Didn't somebody say a cougar couldn't take a dog?

Anatolians are too hard to control but they will defend.

Burmese dont have the lungs and are full of defects with a short life span. Wonderful dogs tho for families.

Labs can do 20 miles and go for more but they can overheat in the summer as can any dog, their protective instinct is in question.

There is a a bit of a catch 22 in your requirements. Most dogs are a ? to whether or not they will defend without training. A dog that will doesnt always make the best family dog with a few acceptions. You are caught in the middle.

A few breeds that come to mind pros and cons to all for you.

Pitbull, take out liability insurance
Doberman, questionable safety with kids and strangers
Husky, sheds lots hard to train so so with kids and stangers
Malamute, see above
German shepard (working line), not bad overall, must come from a good breeder health issues
Rhodesian Ridgeback, not bad a little aloof with strangers but a good shedder
Lab (american hunting not English show line), question to its protective instinct good in all other areas
Golden retriever, Same as lab but sheds like a rain tarp, needs heavy grooming
Weimaraner, see lab but more high stung, otherwise good
Border Collie, most athletic dog in the canine world, smartest too. Must be exercised daily and given brain stimulas
Australian shepard, see border collie, not quite as high strung, longer hair and sheds like a tarp

Those are what immediately come to mind there are many others. One thing to note you cant pound the joints of a pup on long runs or walks until they are full grown and hardened. This can take up to 2 years for some (most large) breeds, you will ruin the cartilage and have to put them down at a young age. I have seen this over and over with runners and it infuriates me. Let them mature and you can pound their joints forever with nil affect.

If I were you putting in those miles I would be thinking Rhodesian, German Shepard, Australian Shepard. They will all need obediance training of course and you need education on the breed but they are all a bit protective with great lungs and good for families etc...

My 3 cents.

Skam
 
Hear ya. Thanks for the input, guys. Don't really think German Shepherd (pure anyway) is in the cards. Had a bad experience with one in my youth. Been seriously thinking about the ridgeback. Also, my wife really likes the Aussie Cattle dogs (i.e. Mad Max's dog). She thinks they're cute, but doesn't realize how much work they are (and she thinks keeping a 2 year old entertained during the day can be challenging!). It may well be both of those. Finding a good breeder (for the Rhodesian Ridgeback especially) may be challenging. Anyone know how Rhodesian Ridgebacks do in the snow?
 
Hear ya. Thanks for the input, guys. Don't really think German Shepherd (pure anyway) is in the cards. Had a bad experience with one in my youth. Been seriously thinking about the ridgeback. Also, my wife really likes the Aussie Cattle dogs (i.e. Mad Max's dog). She thinks they're cute, but doesn't realize how much work they are (and she thinks keeping a 2 year old entertained during the day can be challenging!). It may well be both of those. Finding a good breeder (for the Rhodesian Ridgeback especially) may be challenging. Anyone know how Rhodesian Ridgebacks do in the snow?

Rhodesians are short haired for africa. It maybe a challenge for long treks in the snow but I cant back that up they could be fine. Your dog will be lean and mean so hair maybe needed. Australian shepards (an american dog go figure) are good in the snow but require grooming.

You got some decisions to make. Hair or less protective as I see it. Cattle dogs are like Jack Russel terriers on steroids, just nuts.

Skam
 
Hear ya. Thanks for the input, guys. Don't really think German Shepherd (pure anyway) is in the cards. Had a bad experience with one in my youth. Been seriously thinking about the ridgeback. Also, my wife really likes the Aussie Cattle dogs (i.e. Mad Max's dog). She thinks they're cute, but doesn't realize how much work they are (and she thinks keeping a 2 year old entertained during the day can be challenging!). It may well be both of those. Finding a good breeder (for the Rhodesian Ridgeback especially) may be challenging. Anyone know how Rhodesian Ridgebacks do in the snow?

If you live in snow country, get a snow-country dog - maybe a Black & white siberian husky or a Malamute. No idea about how those are with kids.

Australian cattle dogs: Yes, they are awesome. I had one for 14 years, and she was my best mate, loyal as hell and hyper-intelligent.

If someone thinks a cattle dog/heeler is 'cute', get them another breed.Some annoying lapdog will do.. As heelers grow up, they will attempt to be alpha unless properly trained. We trained ours out of heeling us (nipping at heels) and she grew into a great companion and watchdog. Don't blame crappy training or being a bloody wuss on these magnificent animals. Also, If you dock a heeler's tail, there is a special place in hell reserved for you. Demand that breeders let them keep their tails. Heelers need plenty of exercise, mental stimulation and a large well fenced grassy yard to play in when not being walked.
If they are left alone for long periods, they may become bored s***less and tear things up.
One of the other posters recommended avoiding too much running until their joints are mature. I totally agree.

Dogs and Cougars don't mix well. (who would have thought??!)
 
Just throwing this out there to all the knowledgeable dog fans on this thread: I've been thinking about getting a dog recently, but it has to be one that can log lots of miles on trails. We typically hike between 18-23 miles a day, and need a dog that has the stamina to keep up with us. It also has to be good with kids (we have a 2 year old), and not mind other dogs or cats in the household. Any input would be appreciated. Sorry to hijack the thread, but it seemed headed in that direction anyway...

Check out German wirehaired pointer :thumbup: Hardcore family dog / hunter.
obit_aura_cr=hrisallen.jpg


Here's a link about them.
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/germanwirehairedpointer.htm

Mine will be 9 in March, and I've already started the breeder search for another, simply awesome dogs, IMO.

Helle
 
Is it special cougar or fox training you do with your Rott? Explain.

Skam

Well, I'm meaning that I didn't buy my dog to be a protector from said animals. I bought my .45 for that. And yes, someone has been "cuddling" with my Rottweiler: pretty much every one who has met him so far.

In my house, I'm the mean one.
 
Hear ya. Thanks for the input, guys. Don't really think German Shepherd (pure anyway) is in the cards. Had a bad experience with one in my youth. Been seriously thinking about the ridgeback. Also, my wife really likes the Aussie Cattle dogs (i.e. Mad Max's dog). She thinks they're cute, but doesn't realize how much work they are (and she thinks keeping a 2 year old entertained during the day can be challenging!). It may well be both of those. Finding a good breeder (for the Rhodesian Ridgeback especially) may be challenging. Anyone know how Rhodesian Ridgebacks do in the snow?

My sisters dog is part ridgeback. They found him one February as a puppy in a ditch where they live in Michigan. I dunno about purebreds but he does well in snow.

2590e99e.jpg


He likes to eat and has to qualms about chewing soup cans.

00e8dee3.jpg
 
Well, thanks again everyone for the input. It looks like my choice will be hard, especially because we live in a strange climate. On the edge of the Rockies and the desert (think Moab). Summer temps can hit mid 100's, and today at 8 AM our temp was 8 degrees. So I don't want a dog that dies in the summer, but I also want one that can handle the cold outside, and even snow (we have a 10,000 foot xc ski area about 45 minutes from us). So a dog somewhere in the middle would be good. Looks like I'm in for a long search. But please, continue to recommend at will. And again, sorry about hijacking this thread. I'm going to start another thread here in W&SS right now.
 
Well, thanks again everyone for the input. It looks like my choice will be hard, especially because we live in a strange climate. On the edge of the Rockies and the desert (think Moab). Summer temps can hit mid 100's, and today at 8 AM our temp was 8 degrees. So I don't want a dog that dies in the summer, but I also want one that can handle the cold outside, and even snow (we have a 10,000 foot xc ski area about 45 minutes from us). So a dog somewhere in the middle would be good. Looks like I'm in for a long search. But please, continue to recommend at will. And again, sorry about hijacking this thread. I'm going to start another thread here in W&SS right now.

I would say a Kangal. This breed accustomed to extreme variations in climate and temperature. Their short coat is an advantage when it is hot and their undercoat develops extensively to insulate them in cold weather. Kangals tolerate rainy weather and they enjoy frolicking in the snow..

The kangals I know have a very good character, yet they have to be raised and socialised very propperly. That's a condition that goes for all dogs of course, but with some breeds it's more actual than with others.

They are very good guards as well, and are perfectly able to operate on their own, if necessary.

They are big, but like I said, if they are raised consequent, they are not hard to handle though they have a strong own will. This breed is very intellegent and therefore good trainable (however this is not a dog for "dog-rookies").



kangal.jpg


kangal.jpg


Sivas_Kangal_Ruede_und_Kind.jpg


kangal_kpekleri.jpg
 
I would say a Kangal. This breed accustomed to extreme variations in climate and temperature. Their short coat is an advantage when it is hot and their undercoat develops extensively to insulate them in cold weather. Kangals tolerate rainy weather and they enjoy frolicking in the snow..

The kangals I know have a very good character, yet they have to be raised and socialised very propperly. That's a condition that goes for all dogs of course, but with some breeds it's more actual than with others.

They are very good guards as well, and are perfectly able to operate on their own, if necessary.

They are big, but like I said, if they are raised consequent, they are not hard to handle though they have a strong own will. This breed is very intellegent and therefore good trainable (however this is not a dog for "dog-rookies").



kangal.jpg


kangal.jpg


Sivas_Kangal_Ruede_und_Kind.jpg


kangal_kpekleri.jpg

Damn!!! That dog is like a horse to that kid :eek:.
 
I would say a Kangal. This breed accustomed to extreme variations in climate and temperature. Their short coat is an advantage when it is hot and their undercoat develops extensively to insulate them in cold weather. Kangals tolerate rainy weather and they enjoy frolicking in the snow..

The kangals I know have a very good character, yet they have to be raised and socialised very propperly. That's a condition that goes for all dogs of course, but with some breeds it's more actual than with others.

They are very good guards as well, and are perfectly able to operate on their own, if necessary.

They are big, but like I said, if they are raised consequent, they are not hard to handle though they have a strong own will. This breed is very intellegent and therefore good trainable (however this is not a dog for "dog-rookies").



kangal.jpg


kangal.jpg


Sivas_Kangal_Ruede_und_Kind.jpg


kangal_kpekleri.jpg
I WANT one!!!!!!
 
Fjell,sir,it looks like an Anatolian,are they another Turkish breed?Very nice looking dog.
 
Fjell,sir,it looks like an Anatolian,are they another Turkish breed?Very nice looking dog.

Hello Basic. Kangal is how the dog is named here. But indeed, it's the same breed that you call Anatolian (Shepherd). Here it's mostly called Kangal (or sometimes karabash). There are lots of Turkish people where I live, and it seems to be a "fashion" nowadays for them to have a Kangal.
 
Fjell,thankyou sir,are there any differences between US and European bread Kangal/Anatolians?I've never met one,I didn't know they got so large.Turkey seems like a very interesting country.
 
"Burmese dont have the lungs and are full of defects with a short life span. Wonderful dogs tho for families."

You you guys mean Bernese?
 
Hello Basic. Kangal is how the dog is named here. But indeed, it's the same breed that you call Anatolian (Shepherd). Here it's mostly called Kangal (or sometimes karabash). There are lots of Turkish people where I live, and it seems to be a "fashion" nowadays for them to have a Kangal.

Sorry, but that is not true at all.

The Western world's "Anatolian" (The breed does not exist to Turkish culture) has it's roots in Kangal blood, but has been crossed in oder to have a softer temp.

As a result, many Anatolians make fine family pets but are not any where up to par in working context, when compared to Kangals in their homeland.

True Kangals are VERY difficult animals to live with, and like any other working LGD, tend to be a huge liability. In context of a dog tested on both Wolf and other Kangals to be proven worthy of breeding in many casses, and the fact that you are dealing with a very large dog (!60 pounds in WORKING trim is not unheard of.)... One whom is unfamiliar with working dogs is likely to end up with much too much dog, that is known for making decisions for themselves. (LGD's have historically worked with NO handlers present, so have evolved to be less tractable than most other breeds.) A large Kangal Male that lights up on someone but cannot be turned off is not something one wishes to see... (I know from experience.)

I honestly would not recomend ANY Livestock Guardian to anybody whom does not have solid experience with other large, dominant breeds, and I say his coming from years of experience with Ovcharkas and Briards, along with Bandogges, AB's, APBT's, working Terriers, Mechelar Herders... These dogs are NOT to be taken into ownership lightly.

THere was a National Geo segment called "Designer Dogs" that aired a long time ago, that had a segment on Ovcharkas, and showed a typical idiot whom thought it would be cool to have a big tough LGD to walk around.

THe show clearly showed the dog going off on passing cars and pedestrians, and the owner literally being dragged down the street, not being able to do a damn thing about it.

Clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwYxRGV-kBc

That is the truth behind these kinds of dogs in the wrong household.

Want a pet?
Get a breed suitable as one.

<ul>Turner</ul>

The dog pictures working was back-tied to the fence. The goal of the handler was not to hold the dog back, simply to keep a hand on the leash to prevent the dog from bouncing.

One could, in the future, ask for explenation, rather than assuming the picture was photoshopped???
 
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