seeking dog breed/breeder suggestions

D

DowntownDM

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I've decided I'm getting a dog, perhaps a pair, in the next couple of months.

It's been a few years since my last one, and my needs/wants have changed.

The key characteristics I'm looking for this time around are:

* primarily an everyday companion
* secondarily a home/family guard dog
* not gun shy though not necessarily a hunting dog
* shorter hair/minimal shedding
* really really really really great off-leash
* alert/communicative without being noisy/skittish

What sorts of suggestions do you folks have?

Anyone here have a real/trained guard dog?

Anyone with a Doberman or Ridgeback?

Any other questions for me in order to make a good suggestion?

Thanks, really.

DM
 
I don't own one, but I have been impressed by the Boerboel breed.

I'm a German Shepherd Dog kinda guy.
 
I have a German Pointer mixed with Blue Tic, that initially we thought was half Blue Heeler, but she has no Heeler characteristics. She's a total sweetheart and very well behaved. I'd like to get a full blooded blue tic at some point but my girlfreind wants a doberman pinscher.

 
I may not make any friends with this but I would suggest a red nosed Pit. Not as bulky as a blue, short hair, well mannered, and loyal to a fault. Only thing, they snore.
I have owned (will will probably own more) Shepards, Dobermans, and Rottweilers but our red Pit named Hummer has sold me on this breed. If you are not familiar with the differences between the red and blue nose variants, do a little research and you might better understand my choice.

Either way, good luck with your new companion!
Russ S.


DowntownDM said:
I've decided I'm getting a dog, perhaps a pair, in the next couple of months.

It's been a few years since my last one, and my needs/wants have changed.

The key characteristics I'm looking for this time around are:

* primarily an everyday companion
* secondarily a home/family guard dog
* not gun shy though not necessarily a hunting dog
* shorter hair/minimal shedding
* really really really really great off-leash
* alert/communicative without being noisy/skittish

What sorts of suggestions do you folks have?

Anyone here have a real/trained guard dog?

Anyone with a Doberman or Ridgeback?

Any other questions for me in order to make a good suggestion?

Thanks, really.

DM
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DowntownDM said:
I've decided I'm getting a dog, perhaps a pair, in the next couple of months.

It's been a few years since my last one, and my needs/wants have changed.

The key characteristics I'm looking for this time around are:

* primarily an everyday companion
* secondarily a home/family guard dog
* not gun shy though not necessarily a hunting dog
* shorter hair/minimal shedding
* really really really really great off-leash
* alert/communicative without being noisy/skittish

What sorts of suggestions do you folks have?

Anyone here have a real/trained guard dog?

Anyone with a Doberman or Ridgeback?

Any other questions for me in order to make a good suggestion?

Thanks, really.

DM
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A lab is a great dog......A trained dog like a SchH3 german shepherd will run you about 18,000 or more give or take .......if you have big money go with a trained SchH1 or 2 or 3 ....more or less cost will be 8,000 and up.....or go with a pup of good breeding for guarding and work and will also make a good family dog......This web site has great pups and trained dogs high dollar but worth every penny http://www.kraftwerkk9.com/dogs_available.php
 
check in to a blue healer or border collie, very smart midsized.



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Just don't get one of these. Great gaurd dog, and great with kids, but he is dumb as a box of rocks. After 3 years of training, he cannot resist killing other animals dog's, cats, squirrels, etc....when he see's one. I have tried everything, I think its just bred into him???
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I'm strictly a Doberman woman. I own a pair right now after thirty years without, and will never own another breed. My boys are brothers from different litters, but easily fit your criteria to a T. I sleep more soundly than I ever have, as long as I get my share of the bed! :D

Seriously, they are loving companions, smart, and protective but not crazy. Mine do not have their ears cropped, and lots of folks don't even realize they're Dobes at first. Just to keep this knife-related, here's a pic of my blue Dobe, Moody,(Moody Blues) checking out my SH-E:

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So there you have my vote! Whatever you choose, go to a reputable breeder and get what you pay for!
 
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X 2 on the lab. My favorite breed is Golden Retriever, but they do have longer hair and shed. Lab is my #2 pick. Get an intelligent breed and you will do just fine http://petrix.com/dogint/1-10.html. Pick up the pup at 7 weeks of age and he will imprint on you and your family for life.

For great books on dog training check our Richard Wolters book series, Gun Dog, Game Dog, Water Dog, etc... Fantastic books with common sense training methods. They are great even if you do not plan to hunt the dog. Its an easy read (big letters and lots of pictures ;)).

This is Ranger... 7 1/2 week old Golden Retriever. He is still in preschool, but has the "SIT" command down.
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idahoskunk said:
check in to a blue healer or border collie, very smart midsized.



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Currently I have 2 Corgis, but I think my next will be a Healer (I keep getting corrected around here, no, no, no, it's an Australian Cattle Dog :rolleyes: ). Ive enjoyed interacting with the ones I've met.


Border Collies are too hyper for me, and like Corgis, you can't have just one. The guy up the street has 5, quit the herd of herders.



This is Lizzy, she lived to be 13, got her from Melody Kennels in FT Collins. They breed working Dal's, the Lizard weight ~ 55 lbs, could run all day, strong as a horse and she helped me raise my kids, she was a great family dog, but you need to get them from a reputable breeder.
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FWIW, my wife is a vet, we own property and deal with many different dogs. My favorite and the general consensus of most vets that I have met is a pit cross. My dream dog is a rhodie/pit cross. I am very fond of Rhodies. They are working dogs and need space. IMO, the typical suburban backyard doesn't cut it for them unless you take them out, a lot.They are good guard dogs and can be very intimidating when necessary. I know a number of SAR people that use Rhodies. But I always gravitate back to the pit cross. Stoic, fun, obedient, and contrary to what most sheeple think, pits are not mean dogs. All breeds have assholes, and many dogs have asshole owners. Most pits are eager to please and if the dogs owner likes when the dog acts aggressive to others, the dogs will pick up on this and continue with the aggression. Everyone thinks it is cute when a rat, uh, chihuahua, acts like that but they're, obviously, small. Some dogs display animal aggression, such as what KDIZZOG said, that can be dealt with but it takes time. Some dogs are just wired for it. My vote is for the Pit cross.
 
thanks, everyone, for the suggestions so far.

breed aside - I want a puppy such that it's mine and with me from beginning to end, and I'd like a female in particular.

budget-wise, I doubt I'll spend more than $2k for a puppy (maybe as much as $3k on a pair), and at that range it best be a truly outstanding puppy or two from a great line.

training-wise, I'm thinking I'd spend as much as another couple of grand on some key classes during the first year or so to get a good foundation - after which I'd just maintain and possibly expand its training myself.

the Belgian Malinois looks really interesting, and the most promising new thing I've seen so far. The Boerboel is pretty nifty too though, and chunky. I'd never heard of either of those before. Healers are another good suggestion and one I've considered, and Labs are great dogs too - though I think I want something more visually intimidating than either of those.

and hey, that's a great looking dog Soulrack... I like German Shorthairs, and apparently mixes too, especially in those colors.

Dobermans have been on top of my list, and I too like the uncropped eared version. the Belgian Malinois is the first thing to really challenge it so far.

a working Dalmation, wow, who'd've thunk it. beautiful dogs.
 
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I recently had to put my Dobie down. He developed doggie lymphoma and within ten days of diagnosis could no longer stand. He was only 8 years old... He was a magnificent dog, tons of personality and smarter than a lot of people that I know. We (my family) are not very social, so our dog wasn't either. ULTRA protective of my wife and son, would always position himself between them and anything that could be a threat.
Our "Samson" RIP buddy.
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We miss him terribly and will be getting another Dobie when we can.

Funny that you bring up Rhodesian's. We were going to get two Dobies, but decided last week to get a Dobie and a Ridgeback. I think they will be a great pair, and would produce some awesome puppies!

Good luck in choosing the right dog for you and your family.
 
DowntownDM said:
I've decided I'm getting a dog, perhaps a pair, in the next couple of months.

It's been a few years since my last one, and my needs/wants have changed.

The key characteristics I'm looking for this time around are:

* primarily an everyday companion
* secondarily a home/family guard dog
* not gun shy though not necessarily a hunting dog
* shorter hair/minimal shedding
* really really really really great off-leash
* alert/communicative without being noisy/skittish

What sorts of suggestions do you folks have?

Anyone here have a real/trained guard dog?

Anyone with a Doberman or Ridgeback?

Any other questions for me in order to make a good suggestion?

Thanks, really.

DM
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Hey, I(technically my mom and dad) have THREE Rhodesian Ridgebacks. I don't have a single complaint, other than their stubbornness. Another dog I would highly recommend would be the Bernese Mountain Dog. I looooovvvveee that breed. It's not quite a hunting dog, but fits most other criteria quite well imho. Well, other than the shedding. Just consider that "one on one" time with the dog.
 
oh my goodness, these dogs all look so freaking cool.

my parents took my lab when i went away for college, and haven't exactly given her back yet!

i personally favor bigger dogs, my favorites being labs and shepards.
 
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