Cast your eyes down the columns of most provincial evening or weekend newspapers and you’ll inevitably find lists of dogs for sale.
But wait… buying a dog is something which requires much hard thinking. It really is not a good idea to go for the first one that catches the eye.
Pulling your sled
All sorts of decisions need to be made before handing over the money, putting a collar and lead on your new friend and taking him home.
How big is your house? Do you have a garden? Is everyone in the family a dog-lover? Are you totally committed to at least two (preferably three) good walks every day; hail, rain or shine? What sort of dog are you after… big or small, male or female, pedigree or cross-breed?
Okay, so someone is advertising husky dogs for sale and you decide to go and have a look. Yes, they are truly beautiful as puppies, but these dogs were bred in Siberia to pull sleds, so they thrive on cold weather. If your house is centrally-heated or you like to huddle up to a roaring log fire, don’t be upset if all the husky wants to do is frolic outside in the snow.
Siberian huskies are happy, fun-loving, mischievous dogs who don’t always come back when called. They shed their coat twice a year and considering how dense those coats are, that is an awful lot of fur. Some husky owners collect it all, spin it and knit it up into sweaters, jackets and other permanent reminders of their pet. Others simply let it blow in the breeze, then in Springtime watch flocks of white-bearded birds flying towards the tree-tops preparing to build their nests.
He’ll give you the colly-wobbles
There is seldom any shortage of collie dogs for sale. These, too, are beautiful dogs; but collies were also bred to work.
Collie dogs can be divided into four main categories: Border, rough, bearded and blue merle.
Border collies are so named because they originally came from the English-Scottish borders where shepherds found them the perfect partner for herding sheep. Easily trained, with lots of energy, they are believed to be the most intelligent of all dog breeds.
The Bearded Collie is one of the most popular among American families. This dog is very hairy indeed and needs a thorough comb through once a week to keep him matt free. Like the border collie, this variety was also originally bred for herding other animals… notably cows and sheep.
The Rough Collie differs from the other types, because of its long, pointed face. He comes in various shades of brown and can be instantly recognised as a ‘Lassie-type’ dog.
The Blue Merle is yet another variation on the collie theme. Clever, talented and very loving.
Pointing in the right direction
Gun dogs can often be found strolling around the country lanes and fields of the English Home Counties. And this is where animal breeders will have a choice of Pointer dogs for sale.
Pointers can be black, black and white, liver and white or a combination of those colours. One gorgeous specimen whom we met recently is basically white, with lots of small black spots and some big ones spattered on top of them. Bertie is big and beautiful and looks like a cross between a Dalmatian and a Friesian cow. He is very well-behaved and friendly with all other dogs. Not surprisingly, his lady owner and lady dog-walker both love him.
Great Dane: Great Friend
It takes a very special sort of dog-person to befriend a Great Dane. This breed of dog is one of the largest of all and although he doesn’t need as much exercise as one might expect, he sure does eat a lot! And he takes up an amazing amount of space. A word of warning: stand well clear of the happy, tail-wagging Great Dane.
One lash of that long, ropey tail, can result in heavy bruising to the legs and other parts of the owner’s sensitive anatomy.
Great dane dogs do come up for sale from time to time. These gentle giants have a wonderful way with both children and adults. However, like most very large dogs, their lifespan is short and the demise of such a wonderful friend after just a few short years can be truly heart-breaking.
Double pleasure… or double trouble?
Anyone who has ever had a terrier will know what mischievous little imps they can be. Terriers like to chase anything that moves, particularly if it is smaller than themselves. Rabbits, squirrels, cats, rats… it’s all part of life’s great game.
By all means follow up that notice saying ‘terrier dogs for sale’, but first make sure you have the offbeat sense of humour necessary to cope with them.
A Terrier will dig your garden, but not always in the spot where you want him to. He will give you the runaround in the park and endear himself to all you meet when out walking. But he will love you with every fibre of his being, and expect you to do the same for him.
Jack Russell terrier owners say these little ones like to come in pairs. Being an only dog is not something they enjoy. So it may be worth finding two Jack Russell dogs for sale, buying both and doubling the pleasure. Or the trouble, depending on your viewpoint.
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