dog choices

[hardheart]

This is just kicking around ideas, I'm bored and am just looking for something to BS about and then be able to reference later.

So, I may pick up a dog to watch over my property at some point in time. I'd like a breed that would eat the intruder rather than bark incessantly, bothering me or the neighbors when there's a stray cat about. A large-ish dog that has a decent life expectancy. So, a short list of terminal and crippling diseases common to the breed. I'm on the Gulf Coast, needs to handle the climate, will spend most of its time outside in a fenced area. I'm a homebody, and I exercise out of necessity, not because I love to bound around in sweats . So, downright lazy wouldn't bother me; I don't want to go for runs every day just to keep the dog from getting antsy and tearing up the yard. Going for regular walks is no problem, but with that in mind, low prey drive and dog aggression would be good for when inevitable encounters occur. Would like the drool factor to be low.

I'm single, and have just a few close friends. Still, socializing and obedience training would definitely happen, and the dog will still have to be able to be handled by a vet. More independence would be better than less, I don't want to come home to a depressed pup just because I worked overtime.

My family had 15 dogs during my youth (not at the same time, and in 3 different locations) From chihuahua to great dane, retrievers, GSD, boxer, etc. Dogs are unique individuals, but I would like a leg up on which breeds to focus on.

 

[MORIMOTOM]

a rottweiler or pit bull are intimidating by their very appearance. mostly as the result of media attention. both are smart and easy to train.

most dogs are territorial, so will protect your home without much additional training.

rotts, pits, and german shephards can develop hip problems, but life expectancy is around the ten year mark.

boxers are jumpers, so you'll need a high fence, but are a good med sized breed.

i would also look in to a malenois (sp?). many police depts have switched to these from shephards. very smart, and easily trained. they pack a heck of a bite too!

 

[Daniel Koster]

Mastiff family of dogs sounds right up your alley, bro. :thumbup:


Most usually don't bark until after they've bitten you.


There are several options...


American Mastiff

Neapolitan Mastiff

Bull Mastiff

Bandogge Mastiff (not recommended)
(bully mix adds aggression)

I put them in order of what I thought fit best.


The Mastiff is a large lazy dog, bred to bite first without barking. Fearless defenders. Can have problems in hot areas...but as long as you have some shady spots...will be ok.


You should be able to find a rescue dog fairly easily....sometimes owners freak out at the sheer size of the dog and how much it eats ($$)...and also don't obedience train them (which they need)...so, it's not unusual to see these end up in shelters.

If you'll commit to training, and a good food budget, you'll have a dog that will be exactly what you need.

I also wouldn't turn away a mix...a mastiff mutt is still mostly mastiff.

A note about drooling: the bigger the "flews" (the floppy part of the mouth that typically hangs down past the jaw) the more the drool.

So, look for one that has smaller flews.

Also, the more "bulldog" the face (punched-in nose) the more drool.



Good luck in your search!

 

[DaveH]

malenois

Since I have two of the long haired version of the malinois, known as the tervuren, I can say they would be a VERY bad match for what you want. Belgians like lots of activity, lots of mental stimulation every day. They are not yard dogs, would likely bark alot and tear the place up due to boredom.

The neighboors have a siberian husky who is generally quiet and independent but is somewhat distructive. I'm sure the dog would be less ditructive if they gave it more exercise.

 

[zenheretic]

Huskies like to run and would get hot on the Gulf.

 

[AfterDark]

I have a GSD and its a great dog. It usually barks when strangers are near or on the premises. The above poster is referring to the belgian malinois. It looks very similar to a GSD and if often mistaken for one. They are smaller in size. I don't know too much about the malinois. YOu can also consider a dobermann pinscher. My next dog will probably be a dobie, pit bull, or rot. I would recommend you go with a GSD. They are pretty much the best guard dogs money can buy.

 

[Dinkum]

Rhodesian ridgeback?

No problems with heat, used to hunt lions.

Single, cute dog = chick magnet = not bothered about running him in the park

 

[Fox Creek]

Lab +Boxer
Lab + Airedale
Lab + Doberman
Lab +Spitz
Lab + German shepard
Lab + Border Colley.

Socialize then with your family, show them the property boundries; train them to Stop, Lie down, be quite, etc. They will know what to do. Any Lab mix is good, if from good stock. They will be weather-proof and like kids. I have a Lab-Doberman that is 14. He is an old guy but still indimidates.