Hate to belabour this subject since so many people have answered, and there
are a couple of issues (the latest two) that I haven't read yet for lack of
time, but in case no one's mentioned it yet, it's been my experience that the
best rule of thumb besides getting a puppy who is not too timid (but not too
aggressive, either) and quite suggestable, as most puppies are, is to avoid
terrier breeds.  These were mostly bred for hunting small ferret-sized
creatures, and many (*particularly* Jack Russell Terriers) just can't seem to
fight that instinct -- I've seen more than one who started to attack first
and ask questions later -- our clinic mascot, Houdini (at Dr. Kawasaki's),
the world's sweetest, most adorable male silver mitt (okay, to avoid ruffling
any feathers -- the sweetest one I've had the pleasure to meet! ;) ) was
maulled by a Jack Russell who did just that.  Houdini was out running around
while his cage was being cleaned, and an unsuspecting receptionist brought
back the dog -- Houdini ended up with a bite right under his eye and a really
deep one under his chin -- he felt lousy for days because it got infected and
it hurt to eat.  Not trying to scare you -- I've also seen dogs *great* with
ferrets, including the 70# boxer/shepherd I used to talk about last year who
*delighted* in playing with and being teased by my older one, Trella.  Just
watch out for dogs with strong small-animal hunting instincts.  This might
include dachsunds, come to think of it -- I believe that's what their short
little legs are for -- going into burrows.  Sorry, Tarra -- your dachsund is
obviously the shining exception! :)  Hope this helps.  Oh yeah, by the way,
could somebody send me a copy of the whole Kansas scenario, too?  I missed it
during a busy streak and I can only seem to piece together bits and pieces.
Thanks!
 
                                          Laura
 
Laura L'Heureux, Trella, and Tribble, too
U. of Illinois Vet Med Class of `96
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[Posted in FML issue 0732]