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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Bitch or Dog Terrier - Which to get?

23 replies

scarlettlips · 11/12/2011 13:08

That's it really?

I've got first pick of a litter of Parson Jack Russell, i need to give the breeder an answer soon. I wanted a bitch however I've been told that bitch can be quite 'barky' Hmm and generally people have made a few comments that a dog would be better. I have a silly thing about dogs and the whole 'cocking legs' etc Xmas Blush yes i know I'm a total prat! Xmas Grin

Either way I'm really not that fussed about it as i just want a healthy happy terrier!

Thanks.

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Original poster
scarlettlips · 11/12/2011 15:50

Xmas Wink bump!!

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Scuttlebutter · 11/12/2011 16:11

Scarlett, if you go over to Dogsblog, and scroll down, you will see Molly, who is a 12 week old adorable PRT pup, who is child friendly and looking for a home. Sadly the only reason she has to be adopted is that her previous owner's daughter was allergic. She can be rehomed anywhere in the UK. Link to her page here

ditavonteesed · 11/12/2011 16:17

biitch.

Original poster
scarlettlips · 11/12/2011 16:20

Will check it out, thanks Scuttle

Dita just out of interest why a bitch?

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ditavonteesed · 11/12/2011 16:24

because I looked at the link Wink my border terrier is a bitch and I could not love her more if I tried.

Original poster
scarlettlips · 11/12/2011 16:26

Dita Xmas Grin

What a brilliant website Scuttle...{off to have a nose]

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Lizcat · 11/12/2011 20:15

A lot of personal choice me I would always have a dog, but that's me. My lovely boy has only just discovered how to cock his leg outside at 20months, he never thinks to do it inside he's to busy sleeping.

Original poster
scarlettlips · 11/12/2011 21:55

i'm so Xmas Confused will speak with the breeder..

Boy: Merlin, Shackleton, Haggis Xmas Grin or Fergus
Girl: ??

Well that it's..needs to be a boy!!!!

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ditavonteesed · 12/12/2011 07:42

tallulah, my girl is cherry. love fergus that is a very coo name. I would allow fergus to join eric in the cool dog names club. Grin

daisydotandgertie · 12/12/2011 08:13

Pick the dog who picks you!

It doesn't actually matter whether it's male or female, but it does matter how well the dog slots into your lives. And I expect when you meet the litter one dog will emerge who just clicks with you.

That's the one to have; you don't need to make a boy/girl decision before you go!

CalatalieSisters · 12/12/2011 08:19

I don't think a bitch would be more barky -- I think that is just down to the indiviudual, male or female. I'd go with gut preference, so long as there is a bitch in the litter that seems right for you.

I've always had an irrational preference for a male dog, even to the extent that I passed on a beautiful litter of PRTs, because no male was available. I think it is just down to the gender of the dog I grew up with.

I have a PRT and can confirm to everyone on the thread (in case anyone is unsure) that they are the very best dogs/bitches in the world.

Original poster
scarlettlips · 12/12/2011 08:51

Eric is brilliant...!

Daisy quite right, quite right. Litter is due after Christmas, so i'll go up in the new year and meet them all. This i'll try and go for the calmest (Hmm if such a dog is possible) one

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Original poster
scarlettlips · 12/12/2011 08:51

Calatalie good to know, thanks.

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Scuttlebutter · 12/12/2011 15:22

Sorry to hear you've decided against a rescue pup.

Original poster
scarlettlips · 12/12/2011 16:52

Scuttle FYI, I've been to the RSPCA and Dogs Trust and register interest in a puppy. I'm on a list..which i'm pretty sure is huge and i'm at the bottom of it!

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Scuttlebutter · 12/12/2011 18:35

I had hopes for Molly.... Xmas Wink If we didn't have three already, I'd have been sorely tempted.

CalamityKate · 13/12/2011 19:35

I quite fancy a Parsons when DS 2 gets a dog... tell me about them.

batsintheroof · 13/12/2011 19:48

I don't understand why people want puppies. I think they're cute and all....for about 15 mins.

Enjoy all the poo/wee/mouthing/vandalising of home/training regime. Grin Mwa haah ha haaa. Managed to safely bypass all that- woooo!

No seriously- boy/girl really doesn't mater- I grew up with both from puppies- dogs, like people, are complete individuals.

Original poster
scarlettlips · 14/12/2011 11:46

Just an update for you all...we have decided to wait until the spring before getting a dog.

Number of reasons:

  1. DH wasn't sure on the breed, and frankly i need him too agree and support it.
  2. House/training etc will be easier when the weather is fairer and we can leave porch doors open.
  3. DD will be older. Which might not be a good thing Xmas Grin
  4. But the main reason was the breeder, she was very pushy. And frankly she just wanted the money. I tried to arrange a date to meet puppies and mum and she told me she'd meet me at a junction of the M4! When I informed her that I wanted too see the dogs in there own natural environment etc she wasn't keen. I very politely told her, no thank you.

As luck would have it I meet a girl in the pub yesterday lunch time with a PJR (7 months), she was fussing over DD and we had a good chat about PJR. She was very helpful and gave loads of advice (just like you lot Wink) She's a groom on one of the local estates and spends all day riding with her PJR too. Without even asking she gave the name and number of a local family who have the breed and sometimes have puppies. So also told me to get a lab!!! Xmas Grin

Anyway many thanks with all your advice and help.

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bubblebutt · 14/12/2011 11:53

You where right to be wary if she the breeder wanted to meet you away from the house.

Labs are all good rounders but bloody hell they can eat and most I know are on diets lol!!!!

CalatalieSisters · 14/12/2011 17:24

Good for you, for holding back because the breeder didn't impress.

The spring will be a great time to have a new puppy around, and you will be that much more confident in your choice then as a result of this abortive dry run now.

Hope you end up with a great dog.

Calamity Kate, last time I looked at it properly, there was a lot of good info about PRTs here. (I know it calls itself the Jack Russell Terrier Assoc, rather than Parson Russell, but Parson Russell was I think just the name adopted for the breed when it was first recognised as a pedigree in the UK -- breeders wanted a name that would distinguish the original type of dog bred by Jack Russell himself from all the sundry crosses that led to the modern short-legged Jack Russell.)

If I remember rightly the site is good on all of the temperament characteristics of the breed that mean they need a good home with people committed to exercise, training, stimulation, and a gentle but very consistent approach. They learn brilliantly -- but are prone to learning problematic behaviours if left to their own devices too much.

Because it is an American site there are bits and pieces of info that don't apply here -- e.g. re what vaccines etc are needed. (My fav. USA info is on how to destink your dog when it gets squirted by a skunk! SO glad not to have that problem here.)

CalatalieSisters · 14/12/2011 17:27

(Should have said: click on the Advice tab on that site for all the good information for prospective and actual owners.)

Original poster
scarlettlips · 14/12/2011 19:04

Thanks Calatalie will have a look Xmas Wink

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