Considering dogs

[Mtneer]

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]

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?

[def90]

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

[Fentonite]

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.]

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.

[Irving]

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.

[Irving]

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.

[def90]

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]

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

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 (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).

[ben4372]

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.