Kjk

There seems to be a lot of Malinois up here in the agility/obedience circles, so I would assume they cope with the heat ok. I agree that they are stunning too but unfortunately their activity level is a but higher than what I could reasonably cope with.

Thank you everyone for taking the time to reply. I note that Rotties keep coming up and they were indeed my first choice initially. My partners family has had Rotties over the years but what's put me off is the health problems I keep hearing about. Their current dog also gets quite knocked around by the heat up here and I'm really trying to avoid thick/long coats because of this reason (and the vacuuming). This led me to look at more durable dogs that do ok in hotter climates, Ridgebacks and Cattle dogs seem to standout in these area's. I really like the Ridgebacks but the temperament I've seen in the ones I've known has been as Dave described above: stubborn, independent and harder to train. What I have always loved about my Amstaff was her obedience and eagerness to please. Chalk and cheese compared to the naughty JRT who continually pushes limits of what he can get away with. Why not another Amstaff?? A few reasons, my girl has never really shown any inclination to guard the property, she had a lot of skin irritations (common for Staffy's) up here. Also she was a fairly dominant at times around some other dogs and once got herself into a fight whilst doing off lease agility. Mastiffs...I very much like what I read about their temperament but I'm not really a big fan of the facial features of the bull mastiff (Sorry mastiff lovers). I was also warned by a vet about dogs with rolls or folds of skin because of potential skin problems here in the tropics. I visited a Cane corso breeder and liked the look of their dogs compared to the bull mastiffs I have seen around, very athletic bodies, more pronounced snout and less jowly in the face. They are still certainly a breed I am considering. I guess the other option is to go for a rescue, the shelters up here a full of Bull Arab,Mastiff X type dogs (similar to the dog you mentioned Simply Grand). Pigging is a popular pastime up here and its reflected in the breeds that end up homeless unfortunately. I would rather a puppy though so my son can get the full experience of caring for, raising and training a dog through to adulthood. It's just the lottery of temperament, size, health that makes me reluctant to go this way. I just thought I would put it out there in case there was a breed I was missing. Looks like I've got a bit more research to do, that's ok though because it's not something I will rush :)

Hello DOLers. As the title explains I will soon be looking for a new puppy. I would describe myself as reasonably experienced at dog ownership. I currently have a 14y/o female Amstaff and an 11y/o male JRT. Both have completed basic obedience training. The Amstaff girls health is really starting to go down hill rapidly to the point where I may have to make a very tough decision within the next couple of weeks. She has been the most wonderful family dog. I found DOL in 2007 when she was seized by a council officer and threatened with destruction due to BSL. Members here helped me fight the council and eventually they backed down, she was returned to me and has been lucky enough the spend last 9 years living in peace and watching over my son as he's grown up. I would like another dog primarily as a mate for the JRT as he's never been alone. In saying that my other criterior are: 1-30-40kgs with some natural guarding instinct (there has been some crime in my area and I'd like a dog that looks formidable enough to deter would be thieves) 2-Not known for excessive barking 3-Low maintenance coat, prefer short hair (I live in Cains and the tropical climate and high humidity are a consideration) 4-Hardy health wise. 5-Not overly active or prone to destruction. I have a standard sized back yard 700sqm with high fences, my son is now 9y/o, in the near future I plan to get chickens that I'd like to be able to let out with the dogs at times. I would of course be willing to put the time into socialising and obedience training. Just some of the breeds I've considered so far are: Airedales - I think the coat maintenance would put me off. Rottys - Health issues? Short lifespan? Ability to cope with heat? ACD - Maybe a little small and too active chicken killers? Ridgebacks - stubborn and headstrong, hard to train? Cane corso - like them but very expensive. I could go on!! Any suggestions would be appreciated!