Question:
: I recently was at a local pet store and there was a jrt/beagle mix female. I was just curious about what type of charecteristics this dog may have. The people at the store were telling me that it should be a lot less spastic than a jrt. the dog is awesome looking but I was just curious about that. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Also what is a good price to pay for a dog like that thanks
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Hi Brian,
Pet stores are not the best places to purchase puppies. The dogs they sell are often bred under horrid conditions, and putting money in their pockets is just putting money right back into the pockets of the unscrupulous breeders. Reputable breeders don't mix breeds either, so this is another clue that this puppy may not have the best background.
Mixes can be great pets, but there is no way to tell what they will be like. This puppy could be just like a JRT, just like a beagle or anywhere in between-- including having the worst traits of both breeds. I've known some pretty spastic beagles, and I've never known a beagle or beagle mix that didn't follow its nose everywhere (much like the hunting instinct of a JRT often rules its body).
There is absolutely no way they can say definitively it will be "less spastic" than a JRT. They have no way of knowing. Do they know the parents, and what they are like? I doubt it very seriously. What are they basing this assumption on? Keep in mind that people working there are sales people. They want your money and their commission, and that's another of the many problems with pet stores.
Personally, I would not put one penny in the pockets of a pet store. As for a price for a mixed breed, what does your local pound charge? You may be much better off going there an actually helping both a dog in need and supporting the future ability of the shelter to adopt more dogs out with your adoption fee (which are usually minimal and cover many medical expenses, such as vaccinations and altering).
If you are seriously considering this dog, I would learn as much as possible about both breeds and be prepared for the "worst case scenerio." Also prepare for not having a breeder or rescuer to back you up with help, and medical problems that may crop up from poor breeding ethics. With a pet store, those things are part of the "worst case scenerio" more often not.
Heather
