View Full Version : Considering dogs
For a variety of reasons, dogs haven't fit our life style in the past decade. Lately, my wife has taken an interest and has been searching the web. Who am I to argue?
I've had several pups over the years, primarily german shepherds, so that's my natural inclination; nein. By extension, I'm assuming malinois isn't an option. I mentioned Bernese Mtn dog and that was quickly shut down too. She's leaning towards alaskan malamute or aikita; I don't have much experience with either. We both agree siberian huskies are too hyper.
So medium to large dog. Strong protective instincts, gentle as can be otherwise. Cat friendly or die, no kids here but I don't want to worry when they visit. Sturdy but not over energetic. Won't chase after every deer or squirrel which we have in abundance. No genetic issues like hip dysplasia and all the other BS of inbred dogs. Minimal shedding would be a bonus but I can only ask so much.
Not ruling out a pound dog (they've been some of my best buds) but, if we're doing this, we both want a puppy that can be trained and a bloodline with known disposition. If we go with a breeder, I won't rule out going out of state to get our next fur kid.
Suffice to say, she will win...happy wife.... I'm just hoping to steer the conversation somewhat. Open to suggestions.
jreifsch80
02-22-2018, 21:45
If you have an hoa or home owners insurance read their fine print to make sure a breed of dog you want isn’t a “policy exclusion” my hoi won’t cover me if we were to get a Doberman, Rottweiler, pit-bull or some asian fighting dog I can’t remember. which is a shame since I love Rotys. Whatever you do don’t call your insurance company and ask, they will “put a note” on your file
edit, have you considered a German Shepherd?
Hmmm.. Greater Swiss Mtn Dog.. a Rottweiler that has white on it and a tail without the social stigma.
Same disposition, great around family and kids.. a working dog.
I've had a Rottweiler, love them.. I would get a Swiss mtn dog if I was going to get back into the dog game.. they are a Rottweiler from the Swiss side of the border.. or maybe an Alpenzeller or an Entlebucher (smaller version) or if I wanted angood family/kid dog a Border Collie.
Those 3 swiss breeds exibit many of the same traits as Rottweilers. They will be loyal to a family/group vs an individual.
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Edit.. Image added.. Greater Swiss Mtn Dog
http://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/images/a/d/d/b/greater_swiss_mountain_dog/greater_swiss_mountain_dog_1.jpg
Fentonite
02-22-2018, 21:50
Hmmm.. Greater Swiss Mtn Dog.. a Rottweiler that has white on it and a tail without the social stigma.
Same disposition, great around family and kids.. a working dog.
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Everybody knows I'm a Rottie guy, but if you can't get a Rottie, this is what I'd say too.
Grant H.
02-22-2018, 21:53
Honestly, unless you have a LOT of time to devote to training, don't even consider a Malinois. They are extremely driven dogs, and if you aren't directing them for a significant portion of the day, they provide self direction. You will almost certainly NOT like the self direction they provide.
Aikita's are great. I've been around them quite a bit, and they are (usually) big goofy furballs that will protect their domain and people quite effectively.
I know a Labradoddle that doesn't really shed and outweighs our Lab/Shepard mix by a good 20lbs. Good enough disposition, but I don't know about medical stuff. They are specifically bred to be low shedding, if that wasn't clear.
Honestly, unless you have a LOT of time to devote to training, don't even consider a Malinois. They are extremely driven dogs, and if you aren't directing them for a significant portion of the day, they provide self direction. You will almost certainly NOT like the self direction they provide.
Aikita's are great. I've been around them quite a bit, and they are (usually) big goofy furballs that will protect their domain and people quite effectively.
I lived with an Aikita for a while that pretty much fit the above description.
I also know someone that keeps their Malinois in a kennel for like 22 hours a day. It's really sad. Dog is miserable, hasn't learned any social skills or not to pee in the house. It's a real shame.
Honestly, unless you have a LOT of time to devote to training, don't even consider a Malinois. They are extremely driven dogs, and if you aren't directing them for a significant portion of the day, they provide self direction. You will almost certainly NOT like the self direction they provide.
Aikita's are great. I've been around them quite a bit, and they are (usually) big goofy furballs that will protect their domain and people quite effectively.
Yep, check the breed and it's traits vs what you are looking for.. Many shepards from what I have read and from personal experience will latch on to an individual vs a group/family. Had a good friend who's wifes family had a german shepard in the family growing up.. The dog was great on it's own but if his wife's sister was around you couldn't go near her. I don't have a lot of experience with Akitas but what I have seen follows shepards.
many herding/working dogs on the other hand generally protect the group vs an individual.
Zundfolge
02-22-2018, 22:12
She's leaning towards alaskan malamute or aikita
...Cat friendly or die...
Definitely take the Akita off the list then. Not sure about a Malamute and cats.
Minimal shedding would be a bonus but I can only ask so much.
And there goes the Malamute :p
No genetic issues like hip dysplasia
hip dysplasia is a function of size. Keep it under 60lbs and you'll be fine. Most pure breed dogs have potential for some sort of genetic problems. Thing is so do most mutts, but the advantage of a pure breed is that you 1) know what to potentially expect and 2) can mitigate the issue somewhat by making sure you get from a good breeder.
We have an English Shepherd (http://www.englishshepherd.org/) (picture a larger Aussie with a tail and not as hyper) and he meets most of your requirements except for the protective bit (although some ES's are pretty protective, especially of livestock, ours is more of a lover than most).
My brother had a Swiss mountain dog. Great dog, not super long lived. Made it to about 10. I've had decent luck with Shar Pei mixes. Family friendly and super laid back.
The Aikita I lived with as cat friendly, but I suspect he was raised with cats. He liked new cats that were introduced once he was grown as well. I only have that one experience though, so don't consider it fool proof.
I've also known a shepherd that would attach to a single person and wouldn't let anyone near.
English Shepherd is good looking, does it shed a lot?
Malamute and Akita shed like crazy!! Look at a standard or giant Schnauzer. Remember the bigger the dog the shorter the lifespan. I’d also strongly advise against a Mal unless you both have a humungus amount of time to devote to training and keeping it busy as it grows up.
For a variety of reasons, dogs haven't fit our life style in the past decade. Lately, my wife has taken an interest and has been searching the web. Who am I to argue?
I've had several pups over the years, primarily german shepherds, so that's my natural inclination; nein. By extension, I'm assuming malinois isn't an option. I mentioned Bernese Mtn dog and that was quickly shut down too. She's leaning towards alaskan malamute or aikita; I don't have much experience with either. We both agree siberian huskies are too hyper.
So medium to large dog. Strong protective instincts, gentle as can be otherwise. Cat friendly or die, no kids here but I don't want to worry when they visit. Sturdy but not over energetic. Won't chase after every deer or squirrel which we have in abundance. No genetic issues like hip dysplasia and all the other BS of inbred dogs. Minimal shedding would be a bonus but I can only ask so much.
Not ruling out a pound dog (they've been some of my best buds) but, if we're doing this, we both want a puppy that can be trained and a bloodline with known disposition. If we go with a breeder, I won't rule out going out of state to get our next fur kid.
Suffice to say, she will win...happy wife.... I'm just hoping to steer the conversation somewhat. Open to suggestions.
First off I hate Akitas. Least favorite breed ever. That and toy poodles. Not a GS fan either. Too embred and a lot are abused.
Malamute and huskies are runners. Not a fan.
Some rotteis, pits and dobies are my fav dogs. They have to be in strict/caring households.
I'm a herding dog fan. They are loyal and protective. Cat friendly is up in the air. If it runs, it's a toy. Friendly on the trail but will defend the home property.
No shedding? Get an airdale, standard poodle, etc...
Labs were originally mellow lap dogs til they were in the field. Over breeding has ruined that.
I have yet to find a dog that won't chase anything and everything. Good luck with that.
I have a rescue healer/whippet. High energy and needs a RUN at least once a day. Good with cats and friendly to all. Always have had rescues. Some have issues but all have been great dogs. They just need training.
Good luck!
Sheps can be friendly as long as you find an American line. Find one that is from a mellow line and socialize him from a pup. Also spay/neuter early, my pup started to challenge me for alpha when his hormones hit and was a pain in the ass. After the snip he mellowed out.
Akitas can be really stubborn.
Malamutes will chase down small critters as prey, so be aware of that. And both dogs breeds have double coats, so your yard will resemble a sea of fur in the summertime.
What is the function of the dog you're seeking? Chiefly protection- Are you seeking an alarm dog, as in a barker when an intruder comes by, or a protection dog as in, biter? What is it that your wife doesn't like about GSDs?
Btw, I don't know a single person that is not smitten by a gsd pup. Roll up with your wife on a fresh litter and let the magic happen.
JohnnyDrama
02-22-2018, 23:12
As it was a slow day at work I made it through "The Call Of the Wild" by Jack London while I was waiting around. Not much help in your situation but here's an image of a nice Scottish Collie/St. Bernard mix.
73596
Spoiler alert!
It's a great story and the dog doesn't die in the end.
Great-Kazoo
02-22-2018, 23:19
IMO you should be looking for a dog that fits you're lifestyle. The easiest way to find what will blend in is a few different adoption places. They let you bring one home for a few days - week to see how everyone interacts. That's after they come to your place for a once over.
You will both know when the right dog has been found. People have asked here before (what dog should i get) and i'll say it again. Doesn't matter what you adopt if the dog is accepted in to the home, that dog would do almost anything to stand by their people.
Unless you get some couch hound that's just oh so cute. Might as well have her or him keep a set of keys to the safe since they'll be snoozing on the bed while everything is stolen.
Good luck with what ever decision you make.
IMO you should be looking for a dog that fits you're lifestyle. The easiest way to find what will blend in is a few different adoption places. They let you bring one home for a few days - week to see how everyone interacts. That's after they come to your place for a once over.
You will both know when the right dog has been found. People have asked here before (what dog should i get) and i'll say it again. Doesn't matter what you adopt if the dog is accepted in to the home, that dog would do almost anything to stand by their people.
Unless you get some couch hound that's just oh so cute. Might as well have her or him keep a set of keys to the safe since they'll be snoozing on the bed while everything is stolen.
Good luck with what ever decision you make.
Damnit Jim, stop talking about my wife's mutt!
The bird is more likely to attack people....
Grant H.
02-23-2018, 01:26
http://i.imgur.com/GdT5cM0.jpg
I've grown up with GSDs and found them to be awesome family dogs. They were protective of the family/pack and not an individual. They also did great with our cats.
Can't stand Akitas. Had to watch one for a friend of my wife's and the damn thing destroyed my back yard. Big and strong, but didn't strike me as intelligent.
Any type of sled dog is better off pulling a sled. You likely won't keep it engaged enough for it not to find other ways to entertain itself.
Just my 2 cents.
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Bailey Guns
02-23-2018, 07:56
I was always a big dog guy til our first Jack Russell. Huge dog, small package. And Corgis. Just fun. I know those aren't what you're looking for.
We do have a 2 year old Blue Heeler (aka: Aussie Cattle Dog). He's pretty big for a Heeler...about 48 pounds. Strong as an ox. Smart. VERY loyal. Protective of the home and yard but friendly when we take him out. He can hear a flea fart 1/2 mile away and he lets us know about it. He's our first Heeler and there was a steep learning curve. He is very strong-willed and needs positive control all the time. He really doesn't respect the wife as his superior. He responds to me instantly. Down side is he sheds. I think if he had been raised with cats he'd be fine...as it is, he sees them as treats. Stubborn. Wife frequently walks him in a local, but isolated, park area. She says he always moves in close and stays between her and someone passing by.
Lot of Heelers and Border Collies working farms and ranches up here. Very popular breeds in this area. Not uncommon to see 2 or 3 running around the local farms...very protective of the livestock.
If "minimal shedding" is really a key factor . . . don't get a GSD. We love ours. He's a great dog, phenomenal protective instincts, smart, loves to play, etc. But the shedding is epic and constant.
DocMedic
02-23-2018, 09:15
End of summer last year my wife and I picked up a standard poodle in Missouri, She has been a pretty good dog and is finally starting to calm down some. Very high energetic, even as a pup I had to run her almost every day to burn off her energy, we are now upto 3-5 miles a week. Biggest cost so far has been grooming, since the dog doesn't shed it will need regular hair cuts. We usually go with a sports cut and let it grow for a few months before it gets out of hand. So far her kill count is 1 set of sony ear muffs, a left dress shoe, and uncountable amount of socks and every chew toy ever bought, beside kong toys.
73600
Beretta at 7 Months
buffalobo
02-23-2018, 09:42
I was always a big dog guy til our first Jack Russell. Huge dog, small package. And Corgis. Just fun. I know those aren't what you're looking for.
We do have a 2 year old Blue Heeler (aka: Aussie Cattle Dog). He's pretty big for a Heeler...about 48 pounds. Strong as an ox. Smart. VERY loyal. Protective of the home and yard but friendly when we take him out. He can hear a flea fart 1/2 mile away and he lets us know about it. He's our first Heeler and there was a steep learning curve. He is very strong-willed and needs positive control all the time. He really doesn't respect the wife as his superior. He responds to me instantly. Down side is he sheds. I think if he had been raised with cats he'd be fine...as it is, he sees them as treats. Stubborn. Wife frequently walks him in a local, but isolated, park area. She says he always moves in close and stays between her and someone passing by.
Lot of Heelers and Border Collies working farms and ranches up here. Very popular breeds in this area. Not uncommon to see 2 or 3 running around the local farms...very protective of the livestock.Heelers rule. Not the best pet for everyone, but the best one for us. Tough as nails and all go. As BG said, needs strong hand and a job and space.
Second the vote for Corgi as pet. Good size and disposition.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180223/640370f011caa19e49b309d89d0732fc.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180223/915df2533f8e6ade2c7bf5ee7746817c.jpg
If you're unarmed, you are a victim
newracer
02-23-2018, 09:52
Our last two dogs are both from a rescue, great dogs. One is a Boxer/Beagle mix or possibly a Black Mouth Cur, the other is a Mountain Cur possibly mixed with something. The Mountain Cur is exactly what you describe you want.
Zundfolge
02-23-2018, 10:05
Yeah, Heelers and Corgis are good choices too (well Corgis aren't exactly "protective" but they'll bark at anything that moves and think they're tough).
Oh and as much as I love my Engilsh Shepherds, Corgi pups are hands down the cutest of all dog breeds. Period.
Get a pound puppy they are usually the best family dogs. Plus you are saving their life and they will remember that forever.
buffalobo
02-23-2018, 11:04
Mrs bo claims various NOCO shelters/rescues have Corgi/Corgi mixes pretty regular.
If you're unarmed, you are a victim
OneGuy67
02-23-2018, 11:54
We had a Greater Swiss Mtn dog mix. Biggest baby and so loving to the family. Was found abandoned tied to a tree in a park when he was only 70 lbs, grew to about 125 lbs. Big bark and stature that scared many people coming to the house. We lost him to bone cancer at about 9 years of age. Miss him everyday.
I grew up with Akitas I love them but I don't think they're the right dog for your needs.
jreifsch80
02-23-2018, 11:58
You could always get a cat ;) I have a big boned long body 14lb orange cat that plays fetch and begs for table scraps (he’s a sucker for ham)
colorider
02-23-2018, 15:04
73601
This dude is ready for a home. Parents are champion and grand champions. EXTREME AND HIGHLY REGULATED BLOODLINES. White golden retrievers also known as cream or English cream retrievers. I Happen to be the owner of one of this puppies bloodline. Amazing dog. Mellow as can be. Playful when you want to play. Hardly hyper like American goldens tend to be. Super friendly and loves other dogs no matter what size. Amazing with kids and cats too. I can get you info on obtaining this fur ball or general info if you would like.
almost forgot, super smart and extremely easy to train.
You could always get a cat ;) I have a big boned long body 14lb orange cat that plays fetch and begs for table scraps (he’s a sucker for ham)
A couple of ours are Hamcats, too. One of them is a puppycat; he growls when he sees anyone coming towards the house....and then runs for help. Usually in the basement. :)
BushMasterBoy
02-23-2018, 16:58
Malamutes do well outdoors in extreme cold. Closest tame animal related genetically to the wolf. Will escape if not behind a high fence with electric wire. Lots of hair shedding. They need a lot of exercise. The one I had made a military police dog cry, he didn't even growl at it. Will kill an attacker by grabbing them by the throat. Loads of fun in the forest. Will eat 90lbs of dogfood a month. Full size usually 120lbs. Can run 24 miles in 6 hours. Will sleep by the threshold of the door because it prefers the cold. I don't know about other dogs.
By the way, this is my girl, Ziva, 80 lap dog. She's a Lab/Rotty mix which is a wonderful combo-well outside of the fact that she hates cats LOL. I've had her over 6 years now (roughly 1 when I adopted her at the DDFL). Very friendly once she knows someone is ok on the property and in the house, very gentle with my grandsons (4.5 years and the other just turned 8 months). While she hates water she goes absolutely nuts in the snow, just loves it.
I would develop this combo as a breed if I was so motivated but I'd rather adopt from a shelter.
https://s19.postimg.org/41ie5bkf7/IMG_1059.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/y66uqopi7/)
Jeffrey Lebowski
02-23-2018, 17:52
There are vets that specialize in helping to pick the perfect pet (even beyond dogs).
After our favorite breed died, I couldn’t bear another. My wife and I got a book of breeds and each made our list and then went to this special vet that helped. It has been great. [Beer]
Let me know if you want a recommendation on the vet.
I could give a dog recommendation, but it wouldn’t be nearly as helpful. :)
Awesome replies, thanks! Too many to address, so some general responses in no particular order.
Okay, akitas are out (malinois was never really in the running). Leaning away from a malamute. Both for a variety of factors.
Thinking a mature pound dog could be a problem. We have Maine coon cats; one of them will make any 100lb dog back down. Thus the need for a puppy who will quickly learn and then never chase. And with pound pups, that's a pretty big gamble.
Regarding the no GSD mandate. She got bit on the hand at a party a few years ago. Good friends, normally a great dog, but he got wound up with all the people. It will be hard to overcome that but...oooh, puppy. I've had 3 so I know about their fur...one was all white. Alas, don't think it will happen.
Swiss Mtn dog, oooh that could be high on the list. Favorite suggestion so far. Corgis, my favorite of all the small dogs. What an attitude! Not an option. I've met some great Rotties and they hit many of the major checkboxes.
Another issue is we are surrounded by a LOT of land, with a big herd of deer, and that means mountain lions. Fencing dogs in to keep them from running off just invites the big kitties (those cats even learn routines of when people let dogs out to poop, hence one reason for a largish dog). I'll have to build a roofed cage so the pup isn't cooped up inside all the time. We both mostly work at home so it wouldn't be left out all day.
Lots to think about!
JohnnyEgo
02-23-2018, 18:13
I had a bulldog and a doberman before I got married. Wife didn't want any dogs, but is gradually coming around after a decade long campaign. I'm thinking of getting a Boston Terrier as a sort of compact utility bulldog. Anyone got experience with the breed?
Zundfolge
02-23-2018, 18:35
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OMG Mtneer, that's an awesome floof. Just get him and be done with it. Every white golden I've met has been an excellent dog.
StagLefty
02-24-2018, 09:07
I had a bulldog and a doberman before I got married. Wife didn't want any dogs, but is gradually coming around after a decade long campaign. I'm thinking of getting a Boston Terrier as a sort of compact utility bulldog. Anyone got experience with the breed?
After my son lost his bulldog he got Max a Boston Terrier as a puppy. Loves to play, affectionate,very seldom barks,hates being cold. I don't know if they're all chewers but he goes through toys fast. Great small dog,after getting snipped he calmed down quite a bit.
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