The Search for the Perfect Dog

I’ve been wanting to get a puppy for quite some time now. Anyone who knows me well enough understands the nature of my insanity when it comes to large purchases and acquisitions. I research everything to death. I’ve never been one to fall in for the “impulse buy”, especially if I’m dropping a large sum of my hard-earned green on a particular product.

Since this dog will ultimately be living with me in my apartment at least in the short-term, I focused only on the smaller, toy breeds in my research. The two breeds that I have narrowed it down to are the ones shown on the right: Miniature Pinschers and Miniature Dachshunds (Weiner Dogs).

When I originally narrowed it down to these two, the Dachshund (bottom right) was far and away my favorite because they’re so damn cute. However, after completing the research, I’d probably have to say that I’m currently leaning more towards the Mini Pin for a very simple reason: health. The Dachshunds can often end up with spinal cord problems later in life due to their shape. The Mini Pin on the other hand appears to be a very healthy breed with few long-term potential health problems. Both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable so that hasn’t been an issue to this point. I’m just looking for a healthy, well-adjusted doggy that will be good with children.

I’m going to visit with a local Dachshund breeder tomorrow morning to look at his dogs and a litter that was just born recently. I’ll ask questions and hopefully take some pictures (mainly for Alicia :-P). Thanks to a guy at work (Neil!), I also have come into contact with a Mini Pin breeder who’s female just gave birth to a litter of puppies last weekend. I’m hoping that Alicia will be available in a couple of weeks to come with me to check out both breeds so we can make a decision together. If I’m going to have this dog for 10-15 years, it’s going to be as much her dog as it will be mine.

What do you guys think? I know Mitch wants me to get a pug, but I’m not overly interested in the breed. Cory’s folks ended up with a great little Bichon Frise puppy awhile ago and they adore it, but I decided against the Bichon for several reasons: availability, price, and the grooming costs.

Man, I can’t wait to get a dog. It’ll be awesome.