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Help me pick a dog
- Thread starter raindog101
- Start date
- Joined
- Sep 26, 2005
- Messages
- 3,516
I always wanted an Irish setter, not sure if they shed, but probably.
I would also go to the pound, I know lots of people whose purebreds developed pretty serious health risks in later years, not enough variety in the genes.
I may be adopting a husky german shepherd mix from the humane society, sounds like a pretty nice mix to me.
I would also go to the pound, I know lots of people whose purebreds developed pretty serious health risks in later years, not enough variety in the genes.
I may be adopting a husky german shepherd mix from the humane society, sounds like a pretty nice mix to me.
Irish setters are ummmmm, nuts and have a low IQ is the best way to descibe them. Hard animals to train. Pretty though.
Liam a husky shepard mix for where you live is about as smart a choice as anything else. Husky's are great but the shepard will give it some trainability.
YOu can get some messed up dogs from the pound too. Depends on the parents but at least with a breeder you have health history and gurantees.
Be firm with your new mix.
Skam
- Joined
- Oct 10, 2005
- Messages
- 12
Rhodesian ridgeback
short hair minimal shedding
65-85 pounds
very smart
can be a couch potatoe
short hair minimal shedding
65-85 pounds
very smart
can be a couch potatoe
Another vote for the pound, I would not be too concerned with the AKC, they are ruining a lot of breeds IMO, because the criteria is for LOOKS not ability, if you do go for a purebred, find a breeder that uses the dogs for the purpose they were bred, I get my Pyrenees that way.
I got my daughter a Mountain Fiest for her B-Day a few years ago, all around good dog, will hunt small furry critters, fearless, loyal, and great with kids. I was in the hospital for a couple weeks recovering from an MC wreck in Sept 06 watching ESPN early in the AM and they were doing the annual "top ten sporting dogs" and the Fiest was their #1 pick.
I got my daughter a Mountain Fiest for her B-Day a few years ago, all around good dog, will hunt small furry critters, fearless, loyal, and great with kids. I was in the hospital for a couple weeks recovering from an MC wreck in Sept 06 watching ESPN early in the AM and they were doing the annual "top ten sporting dogs" and the Fiest was their #1 pick.
- Joined
- Nov 26, 2006
- Messages
- 2,642
Get a bully dog. Bull Terrier or AmStaff they are tenacious, fun and when well trained better than any other dog. Plus all these labs have long coats and shed like crack fiends loose teeth.
Errr, I dont think so. LAbs have a medium to short coat and shed less than most long haird dogs. Their hair is also easy to clean up as its a bit corser.
That said the do shed a bit as 99% of dogs do.
Skam
- Joined
- May 5, 2006
- Messages
- 1,968
I've owned a lot of dogs. Big dogs (Lab, Old English Mastiff, Rotweiller) and little dogs (mini Daucshound, mini Poodle, Maltese). My advice is to get two (2). A Rottie and a Maltese. The Maltese will be the first to alert and confront the intruder. These dogs are alerted at the smallest movements and noises...nothing gets by them. He'll make a racket but the intruder won't be impressed...until the Rottweiler arrives on the scene a minute or two later. 
I've read that this was common practice in ancient times. Purchase them of the same age and raise them together so they become the best of buds. Female Rottie and a male Maltese. :thumbup:
I've read that this was common practice in ancient times. Purchase them of the same age and raise them together so they become the best of buds. Female Rottie and a male Maltese. :thumbup:- Joined
- Apr 28, 2002
- Messages
- 1,369
I have a euro blood Doberman. It fits most of your needs.
1) Short hair - minimal grooming, but still sheds.
2) good working line ones can be a real quick learner, good/ bad?
3) Excellent "guard" temperments
4) Fine with other pets- i have a cat that was adopted after the dog, and he's fine with it
5)Fine with kids
6) Hike for hours summer and winter without ever complaining/ sandbargging
BUT
They are dominate and not the calmest dogs around. If you are used to having dominate dogs, then a dobe is good choice for you as long as it's from a working line.
1) Short hair - minimal grooming, but still sheds.
2) good working line ones can be a real quick learner, good/ bad?
3) Excellent "guard" temperments
4) Fine with other pets- i have a cat that was adopted after the dog, and he's fine with it
5)Fine with kids
6) Hike for hours summer and winter without ever complaining/ sandbargging
BUT
They are dominate and not the calmest dogs around. If you are used to having dominate dogs, then a dobe is good choice for you as long as it's from a working line.
- Joined
- Sep 7, 2006
- Messages
- 6,214
Heh heh heh... Larson always nails it.
- Joined
- Apr 13, 2007
- Messages
- 12,294
The dog you describe is MINE bro !!!
A staffordshire Bull terrier is know as a nanny dog because of how good they are with kids ( I am talking about a british staffy, I do not know about american staff's ) they are very loyal, incredibly loving, good guard dogs, full of energy and will walk forever, but sleep all day after !!! They are in my opinion the greatest all round athletes of the dog world, by that I mean due to a combination of strengh, speed agility etc !
The only one you requested that mine is iffy on is with other animals. Unless they get to know another dog they are quite intolerant of them, they will not start trouble but if another dog comes bounding over and jumps on them they get P*ssed off real quick.
In saying this once they get to know another dog then they won't leave them alone and make great bud's.
With regard to kid's they do however become very protective to the point that if I start to tell my son off, my dog will jump straight between us to protect him !!!
One final word of warning....Once you have had a Staffy or English Bull terrier you will never again want any other breed !!!!
A staffordshire Bull terrier is know as a nanny dog because of how good they are with kids ( I am talking about a british staffy, I do not know about american staff's ) they are very loyal, incredibly loving, good guard dogs, full of energy and will walk forever, but sleep all day after !!! They are in my opinion the greatest all round athletes of the dog world, by that I mean due to a combination of strengh, speed agility etc !
The only one you requested that mine is iffy on is with other animals. Unless they get to know another dog they are quite intolerant of them, they will not start trouble but if another dog comes bounding over and jumps on them they get P*ssed off real quick.
In saying this once they get to know another dog then they won't leave them alone and make great bud's.
With regard to kid's they do however become very protective to the point that if I start to tell my son off, my dog will jump straight between us to protect him !!!
One final word of warning....Once you have had a Staffy or English Bull terrier you will never again want any other breed !!!!
Lord I misss Gary Larson's stuff, but not as much as my Old English Sheepdogs. My OES's were loyal, smart, goofy and the best companions I've had bar none. Yes, lots of maintenance issues...but usually things/people/ pets have their worth in proportion to the effort/sacrifice a person is prepared to make. Sure I'm aware that I'm preaching to the choir, but I do miss those girls and can never pay back what they did for me. They will always be a good reminder of 'put in what you expect to receive'. Best of luck in your choice and may it be a happy adventure.
- Joined
- Jun 14, 2000
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- 15,404
Look for a Labradoodle. It's a cross between a standard poodle and a Labrador Retreiver.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labradoodle
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labradoodle
- Joined
- May 3, 2006
- Messages
- 1,819
Everybody is inclined to suggest the breed they have. I'll admit I am biased toward Akitas. Ours is a long hair and she sheds like crazy. As others have said, research your breeds, and if going for a mix, pay attention to the breed characteristics of the parents. Sometimes a mix can reduce the chances of certain problems that trouble particular breeds, such as aggression, hip displasia or deafness, but a poor mix could exaggerate these problems.
Two other aspects you might want to consider are sex and age. Even once you have decided on a particular breed, realize that there are often behavioral differences between males and females. I think you'll likely get a much calmer, less aggressive dog if you choose a female. Also, selecting a puppy means you'll have the ability to raise it and train it from the beginning, so you won't have to contend with bad habits from former owners. Also, raising it in your home alongside your other pets will minimize any hassle there. Most cat/dog problems I have seen have been when an adult dog is introduced into a cat family. If they haven't learned that they aren't food or a toy, there can be problems. Also, sometimes cats may end up resenting a dog being brought into their home, and provoke hostilities. Ideally, I would prefer to introduce a kitten and a puppy into the home at about the same time.
-- FLIX
- Joined
- Nov 7, 2004
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- 1,011
So many great breeds to choose from out there! Like knives, there is no "best" breed for the family dog. Your environment, climate, room or space, children, etc., are often considerations that help narrow things down a bit.
Our two dogs shown below are both great guard and watch dogs (there is a difference). Both have been formally trained and properly socialized...and I can't emphasize that enough. The dog will often be no better than the time and energy you invest in to him. Problem dogs are dogs without responsible owners (just look at the shelters).
Our AKC registered shepherd (we have had four) are high maintenance dogs that need to be brushed daily to keep shedding at a minimum. The shepherds are generally a highly intelligent breed (ours quickly responds to first time commands). Most properly trained and socialized shepherds LOVE children and are loyal beyond belief to their owners. We sleep soundly with this dog around.
Our American Staffordshire (below) is a very low maintenance dog. She sheds very, very little and, is portable at 48 pounds. Contrary to popular belief, this breed is often not the best breed for guard and watch dog use because of their general affection for people. This particular dog is the exception. She is incredibly intelligent, loves children, but will not let suspicious people around her family. She will not hesitate to guard if the situation calls for it.
At one time we raised and trained labs and beagles for hunting. Excellent family dogs all-around if trained properly. Someone mentioned the Labradoodle. These too are excellent dogs that don't shed and have a great love for the outdoors and family (expect to pay hansom).
We chose these dogs because of our outdoor hobbies. We backpack a bunch and both of these dogs love nothing better than days on a good trail and nights in camp. The shepherd went with us on a 400-mile backpacking trip last summer down the PCT. We hiked 400, she hiked 800 keeping everybody together.
Our two dogs shown below are both great guard and watch dogs (there is a difference). Both have been formally trained and properly socialized...and I can't emphasize that enough. The dog will often be no better than the time and energy you invest in to him. Problem dogs are dogs without responsible owners (just look at the shelters).
Our AKC registered shepherd (we have had four) are high maintenance dogs that need to be brushed daily to keep shedding at a minimum. The shepherds are generally a highly intelligent breed (ours quickly responds to first time commands). Most properly trained and socialized shepherds LOVE children and are loyal beyond belief to their owners. We sleep soundly with this dog around.
Our American Staffordshire (below) is a very low maintenance dog. She sheds very, very little and, is portable at 48 pounds. Contrary to popular belief, this breed is often not the best breed for guard and watch dog use because of their general affection for people. This particular dog is the exception. She is incredibly intelligent, loves children, but will not let suspicious people around her family. She will not hesitate to guard if the situation calls for it.
At one time we raised and trained labs and beagles for hunting. Excellent family dogs all-around if trained properly. Someone mentioned the Labradoodle. These too are excellent dogs that don't shed and have a great love for the outdoors and family (expect to pay hansom).
We chose these dogs because of our outdoor hobbies. We backpack a bunch and both of these dogs love nothing better than days on a good trail and nights in camp. The shepherd went with us on a 400-mile backpacking trip last summer down the PCT. We hiked 400, she hiked 800 keeping everybody together.
I've had numerous breeds and may be a little biased since I make a living with mine, but I HIGHLY recommend Shepherds. I really just can't speak highly enough about them. I would really recommend the animal shelter to, believe it or not. You would be surprised at the number of highly trainable dogs ( I've seen awesome Shepherds) that are there that would so benefit from the life you have planned for one.
