another question-this time about getting a dog

Iain & Deb wrote:
Your local humane society probably has lots of dogs that
would suit you perfectly well. Personally, I like mixed
breeds (fewer inbreeding health issues). You'll probably be

Depends on what breeder you get them from and if they are actually trying
to get healthy, well balanced dogs along with the standard or just trying
to breed the dog and not caring about what they breed in.

That being said, there are a lot of rescues for purebreds so one can go
there and rescue a dog and still get a breed (here in Seattle we have
Seattle Purebreed Dog rescue that covers a lot of breeds).

I'd get a dog that was fostered somewhere as they'll know the personality
of the dog best vs one that is jsut stuck in a shelter (the best they can
do there is bring it into the cat area and see if he pays any attention to
the cats, I don't really think that would make me feel comfortable enough
that the dog would be ok with cats, but then I have a case where I have to
get a dog excellent with cats as I've got a cat taht is going to be hard
enough to get to be at best ok with the dog).

By the way "mellow disposition" and "won't bark too much"
are crap-shoots no matter what kind of dog you get, from my
experience. I also agree with Megan, that you'd be much

Not really. Don't get Beagles, don't get hounds, don't get dogs with those
types of breeds in them, don't get dauschounds (sp?), and already you have
at least gotten away from the dgos that will bark and bark and bark
inherantly (it bugs me people who are getting barking collars that shock
their dogs cause tehy have a beagle in their apartment... did they do any
research before getting that dog?! Or they'd know a beagle is not a good
apartment dog, they bark for the fun of it and they have very loud
barks).

There's even a barkless dog, the Basenji, but I woudln't recomend that dog
to just anyone. Cna be a true troublemaker.

But yes, when talking any breeds, there are exceptions cause in the end
they are all individuals. But yes, breeds do tend to have certain types of
personalities (Pitbulls are highly energetic people dogs, Pugs love
attention, Huskies tend to like to run and dig, Labs *love* treats...I
swear of any dog that's almost taken my hand with them getting treats,
almost all have been labs).

Alice

--
The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation. People just aren't
worth very much any more, and they know it. Makes 'em testy. ...Bev
|\ _,,,---,,_ Tigress
/,`.-'`' -. ;-;;,_ http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress
|,4- ) )-,_..;\ ( `'-'
'---''(_/--' `-'\_) Cat by Felix Lee.

On 23 Jul 2003 13:16:00 GMT, (Sherry ) wrote:

By the way "mellow disposition" and "won't bark too much"
are crap-shoots no matter what kind of dog you get, from my
experience.

True, and even more true with cats.Just because a cat's breed standards dictate
the cat will act a certain way doesn't mean it will.

Temperament is inherited, personality isn't. Breeds that have
been bred for temperament will tend to be like that temperament.
Bengals are a great example of this -- they have been bred for
friendly temperaments from the beginning of the breed. Because of
that, I have never encountered a well-bred Bengal that was 'mean' or
scaredy. They tend to be outgoing, good-natured cats.
As for other ways of acting, some of it is going to be related
to body conformation. Siamese are going to be more active than
Persians because Siamese aren't as heavily built and aren't
brachycephalic. Maine Coons are going to be more active in cold
weather than Abyssinians, and vice versa.

So what other reason does
anyone buy a cat? Because they like a certain coat pattern/color. That sort of
suggests you're buying a "designer cat".

What, like picking out a 'designer cat' at the shelter? I
know someone who loves tuxedo cats, and so she has always had them.
Other people prefer mackeral tabbies, still others like solid black
cats. People will always, all other things being equal, choose a
companion animal that they find aesthetically pleasing. IMO, there's
nothing wrong with that.

Even worse are people who buy the
"trend cats" -- thanks to the movies, persians and siamese, or spynx,
especially. Honestly, Megan's post, or Deb's, is not condemning. We just don't
get it. Why, or how, anyone could actually pay money, even get on a waiting
list, when so many, many healthy kittens die every day at shelters.

How about "Well, I want a healthy, well-adjusted, properly
socialised kitten that has been allowed to stay with its mom and
littermates for the full 12-16 weeks they should." How about "I'd
like to know the temperament of the father (whom temperament is
inherited from)."

Rescue cats aren't right for everyone. Some people want predictable
temperaments, activity levels, grooming requirements, etc. For those
who want specific things out of their cats, purebred is the way to go.
People who enjoy the challenge and surprise of discovering what a cat
is going to be should absolutely rescue.


Orchid
Orchid

Orchid's Kitties: http://nik.ascendancy.net/bengalpage
Orchid's Guide: http://nik.ascendancy.net/orchid

On 23 Jul 2003 13:16:00 GMT, (Sherry ) wrote:

By the way "mellow disposition" and "won't bark too much"
are crap-shoots no matter what kind of dog you get, from my
experience.

True, and even more true with cats.Just because a cat's breed standards dictate
the cat will act a certain way doesn't mean it will.

Temperament is inherited, personality isn't. Breeds that have
been bred for temperament will tend to be like that temperament.
Bengals are a great example of this -- they have been bred for
friendly temperaments from the beginning of the breed. Because of
that, I have never encountered a well-bred Bengal that was 'mean' or
scaredy. They tend to be outgoing, good-natured cats.
As for other ways of acting, some of it is going to be related
to body conformation. Siamese are going to be more active than
Persians because Siamese aren't as heavily built and aren't
brachycephalic. Maine Coons are going to be more active in cold
weather than Abyssinians, and vice versa.

So what other reason does
anyone buy a cat? Because they like a certain coat pattern/color. That sort of
suggests you're buying a "designer cat".

What, like picking out a 'designer cat' at the shelter? I
know someone who loves tuxedo cats, and so she has always had them.
Other people prefer mackeral tabbies, still others like solid black
cats. People will always, all other things being equal, choose a
companion animal that they find aesthetically pleasing. IMO, there's
nothing wrong with that.

Even worse are people who buy the
"trend cats" -- thanks to the movies, persians and siamese, or spynx,
especially. Honestly, Megan's post, or Deb's, is not condemning. We just don't
get it. Why, or how, anyone could actually pay money, even get on a waiting
list, when so many, many healthy kittens die every day at shelters.

How about "Well, I want a healthy, well-adjusted, properly
socialised kitten that has been allowed to stay with its mom and
littermates for the full 12-16 weeks they should." How about "I'd
like to know the temperament of the father (whom temperament is
inherited from)."

Rescue cats aren't right for everyone. Some people want predictable
temperaments, activity levels, grooming requirements, etc. For those
who want specific things out of their cats, purebred is the way to go.
People who enjoy the challenge and surprise of discovering what a cat
is going to be should absolutely rescue.


Orchid
Orchid

Orchid's Kitties: http://nik.ascendancy.net/bengalpage
Orchid's Guide: http://nik.ascendancy.net/orchid

So what other reason does
anyone buy a cat? Because they like a certain coat pattern/color. That sort
of
suggests you're buying a "designer cat".

What, like picking out a 'designer cat' at the shelter? I
know someone who loves tuxedo cats, and so she has always had them.
Other people prefer mackeral tabbies, still others like solid black
cats. People will always, all other things being equal, choose a
companion animal that they find aesthetically pleasing. IMO, there's
nothing wrong with that.

Good point. This is true. I stand corrected.

Even worse are people who buy the
"trend cats" -- thanks to the movies, persians and siamese, or spynx,
especially. Honestly, Megan's post, or Deb's, is not condemning. We just
don't
get it. Why, or how, anyone could actually pay money, even get on a waiting
list, when so many, many healthy kittens die every day at shelters.

How about "Well, I want a healthy, well-adjusted, properly
socialised kitten that has been allowed to stay with its mom and
littermates for the full 12-16 weeks they should." How about "I'd
like to know the temperament of the father (whom temperament is
inherited from)."

How about, "There are in excess of one million cats that will die, this year,
simply because no one wants them. Healthy cats. There are also specific breed
rescues full of cats relinquished by people who *thought* they wanted them .
Waiting for homes. Just like the shelter cats.

Rescue cats aren't right for everyone. Some people want predictable
temperaments, activity levels, grooming requirements, etc. For those
who want specific things out of their cats, purebred is the way to go.

Purebred cats don't come with a guarantee--in fact, I'd be surprised if
behavioral problems aren't more prevalent in purebreds than moggies, and
congenital health problems too. There are no guarantees with *any* pet.

People who enjoy the challenge and surprise of discovering what a cat
is going to be should absolutely rescue.

I love my cats, but more importantlly, I love cats as a species. I could never,
ever, with a good conscience, buy a cat from a breeder when I know how many
cats die in this country alone. Maybe others can. But I couldn't.

Sherry


Orchid


Orchid's Kitties: http://nik.ascendancy.net/bengalpage
Orchid's Guide: http://nik.ascendancy.net/orchid

So what other reason does
anyone buy a cat? Because they like a certain coat pattern/color. That sort
of
suggests you're buying a "designer cat".

What, like picking out a 'designer cat' at the shelter? I
know someone who loves tuxedo cats, and so she has always had them.
Other people prefer mackeral tabbies, still others like solid black
cats. People will always, all other things being equal, choose a
companion animal that they find aesthetically pleasing. IMO, there's
nothing wrong with that.

Good point. This is true. I stand corrected.

Even worse are people who buy the
"trend cats" -- thanks to the movies, persians and siamese, or spynx,
especially. Honestly, Megan's post, or Deb's, is not condemning. We just
don't
get it. Why, or how, anyone could actually pay money, even get on a waiting
list, when so many, many healthy kittens die every day at shelters.

How about "Well, I want a healthy, well-adjusted, properly
socialised kitten that has been allowed to stay with its mom and
littermates for the full 12-16 weeks they should." How about "I'd
like to know the temperament of the father (whom temperament is
inherited from)."

How about, "There are in excess of one million cats that will die, this year,
simply because no one wants them. Healthy cats. There are also specific breed
rescues full of cats relinquished by people who *thought* they wanted them .
Waiting for homes. Just like the shelter cats.

Rescue cats aren't right for everyone. Some people want predictable
temperaments, activity levels, grooming requirements, etc. For those
who want specific things out of their cats, purebred is the way to go.

Purebred cats don't come with a guarantee--in fact, I'd be surprised if
behavioral problems aren't more prevalent in purebreds than moggies, and
congenital health problems too. There are no guarantees with *any* pet.

People who enjoy the challenge and surprise of discovering what a cat
is going to be should absolutely rescue.

I love my cats, but more importantlly, I love cats as a species. I could never,
ever, with a good conscience, buy a cat from a breeder when I know how many
cats die in this country alone. Maybe others can. But I couldn't.

Sherry


Orchid


Orchid's Kitties: http://nik.ascendancy.net/bengalpage
Orchid's Guide: http://nik.ascendancy.net/orchid

"Sherry " wrote in message
...

I love my cats, but more importantlly, I love cats as a species. I
could never,
ever, with a good conscience, buy a cat from a breeder when I know
how many
cats die in this country alone. Maybe others can. But I couldn't.

Same here. Though sometimes I look at the most beautiful *looking*
purebred cats and think I'd love to have one, like a Maine Coon. Then
I look at my Shamrock who no one wanted and he's the most loving, the
smartest, most intuitive, friendly, curious, excitable, playful cat
and the best bug catcher in the world, and I remember what I really
love about cats.

Gotta throw this in because it cracks me up about him. I don't leave
dry food out at night anymore because of Shadow's problems and trying
to convert them to all canned food. Shamrock now wakes me up in the
morning -hungry- by plopping down on my face. How he does this is to
stand on my pillow and just.. well, plop.. HARD on my face with his
side and the look at me as if he's saying, "oh, you're awake? Well
since you are, can you FEED ME now?" LOL

"Sherry " wrote in message
...

I love my cats, but more importantlly, I love cats as a species. I
could never,
ever, with a good conscience, buy a cat from a breeder when I know
how many
cats die in this country alone. Maybe others can. But I couldn't.

Same here. Though sometimes I look at the most beautiful *looking*
purebred cats and think I'd love to have one, like a Maine Coon. Then
I look at my Shamrock who no one wanted and he's the most loving, the
smartest, most intuitive, friendly, curious, excitable, playful cat
and the best bug catcher in the world, and I remember what I really
love about cats.

Gotta throw this in because it cracks me up about him. I don't leave
dry food out at night anymore because of Shadow's problems and trying
to convert them to all canned food. Shamrock now wakes me up in the
morning -hungry- by plopping down on my face. How he does this is to
stand on my pillow and just.. well, plop.. HARD on my face with his
side and the look at me as if he's saying, "oh, you're awake? Well
since you are, can you FEED ME now?" LOL

I really appreciate the replies! We actually do check petfinder quite
often, and are interested in getting a mixed breed, but I just
wondered if there is any breed I should search for as part of the mix.
I also check the shelters and petfinder quite often for cats. I have
tried to adopt one from a shelter but the woman told me that she
wasnted to put the cat in a household with another cat. I thought this
was stupid since she had already adopted its siblings out and she said
that the cat missed its siblings-duh. I also work at home all day so
my cats dont ever get lonely. Both of my previous cats (one from a
shelter , the other a siamese) died last year at age 13 and 14. They
never got along. The shelter kitty picked on the Siamese his whole
life although she was super sweet to us humans (I dont think this has
anything to do with breeds, just the way things came to be). When she
died of heart problems my Siamese was so much more relaxed and happy.
Unfortunately later we found out that he also had heart disease and he
died 9 months later.
I must actually disagree respectfully with a couple of statements
from all of the replies, though.
First, I think breed does matter. I grew up with siamese and mut
cats, and I have always found that siamese had very distinct
personality traits that I liked. I always found them to be very deep
and intelligent. All of my american short hairs were smart, too, but
there was just a difference I cant explain. I have been looking for
cats at the shelters and havent found one I quite connect with.
I do think dogs retain their breed characteristics for the most part
as well. I think a herding dog will always be restless if not given
tasks and a lot of excercise. Its in their blood. I am not at all
interested in appearance, I am looking for personality and that's it.
I also find that sometimes kittens do not socialize well with their
owners of another kitten is adopted with it. When I was growing up, my
family adopted two brothers. They only played among themselves and
didnt have much interest in bonding with humans. When one of the
brothers was killed by a neighbors dog, the remaining brother became
completely wild. He hunted for all of his food, never wanted to come
inside, and never socialized with humans until he was much older (he
then became a lap cat).
These are just my experiences, but I am still really interested in
hearing all of your opinions, so this is by no means intended to be
antagonistic, just my 2 cents...

I really appreciate the replies! We actually do check petfinder quite
often, and are interested in getting a mixed breed, but I just
wondered if there is any breed I should search for as part of the mix.
I also check the shelters and petfinder quite often for cats. I have
tried to adopt one from a shelter but the woman told me that she
wasnted to put the cat in a household with another cat. I thought this
was stupid since she had already adopted its siblings out and she said
that the cat missed its siblings-duh. I also work at home all day so
my cats dont ever get lonely. Both of my previous cats (one from a
shelter , the other a siamese) died last year at age 13 and 14. They
never got along. The shelter kitty picked on the Siamese his whole
life although she was super sweet to us humans (I dont think this has
anything to do with breeds, just the way things came to be). When she
died of heart problems my Siamese was so much more relaxed and happy.
Unfortunately later we found out that he also had heart disease and he
died 9 months later.
I must actually disagree respectfully with a couple of statements
from all of the replies, though.
First, I think breed does matter. I grew up with siamese and mut
cats, and I have always found that siamese had very distinct
personality traits that I liked. I always found them to be very deep
and intelligent. All of my american short hairs were smart, too, but
there was just a difference I cant explain. I have been looking for
cats at the shelters and havent found one I quite connect with.
I do think dogs retain their breed characteristics for the most part
as well. I think a herding dog will always be restless if not given
tasks and a lot of excercise. Its in their blood. I am not at all
interested in appearance, I am looking for personality and that's it.
I also find that sometimes kittens do not socialize well with their
owners of another kitten is adopted with it. When I was growing up, my
family adopted two brothers. They only played among themselves and
didnt have much interest in bonding with humans. When one of the
brothers was killed by a neighbors dog, the remaining brother became
completely wild. He hunted for all of his food, never wanted to come
inside, and never socialized with humans until he was much older (he
then became a lap cat).
These are just my experiences, but I am still really interested in
hearing all of your opinions, so this is by no means intended to be
antagonistic, just my 2 cents...

in article , Cheryl at wrote
on 7/23/03 5:37 PM:

"Sherry " wrote in message
...

I love my cats, but more importantlly, I love cats as a species. I
could never,
ever, with a good conscience, buy a cat from a breeder when I know
how many
cats die in this country alone. Maybe others can. But I couldn't.

Same here. Though sometimes I look at the most beautiful *looking*
purebred cats and think I'd love to have one, like a Maine Coon. Then
I look at my Shamrock who no one wanted and he's the most loving, the
smartest, most intuitive, friendly, curious, excitable, playful cat
and the best bug catcher in the world, and I remember what I really
love about cats.

Gotta throw this in because it cracks me up about him. I don't leave
dry food out at night anymore because of Shadow's problems and trying
to convert them to all canned food. Shamrock now wakes me up in the
morning -hungry- by plopping down on my face. How he does this is to
stand on my pillow and just.. well, plop.. HARD on my face with his
side and the look at me as if he's saying, "oh, you're awake? Well
since you are, can you FEED ME now?" LOL


LOL!!!