Dog question...

[Ronin13]

So my brother and I are getting a house at the end of the summer (July-Sept timeframe) and one of the big things about it is that I need a yard (or the ability to fence it) so I can get a dog. I've looked into a few breeds and have decided that I'm not going the pure bred route due to health concerns. What I'd really like to get, based on past experience, is a wolf-hybrid, either a husky or shepherd hybrid. So a couple questions on this for anyone in the know, and I've done the research, I'm aware of the risk factors involved with hybrids such as the "pack mentality" and the need to establish that I'm the alpha quick and early. First question: 90% sure the house will be in unincorporated Jeffco, there aren't any laws against owning hybrids are there? I have a couple of friends who have them, but they're about 6-10 years old so they've had them a while. Just don't want to be outside the law here.
Second: Does anyone know of any breeders? I'm looking more locally first but will take almost anything as long as they're not too expensive and not too far outside the state.
Thanks!

[funkymonkey1111]

One other thing to consider is will the homeowner's insurance cover bites from this breed. there are alot of exclusions--you may need to get a separate rider on the policy.

[Mtn.man]

Get a chimp.

[Sharpienads]

Can't help you out with the questions, but there are a ton of dogs that need a loving home. So if your hybrid thing doesn't work out, might want to look at rescue dogs. I have one, he's a total knucklehead, but I love him anyway.

Not trying to be all high and mighty, just throwing out an idea. Good luck! [Beer]

[Mtn.man]

Best dogs are usually rescued.

But a chimp can feed himself and knock out bad guys.

Never mind cause then you'd have to get the chimp a dog.

[SA Friday]

Huh. I always pictured you as a bichon frise type guy.

[lifeon2]

I'm not a dog guy...probably because time spent with my grandpa taught me that this was a small kitty.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/lifeon2/Untitled-1.jpg

[Ronin13]

One other thing to consider is will the homeowner's insurance cover bites from this breed. there are alot of exclusions--you may need to get a separate rider on the policy.

Well considering I'm my insurance agent... [Coffee] Yeah I know about this and we should be never really ask about dogs when writing a policy. I'm not too worried because technically a hybrid is just another dog in that aspect.

Get a chimp? Now I'm thinking of Grandma's Boy... "Dr. Shockla is gonna hook us up with a monkey. I'm gonna teach it taekwondo." [ROFL1]
And of course my backup if the hybrid falls through is go through puppy rescue where my mom got her dog, Bear. He's the best dog I've ever had!
He's the dark one with our golden, Bella (RIP)
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/182398_10150099352418130_422763_n.jpg

Lifeon2- I'm not a big cat person [LOL]

[Ronin13]

Huh. I always pictured you as a bichon frise type guy.

Now that's just a low blow... [Tooth]

[lifeon2]

Yeah the litter box was kind of a pain.....

[El Caballo Loco]

Can't help you out with the questions, but there are a ton of dogs that need a loving home. So if your hybrid thing doesn't work out, might want to look at rescue dogs. I have one, he's a total knucklehead, but I love him anyway.

Not trying to be all high and mighty, just throwing out an idea. Good luck! [Beer]

This....


Dogs are getting put down everyday in shelters because of breeders and piss poor owners. Walk in there and grab the oldest dog you can find and give it a good place to die.

[UncleDave]

Monkey just got his yellow belt. He's a quick learner! Seriously wolf hybrids can be a little dicey as far as temperment goes. Be careful on who is breeding goes.

[El Caballo Loco]

The energy factor is something to consider as well. These dogs are chock full of energy. Someone with an extremely active lifestyle that has the ability and freedoms to include the dog in their daily life would be an ideal owner. Not only to burn energy but also to maintain constant assertion of dominance.

[Mtn.man]

My brother has a Blood hound cool bag O' wrinkles.

[aahorn]

i dunno anything about these hybrid dogs your talkin about but i'd recommend 'puppies voice'

all puppies, all rescue animals from kill shelters and its super cheap ~ $150 and they pay for half of their snip job

cheapy rescue puppies are the best thing you can ask for IMO

[ChadAmberg]

Dogs are getting put down everyday in shelters because of breeders and piss poor owners. Walk in there and grab the oldest dog you can find and give it a good place to die.

I was reading a story the other day about a woman who goes into the shelter and picks out a dog that has obviously had the hardest life and will be put down a few days later due to illness. She'll take it home, give it all the love and attention she can for a week and then then make sure that it's passing goes as easily as possible.

I don't think I could do that, but it's about the best thing I've ever heard.

[hatidua]

Shelters have a LOT of dogs to choose from - and most will outlive any fancy pure breed/half wolf/GSD, etc.

[El Caballo Loco]

I'd like to read that as well Chad.

[Ronin13]

So the general consensus is to get a rescued dog? I'd rather not go with the oldest dog possible as this is technically my *First* (on my own not-family) dog, and I'm just gonna go ahead and be honest here the puppy>chicks factor is possibly the best unintended consequence of having my favorite companion. I am pretty active and have already vowed that regardless of breed this dog is going everywhere possible with me, he/she is gonna be a for sure car dog. Thanks for the advice.

[Mtn.man]

When you go to the pound, walk straight keep your head down, focus on what you have in your mind, do not look at all of them or you will be going home with a truck load of them.

[ChadAmberg]

The energy factor is something to consider as well. These dogs are chock full of energy. Someone with an extremely active lifestyle that has the ability and freedoms to include the dog in their daily life would be an ideal owner. Not only to burn energy but also to maintain constant assertion of dominance.

Most of the success stories I've heard about the hybrids were where the owner worked from home, or in a situation where he could keep the dog near him at all times.

Seems that the problems occur where dogs weren't being dominated 100% of the time.

[Tinelement]

Best dogs are rescued.

100% agree.

I got my pure breed saint from a rescue 5 yrs ago. Best pup I ever got.

And as for you comment in the op, Any dog will have health problems if you don't take care of them, even mutts.

I have had quite a few dogs, both pure and mutts, all lived the same! Love them and treat them right and they will do you good for a long time!

[ChadAmberg]

So the general consensus is to get a rescued dog? I'd rather not go with the oldest dog possible as this is technically my *First* (on my own not-family) dog, and I'm just gonna go ahead and be honest here the puppy>chicks factor is possibly the best unintended consequence of having my favorite companion. I am pretty active and have already vowed that regardless of breed this dog is going everywhere possible with me, he/she is gonna be a for sure car dog. Thanks for the advice.

Try a pup in the 4-8 month range. Old enough to be potty/crate trained. Young enough to still be a puppy.

But you want chicks, get a border collie and train him to be a frisbee dog!

[Zundfolge]

I'm going to go against the grain here a little bit and say I don't prefer shelter dogs.

When it comes to health, size, temperament, longevity, intelligence ... its all a crap shoot. Sure you could get the best dog ever or you could get a dumb, hard to train, sickly dog with bad knees (TPLO surgeries are expensive) and/or hips that will drain your finances and leave you heartbroken and probably never wanting a dog again.

The problem with pure breed dogs is that unless you know exactly what you want you're also in for some experimentation. That and there are bad breeders out there so you end up with the same downsides as pound dogs (so educate yourself on the breed you like).

I'll probably never own anything but English Shepherds (http://www.englishshepherd.org/) from here on out (we're on our second one and they're about the perfect dog, at least for us).

Here we are on top of Pike's Peak.

http://www.macvanpublishing.com/mike/Thatcher/OnTopofPikesPeak.jpg

So if you really want to "rescue" a dog (I hate that term as I think its more about self aggrandizement than the damn dog ... like driving a Prius) you might look at breed specific rescues. For example there is an English Shepherd rescue (http://www.nesr.info/).

If you don't know what you want, I'm still of the opinion that in general herding dogs (http://www.herdingontheweb.com/dogs.htm) are the best. They're smarter, more trainable (especially house breaking) and most are healthy/hearty breeds (Aussies probably the least healthy being prone to cancer and epilepsy, but they're still pretty healthy dogs).

Now one advantage to shelter dogs is if you KNOW what breed the parents are, you can take advantage of something called "Hybrid Vigor" ... the mating of two pure breed dogs tends to make for pups that are healthier than the parents, and if you know what the parents are you have a better idea of what to expect.

[Delfuego]

Best dogs are usually rescued.Big +1

There are no bad dogs, only bad owners...

[El Caballo Loco]

I was on the fence about getting a shelter dog and to be honest I did a lot of second guessing when I got mine. There was some biting issues as well as a hard time asserting dominance. My original thread is here. http://www.ar-15.co/forums/showthread.php?t=48036 (http://www.ar-15.co/forums/showthread.php?t=48036) He's 9 and a lot of people, as you can see in that thread, said there was no hope for him and you can't teach an old dog new tricks, they've trained and had many dogs, bla bla bla, but obviously they can go suck one.

Asserting dominance was easy once I realized that it was best done under the right circumstances, which I definitely did not enjoy but it worked. Food aggression was easily taken care of as well as getting him used to other people.

Now, he goes everywhere with me. I take him where ever I can and he's been great. He doesn't know what a leash is anymore and I can call him off a rabbit mid chase. I don't go to work without him unless we're on the range or jumping. All the guys love him. He's still very protective though. Even after he stayed with my parents for a week, I came to pick him up and my dad gave me a hug and he was immediately between my father and I with teeth bared. There was food aggression at the beginning but now he doesn't touch his food without me giving him the word once he's sat down. I even left him at the house one day and came back 6 hours later to find him staring at a full bowl of food because some asshole left in a hurry without giving him the word.

He loves riding in the truck also. He stays in the cab and just sort of chills there.

There's a few on here who have met him and would definitely agree he's a great dog.

Don't go after a dog for a certain type of breed or any kind of status symbol. Don't be afraid of handling certain dogs like pits or rotts either.

Get a pooch that suits your personality. Don't get a husky because you like to go hiking once a month and don't get a bassett hound because you may sit down and veg on the couch for a few hours a month.

Every dog needs three things....love, exercise, and discipline. It just depends on the dog how much of each it needs and how willing and patient you are to provide those.

[El Caballo Loco]

I also think a lot of people use the term rescue dogs to cover shelter dogs and puppy mill dogs, which is true and not true depending on how you slice the pie.

Rescue dogs seem to be just that, rescued dogs. Sometimes abused, malnourished, or neglected dogs with human contact that may not have always been in a positive light.

Shelter dogs are usually strays, abandoned, or unwanted dogs.

Puppy mill dogs are usually used by shitty breeders just to breed and make money, usually having piss poor living conditions like being caged up and no human contact.

Most anywhere you go you will be able to "meet" the dog and spend some time with it before adopting.



On another note, I think six months or so ago, shelters got so bad in North Carolina, specifically Cumberland County and in the Raleigh area that dogs were only getting 1-3 days before they were put down due to the high intake of unwanted dogs, usually those bought from breeders by impulsive owners.

[DD977GM2]

Id personally go with e Malinois. They are not inbred to the point that german sheps are and are the best damn dogs out there especially
where you live Ryan, they can be outside longer then most dogs due to their coat and also are very good watch dogs.

[Zundfolge]

Don't go after a dog for a certain type of breed or any kind of status symbol. Don't be afraid of handling certain dogs like pits or rotts either.

Get a pooch that suits your personality. Don't get a husky because you like to go hiking once a month and don't get a bassett hound because you may sit down and veg on the couch for a few hours a month.

Agreed, know what you want out of a dog and find the dog that fits your lifestyle, not try to fit the dog to your lifestyle or try to fit your lifestyle to the dog. Otherwise both you and the dog will be unhappy.

[Great-Kazoo]

I'd advise against a puppy, unless you have time to train, house break, chewing etc them. a 1.5 year old is still young but old enough to work with. We use to try and adopt puppies but they are time consuming. Time spent looking for our latest pet was equal to buying a truck, research and pounding the pavement.

Regarding a "wolf" hybrid GFL. Having been involved with the "breed" you will need a few things before bringing one home
1) Very secure dog run, easy 10x10 minimum.

2) Very secure dog run, making sure the top is covered and you have at least 6-12" under the pen secure with fencing and or brick.

3) very secure dog run. The "hybrid" outside of being a pack animal is a very good escape artist. They like to DIG and JUMP. The 2 i had hands on experience turned their shelter into a labyrinth of tunnels and hiding spots.

4) No other pets especially cats. In their heart they are hunters, if it moves it's a meal.

5) Lots of time dedicated to the "breed" no matter how hard you try to train it, they have a mind (wandering) of their own.

6) Do NOT buy any new furniture or think about making the hybrid a house pet. They are not and house breaking one , or trying to, is like the Borg, futile.

This looks like you are going to buy a BMW of pets, STAY AWAY unless you do a lot of research and spend time with one of the wolf rescues. They are a handful and you more than likely will be trying to find a home for it within the year.

[Ronin13]

I'd advise against a puppy, unless you have time to train, house break, chewing etc them. a 1.5 year old is still young but old enough to work with. We use to try and adopt puppies but they are time consuming. Time spent looking for our latest pet was equal to buying a truck, research and pounding the pavement.

Regarding a "wolf" hybrid GFL. Having been involved with the "breed" you will need a few things before bringing one home
1) Very secure dog run, easy 10x10 minimum.

2) Very secure dog run, making sure the top is covered and you have at least 6-12" under the pen secure with fencing and or brick.

3) very secure dog run. The "hybrid" outside of being a pack animal is a very good escape artist. They like to DIG and JUMP. The 2 i had hands on experience turned their shelter into a labyrinth of tunnels and hiding spots.

4) No other pets especially cats. In their heart they are hunters, if it moves it's a meal.

5) Lots of time dedicated to the "breed" no matter how hard you try to train it, they have a mind (wandering) of their own.

6) Do NOT buy any new furniture or think about making the hybrid a house pet. They are not and house breaking one , or trying to, is like the Borg, futile.

This looks like you are going to buy a BMW of pets, STAY AWAY unless you do a lot of research and spend time with one of the wolf rescues. They are a handful and you more than likely will be trying to find a home for it within the year.

This is exactly what I was looking for! I'm sold, not getting a hybrid. I would love to start out with a puppy because it's like raising a child, adopting at 5 years old just isn't the same (I know bad comparision but it's all I've got). Great advice on getting a dog that matches my activity level, I do like to go out and I take Bear on lots of walks- I take him to the Bark Park up here in Evergreen where we can pop the leash off and he can run, so in that I could hypothetically get a husky, but again, with all the health issues of pure breeds I'd rather get a mutt maybe with some husky or shepherd in the mix.

Gabe, those are some good looking dogs, as the summer progresses I'll look into those as well. Now I can't find it, but I cannot get a pitt, my mom just has issue and the rare chance I might go out of town for a week or long weekend she would refuse to have one over, it's not that she believes the BS hype, we had a pitt once and they do tend to be more dominant and aggressive towards other dogs, just how they're wired. Also I cannot get a hybrid if they don't get along with other dogs as I do spend time at my mom's with Bear, and the little brother has mentioned he wants to get a dog as well (it's only fair). So thanks for the advice all, keep it coming; Jim, looks like yours hit the hardest, as much as I'd love to have one, I'll pass on the headache [Beer].
Looks like I'll start researching soon at some 9mo-15mo old pups to see which would fit best, I also wouldn't mind a Dogo Argentino, I think they're pretty cool dogs too. Anyone have experience with them?

[hollohas]

My pup came from here. They rescue both pups and adult labs from all over the country. My doggie came from TN. They show you pics and tell stories about all the dogs that are available for adoption. They are a great organization.



http://www.milehighlabmission.com/ (http://www.milehighlabmission.com/)

You can see my pup's story here (http://www.milehighlabmission.com/home/success-stories/april-2010) under the name "Fifi"...we renamed her Kimber...yes, after the gun. She is now 2 years old.

[Zundfolge]

...with all the health issues of pure breeds...
Pure breeds only have health issues when they are poorly bred or are breeds with know health issues (for example flat faced breeds tend to have respiratory problems and most large breeds, even mutts have tendencies for hip dysplasia).

Mutts can be just as unhealthy if they're inbred or the product of an unhealthy sire or dame.


I'd rather get a mutt maybe with some husky or shepherd in the mix.

Getting a mixed breed where you know the parent's breeds is a good way to go ... its all about predictability.

[Great-Kazoo]

Pure breeds only have health issues when they are poorly bred or are breeds with know health issues (for example flat faced breeds tend to have respiratory problems and most large breeds, even mutts have tendencies for hip dysplasia).

Mutts can be just as unhealthy if they're inbred or the product of an unhealthy sire or dame.



Getting a mixed breed where you know the parent's breeds is a good way to go ... its all about predictability.


+1K

Also look at rescued for life out of saudia aurora.
We drove down for a meet & greet with a very nice 2 yr old heeler. Not only did ithey ask for info such as references, they also drove up here to make sure we actually owned a house had the type of yard we described and not some 1 room apt, etc.

[tmckay2]

So the general consensus is to get a rescued dog? I'd rather not go with the oldest dog possible as this is technically my *First* (on my own not-family) dog, and I'm just gonna go ahead and be honest here the puppy>chicks factor is possibly the best unintended consequence of having my favorite companion. I am pretty active and have already vowed that regardless of breed this dog is going everywhere possible with me, he/she is gonna be a for sure car dog. Thanks for the advice.

shelter dogs are great, my bro has one and hes the quirkiest mutt ive ever known, i love that guy. but if you for sure want a young one and want to know the age, try some of the local rescues. many are at petcos on the weekends and are basically mom and pop organizations that take pups about to be put down and foster them locally until adopted. they do an interview and stuff but its just to make sure you aren't a d-bag. thats where i got mine and i love her to death.

shelter might be better for a seasoned dog owner. some of them have hard habits to break. pups you can make them what you want. i agree though a mutt is the way to go, i love all dogs and had a golden retriever as a kid but ive always seen pure breds have health problems earlier

[tmckay2]

I was reading a story the other day about a woman who goes into the shelter and picks out a dog that has obviously had the hardest life and will be put down a few days later due to illness. She'll take it home, give it all the love and attention she can for a week and then then make sure that it's passing goes as easily as possible.

I don't think I could do that, but it's about the best thing I've ever heard.

imagine if we did that for people in similar situations.

[Mtn.man]

Get a chee waa waa, they are tough hombres.

[scratchy]

Here's a great Husky rescue. I have 2 of their dogs.

http://www.northstarhuskyrescue.org/

[ChadAmberg]

Here ya go... http://www.thepuppyrescuemission.org

[jmg8550]

I personally like the Rhodesian Ridgeback. They can be found at shelters occasionally. Great dogs, and they sound like they would be a good match for you.

[El Caballo Loco]

I always thought Catahoulas were gorgeous with the right temperament for my lifestyle.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catahoula_Cur

[45XD]

So my brother and I are getting a house at the end of the summer (July-Sept timeframe) and one of the big things about it is that I need a yard (or the ability to fence it) so I can get a dog. I've looked into a few breeds and have decided that I'm not going the pure bred route due to health concerns. What I'd really like to get, based on past experience, is a wolf-hybrid, either a husky or shepherd hybrid. So a couple questions on this for anyone in the know, and I've done the research, I'm aware of the risk factors involved with hybrids such as the "pack mentality" and the need to establish that I'm the alpha quick and early. First question: 90% sure the house will be in unincorporated Jeffco, there aren't any laws against owning hybrids are there? I have a couple of friends who have them, but they're about 6-10 years old so they've had them a while. Just don't want to be outside the law here.
Second: Does anyone know of any breeders? I'm looking more locally first but will take almost anything as long as they're not too expensive and not too far outside the state.
Thanks!
So my in-laws had a pair of German Shepherds; these were not pure bred as the breeders had been working for quite a while to breed them down to about 1/8th hound (not sure of the exact type). They were trying to breed out the hip dysplasia...
Beautiful dogs, but very energetic...

[theGinsue]

I read the first 10 posts and then shortcutted to the end of the thread --

Unless you want to be claiming your dog from the pound or generous neighbors (and thusly paying huge fines), don't get yourself a Husky/Husky-mix. Beautiful dogs but they will do anything and everything to get out of a fenced backyard.

[Great-Kazoo]

I always thought Catahoulas were gorgeous with the right temperament for my lifestyle.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catahoula_Cur


http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u129/51jim/100_0430.jpg

we think by her mannerism's, herding instinct (front / nose) vs. from the rear and speed (fastest dog i've ever seen) she's got some catahoula in her gene's. That and korean gutter slut.

The mastiff is our friends. Most docile, obedient, child friendly mastiff you will ever meet, then again haven't met to many english mastiff's that were not docile.

We've had dogs for 4 decades, 2 males the rest (duh) female. All fixed prior to or after taking possession. IF you decide on a male get one that is fixed. they get shit in their brains that will not come out after they've walked around a year or 2 not being cut. Fence jumping, leg lifting, deaf when you try to call em out MFkers you've ever seen.

Either way, what ever you decide, do it for the animal not because you "want a dog" those kind of buys end up lost, abused, returned to previous owner or dumped in the wilderness.
AND get the dog spayed or neutered if not already done.

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

Or.... You can quit being a diva and get a Labrador retriever.

[Great-Kazoo]

Or.... You can quit being a diva and get a Labrador retriever.


A labrador reDiva, kind of fit his lifestyle, Dahlaing

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

A labrador reDiva, kind of fit his lifestyle, Dahlaing

Man you're on the good jokes early in the a.m. [LOL]

[ChadAmberg]

Or.... You can quit being a diva and get a Labrador retriever.

Heh, we used to joke that car dealers would include a Lab free with your SUV or minivan when you bought that house in the suburbs.

[Monky]

I read the first 10 posts and then shortcutted to the end of the thread --

Unless you want to be claiming your dog from the pound or generous neighbors (and thusly paying huge fines), don't get yourself a Husky/Husky-mix. Beautiful dogs but they will do anything and everything to get out of a fenced backyard.

Those bastards are Houdini. Smart too.. my friends dogs used to create escape routes. It was funny till you had to chase a husky for 2 miles cause they were having fun..

[cofi]

i have 7 purebred pitbull puppies that will be ready to go at the end of july mom and dad on site both are great gun dogs no health problems ever dad is ofa certrified, and was a therapy dog for years

pm me if interested

[Ronin13]

Get a chee waa waa, they are tough hombres.

No offense intended to people who own small dogs, but they're just not for me... If I wanted a purse dog I'd be a chick, if I wanted a miniature ankle biting critter I'd get a cat. [Flower]

Cofi- as much as my family loves pits, believe me, I think they're just great dogs- the amount of time I spend at mom's she just wouldn't let me bring it over for play dates with Bear, she likes them, but doesn't trust them around our dog.

[scratchy]

http://d1ihe8iurr5ss7.cloudfront.net/animals/fullsize/s3279a4152473m10303887.jpg

[Danimal]

Jumping on this a little late. Not sure if this was said, but when picking a dog temperament has just as much to do with how well he/she behaves as breed does. Generally speaking stay away from high energy dogs. If you don't run the energy out of them, they run out of energy destroying / digging everything in their path. Pick a dog that has a mild yet confident temperament and get training classes in the beginning. It helps bond the dog to you and creates a strong base for the dog listening to you and trusting you. I have a half husky/half lab mix. Great dog, but sheds about (not kidding) two full trashbags of hair every spring. Also has separation anxiety and can / will chew through anything when he gets upset. My back yard always looks like a bomb went off out there. Do the research and pick a breed then pick the dog based on temperament. Rescue dogs are the best and generally the humane society does obedience training on dogs they bring in making your life a little easier skipping the whole stupid puppy shit on everything phase.

[Rucker61]

Yeah the litter box was kind of a pain.....

Yeah, they're really hard to train, even with the old "monkey see, monkey do" technique.

[reno316]

If you don't know what you want, I'm still of the opinion that in general herding dogs (http://www.herdingontheweb.com/dogs.htm) are the best. They're smarter, more trainable (especially house breaking) and most are healthy/hearty breeds (Aussies probably the least healthy being prone to cancer and epilepsy, but they're still pretty healthy dogs)

There's an old saying:
You teach a pointer HOW to hunt.
You teach a hound WHEN to hunt.
You teach a retriever HOW and WHEN to hunt.
Herding dogs? You don't teach them much of anything. Basically, they teach you instead.

I have an Australian Kelpie: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Kelpie and once you get past the first year, it's a cake walk. SUPER smart, SUPER easy to train, LOVES to work, even temperament, likes to play and learn, not aggressive, medium sized, generally good health...

[TS12000]

i have 7 purebred pitbull puppies that will be ready to go at the end of july mom and dad on site both are great gun dogs no health problems ever dad is ofa certrified, and was a therapy dog for years

pm me if interested

Oh yeah just what Ronin needs...a fooking pitbull [Help]

[Ronin13]

Oh yeah just what Ronin needs...a fooking pitbull [Help]

Timeout! Now just what exactly is that supposed to mean? I've taken the gentle ribbing in this thread but it appears to me that you're edging a line here, I need a little clarity to be sure though, I'm hoping my perception of what your meaning here is wrong.

[Zundfolge]

There's an old saying:
You teach a pointer HOW to hunt.
You teach a hound WHEN to hunt.
You teach a retriever HOW and WHEN to hunt.
Herding dogs? You don't teach them much of anything. Basically, they teach you instead.
No doubt. There's a cool story on the English Shepherd Rescue page about a dog named Abby that was basically a city dog that got put up for adoption and was taken in by a lady in the country that had goats and how it saved the goats one day Read it here (http://www.nesr.info/rescue-dog-information-abby.html)

Our English Shepherds have never really required any training, they just follow you around, watch what you do and figure out how best they can help out.


As for Ronin and a Pitbull, I've known many Pits over the years and I've NEVER known a mean one (I've seen mean ones guarding property, but never actually known those dogs). I have known several GSDs, Labs and Rotties that were just downright mean dogs (I'm sure it was due to a hard life). I've also known Pits that were the most loveable, goofy and friendly dogs you'd meet.

Only things to be concerned about with a Pit is that there are a few areas in the Denver Metro Area where they're illegal ... and they might also be against the rules of your HOA (assuming you have one) and your homeowner's insurance policy might not cover them.

Nobody bans herding dogs :)

[Ronin13]

No doubt. There's a cool story on the English Shepherd Rescue page about a dog named Abby that was basically a city dog that got put up for adoption and was taken in by a lady in the country that had goats and how it saved the goats one day Read it here (http://www.nesr.info/rescue-dog-information-abby.html)

Our English Shepherds have never really required any training, they just follow you around, watch what you do and figure out how best they can help out.


As for Ronin and a Pitbull, I've known many Pits over the years and I've NEVER known a mean one (I've seen mean ones guarding property, but never actually known those dogs). I have known several GSDs, Labs and Rotties that were just downright mean dogs (I'm sure it was due to a hard life). I've also known Pits that were the most loveable, goofy and friendly dogs you'd meet.

Only things to be concerned about with a Pit is that there are a few areas in the Denver Metro Area where they're illegal ... and they might also be against the rules of your HOA (assuming you have one) and your homeowner's insurance policy might not cover them.

Nobody bans herding dogs :)

True Zund, and I like herding dogs, I have friends who have had many different kinds over the years and they're just damn smart dogs. As far as pits go, that idea is off the table, I love 'em to death, would love to have one, but as I said before, I spend a lot of time with my mom and our dog Bear, and she just has this thing against them ever since we brought one home years ago- she just doesn't trust them around Bear and she's stubborn like that, so I'd rather not make an attempt to persuade my mom by forcing something on her. I really like the idea of English Shepherds because A) they're good looking dogs, B) they're pretty low maintenance and easy to live with from the get go, and C) I have yet to meet one I didn't instantly fall in love with.

[MED]

So my brother and I are getting a house at the end of the summer (July-Sept timeframe) and one of the big things about it is that I need a yard (or the ability to fence it) so I can get a dog. I've looked into a few breeds and have decided that I'm not going the pure bred route due to health concerns. What I'd really like to get, based on past experience, is a wolf-hybrid, either a husky or shepherd hybrid. So a couple questions on this for anyone in the know, and I've done the research, I'm aware of the risk factors involved with hybrids such as the "pack mentality" and the need to establish that I'm the alpha quick and early. First question: 90% sure the house will be in unincorporated Jeffco, there aren't any laws against owning hybrids are there? I have a couple of friends who have them, but they're about 6-10 years old so they've had them a while. Just don't want to be outside the law here.
Second: Does anyone know of any breeders? I'm looking more locally first but will take almost anything as long as they're not too expensive and not too far outside the state.
Thanks!

I have one quick word on health of purebred dogs not being good. I can mostly speak to German Shepherds (GSDs). There are two different blood-lines out there. The American blood line is a disaster BECAUSE of extremely poor breeding practices. The German blood-line is incredible…a true example of how the dog was intended. I have a German blood-line (GSD) and she is perfect…not a single health or physical flaw (at age 7, she can run circles around the younger dogs). The males from her litter went to police departments. She weighs about 68lbs and every person who knows anything about the breed can recognize what she is when they first see her. When I bought her, I knew exactly what I was getting. My wife has an American blood-line GSD and her dog has numerous flaws. And, of course, there are the 90lbs females and 110lbs+ males…what a disaster (they should be no more then 70/90). My wife’s purebred Siberian Husky is extremely healthy too…we bought her from a guy who breed’s working sled dogs, as in he has a sled team and competes. If the dog can’t pull a sled or sketchy in any way, it’s gone and certainly not bred. Although cute and vocal with the family, the dog is stubborn and really kind of a pain the ass most of the time. If you do the research, you can get a great dog. As an example, a GSD Schuetzen dog that is fully trained and credentialed will help a lot on your insurance, rental eligibility, and financial liability if something happens. I am a huge proponent of buying a dog that can be trained and credentialed…as in easy to train. Dogs that can’t accept instruction beyond a few basic commands are not a lot of fun. Personally, I really gravitate toward herding dogs (they do require stimulation). I will only buy working dogs namely herding or retrieving.

Word of warning on some of the hybrids you are looking at: The Alaskan dogs are cute but a real pain in the ass. You are looking at a LOT of work, and you never know what you are going to get with a hybrid. It takes a lot of time, preparation, and patience with the Wolf hybrids and they tear shit up. I would never breed a Shepherd with anything but another herding dog…the Collie/Shepherd works well. A shepherd with poor temperament is a menace waiting to happen. The hybrids can be kind of sketchy with liability.

Edit: What is too expensive?

[Ronin13]

Thanks for that MED- I have an old friend who I wish I was still in contact with, who's mom breeds GSDs that are of German blood line (I know exactly what you're talking about). 95% of the GSDs she breeds though go to either the DoD or LE agencies around the SW US... she's acredited and has quite the reputation. Those that she does give to private citizens have to go through rigorous background, personality, and character checks and they run anywhere from $6,500 to $12,000. I'd love to get a German-line GSD as I love those dogs, Bear is part GSD, but a good one from a reputable breeder is going to cost a lot... I just don't have the money to get such a top of the line dog like that (trying to keep it under $1,000 and I've seen GSDs go for as little as $3,000- still out of my range). Unless, of course, you know something I don't... [Beer]

[hobowh]

Neopolitan mastiff is my vote.

[MED]

Thanks for that MED- I have an old friend who I wish I was still in contact with, who's mom breeds GSDs that are of German blood line (I know exactly what you're talking about). 95% of the GSDs she breeds though go to either the DoD or LE agencies around the SW US... she's acredited and has quite the reputation. Those that she does give to private citizens have to go through rigorous background, personality, and character checks and they run anywhere from $6,500 to $12,000. I'd love to get a German-line GSD as I love those dogs, Bear is part GSD, but a good one from a reputable breeder is going to cost a lot... I just don't have the money to get such a top of the line dog like that (trying to keep it under $1,000 and I've seen GSDs go for as little as $3,000- still out of my range). Unless, of course, you know something I don't... [Beer]

These guys are my neighbors...they "seem" to have a pretty good thing going. I haven't bought anything through them so I haven't gone through it thoroughly, but you might want to check it out and ask questions. If nothing else, it is a pretty drive with a nice view of Pike's Peak through the meadow.

http://www.rockymountaingsd.com/

I got really lucky with my dog...right place at the right time. I'll post up a pic later.

[Ronin13]

These guys are my neighbors...they "seem" to have a pretty good thing going. I haven't bought anything through them so I haven't gone through it thoroughly, but you might want to check it out and ask questions. If nothing else, it is a pretty drive with a nice view of Pike's Peak through the meadow.

http://www.rockymountaingsd.com/

I got really lucky with my dog...right place at the right time. I'll post up a pic later.

Neighbors? Up in Conifer? You do know I work in Evergreen and looking for a house to move back up here soon... Conifer is easy peasy for me! [Beer]

I'll check them out and maybe email them and find out about litters, but I saw their puppy price: $1600! That might be more than I can afford at that time...

[MED]

Neighbors? Up in Conifer? You do know I work in Evergreen and looking for a house to move back up here soon... Conifer is easy peasy for me! [Beer]

I'll check them out and maybe email them and find out about litters, but I saw their puppy price: $1600! That might be more than I can afford at that time...

I say neighbors pretty loosely; as in within a couple of miles of me.

[MED]

Neighbors? Up in Conifer? You do know I work in Evergreen and looking for a house to move back up here soon... Conifer is easy peasy for me! [Beer]

I'll check them out and maybe email them and find out about litters, but I saw their puppy price: $1600! That might be more than I can afford at that time...

One more final thought...the amount of money I spent buying my dogs is nothing compared to the money I spend on vet bills. My wife's dog goes to the vet pretty often for one thing or another...things like ACL sprains, claw issues, and bladder issues. My dog gets here shots.

[reno316]

No doubt. There's a cool story on the English Shepherd Rescue page about a dog named Abby that was basically a city dog that got put up for adoption and was taken in by a lady in the country that had goats and how it saved the goats one day Read it here (http://www.nesr.info/rescue-dog-information-abby.html)

Our English Shepherds have never really required any training, they just follow you around, watch what you do and figure out how best they can help out.)

Casey did that once in SE Utah... we were heading on a hike, and came upon a couple free-range cows. Casey picked 'em off, one at a time, lined 'em up along the fence. Straight row, would have passed a Drill Inspection. Then she looked at me as if to ask "OK, where you want 'em?"

Never taught her that... she just knew.

Damnedest thing I ever did see.

[TS12000]

Timeout! Now just what exactly is that supposed to mean? I've taken the gentle ribbing in this thread but it appears to me that you're edging a line here, I need a little clarity to be sure though, I'm hoping my perception of what your meaning here is wrong.

No it's probably pretty close to what I mean, based off your life posts I'm assuming you aren't going to take care of a needy breed of dog for shit and your brother is going to end up with a new dog

[Ah Pook]

Going back to the OP. One of the last animals I would want is a wolf mix. I haven't met a wolf breeder that gave a shit about the animals. It was all about the money. Have a good friend up one of the gulches that has been stalked, more than once, by the neighbor's wolf dogs. More stories but don't feel like typing.

My last three dogs have been pound puppies and have all become excellent dogs. With CU out for the summer, the BVHS is probably overflowing with young dogs.

Maybe I missed it but what is the intended use for the animal? Sit at your feet and eat treats all day? Daily hikes/bike rides? Guard dog? How much time do you intend to spend with the dog? There are some good dog breed books out there.

Just because you have a backyard doesn't mean all the problems are solved. A bored dog can be a destructive dog.

Personally, herding dogs are my favorite. Not what I would want in a city apartment though.

[reno316]

Maybe I missed it but what is the intended use for the animal? Sit at your feet and eat treats all day? Daily hikes/bike rides? Guard dog? How much time do you intend to spend with the dog?

Best post yet. The breed you select should be based on the answers to these questions.

If you don't have time to spend with the dog training and walking and so forth, you don't want a herding dog, wolf-hybrid, Husky, etc. Get a Basset Hound. An old one.

[bogie]

Shelters are full of excellent dogs that need homes. Go get a mutt and save on vet bills.

[UncleDave]

If you are serious about a GSD pm me. I have a lot of contacts, all my dogs are German/ Austrian lines.