I found him at a local shelter. I wanted a good companion dog and would like one who is not too high strung. Thought about a lab or retriever, but when we saw Sebastian, I fell half in love in the first minute. He has a sweet disposition, wanted lots of love, loves to be scratched. He was born with a birth defect on one of his front legs but does get around all right, they say. I know the leg is a limitation with activity a bit and he will need regular grooming. Went back to see him again and he put his head up to the gate to be scratched. Now more in love. Any thoughts on what future complications could be or the pros and cons of a collie?
2007-03-27 10:57:36 · 19 answers · asked by mongersmom 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
If you treat him like he's broken he will act like he's broken.
Three legged dog's get along just fine, don't baby him and he won't know the difference. Dogs don't care about beauty so he won't feel any different than the other dogs. Collies are smart and loyal dogs, so be sure to exercise his mind as well as his body!
Do you know about the dog only had two back legs and learned to walk "like a human"? If he can get along so can your dog!
Video:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8025218193636377093
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3641338.stm
2007-03-27 11:02:17 · answer #1 · answered by lilrnblover86 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Collies are sweet-tempered, affectionate, lovely dogs. Since this defect has been present since birth, there will not be any complications. Also, keep in mind that this dog has lived with this disability always. He doesn't know anything else. He hasn't even had to adjust to the missing leg. For him, it's natural. On the plus side, he's a lot less likely to get into trouble with his reduced speed and agility, since he can't chase down a smaller animal as easily!
Adopt him, love him and he'll be a loyal friend forever.
2007-03-27 18:03:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have a 3 legged female lab mix. She has only few limitations-
1.) she can only scratch with 1 leg, so she loves to be scratched.
2.) its harder for her to walk than run
Thats about it.
With a collie, hair may be a little more of an issue, but not a problem.
I admire you for adopting rather than buying from a breeder. Between me and my 2 sons we have 7 adopted dogs and one cat.
I would get the dog.
2007-03-27 18:07:41 · answer #3 · answered by Mr Marc 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi, He will make a wonderful dog. I bet he doesn't even realize he only has three legs. I recently just asked a question regarding a three legged dog at a pound just to see what every ones reaction would be. You can go to my profile and read them if you'd like. My daughter had a Doberman with a right back leg amputee and he ran as fast as he ever did.I would definitely adopt this dog. I know many others would walk on by. He deserves a good life and love too. GO ON!!! Go get him and you will be blessed.
2007-03-27 18:26:23 · answer #4 · answered by ® 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love the collie breed so I really don't have any cons to offer. As far as a tripod pet, I have had past experience with a tripod cat, she came in to the animal hospital work I worked and was in need of a left hind leg amputation, the previous owner did not want to spend any money on her and wanted to put her to sleep. So the Vet I worked with spoke to the woman and asked her to leave the pet in our care and he donated his time during a lunch hour to do her amputation and I donated my time to her full recovery, to make a long story short, she lived a long and very happy life at my home and did really well with three legs. My best advice, if it is a nice dog, adopt him he will give you many years of unconditional love and much pleasure. God Bless.
2007-03-27 19:42:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go for it! I think its great to adopt a three-legged animal when noone wants him or her! Good Luck! Some collies can be a little high strung, but u never know not all of them are like that! I hope u make the right choice!
Good Luck once again~!!!!!!
2007-03-27 18:10:14 · answer #6 · answered by minimog23 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go for it!! There shouldn't be any complications or cons from owning a tripod. The only difference will be, as you said, he won't be quite as active as a normal dog and he won't be able to run as fast so you won't want to push him too much in activities such as going for walks or bike rides. Otherwise, it'll be just like owning a four-legged dog. Good luck and I'm so glad you're cosidering getting him!! Three legged dogs never have the same chances of adoption as four-legged dogs do. Thank you!!!
2007-03-27 18:04:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Actually, dogs adjust so well to losing a limb, that they don't seem to be aware of it. He will keep up with your just fine, and is likely up to anything but Frisbee. I have two friends with 3 legged dogs, and you would never know it. The greyhound still loves to run, and can really take off! The other is a shepherd mix, and doesn't seem to be aware that he has any disability..He runs the farm.
I say go for it! and God bless you both.
If you don't, I'm betting that you never get him out of your mind..lol
Note: both of those dogs are aged, and are not having joint problems, as they were amputated when young.. I think your collie should be just fine, as he has adjusted from infancy.
2007-03-27 18:06:04 · answer #8 · answered by Chetco 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think you have a great dog on your hands. Tripod dogs may be more prone to develop arthritis or joint problems in the leg that is not missing as they age, so some care should be taken to protect that limb from overuse or jumping off high places. But other than that, they are like any other dog and can run, play and be a great companion.
2007-03-27 18:05:48 · answer #9 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're sure you love the dog, and aren't just feeling sorry for him, then go for it. A vet should be willing to explain the possible medical complications, and hopefully someone who knows more about collies will give an answer about pros/cons.
2007-03-27 18:02:41 · answer #10 · answered by Craig L 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋