Puppy Love | Pj
In November I became a parent to a ‘furbaby’ named Raffa (yes after the tennis star).
Deciding to get a puppy was a very hard decision, one that had been pending in our minds for about 18 months. Being professionals we weren’t 100% sure if working 9-5 would be unfair to the little guy and our concern was would we be giving him the best life.
Before we made our decision we did a lot of research on breeds and searched nearly every day on pet rescue in case we found a dog suitable for our situation and home. We wanted a smallish breed that we could have inside with us without ruining furniture but have enough energy to keep up with our active lifestyle. We had narrowed the breeds down to a Beaglier (Beagle cross King Charles Cavalier) and Cavoodle (Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel).
From what we researched both breeds have exceptional temperaments, are very loving and gentle creatures and when given the proper training and exercise do well in apartments and small houses.
So we eventually decided on a Beaglier as a friend of ours has a 3 year old beaglier who is fantastic and we fell in love with a photo that was sent to us from the breeder. After visiting we couldn’t resist taking him home. Our only concerned was the beagle ‘hunting’ drive however the cavalier cross in him calms this instinctive nature.
Having beagle cross makes him very easy to train as everything revolves around food, so after a few treats he picks up basically anything you are teaching him. Raf has the most gentle and loving nature and compared to other puppies in his obedience class, he is an absolute angel. He hasn’t (yet) chewed any shoes, furniture or even any of his own toys. So when I hear stories at school that other puppies have chewed skirting boards, couches and even their own beds I think we have the perfect breed for our lifestyle.
When we are home he is our little shadow never wanting to be too far away and when at the park he doesn’t venture too far without looking over his shoulder to see if we are still following him. The only negative I have about the breed is the short hair, which sheds all but other than that I couldn’t recommend the breed more.
If you are thinking about getting a furry addition to your family, it is vital to do some research on the breed and also consider similar breeds to ensure you get the right temperament for your family and lifestyle. Choosing the wrong breed can lead to a very unhappy experience for both parties. Adding a pet to your family is long term commitment and just like any major decision in life – taking the time to research and plan instead of rushing a decision can make a world of difference.