OK so here is a question. What is it that make us think that our animals are so darn cute? Why does my heart melt when I see a puppy or kitten? And just what makes them so darn Cute anyway?

Most of the time their breath stinks, they poop everywhere, and they barf all the time. Kittens get hair balls which are joys of their own, they have sharp claws and teeth. They generally don't smell good. But when they meet your gaze you can't help but fall in love with them.
You disapline them and they give you that look after making you feel like the worst person in the world for hurting their feelings. Why do these animals hold such control over our emotions?

They offer unconditional love, could be the one and only reason.

Tick

Hmm. Maybe. I think they cast spells! I mean think about it, we care for them we give them attention and we bathe them. Dogs and Cats got it made. No predators, no hunting, no worries.

They have mezmorized us into taking care of them so they can be lazy lol. Especially Cats. Kittens are cute, but man do I hate cats. They are a laziest bunch of finiky creatures I've ever seen.

Dogs are at least playful with you and you don't have to make you hand look like food for them to play with you. And I think dogs are always cute. Even ulgy dogs are cute, sometimes more so.

For some reason we are compelled to care for these creatures, those of us that love animals that is.

What brought this on was one of the pictures attached to altenwigs chit chat thread. One of the cuttiest dogs ever.

But anyway, yeah, they got us under some sort of puppy-dog-jedi mind tricks or something.

Maybe it has something to do with humans parenting their own children. Your own dog is usually the cutest pretties smartest and most lovable to you even if others find it repulsive. The tiniest are often the cutest probably because they have resemblance to human baby features.
And the reason why we react so passionately is genetic: to provide the most wholesome care for our young. And animals may evoke the same response.
This is purely my opinion based on no concrete facts but I hope this gives another angle.

Actually I totally agree with you Mikis. This is a very accurate sounding account and may very well be a fact. Seeing a young animal may very well spark our paternal instincts.

When I see a cute little lab like my dog Bee, all I can think of is how tiny he/she is and how fragile it is. And of course I want to pick the dog up and carry it around, making sure it doesn't get stepped on.

Maybe it is totally a parenting instinct kicking into gear.

Not to upset anyone, but shouldn't this be in Member Discussions?

Moved ;)

It really is more of a discussion topic.

I personally find the fact that everything is out of proportion to be so cute.
Puppies always have bigger eyes, bigger paws, fat little bodies and are so clumsy it's cute.

As far as puppies and kittens go, Shaz is right... big eyes... etc.
You fall in love, just like human babies and then you get to know your dog, cat, Guinia pig, rabbit and YOU alone understand what is going on. You see what they are trying to tell you and YOU are able to love them no matter what. Plus unconditional love, like Tick said.

I'm a sucker for puppy eyes...
Eyes like this melt me.. (and yes the one on the bottom left is my baby)
https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/member...-find-home.jpg

Ohhh and he is looking at his Mama:)

I know! :D that's why it makes me melt. Mind you, I do agree they cast spells on you. And I do love puppy breath lol

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Originally Posted by binx44

i know!! :D thats why it makes me melt. mind you, i do agree they cast spells on you. and i do love puppy breath lol

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I love it too, even though it always smells a little like skunk:D

OK OK I fell in love with another type of dog. I have two dogs but can keep neither of them when I get my own place. So I was looking for a smaller dog cause first off they are chick magnets and secondly most apartments allow them.

They are generally full of energy and just totally fun little guys. Well I didn't know which type to get. I am moving in with a buddy that has to agree on the breed. Though I don't see why its his business, he can get his own dog.

But I ran across the cutest little puppies, Min Pins, or more commonly known as Miniature Pinschers.

OMG they look just like little dobermens! I was like there it is, that's what I'm getting.

Now I run into a huge problem, I can't find a breeder around my area. And I am sorry but I am not traveling half way across the country to get a miniature dog, no matter how cute.

So I am from Michigan, on the mid-western coast. (USA) I need help finding a breeder.

Also what is it called when you get their ears to stand on end all the time and when does that need to be done? (as a puppy for sure but how early?) I am willing to spend around $450 on a male that is Black w/rust colored. Tail must be chopped to.

Oh and it can't be fixed either.

Anyone?

It's called ear taping. Shaz would be the girl to ask about that.

Why can't it be fixed? Are you planning on breeding?

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Originally Posted by Larken85

ok ok I fell in love with another type of dog. I have two dogs but can keep neither of them when I get my own place. So I was looking for a smaller dog cause first off they are chick magnets and secondly most apartments allow them.

They are generally full of energy and just totally fun little guys. Well I didn't know which type to get. I am moving in with a buddy that has to agree on the breed. Though I don't see why its his business, he can get his own dog.

But I ran across the cutest little puppies, Min Pins, or more commonly known as Miniature Pinschers.

OMG they look just like little dobermens! I was like there it is, thats what I'm getting.

Now I run into a huge problem, I can't find a breeder around my area. And I am sorry but I am not traveling half way across the country to get a minature dog, no matter how cute.

So I am from Michigan, on the mid-western coast. (USA) I need help finding a breeder.

Also what is it called when you get thier ears to stand on end all the time and when does that need to be done? (as a puppy for sure but how early?) i am willing to spend around $450 on a male that is Black w/rust colored. Tail must be chopped to.

oh and it can't be fixed either.

Anyone?

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Larken, you don't need a 'chick magnet' right now. You need healing not using other women as a crutch to get over the last one.

With your new work schedule will you have time for a dog? Dogs need people all week not just on the 'weekends'. Will you have time and energy for a very energetic pup?

You might be able to find one for $450, but that is only the tip of the iceberg in costs. I don't know if a Min Pin's natural ear can be trained to stand up, but getting ears cropped is usually done about 3 months of age and costs a few hundred just for the surgery. Not to mention any possible ripped stitches and the re-tapings. If taping isn't done correctly the ears won't stand properly. Even done properly some don't. It can take weeks of taping, un-taping, and re-taping to finally get results. That's weeks of keeping the dog from hurting itself scratching at the bandages.

Don't forget the cost of shots, registering, etc. plus monthly heart worm medication.

Some terminology for you:
cropping-cutting the ears to desired shape. Goes into taping. You need a vet with experience in cropping to do it. Ask breeders who they would recommend. A bad job cannot be un-done or redone.
taping-a method using a 'form' and bandaging tape to train the ears to stand. Usually done by keeping the ears taped for five days, down for two then up for five until they stand on their own or it is clear they won't stand up. Once again, should be done by someone who knows the way ears grow and how to support the ear without hurting it.
dock-the tail is cut off. Usually done at only a couple of days old. So, any animal you look will have already been docked or left natural.

Why can't the animal be fixed?

1000,000 virtual greenies Cat.

Hate to burst your bubble Larken but no good breeder will sell a pup for $450, especially a breeding quality dog.

If you are after a dog you can breed you are looking more at $1500 - $2000. And even then, there' no guarantee they will good enough for breeding unless you buy an adult... then the price goes up even further.

And yes, it's called ear taping... currently taping a 6 month old pup who's ears won't stand :rolleyes:

I have plenty of time for the puppy, my job purposal got rejected. I was joking about the chick magnet thing lol. But I don't get what breeding quality is. If they are the same breed, and have champion blood, they can breed right? And reason I do not want my dogs fixed is because I have always had a dog from a certain family line. I have at once time owned 3 generations from the same bloodline. Granted they were mixed, however the point is I loved the mother, so I wanted the daughter, and then the son of the daughter whom we obviously had to fix.

I love dogs, and I believe that one should keep the family partially together. I am not talking all the puppies of course, but my favorit one would be nice.

As for time though, my friend and I are thinking about getting a rental home and/or apartment together and we want a dog. He works 1st, I work 3rd. Someone will always be there and we are both expierenced at training our animals to our own specifications.

I'm not looking to get a show dog here or breed to sell either. About the prices however, I have been searching sites and breeders online and most of the pups that I have been finding are about $450 USDA. Yes there are some that range up to like $1250 but there is no way in heck I would pay that much. Not in a million years. I'd rather scrape road kill off the side of the highway and bathe in it.

I just want to find that perfect, apartment life dog that is hyper and not considered a pancy dog. What do I come up with? The bulldog and the Min Pin. Bulldogs are butt ulgy in my opinion and I would never pay for one. I doubt I'd even take one for free. But the Min Pin is the perfect mixture of height, weight, spunk, and strong when the ears are tapped.

If we get a rental house the size of the dog doesn't matter all that much and opens me to go for bigger dogs like boxers and Dobermen Pintchers (which would be one of my two ideal big dog choices.) My friend wants Huskies if we get big dogs. The one thing we came to an agreement on was the Min Pins, so that is what we'll go with so as not to cause issue. And I just do not want to pay that much for a dog to let it mate with a dog of a different breed you know. Though I do have to say, a min pin mixed with a husky would be an interesting combination, not to mention the act itself would be a sight to see lol.

I do have to admit though, bulldog puppies are some of the cutiest things too. Its when they get older and their jowles start drooping down with drewl hanging down that I can't stand seeing.

And lastly, does the ear taping process hurt the dog in any way. If so I may drop the min pin interest. A. I do not want to hurt the dog, B. I do not want a Min Pin if it does not look like a Doberman Pinscher with the ears.

I seen a picture online of the ear taping process and it looks kind of painful to the dog.

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Originally Posted by Larken85

And lastly, does the ear taping process hurt the dog in any way. If so I may drop the min pin interest. A. I do not want to hurt the dog, B. I do not want a Min Pin if it does not look like a Doberman Pinscher with the ears.

I seen a picture online of the ear taping process and it looks kind of painful to the dog.

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Taping the ears is more irritating than painful. However, if you want the 'Dobie' ear that involves surgery. They cut off part of the ear. Then it gets taped up (as I explained earlier). When they are healing it can be painful, though Chloe didn't seem to notice until she tried running under a dining room chair and hit her ears (the rungs are four inches off the ground and she had already grown to big to do what she was trying to do).

By the way, you can call them Dobies instead of typing out the full name.

I know you are into hiking and outdoor activities. Have you looked at breeds that would enjoy going with you? There are several breeds that flop in the house but are worse than the energizer bunny when on walks, etc.

Hmm, I definitely need to think about it some more. I haven't decided 100% on a breed yet. I wish the choices were easier. For one, I love Labs, they are smart and just all around great dogs, but boxers seem to hold a very loving quality mixed with playful. Its just kind of hard. But to be sure I need an easy groomer because my labs hair is almost too much for me to handle, don't know how I'd deal with a longer haired dog lol

A new pet should suit the accommodation. Husky, or quite probably husky mix are not satisfied with just a walk a day. They need constant exercise as they are classed as a working dog. There are different categories and I think you should take this into consideration when looking for a new pet.

I just adopted a lovely four year old beagle X (yes shaz, alty and I were right on that one), but I knew her a year ago so had her all figured out when she came available to me. It wasn't a random thing is what I am getting at. She is 47 lbs. medium size and she suits my accommodation and activity level. I always make sure I can fulfill the needs of a pet, that way, no surprises.

So go on Google, 'choosing a dog' and do a little reading. It may enlighten you as you do seem to be a little flaky in what type of dog you want.

As for spaying and neutering, well, it's a no brainer, it corrects some issues in pets, like the constant humping you get from a male dog not neutered. As for the spaying a female, when they come in season a cloth diaper has to be provided so no furniture gets ruined and you don't have male dogs clammering at your door.

Just my opinion.

tick

Lol I know. I have been doing a lot of reading. For instance Min Pin's are supposed to be walked a long walk once a day. But So far they are the only breed I have really looked into just yet. I have plenty of time to choose though.

Indecisive is a better word than flaky, flaky could be taken offensively. Just wanted to save you some grief.

Thanks again all. Keep it coming.

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Originally Posted by Larken85

But to be sure i need an easy groomer because my labs hair is almost too much for me to handle, don't know how i'd deal with a longer haired dog lol

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No Husky for you then. :D

Seriously, why don't you start a thread in Dogs explaining what you are looking for in a companion, the living conditions (or what they will be including other animals and people will be involved), any restrictions in your areas (Breed Specific laws, etc.), your lifestyle (how much your job will affect working with the animal, etc.), and other such information and ask for input. The pros and cons of different breeds. Mention the ones you have been interested in and go from there.

Dog shows are another great place to learn more about different breeds and show people love talking about their breeds-pros and cons. It is also a great place to learn why breeding is a serious undertaking and why breeding just to get a puppy isn't a good idea.

Once you get some ideas, you might look into rescues in your area for the breeds. Also, look for breeders that you can ask to meet their animals to see if the breed is a good one for you.

Thanks cat, you rock. I will start a thread like that. Good suggestion.

I just think I have started far too many threads sometimes lol.

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Originally Posted by Larken85

I just think I have started far too many threads sometimes lol.

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As long as they are on totally different subjects, no problem. Relationships with animals and people are totally different. :)

Thanks cat. I quoted the topic suggestion on your last post in my new thread. Hope you don't mind. Just thought it would be good for them to know where I was coming from.

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Originally Posted by Larken85

thanks cat. I quoted the topic suggestion on your last post in my new thread. Hope you don't mind. Just thought it would be good for them to know where I was coming from.

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No problem, Larken. I see you are already getting good advice. Pay attention and keep in mind that those who respond love animals and want to make certain that both you and the dog are happy, healthy and have a long time together. So, keep an open mind and think before responding if you feel like you are getting upset or frustrated with the advice. :)

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Originally Posted by Larken85

thanks cat, you rock. I will start a thread like that. Good suggestion.

I just think I have started far too many threads sometimes lol.

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We are starved for attention in the dog section, the more questions the better :D

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Originally Posted by Larken85

lol I know. I have been doing a lot of reading. For instance Min Pin's are supposed to be walked a long walk once a day. But So far they are the only breed I have really looked into just yet. I have plenty of time to choose though.

indecisive is a better word than flaky, flaky could be taken offensively. Just wanted to save ya some greif.

Thanks again all. Keep it coming.

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All depends on the personality of the person, whether they take flaky to heart or not, Larken. You don't have to worry about saving me some grief. I come from the school of hard knocks, my friend.

Tick

All right, I was just looking out for you ;) I am super flaky at times though lol :D as if you haven't noticed lol

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If they are the same breed, and have champion blood, they can breed right?

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I don't know if anyone addressed this, so I will.

No, just because they have champion blood and are the same breed doesn't mean it's okay to breed them.

In order to be a responsible breeder you have to do genetic testing to make sure that not defects are passed down to the pups.

When you get a dog from a legitimate breeder most times it will cost you anywhere from $2000 up. The fact is, most times, even with that price, the breeder isn't making any money on the pups. The amount of money that goes into raising quality puppies is far more then what they sell for.

Breeders do it for the love of the breed and to further the breed, make it better. So if you're thinking about breeding, you need to consider the money, time and education you'll need to do it responsibly. There's more to it then putting two dogs together and then selling the puppies. :)

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Originally Posted by Larken85

alright, I was just lookin out for ya ;) I am super flaky at times though lol :D as if you haven't noticed lol

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****high five**** I tend to be flaky too, but that's my charm and I know it doesn't go over well with some people, but it's a matter of individuality I think, used to called 'happy go lucky' .

Individual tick

What has been posted is NOT "flaky" - it's irresponsible, hurtful and stupid.

Super flaky or super homophobic.

This should not be acceptable to anyone and, Tickle, I am guessing you didn't see it (or maybe it was posted before this response). At any rate, I truly am shocked!

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/m...-470719-2.html

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Originally Posted by JudyKayTee

What has been posted is NOT "flaky" - it's irresponsible, hurtful and stupid.

Super flaky or super homophobic.

This should not be acceptable to anyone and, Tickle, I am guessing you didn't see it (or maybe it was posted before this response). At any rate, I truly am shocked!

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/m...-470719-2.html

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I think you misunderstood who or what I was calling 'flaky', all information in this thread is excellent from people who really know their stuff about the dog world. I was calling Larken 'flaky', to which he didn't take offence as you could see from our dialogue after that post.

Tick

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Originally Posted by tickle

I think you misunderstood who or what I was calling 'flaky', all information in this thread is excellent from people who really know their stuff about the dog world. I was calling Larken 'flaky', to which he didnt take offence as you could see from our dialogue after that post.

tick

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You're right - I thought you were responding to Larken thinking of himself as flaky when, in fact, I think he's in a category well beyond flaky.

Thanks for the explanation.