Dogs make poor pets

[Elaina]

Well, while that may be the case my Dad got a standard poodle that had been abused to such a point that the poor dog was 3 years old and didn't know what to do with a toy (not to mention he spent a couple thousand bucks saving this dog). Dog in case turned into a healthy, vibrant, happy dog..certainly not the same animal he was before.

My dad keeps him on a chain in his yard when he's not a house pet. My kid sister takes him on walks and does the yard play (he's so happy, he doesn't leave the yard). He's such a pet that the moment he realized he wasn't going anywhere, he started taking his house seriously, and guarding it.

I don't like animals (don't like kids either, but that's another topic). I think an animal has to be useful for me to consider getting it. Being cute is not it. It's not a fashion accessory (unless you count my depression medicated, formerly abused, crazy Maine Coon who like to go fabric shopping). To that end, I need to get a dog because I spend the majority of my time alone, in a neighborhood that's not exactly the best. I got a small yard, I live in the city, and it's probably not the place for a dog. But I also view that for me to feed, house and love my dog, it needs to preform a vital function: protecting my family. So a dog we're going to get. Hopefully I'll get one like my dad's when I find the right pound puppy, because there are dogs that a family is intristic to their well-being whereas a country estate may not be.

 

[panamag8or]

Actually, I think chihuahuas were bred for rodent control. They are ferocious diggers, and love to squeeze into small places. And, like was said upthread, they bark when the wind changes direction...at least ours does, lol.

If you want to talk about "designer" dogs bred purely for the enjoyment of humans, you have to look at pugs. They have been bred to the point where they are purposely unhealthy, with the flattened faces, large eyes and their body shape. No other dogs exist that are born with so many built-in health problems. I love them, though...we have 2.