Need Puppy

[Loquat]

We are getting over the death of our Chessie, Puck. We want to move on and get a pup. 'Life is a series of dogs'(G.Carlin). Being in SC we are thinking of a Boykin Spaniel. Are there any cruzers out there with Boykins? We like the Boykin for its compact size and temperament.
Are there any other suggestions for good boat dogs?

[Dulcesuenos]

I have heard these skipper key's make Great boat dogs, never met one but have heard great things,

Google Image Result for http://www.gopetsamerica.com/schipperke/schipperke.jpg

[TaoJones]

I hope you will consider adopting a dog who will probably be killed otherwise.

An older dog (one year and up) will be forever grateful if you take him or her into your heart and your home (or boat), and you will never regret saving the life of your pet. There are abandoned dogs of every imaginable breed, including Boykin spaniels and Chesapeake Bay retrievers, Loquat, and once you save the life of one hapless animal, you will never again let yourself do anything to encourage those who breed pets for profit.

Good luck in your search.

TaoJones

[Johnathon123]

Originally Posted by TaoJones

I hope you will consider adopting a dog who will probably be killed otherwise.

An older dog (one year and up) will be forever grateful if you take him or her into your heart and your home (or boat), and you will never regret saving the life of your pet. There are abandoned dogs of every imaginable breed, including Boykin spaniels and Chesapeake Bay retrievers, Loquat, and once you save the life of one hapless animal, you will never again let yourself do anything to encourage those who breed pets for profit.

Good luck in your search.

TaoJones

I did that very thing this year.

She is a goofy cattle, staffy cross.

Most think she is weird looking but she is so happy here, perfect for us and fantastically loyal.

Can't say I've ever had a better dog.

[Loquat]

I went to the animal shelter yesterday to try to heal. I left crying. Today has been better.

[Johnathon123]

I found some of the rescue society's are better, they tend to specialise in a breed, the dogs are fostered out and live with the carers not in cages, they give you a real honest opinion on the dog, we also got a trial for 3 weeks then they came out and made sure the dog was happy.

we are still friends with the foster carer for our dogs.

I have heard from some people they had difficulties with dogs after being caged for so long

anyway not sure if they have the same services in the US but the breed association was where I started.

[Celestialsailor]

I found it is better grieving the lose for 6 months or so rather than getting a replacement.

[Tbrad]

I think it is hard to beat a Golden Retriever. We've had Bailey for thirteen years now. I love to look into those soft brown eyes. She is so obviously joyful each time I come home and loves to play fetch and "catch the burglar". I think she would die rather than to have an "accident" in the house. She has this wonderful smell to her coat. She is not "hyper but just loves people. What a wonderful world this would be if people were a little more like Bailey!

[Pete7]

I will throw Labradoodle into the hat. Angus is now 4 and calmed down a bit but loves the boat and runs down the slipway jumping into the dinghy for us to paddle out to the yacht. Doesn't bark, happy with ducks but doesn't like Swans getting too close to his yacht. After meeting the swans late one evening on the river, early the following morning we were walking around the boat yard and someone was laid underneath a yacht in white overalls. Angus just wouldn't walk past him, thinking he was another one of those Swans. Had to walk the long way around.

Pete

[Astrid]

Rescue dogs can be wonderful, particularly if they are past the puppy stage. I would also recommend a mixed breed--i.e., a mut. Depending on the breeder, many purebreds can have potentially crippling or expensive medical conditions that will show up sooner or later. In my experience, muts tend to have fewer health issues and are, of course much less expensive to buy. As to swimming, most medium and large breeds or mixes are quite good swimmers.

[rob d]

Schipperke are cool little dogs but the two I've been around who are boat dogs tend to be more than a bit yappy.
I had an Australian Shepard that loved it on the boat but got hair everywhere.
He was a fast learner and figured a lot of things about being on the boat and docks out on his own. I'm not sure how the Border Collie mix I have now is going to do though. He does like to "go" so he may work out ok.
He has the look of a card carrying Mutt though.


I've had labs and had a golden retriever but those were before my boat days.

[psneeld]

Originally Posted by Loquat

We are getting over the death of our Chessie, Puck. We want to move on and get a pup. 'Life is a series of dogs'(G.Carlin). Being in SC we are thinking of a Boykin Spaniel. Are there any cruzers out there with Boykins? We like the Boykin for its compact size and temperament.
Are there any other suggestions for good boat dogs?

Though hard to do.... think with your head not with your heart.

What is your boating/cruising style? How often will you need to transport the dog? from boat to shore...in a vehicle... in a plane...taxiis/busses...etc...etc..

Most with very small dogs seem to have the perfect fit...but I would never own a small dog personally.

Once I decided to live aboadr...I gave up a small lab mix to the ex-wife. She asked me to take the dog but I knew it would be unfair to the dog. My lifestyle doesn't fit a dogs...most people I know mistreat their dog by the lack of excercise and total time of not being with the dog (obviously just my opinion).

So do what's right by you and whatever dog you think is appropriate. As far as what breed...gimme a break...they all need somewhat the same but obviously lifting my son's 180 pound malamute into a small dingy would be totally out of the question. Even my 40 foot trawler would be small for many a dog to get enough excercise during the day if not out for constant walks.

Me...I personally think long term cruisers and dogs are not a good fit...but some think that hunting dogs have a cruel life...so to each their own...just be fair to the dog....and as far as rescue dogs...taking one on a boat isn't necessarily better that the next owner...it's still a crap shoot.

[Tingum]

Google the "Royal Potcake Rescue Society", based out of Atlanta. You can rescue a Bahamian Potcake, and have a wonderful dog that is a true survivor!

[sarafina]

This morning I am sharing you feelings of loss. God really messed up with the whole people years dog years thing...

You might need to give it a bit more time before you are ready to approach a new canine companion.

I work heavily in breed rescue for Irish Setters (my crack dog of choice) and with the animal shelter as well as a foster care giver. And I have had dogs on boats my entire life. Mostly big active Irish, which I do NOT recommend ; -)

You can have great outcomes going either way. Dealing with shelters can be more emotionally taxing, but they can be incredibly rewarding as well.

When you can think about it with out being overwhelmed by grief just go looking. Check online with the breed rescues that interest you. Check the shelter databases.

The Shelter Pet Project | Adopt A Pet

Pet adoption: Want a dog or cat? Adopt a pet on Petfinder

I think that a dog between 25 and 40 pounds is about right for a boat, unless you are the kind of person who wants an arm charm puppy ; -)

But I am guessing that's NOT your style...

The breed or the absence of a particular breed really matters very little other than for aesthetic purposes. Any active healthy puppy or dog will in all likelihood adapt to you and the boat with ease.

Mostly our dogs want to be where we are. My dogs always get plenty of open space play, but they don't seem to care if the rest of the day is spent curled up by my desk, in the car, on the kitchen floor or in the vberth. So long as they know where I am they are happy.

I am glad you are not waiting too long to embrace the idea of a new friend. The dog I had before Carabella was sort of my forever dog and I regret now that after her death I let years go by with out committing to a permanent companion of my own. My foster dogs are always wonderful, but Cara is mine and I am hers in a way that is especially rewarding.

Good luck on finding your new best friend. Here's a hint; While you are searching for *just the right dog* the one that you need will find you and tell you all about it, so listen ; -)

[Vamonos]

+1 for Petfinder.com

We used them when we adopted our Brittany. You can specify what type of animal, size, age and distance from you and it will give you a list of animals sorted by distance.

Richard