Where to find a specific type of dog?

[radiopassive]

Hey,

Are there any sites online that specialize in locating dogs for sale or in shelters around the U.S.? I did a google search but couldn't find what I was looking for on the first couple pages.

My girlfriend reaaallly wants a Tibetan Mastiff and I'd like to surprise her, but they are so hard to find. I saw a few but shipping was outrageous Plus I don't think it would be good for a dog to have a sudden change of locations like that.

Anyone know of good website that might have what I'm looking for? Preferably near TX, Dallas/Houston/etc.

Thanks.

 

[Pam111]

petfinder.com allows you to search for dogs in rescues around the country. Good luck

 

[Maxy24]

I agree, look at www.petfinder.com for them, they are rae, so you are more likely to find mixes than purebreds in shelters/rescues.
Look here: http://www.tibetanmastiff.org/HTMLfiles/Home.htm for both breeders and rescues
Look here: http://www.tmcamerica.org/ also for both rescues and breeders

I probably would not surprise your girlfriend with a pup/dog, make sure she really wants one and let her be a part of choosing the dog so you can be sure they are a good fit. Perhaps find a breeder or dog in a shelter that you like then tell her as a surprise, but don't close the deal until she gets to meet the dog and/or breeder.

 

[shazbot]

^^^^^ I agree with the above post. Try Petfinder.com

I also would not surprise some one with a dog. I would tell them that I would be the one who is getting it for them but let them choose the pup they want. I think choosing a pup or adult that will be your dog is a special thing.

 

[bubbatd]

I agree !!! Also remember than anyone can make a wonderful looking website . Never buy a pup and have shipped without seeing the kennel , meeting their dogs and checking out there pups . Hopefully you will have to wait for a litter and get your name on the list . Most good breeders have owners lined up by the time the pups are whelped . Good luck !!

 

[radiopassive]

Thanks for the links/advice guys

Yeah as cool as it seems to surprise her with one, I guess that works better with items from a store that you can return

 

[TheGoldenRetriever]

My girlfriend reaaallly wants a Tibetan Mastiff and I'd like to surprise her,

Guess it depends on just how much you and your girlfiriend have talked about getting one and how prepared you both are for care and (and raising if a pup!) .... but have to agree with others that "surprise" pups or dogs are usually a bad idea. If it's going to primarily be HER dog you really need to let her see how the dog or pup "fits" with her.

It can still be something of a surprise though! How about buying a really nice greeting card, then hide a picture of a Tibetan Mastiff behind the inside of the card lining ... behind the back lining on the inside? Write some kind of message inside the card ... something to the effect that you'd like to make one of her dreams come true ... along with a little arrow to turn the back lining to see the surprise picture.

After that, you can BOTH enjoy the search for a particular Tibetan Mastiff together.

 

[bubbatd]

No , not from a store !!!!!!! Those are the worse !!!!!! Add: I thought you meant a pet store !!!

 

[vanillasugar]

If you're SERIOUS about a Tibetan Mastiff, PM me. I have contacts with a few people who are highly connected in the TM world. You could at least talk to them and find out if this breed is really for you. They're certainly not for the faint of heart

 

[dr2little]

What does your gf like about the TM? Is she an experienced dog person?

The TM is not a good choice for someone without experience with challenging, capable breeds. They're can be quite a handful and really do require an experienced owner who knows how the importance of socialization and has the skill to maintain control without physical punishment.

I've had a few through classes and while they are beautiful....really adorable as pups too, they are very independent thinkers that will not respond well to either inexperience or harsh handling.

 

[corgi_love]

What does your gf like about the TM? Is she an experienced dog person?

The TM is not a good choice for someone without experience with challenging, capable breeds. They're can be quite a handful and really do require an experienced owner who knows how the importance of socialization and has the skill to maintain control without physical punishment.

I've had a few through classes and while they are beautiful....really adorable as pups too, they are very independent thinkers that will not respond well to either inexperience or harsh handling.

This is what I am worried about too, more so than the surprise part.