My sister has had two and was on the doxie list for awhile - she asked them what they thought of ferrets and doxies. One guy had done it. Almost all thought it was a resoundingly bad idea. I can't say positively but I think when doxies were developed for hunting badgers they were a blend of terrier and hound. Both hounds and terriers are pretty independent and not real obediant. Doxies can be extremely tenacious - have to be our why would they go down a hole and take on a badger?!? They just don't take no for an answer! Generally they have high prey drives. Jake, her dog attacked the cage I had some rescue ferrets in - no doubt in my mind he was attempting to kill them. However, Every animal is an individual and there will always be exceptions to the rule. That doesn't mean you totally through out the rule. Me personally - I feel like why make my life harder and narrow my chances of success? Especially when a ferret life is at stake. I'd say there are breeds with a better chance of success (which means your ferret lives). Try something like a Papillion or a Pug if you want a smaller dog. If you must try the doxie routeI would really really suggest breed rescue. That way you can ask for a doxie that gets along with other dogs and cats, i.e. you know has a lower prey drive and maybe an easier going personality. Rescue will usually take the dog back if an initial trial doesn't work out. IMHO getting them as a puppy isn't all that big an advantage. If you get a dog from hunting lines and are a lazy trainer - you just shot any advantage. I'm not sure why people think puppies are an advantage - its tough to tell their temperment at that age. Do people really think they "know" that ferrets are family? I don't think dogs think that way. Adult dogs are usually at least aware of taking direction/commands from people and have the added advantage of not being so hyper playful out of their minds that they actually hear you. If you must buy from a breeder I'd make sure they know you have ferrets and that they agree to take the dog back (usually they won't give you all your money back just so you know) if it doesn't work out. Mary "For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity. " Ecclesiastes 3:19 [Posted in FML issue 3100]