Tabitha
Forums Enthusiast
Dr. Shelli, ok I'm confused now. Is AKC better or UKC? I would imagine they both have there strengths and weaknesses, and have different thing they'er better at than the other. But what is it?
Choices--Breeder Pup or Gorgeous Adult
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Justicemom
Forums Celebrity
Neither is better, both have there strong points and weak points. I show in both. UKC is more laid back. AKC is overall more competitive-in everything in that more people show there and there are more shows. I really like the nautral showing in conformation in UKC. I wish AKC would enforce the no substance rule they have. Some of those dogs have more hair spray/ chalk/ mousse than humans beauty queens. Not to mention the dye jobs. Seriously. In UKC, what you see is what you get.
UKC agility is well weird. Weird rules/weird equipment. It is a nice place for new handlers to start but then so is CPE. I enjoy AKC agility far more. Love UKC obedience though they do it right.
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BarbV
Forums Celebrity
I know there are posts already on the difference between AKC and UKC, so please view the posts. I'm no expert, but if I was buying a pup it would be AKC not UKC.
I do not personally trust UKC It seems to be created to allow for agility dogs . But if if that is what you are looking for than UKC may be perfect.
My tuppence worth
I do not personally trust UKC It seems to be created to allow for agility dogs . But if if that is what you are looking for than UKC may be perfect.
My tuppence worth
Justicemom
Forums Celebrity
Well Barb, considering the UKC was founded in 1898, I highly doubt it was created to allow for agility dogs or puppy mills or anything else that the number of bogus registries ie Continental Kennel Club(CKC)out there tend to cater to.
It is a legitimate kennel club founded for a place for working dogs show their functionality not just a pretty face. The main foundations breeds were the American Eskimo who was only UKC until I believe the late 80's, American Pit Bull Terriers, and Coonhounds. Many breeds that are legitimate breeds in other countries but not recognized the AKC have been registered with the UKC for years.
I would trust a UKC registered Dog just as much as a AKC registered one or a Canadian registered one. But like Stacey said I don't know any UKC registered Shelties that are not also registered by the AKC. Like I said all mine are dual registered.
http://www.ukcdogs.com/Web.nsf/WebPages/AboutUKC
Video about UKC. Not that I am a commercial for them but seriously misinformation drives me crazy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwYDW6fUk2A#t=30
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Laddie's Mom
Forums Enthusiast
My two cents worth, I would definitely go for the adult. I am going through the puppy stage now with Laddie, man, it is a job, I would welcome a nice, trained adult if I was getting another Sheltie.
While I agree that an adult dog *might* be easier initially I'd like to play puppy's advocate for a minute and remind everyone that any change of environment is going to require a house-breaking refresher and that any pre-existing training that you don't approve of or doesn't fit your lifestyle will have to be trained out of them, which could prove problematic.
Our family doctor is a dog lover and she always has her's (black labs) with her in the office and she's adamant about only ever adopting puppies so she can train them exactly the way she wants, without any previous baggage.
Now, the only adult dogs we have ever adopted have been rescues that come with other behavioral issues, so a perfectly happy adult may be "plug and play", as it were.
I'm sure you'll be happy either way you go.
Our family doctor is a dog lover and she always has her's (black labs) with her in the office and she's adamant about only ever adopting puppies so she can train them exactly the way she wants, without any previous baggage.
Now, the only adult dogs we have ever adopted have been rescues that come with other behavioral issues, so a perfectly happy adult may be "plug and play", as it were.
I'm sure you'll be happy either way you go.
Jess041
Forums Enthusiast
Right, but that's the point of the trial period. To see how well adjusted the dog is, to see if she's a good fit for the family and if she's going to easily adapt to the new household and training. This dog isn't a rescue, she's coming from a breeder, so hopefully there won't be any "baggage".
Questions to ask yourself:
Is my dog social with other dogs?
Has it interacted with young puppies on a reasonably regular basis?
Do I want the age difference so that I am not losing dogs close together. No way of knowing how long each will live but having experienced multiple losses in similar aged dogs I can tell you - it was hard.
Am I prepared to expose the older collie to the shenanigans of yet another puppy?
Has any health testing been done on the 3 year old.
Do I like the personality of this dog?
Do I want to go through puppyhood again so soon?
Am I prepared for some behavioural issues that the 3 year old might express while it becomes used to you, the dogs and the new environment?
Personally, I would go with the adult if the 2 year old and it get along. I would take my 2 year old over to the breeder's and ask her to come out for a walk with the 3 year old. Then, if all goes well, I would continue the "party" in her yard with just the two of them and the two of you.
I've raised and trained a lot of dogs. A lot of my wood furniture bear the teeth marks to prove it! Puppies are cute and fun but they are a lot of work in the 1st year at least. The older one is lead trained, presumably house trained, table trained, examination trained, socialized and what you see is what you get. Sooo much easier.
Is my dog social with other dogs?
Has it interacted with young puppies on a reasonably regular basis?
Do I want the age difference so that I am not losing dogs close together. No way of knowing how long each will live but having experienced multiple losses in similar aged dogs I can tell you - it was hard.
Am I prepared to expose the older collie to the shenanigans of yet another puppy?
Has any health testing been done on the 3 year old.
Do I like the personality of this dog?
Do I want to go through puppyhood again so soon?
Am I prepared for some behavioural issues that the 3 year old might express while it becomes used to you, the dogs and the new environment?
Personally, I would go with the adult if the 2 year old and it get along. I would take my 2 year old over to the breeder's and ask her to come out for a walk with the 3 year old. Then, if all goes well, I would continue the "party" in her yard with just the two of them and the two of you.
I've raised and trained a lot of dogs. A lot of my wood furniture bear the teeth marks to prove it! Puppies are cute and fun but they are a lot of work in the 1st year at least. The older one is lead trained, presumably house trained, table trained, examination trained, socialized and what you see is what you get. Sooo much easier.
daisysparky
Forums Regular
I agree. I wouldn't be as quick to rule out a puppy as some are. I currently have one and she's adorable - I wouldn't trade her for anything in the world. But as many have mention, being a puppy, she does take time to care for. However, knowing that I can watch her grow up and train her according to my standards and that she isn't already used to someone else's is a big bonus. It's much harder to teach an older dog new tricks and break them of habits you dislike.
But, most of all, it depends on your lifestyle and the personalities of your current pets. Think about what age they would adjust to better.
An older dog might intimidate them more than a puppy. They might think the new dog is pulling rank on them - and maybe the new dog really would. (Coming from experience, feeding them food and treats - playing with toys, too - separately is always a good idea, IMO.)
But then again, a puppy might also intimidate your current pets in that they might think it is their replacement or getting too much attention, etc. Plus, if the puppy isn't welcomed at first, serious precautions would need to be made in order to ensure its safety while so small, innocent, and defenseless. (I always keep my puppy in a baby pen or her crate when I'm not watching her - just to make sure she doesn't get into trouble with the other 2 or other things. No matter how much the other pets might like the puppy, it's always better to be safe than sorry, IMO.)
Good luck with whatever decision you ultimately choose!
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