[QUOTE=EquusMagnificus;6217793]
Well, in my area, they aren’t hard to find…[/QUOTE]
Bichons aren’t hard to find? they are rare as hens teeth around here.
[QUOTE=ladybugred;6217693]
EM- You want a Bichon Frise! Seriously, I’m not joking. My S-I-L has had three, and they are every single thing you mentioned. Hers chase, and would kill if allowed, vermin, are great with kids, not too yappy, don’t shed, are happy to be active outside and quiet in.
This also happens to be what I tell everyone who asks about jrts!
Good luck
LBR[/QUOTE]
Hmmm, I’ve had a different experience with bichons, both as an owner and as a kennel worker. Ours was dumb as a rock and was a complete spaz inside (and didn’t stop barking) until she hit about 10 y/o. She was good with kids though!
They’re easy to find in certain areas because the backyard breeders realize that as long as the dog is white and fluffy they can get $$$.
Bichons? I’ve really liked most of the ones Ive known. They are bright, smart, brave…but as a Canadian farm dog? Nooo. They are companion dogs, dogs who need serious grooming.
EM, take your time. I suggest you do as Pcostx said and talk to your local rescues and shelters, and give them an idea of what you are looking for. Likely there will be a wonderful dog just waiting for you. He may not be perfect but he may be perfect for you. When you’re ready.
Ok EquusMagnificus, here is what sounds like the PERFECT dog for you: http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/22212200
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/22543731
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/22375180
[QUOTE=EquusMagnificus;6217567]
Because I am NOT ready to adopt! I am at the researching stage; asking questions; pondering all the pros and the cons; etc. 
There’s no point in sending in an application to a rescue when I might only be ready to adopt in six months from now. I’ll move forward when I’m 100% decided; not before.[/QUOTE]
I guess I don’t quite understand the months of research. If you go with a rescue you meet the dog, talk to the foster parents and see if the dog is a fit.
If the dog obviously loves your kids and has a look that appeals to you, then you adopt it!
If not, then you move on and meet the next kid loving small to medium sized dog that the rescue suggests.
Putting in an application doesn’t obligate you to adopt a dog,but it puts you in a position to meet different dogs, of different breeds/mixes to see what you do and don’t like. I get applications all the time that I approve then never hear back from the people again. It is no big deal, I know that people typically put applications in with many different rescues for many different dogs.
IMO that would be a better way to do research. Asking other people for recommendations can backfire because they are going to tell you what THEIR favorite breed is. What someone else LOVES may not be your cup of tea.
Pcostx, you found some perfect dogs! That first Jack boy is my favorite, though. And he isn’t too small for kids at 28 lbs., and sounds like a lovely fellow.
[QUOTE=Pcostx;6218066]
I guess I don’t quite understand the months of research. If you go with a rescue you meet the dog, talk to the foster parents and see if the dog is a fit.
If the dog obviously loves your kids and has a look that appeals to you, then you adopt it!
If not, then you move on and meet the next kid loving small to medium sized dog that the rescue suggests.
Putting in an application doesn’t obligate you to adopt a dog,but it puts you in a position to meet different dogs, of different breeds/mixes to see what you do and don’t like. I get applications all the time that I approve then never hear back from the people again. It is no big deal, I know that people typically put applications in with many different rescues for many different dogs.
IMO that would be a better way to do research. Asking other people for recommendations can backfire because they are going to tell you what THEIR favorite breed is. What someone else LOVES may not be your cup of tea.;)[/QUOTE]
:lol:
The only problem with this method is that it doesn’t provide me particular insights on certain breeds, and let’s face it, a mutt will still show traits of his breeds of origin and it places me in the position of looking at dogs and fall head over heels when I firmly told myself and my partner that I just wasn’t ready to say “go” now. :lol: I can’t walk into a shelter or a rescue, or a tack shop for that matter… :wingkrin: Seriously, I trust myself in a tack shop.
But you sent me that ad for that cute jack… good with kids too. Hmf!
[QUOTE=lovey1121;6218105]
Pcostx, you found some perfect dogs! That first Jack boy is my favorite, though. And he isn’t too small for kids at 28 lbs., and sounds like a lovely fellow.[/QUOTE]
He sounds perfect indeed. Bad Pcostx :lol:
I know a certain amount of research is good, but I get the impression that you might be over thinking this a little.
My dad has a JRT. Our generic schnauzer had died a couple years before, so we were dogless. He drove to work through Amish country every day, and saw a bunch of Jacks in the field. One was a rough coat w/an Eddie head and marked like a beagle. He had to have her. She smelled like a cow:eek:.
Dad had no clue about Jacks; he had toy poodles prior to being married. He absolutely hated my mother’s dalmation. We laugh b/c temperment wise Jacks are much more like dalmations than poodles.
This dog has been wonderful. The first year or so was rough, and after 12 yrs it is questionable whether she’s actually housebroken, but overall she’s been fantastic. If he had known anything about JRTs, he probably would have passed on her.
Terriers in general have an “up yours” personality. It works for us, as most of the people in my family have the same disposition. Heck, even my old mare can give you the finger.
[QUOTE=red mares;6218353]
I know a certain amount of research is good, but I get the impression that you might be over thinking this a little.[/QUOTE]
Might be. But I really hated, hated, having to give away my GSD cross when it became obvious she wasn’t going to be 100% reliable around young children. 
Broke my heart. Seriously, it’s been almost two years and I still miss having her around.
Ugh.
Now, I’ll say something that might sound awful for some of you, but what about dogs that live outside 24/7?
Of course, with access to a heated tack room and cool barn in the summer. 
I am asking just because I don’t want another big dog in the house, but dogs live for long. I might not be in the house forever, and it seems that most of the types that would really be 100% for me are big dog breeds! (It doesn’t help that I am a big dog fan to start with…)
Catherine Romaine Brown wrote a great book about Jack Russell Terriers. “The Jack Russell Terrier: Courageous Companion”. It’s a delightful read but also would let you know within the first chapter (actually the prologue) whether the Jack Russell is for you.
I love them and I’ve had two very different Jack Russells in my life. Both bred for hunting and working but one with a disposition and a heart of gold and the other (my current dog Thistle) that is arrogant and opinionated.
I could have trusted Eddie the first dog around all farm animals and birds. Thistle not a chance!
I love Jack Russells. They are a wonderful breed of dog…but you HAVE to love them and understand the breed to get along with them well. If you want to treat them like a Pekingese (I have two of those) and expect them to act like a poodle you will be disappointed.
EM -I hate to tell you, but NO dog will ever be 100% trustworthy around kids, even if it is toothless!
LBR
[QUOTE=ladybugred;6218905]
EM -I hate to tell you, but NO dog will ever be 100% trustworthy around kids, even if it is toothless!
LBR[/QUOTE]
I absolutely agree.
But some are better then others. Just like horses will never be 100% reliable around kids, saint ponies do exist. I have one. :winkgrin:
[QUOTE=Pcostx;6218066]
I guess I don’t quite understand the months of research. If you go with a rescue you meet the dog, talk to the foster parents and see if the dog is a fit.
If the dog obviously loves your kids and has a look that appeals to you, then you adopt it!
If not, then you move on and meet the next kid loving small to medium sized dog that the rescue suggests.
Putting in an application doesn’t obligate you to adopt a dog,but it puts you in a position to meet different dogs, of different breeds/mixes to see what you do and don’t like. I get applications all the time that I approve then never hear back from the people again. It is no big deal, I know that people typically put applications in with many different rescues for many different dogs.
IMO that would be a better way to do research. Asking other people for recommendations can backfire because they are going to tell you what THEIR favorite breed is. What someone else LOVES may not be your cup of tea.;)[/QUOTE]
Three thumbs up, Pcostx.
Equus Magnificus - not trying to be offensive, but are you actually looking for a dog, or are you just bouncing around here for effect?
Seriously, you’re taking tire-kicking to a whole new level!
You’ve now received tons of generously thoughtful, helpful, knowledgeable and very sound advice from scads of like-minded horse people here, in this post and in your previous “what about this dog breed?” posts, yet you laugh it off provocatively or dismissively, or both.
What gives?
Maybe you could start volunteering at some of your local rescue groups a couple of hours a week, and that way you’ll be sure to meet many EXCELLENT dogs in no time at all.
why does anyone here care if EM is going to get a dog now or think about it?
it’s no skin off my nose if the OP gets a dog or not and the discussion may help someone else later.
Maybe the OP wants a dog, but knows she really shouldn’t have one right now and just wants to talk to people about what they’ve known/seen/like.
really, what harm is there?
[QUOTE=Romany;6219476]
Three thumbs up, Pcostx.
Equus Magnificus - not trying to be offensive, but are you actually looking for a dog, or are you just bouncing around here for effect?
Seriously, you’re taking tire-kicking to a whole new level!
You’ve now received tons of generously thoughtful, helpful, knowledgeable and very sound advice from scads of like-minded horse people here, in this post and in your previous “what about this dog breed?” posts, yet you laugh it off provocatively or dismissively, or both.
What gives?
Maybe you could start volunteering at some of your local rescue groups a couple of hours a week, and that way you’ll be sure to meet many EXCELLENT dogs in no time at all.[/QUOTE]
I beg your pardon?
I said it, numerous times already, I am not looking seriously yet. Tire-ticking, IMO, is bothering folks showing interests in an item without having any real interest in buying/adopting, which is not the case here. I started a harmless thread on a BB.
I am sorry you don’t see it as such and I apologize to anyone I might have offended. I am genuinely researching, pondering, and trying to find a perfect solution, precisely because I don’t want to make the mistake of adopting an unsuitable dog or getting myself into something I shouldn’t have.
Thank you threedogpack!
[QUOTE=threedogpack;6219487]
why does anyone here care if EM is going to get a dog now or think about it?
it’s no skin off my nose if the OP gets a dog or not and the discussion may help someone else later.
Maybe the OP wants a dog, but knows she really shouldn’t have one right now and just wants to talk to people about what they’ve known/seen/like.
really, what harm is there?[/QUOTE]
I guess that’s directed at my comments?
My reading of the OP “between the lines” is that, on the one hand, she already knows that she’s seeking the impossible, the perfect dog, to replace her much-loved GSD.
OTOH, knowing where the OP is; a hotbed of puppy mills and therefore rescue groups and charities (let alone legit breeders); and seeing from a quick Petfinder search such as those posted by Pcostx on this thread just how many dogs that match the OP’s criteria are looking for homes, I find it quite extraordinary that she’s still tire-kicking.
JMO, and I apologize if my tone was too sharp.
[QUOTE=Romany;6219515]
I guess that’s directed at my comments?
My reading of the OP “between the lines” is that, on the one hand, she already knows that she’s seeking the impossible, the perfect dog, to replace her much-loved GSD.
OTOH, knowing where the OP is; a hotbed of puppy mills and therefore rescue groups and charities (let alone legit breeders); and seeing from a quick Petfinder search such as those posted by Pcostx on this thread just how many dogs that match the OP’s criteria are looking for homes, I find it quite extraordinary that she’s still tire-kicking.
JMO, and I apologize if my tone was too sharp.[/QUOTE]
No worries, I am glad you explained yourself further.
As far as being in a region of hotbed of puppy mills and rescues… That’s the first I’ve heard of it! :eek: I guess I don’t get out much!?
I am not tire-kicking. I haven’t contacted anyone, just wasting their time. No worries, I respect rescues’ time way too much to go and call and talk and waste their time without having made the real decision.
Most terriers (Jack Russels and Cairns) that I have known have been scrappy - nice dogs, but the ones I have known haven’t tolerated a lot of pushing, pulling, etc. I had a Cairn who was wonderful, but her pain tolerance wasn’t terribly high and she could be snappy if she was in pain.
This is just a personal preference thing, but if I had young toddlers and no dog I would just wait until they were a little bit older. I know many people have them together successfully so I am not advocating that people who are expecting children should just automatically their dogs. It just seems to me that it will be so much easier in just a few years when the kids have more self control than right now. Again, though, that’s just me.
I do agree with considering a poodle.
I would also say that some dogs can be happy not going inside. If you have one dog only, though, then that means that you are the only social interaction that the dog has. For people who are outside a lot every day, that can work out. If you aren’t outside that much, then that could be lonely for the dog.
I’m also currently doing research to eventually adopt a dog in a few months. Some of the rescues I have looked into specifically say not to put an application in unless you’re planning on adopting within 2-3 weeks, because otherwise you’re wasting volunteer’s time when they could be approving applications for people that want to adopt right away.
