date him, so boxers and staffys and pitbulls etc would put me right off. A badly behaved male dog would put me off a bit too - I don't like having my leg humped.

[Neutrino]

I want one but don't wanna be perceived as a fruit. Here's a pic. http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/breedinformation/herding/images/puli.jpg

 

You want one and can take good care of it (a dog is almost like a child... so it is baggage and commitment) ? Get it.

 

Girls that look at it the wrong way are not those you are interested in anyway - so having the dog would also work as a filtering system...

Edited February 4, 2010 by Neutrino

[Eeyore79]

You're right... a dog is baggage and commitment, but not in a negative off-putting way. If a man has a dog, I assume he's kind and caring and capable of looking after another living being. I see him in a father-type role, even if just to a dog, and my heart melts. Plus I see him as the responsible and committed type of guy... if he can look after a dog, he would make a good partner and parent, and I'm all over him like a rash

[JamesM]

I will add, however, that if a man had a dog I regard as "vicious" then I wouldn't date him, so boxers and staffys and pitbulls etc would put me right off. A badly behaved male dog would put me off a bit too - I don't like having my leg humped.

 

With all due respect to your opinion, boxers cannot be classified as a vicious dog. And I don't say that only because I own them. I say it after researching the breed and being around many before I got my first one.

 

Boxers and children mix incredibly well...even when the dogs have not been raised with children. My current dog is a great example of this. While boxers can be good watch dogs, they are not known to bite. This is a case of the "bark is worse than the bite." I could get way off topic by telling stories how gentle our boxers have been with out kids as babies and toddlers.

 

My MIL bred boxers and hers were one of the reasons I chose this breed. When we visited, her dogs while not having been around children, became as children when our kids were there.

 

You may have had a bad experience with one (as I did with a collie) which may influence your opinion, but based on my research and experience (almost two decades), I have seen this breed completely differently.

 

BUT to bring it back to topic about choosing a dog, it is important that the breed chosen is not perceived by the majority as a "vicious" breed. Pit bulls are the best known examples, but dobermans and German Shepherds are two more that may be perceived that way. While they have not earned this reputation (at least not recently), the perception is there. It is one of the reasons that although I love the Doberman, I chose a boxer instead.

 

BTW, pulis are an interesting breed. The coat is a complicated thing it seems. Read this link (if you haven't already)... http://www.puliworld.com/puliworld/grooming.html That seems to be the most difficult thing about them. Their personality sounds like a good one and if raised properly, could not be considered vicious.

 

Research, research, research. This prevents any unpleasant surprises no matter which breed you choose.