Questions

[thatsmemrsb]

I just got my first puppie until now I have only had cats and need some advice. I was told at the pound he is a jack russell rotwiller mix... I was looking for a small dog and when I saw him it was love at first sight. I took him to the vet got his first round of puppie shots, rabies, worming,heart guard, microchiped and a bath and manacure.. they said he was too young to be nutered but I do have an appointment in March when they say he will be big enough. My questions are how big does this breed get when full grown? I have read that rottwillers can grow up to two years old and I don't have a clue with jack russells. He is a smart little boy and has only had one accident and walks already on the leash without encouragement.
Also I am feeding him a mix of soft and hard food.. blue mountain hard puppie food and purina premium soft puppie is this a good starter for pups?
What kind of toys and or chewies are good to start him off on? Is he too young for dog crackers and treats?
Thanks in advance for all the time and advice.

[DixieDoodle]

How old is the puppy in the picture? I ask because the size of him was about the same size as my dog when she was 4-5 weeks old. My dog is a Rottweiler/German Shepherd mix and she weighs roughly 90lbs at two and half years old. I doubt your pup will come close to weighing that. I think your pup would be a medium size when full grown.

As for the food question, I can't help you there. Purina dog food gives my dog the runs and sometimes vomitting, as well as many other foods. She has a sensitive tummy though.

Welcome to DP from Amy and Dixie

[lucky&babesmom]

Welcome to the DP from Brenda and her pups Lucky, Autumn and Trixie.

Feeding is something that can be a personal decsion,a lot of people feed raw but I think if your going to feed dog food its best to check four afour star one . There are a lot of really smart people on here who can lead you better than myself.

I feed Taste of the wild dog food it iks suppose to be good for adult and young dogs it is grain free.

Good luck on your little one check the forumns out the have a lot of great Advise.

[kriswak]

Welcome to the DP. How old is your puppy? That would help us give you more information.

I (like Brenda) feed my two taste of the wild. It is an all life stage food. I haven't heard of Blue Mountain dog food.
If you do decide to switch dog foods you need to do it slowly over the course of a few weeks. Gradually adding more of the new food to the old until you are feeding all new.

[Deerie me]

Hello Rucus's mum, welcome to the DP

He is very small for a seven week old Rottie cross. I wonder if the shelter just guessed that mix based on his colouring. The mind boggles as to how a jack russell would get jiggy with a rottweiler. I suspect that he might not be a rottie cross in which case there is no telling how big he will grow.

I wouldn't have him neutered until he is at least 6 months old. I think March is a bit soon.

I raw feed and have done for a few years. If this is something that interests you then there is plenty of info on Phyrie's raw feeding thread and we are happy to answer questions. As far as dog food goes, the more named meats and the less grains the better.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Welcome to the Daily Puppy Rucus and his Mum, from Oliver & Henry, and their Mum, in London, Ontario.

Tracy, to answer your question about how a JRT would "get jiggy" with a Rottie, I would think the only way possible would be for the coupling of a female Rottie and a male JRT.

I also agree that it is highly unlikely that is the pairing that occurred with cute Rucus, but only time will tell. It's going to be fun watching him grow and seeing him develop.

Neutering prior to six months isn't necessary, and it is better to wait. Shelters like to neuter as soon as is physically possible to be sure that no further procreation will occur.

It's lovely to see a picture of Mum and pup! Keep the pictures coming.

[Deerie me]

Well I guessed it would have to be that way round Deb but knowing that a friend of mine had to assist his shorter stud dog with the aid of a telephone directory, I'm wondering if the JRT had access to a step ladder

[Nileska]

Welcome to the DP...your pup is darling.. Kudos on takeing care of the pups medical needs so promptly,way to go!.

.It is my opinion that the size of the pup at 6-8 weeks does not indicate rotty. Now a Toy Manchester has the same black/brown colouring and is even smaller than a JRT...JRTs are usually white with black or brown markings [or both]....I think you will end up with a small dog, ideal as a companion for your cats.

..Unless you are bound by a contract or purcase agreement it would be wise to wait until 8 or 9 months to neuter him...Give him some time to develop.

What to feed?..I would reccomend "Chicken Soup for the Soul"they have an excellent puppy version also a large breed puppy type...Your pup schould do well on the regular "puppy version for at least 18 months or longer...I know,its a goofy name but the food is rated 5 stars on dogfood analysis.com. The food contains only pearled barley and rice for carbs and the first 4 ingredients are named meat sources [no meals or byproducts,no chemicals,colours or artificial flavours] just good stuff..You may need to soften it a bit with warm water or chicken broth.

BTW: I am Richard and I live in S/W Ohio with the Nileska Siberian Huskies

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Well I guessed it would have to be that way round Deb but knowing that a friend of mine had to assist his shorter stud dog with the aid of a telephone directory, I'm wondering if the JRT had access to a step ladder

LOL Tracy!