I posted several weeks ago that I could not decide which breed to get (after losing my beautiful 14yr springer) & any suggestions.  Obviously lots of replies giving favourite breeds and all very helpful.  Not being as young as I was, i decided I had to stick to my critera...small (not toy), low maintenance, not too demanding of exercise. My other half came up with his suggestion... a bearded collie because (a) he likes them and (b) we once had two.....yes, 35 years ago!  Mmmm, I think not. I will not list all the breeds we considered and rejected for one reason or another. I finally decided on the wire dachshund, a breed we had owned before our spaniel, although this time i wanted a standard.  A big dog in a small body, thats how I see them. And I like the rugged wiry look although I must learn to handstrip because my last mini did get somewhat untidy!  I must tell you I slightly veered off course when I came across this most gorgeous breed of dog, oh how I would have loved one if I were younger...a Catalan sheepdog!    They not only look so beautiful but have a steady amiable nature, not too demanding, very intelligent (I know, i contacted a breeder on Champdogs!)...but THAT coat....back on course, don't be a stupid woman.
Anyway, I have spent the past 6 weeks looking around for a good wire bitch (or maybe dog), kc reg, good lineage, any health tests done etc.  Its not the most common of breeds probably because not as popular as the mini so I looked on all pet websites.  What i find strange is that some sellers cannot even spell dachshund...I have seen dashund, dacsund, dashound  etc...and also pet/hobby breeders are asking the same or in many cases a lot more than the experienced show kennels.  In one case £1500 for unregistered puppies.  One pet seller has not even had the puppies yet is asking prospective buyers to pay a £200 non refundable fee to go on a waiting list. What if you left a deposit on a bitch and they did not have one? Or am I being stupid!  And then I saw that most sellers asked for a non refundable deposit, sometimes £300.  I can imagine that people can be a pain and change their mind but lives do change (as in my case with my husband's health) and things can go very wrong.  Would they really witheld the deposit if there was a genuine case?? Is this legal?
Anyway...its all good.  I found a show breeder (who has done very well in the ring) by recommendation of a few people in the dachshund world and she had a very young litter.  I was able to reserve a bitch (the only other bitch was taken) and she does not take deposits.  I can even choose a dog when I view if I change my mind. She has been absolutely lovely to speak to and really helpful..and I get regular updates with pictures of mum and dad and the beautiful pups.
Only one small problem...the chooks will go off lay in protest!
And any name suggestions (bitch or dog) very welcome.  A friend suggested Weiner for the dog. Oh, I thought, an amusing connotation of "whiner". And then I googled the meaning.....

Congratulations on choosing your breed, sounds lovely.
Regarding his or her name we always try and make a pet name from the registered name. For example one of mine is registered as ———one in a million so we call her Millie.
Hope that helps

Congratulations, one of my favourite breeds.

Anyone taking deposits before birth is certainly to be avoided, and I would also say large deposits.

My breed is low in numbers and I do take deposits once pups are born simply so that I can reassign people to a fellow breeder when there are not enough puppies, but this is 10%, simply to avoid time wasters.

i do understand there are a lot of timewasters out there but I still think non-refundable deposits are generally wrong (though 10% is much fairer than the norm).  Reassigning to a fellow breeder would be fine but what if this family have decided it would be wrong to get a dog at the present time or they have decided on a different breed?  I know that must be very annoying but surely better than someone going ahead reluctantly so they do not lose £200 or even £300 of their cash.  Better for the puppy certainly.
Mind you, if they pulled out after paying the deposit at the viewing stage then I think holding back the money is acceptable. But not in the early stages as in 1-5 weeks. I mean, how can you make a decision on a puppy until you view?  Pictures, if you get them, are not really enough to go on.  Its a difficult one and just my opinion for what its worth.
It makes me happy that you love the breed!  I went to a Game fair recently and met quite a few of the standards (and a pack of working teckels) and I know I have made the right decision.  Can't wait!
Many thanks..

Good advice!  I will study the parents pedigrees as well as that may give me some ideas.  And then wait until I know the registered name of the puppy.
Many thanks.

Glad you eventually found a good breeder. Sadly dachshunds have become one of the popular breeds with commercial breeders more reasontly, lots more adverts for them being churned out for money which was probably why your search was harder.

What about Sydney Sausage?

I do understand why breeders may sometimes ask for a deposit, although I'd only expect it to be when both "parties" are happy and buyer has viewed and chosen their puppy. My friend got bit once, big time! She'd paid her £100 deposit before pups were born, then the inexperienced "breeder" lost the entire litter, and my friend never saw her money again

> what if this family have decided it would be wrong to get a dog at the present time or they have decided on a different breed?

Surely they should not book a puppy if they are not 100% sure.  We are talking about a deposit once a puppy is born, and offered, and they wish to proceed.

At that point the breeder will have put off people lower on their waiting list, and when someone pulls out often just as pups need to go to their new homes the breeder then has to find another suitable homes.  In my very first litter I had three out of 4 pups to find homes for, one went to the person who booked, but I had three people cancel on the other two.  I had passed all enquiries to other people and the two pups didn't go home until 11 weeks, where ideally they would already be settling into their home.

The best homes don't just materialise out of fresh air, just at that precise time, (especially in numerically small breeds where the availability of pups and potential owners is finely balanced) and in fact the worst case from a breeders point of view is having to make up your mind on a person because the pups are ready to go, instead of having some weeks to months to get to know the family.

So a 10% non refundable deposit will hopefully deter people who are not 100% committed and help with readvertising, and costs of keeping a puppy longer than expected.

> how can you make a decision on a puppy until you view?

To be honest you should be choosing based on viewing Mum and relatives and choosing the breeder.

The breeder is the one best placed to choose the right puppy for the people on their list, as they live with them and can see their developing personalities, so steer you to the right one.  Visiting you will only see a snapshot of the puppy.  They may be active or sleepy.

Strangely sharing photos and describing the pups developing characters with the new owners I have always found that they were often attracted most to the pup I thought best for them.

You also need to remember sometimes there really isn't a choice unless your actually  first on the list, and then often the breeder will be choosing first, for the next generation.

Do you definitely want a standard? I know of a lovely miniature wire haired breeder....

Bit late replying because i have had a short break at the seaside. Best time of the year to go...so peaceful!   Yes, definately want a standard. I have had a miniature wire and, lovely as he was, I prefer a larger and sturdier dog.  Also there are just so many people breeding the miniatures, loads of listings, and I actually like the fact that the standard is not as popular. I have met several now and they are such characters.  So I think it is the right choice for me.

Sorry, I am here again..to have a moan!  Well, all i can say is that things have not gone according to plan with having a standard wire dachshund puppy but I suppose thats life.  Very, very reluctantly I had to pull out of having the opportunity to own a beautiful bitch bred by a recommended and experienced show breeder.  A lovely dark brindle which is just what i wanted. I was due to view her last week aged 5 weeks (having seen pics)  but the day before we had a meeting with the specialist concerning my husband's treatment.  I will not bore you with the details except to say that the next round of this battle has been brought forward to the beginning of november and it involves 5 days a week for 7 weeks (not even at our local hospital but a 60 mile round trip).  Some commitment! As soon as we were told this, my heart sank as I knew it would not be the right time for us or for the puppy. The breeder was so understanding....she is a really lovely, so helpful and we are definately keeping in touch. But she does not breed regularly so is unsure when she will have another litter.
So after Christmas, i will resume the search.  My only change of mind is that i am not so concerned about having a bitch rather than a dog. I have nearly always owned bitches but as i certainly have no intention of breeding, there is really no reason why I should not consider a dog puppy. Can i ask if anyone knows of anyone who will be having a litter early next year or is planning one and i can go on a waiting list to please let me know?  I am on the champdogs waiting list and check the kennel club (and check the Sunsong site) but of course I am talking next year so it is too early for any to be advertised.
Many thanks.

Hope all goes well with your husband!

I do hope things go well with your husbands health.

> but of course I am talking next year so it is too early for any to be advertised.

Too early to advertise but not too early to go on a waiting list.

I would contact breeders on the breed clubs lists and ask what their breeding plans are for early in the new year.

Hope your husband's treatment goes well. Look after yourself too

My Granny had a saying that I annoy people with all the time. "What's for you'll no go by you" There will be a pup when the time is right.

That is a good idea..I will contact some of the breeders today.  I have also just seen mention (on this site)of a dog show at stafford showground at the end of this month.  I live not that far away so I will definately go to the hound day so I can get to meet some dogs and breeders. I am glad i joined this forum because you are all so welcoming and helpful. And I get a lot of advice just reading through some of the other posts which can be very interesting.
Thank you.

Thank you and everyone else for your kind words.  We are keeping positive x

It is Friday 26th, will be there with three of mine, if you want to say hello.

I will certainly come and say hello, Barbara, if all goes to plan.

Well, I was adamant on getting a standard wire but the other day my son asked me if I had seen a cardigan corgi. That threw a spanner in the works!  What a beautiful breed, looks and temperament and suitability.  I always thought of the breed as being  rather snappy (no offence intended) but that does not seem to be the case with the cardie.  Anyway I am sure it is also how you bring the dog up and also the temperament of the parents. I am sorry  I know sound a bit fickle but now I will be looking at both breeds when i go to the show on Friday. Great that most of the breeds I would love to own are showing that day.
I know they are scarce and it could be a long wait but that is the same for the standard wire if I want a black/tan bitch (harder colour & sex to get hold of).   I wish I could have both! Maybe I should or is that mad?!! I will be very glad when the day comes I get this puppy and can stop searching..its exhausting.....

met both corgis at discover dogs . liked both but overall think I just about preferred the Pembroke . not sure the snappy reputation is actually true . Although I am not sure HRHhas helped there :) Hers only get  into the press when they have misbehaved it seems

What show are you going to because Corgi's are in the pastoral group and Daxi's in the hound and often they arent on the same day at a general ch show. Worth checking on that one

Yes, they are both on the same day which was a pleasant surprise as I know they are different groups. Its the Stafford Midlands Counties Canine Show (Stafford Showground).  I am also looking forward to seeing some other breeds I have not seen in the flesh, so to speak.

Yes, I was thinking of the "royal" dogs!  But every description I have read about corgis suggests the cardi is less highly strung than the pembroke, more laid back.  I would have liked to have gone to discover dogs but I couldn't make it.  Other half really would like the cardigan but I am sure this show will help me make up my mind once and for all.

Obviously I am biased having had cardis for over 30 years. I would mention that they are very trainable, currently doing the KCGD silver with one of mine and have trained up to gold with another.
Would also like to mention that the entry at Midland Counties will be small as we have no challenge certificates .

I seem to remember you suggesting the breed to me when I posted a while back. I don't know why i did not take a look then because they are a really lovely breed. Not just the looks (my husband says a proper dog!) but everything else about them. And by the sound of it, from what I have read and what you have said, they are probably far easier to train than the dachshund.  In fairness, my two miniature wire dogs were pretty good when it came to recall but they hated other dogs (even though socialised from a young age), they adored us and the children but everyone else was the enemy..and I never got them housetrained!  Oh I tried, did everything you are supposed to do (no crates used in those days) but still they would cock their legs against the cooker, especially if it was raining outside.  I did not realise at the time that the breed is well known for being difficult to housetrain..and probably having two dogs at the same time was not the best decision.
Any advice about cardigans would be most welcome. I did speak to Joy at the Midlands Club and she said there probably would be few cardis at the show but at least I will get to see the breed.

Enjoy your day on Friday. I am only too happy to help with any questions you may have.

61 standard wire-haired - ring 2 (not before 10.30)
21 cardigan - ring 1 (not before 12.30)

Both in Prestwood so no running around the show ground either! Hope you enjoy your day, Midlands is one of my favourite shows

Beagles are first in Ring 1 at 9am. 140 dogs giving 169 entries. Standard wires follow Pem. Corgis.

That is really helpful, thank you. I know Prestwood & Bingley because I am a (semi retired) antiques dealer so  used to go to the antique shows there. Very fortunate both are in the same place!
Looking forward to going.

Be able, maybe, to see the Vallhunds also I  Not separately classified iof any entered as they don't have their own classes at this show.

Deeann, hope you enjoyed yourself on Friday! Did it help you decide on a breed?
I met a lovely cardigan corgi in our hotel Saturday, happily playing with my 2 hooligans

Hi, yes thank you I really enjoyed the show. Have not been to one since crufts first show at birmingham (can't believe that was 1991!). I saw the standard wires first and met up with both show breeders I had been in touch with. One I was having a pup from did fantastically well in the ring. And then I walked over to the cardigans and the first owner I spoke to was the vice chairman of the club. Someone who had been recommended to me a while ago so that was fortunate. I thought there were supposed to be 21 cardis but I only met 3! And lots of empty pens so maybe they were out walking with owners. But I saw a beautiful red point tri, stunning dog!  Very striking colour, nice big boy. Unfortunately I did not have a lot of time after having a good natter, as I needed to get home early... and factoring in the trip which was an hour each way, i only had a couple of hours there. So I decided to get round all of the show and see all the dogs rather than watch the judging.  I was very fortunate that it was not only hound day but pastoral as well because I saw so many breeds I just love and some I have owned in the past.
Did I decide on a breed?  I think i should get a standard wire AND a cardigan corgi!   Second thoughts...not sure how that would work out. But I have plenty of time to make the decision because this year is not the right time to have a puppy to look after.  My OH second stage treatment now starts last week of November and this means a daily 60mile trip to hospital, 5 days a week for 7 weeks (just Christmas day off).   Christmas postponed! Then its best if we wait and see how it affects him.  I am desperate for a dog...I go for walks on my own and I still think my spaniel is behind me. And I feel lonely without her.  Sorry, i am being daft. It is what it is...keep positive.

So happy you had a good time at the show - so sorry about your OHs illness, I know how hard treatment is.
Do you have anyone to help - with OH/ day-to-day living/& or even with a new dog? Have you thought about breed rescue or even Borrow my Dog or volunteering at a Sanctuary or asking around your neighbourhood if anyone needs help walking their dog - until you can gt your own?

You arnt being daft at all . Thinking of what
u will do in the future sounds good to me as does walking. It gives you time and space to yourself which u  need. Hope things go as  well as possible  for your oh.i know it's not easy at all

So glad you enjoyed your day and that you got to meet more of the breed and talk to breeders/owners!
So sorry to her about your OH - life really is so, so cruel. I hope he responds well to the treatment, but like others have mentioned I hope you have your own support network around you to help you through it! I'm sure you'll make the right decision for you regarding a puppy when the timing is right, and that he/she will be well worth the wait and the light at the end of what must feel like a dark tunnel right now!

> I thought there were supposed to be 21 cardis but I only met 3!

I came round and there were lots of Cardi's.  It may be that you came before some had arrived if their judging was later, or conversely they had gone home if it was after judging.  At Crufts the dogs aren't allowed to leave until after 4pm, and must arrive by 12.

> this year is not the right time to have a puppy to look after.

Once things stabilise with hospital why not consider for now getting an adult from one of the breeders, or breed specific rescue (there will be few coming in as neither is a breed that ahs been over exploited), either a retired show dog or one that has been returned, and add a puppy after of the other breed.

What about fostering for breed rescue for now, to have a walking companion?

Yes, I think maybe it was before some of the breeders had arrived as judging was 12.30 and I was looking before 10am. It did not really matter as i spoke to Brenda i wanted to meet (whom I did not even know would be there) and she gave me a very good contact which I have followed up on. And the dogs I saw and other breeders confirmed that this is a good breed to own.

i think it is best not to have any dog at present as I am sure you will understand that I am going to be out for quite a long time every day for weeks. Not the best situation to have a rescue or foster one.
And as Christmas is coming as well (when we have family to stay), I prefer to wait until things calm down. I like the idea of having an adult from a breeder or breed rescue and then adding a puppy at at later date but I know how hard it is to find either of these breeds, few come into rescue and the breeders I have met (of both breeds) adore and keep their oldies. I know I could not foster and then give back, just not keen. I feel better now I have made the decision to wait until mid-end Jan.
Sorry i did not get to meet you at the show..it was such a quick dash around and I had not envisaged how large the show was going to be, Also could not remember whether you show buhunds or elkhounds! You will probably tell me neither!

If you have definitely made your decision, it might be a good idea to join the breed club. This should keep you in touch with any breed shows and events, while you are waiting for the time to become right for having a puppy. It would also give you the chance of seeing a wider range of specimens, and getting to know a few more of the breeders.

> Also could not remember whether you show buhunds or elkhounds! You will probably tell me neither!

Elkhounds (clue in my signature).

Hello,  Its been a while since I posted an (one day off Christmas day, no alcohol)...but that it not necessarily a good thing for someone who is "over thinking" the "getting a dog" decision.  Well, that is what my eldest said at the weekend and he is right!
He also said this is an anxiety disorder (yes, right again from what i have researched).  In the past, I chose a breed (or a rescue dog), drove over and got it, happy and contented. That has always worked!
But now i am trawling through all the breeds, going from one to another, ruling out one from another. It may be the coat maintenance, the size, too small, too large, too active, not active enough , bitch or dog etc etc. Why am i being like this..I put it down to my age (and the possibility is its my last dog, so must get this right) but it seems any age can have this disorder!
So I originally said i had decided on a standard wire dachs, then a cardigan corgi..but I was thinking of what I wanted and not really involving OH. I mean, he has always gone along with my choice in the past because he leaves a lot of decisions to me!   But he pulled a face at those breeds so i asked him what he would like.  His answer was medium size (not small) something like our springer spaniel or our bearded collie or a rescue dog..then added just go ahead with what you want. Now i am active (and so he is despite the treatment) but I cannot consider a breed at our age which is really demanding of exercise. I started looking at lovely show cocker spaniels (I had a show type years ago) but I remember how that coat grows and grows into a fluff ball!  I also remember the work on a wire coat dachshund...hand stripping was rarely come across in those days but I was lucky that mine did not have a coat that grew quickly and I also liked the hairy unkempt look. He had an illustrious pedigree and his breeder would probably have been ashamed of him!!  My pet hate is clipping and ruining the coat which is what my neighbour does to her two border terriers (hope she is not reading this!!). Shaved spaniels are common round here.

Anyway, I am still keen on a standard wire dachshund but is the decision made?   Mmmm....Smooth collies look very nice.

Sorry, I think I deleted the first part of my message! OH is having his treatment now until mid January which is why we are putting off having a pup join us. I hope that makes sense!

Crufts won't be long off (March) why not take a trip there and have a walk around the discover dogs section. Each breed has a stand so you can have a look at them all, get hands on and chat to the owners. It may help you decide.

> I started looking at lovely show cocker spaniels (I had a show type years ago) but I remember how that coat grows and grows into a fluff ball! 

Even with show-type cockers, the coat varies with the breeding.  I have two, unrelated: one has a beautiful silky coat which is never fluffy, is easy to comb through, trim, and keep looking good, even though he was chemically neutered in the Spring.  The other has a slightly coarser coat which takes a fair bit of grooming to make silky, and matts easily; since I had him castrated earlier this year he is like an explosion in a woolshop and takes extra grooming and trimming.

If you are still interested in Cocker Spaniels it would certainly be worth going to Discover Dogs at Crufts (as mentioned already) and/or some dog shows and seeing the lines being shown and talking to the owners about the breeding and coat characteristics.  You will also find that some professional groomers now offer hand-stripping: it could be worth discussing what they offer and if they are aware of the breeding behind the coat types they deal with.

And then there are the other lovely spaniels - Field, Sussex, Clumber.

> And then there are the other lovely spaniels - Field, Sussex, Clumber.

and my favourite the very smart Welsh Springer that does not have am working show type split.

> the very smart Welsh Springer

Oh yes, they are elegant dogs , and the coat looks unexaggerated.

> and the coat looks unexaggerated

and the ears don't drag in the wet when the dog is sniffing.