Another What Breed For Me...

[Mystiqview]

Looking at the posts there Naomi. your list is very contradictory.

I have owned a sibe in the past. They ARE a lot of work. I had a fully obedience trained one who I competed in obedience trials with. The training is constant. It is not a breed that you can slacken off on training.

I know a few with labs who are quiet, and others who are nutters, even at 5 years of age. Unfortunately I think some see them as guide dogs therefore they are great with kids etc and pretty docile. NOT ALL labs are like that.

I used to own dobes before getting into the border collies. One was protection trained. They are an intelligent breed. They should be even temperamented and not high strung. Energetic yes, but there is a difference between energetic and high strung. Some I see these days are just plain loopy. Not necessarily aggressive, but loopy. They are loyal and friendly dogs and will love to crawl into your lap if you let them.

Temperament is the most important in your case, no matter WHAT breed you go for.

Talk to your breeders. Ask them the best, the good, the bad and the UGLY of the breed. If the breeder says there is no UGLY and the breed is "perfect".. talk to another breeder. Each breed has their quirks. If you think you cannot deal with the potential ugly quirks IE; that you cannot live with (that could be drooling newfies, escape artists sibes are known for, scent of beagles, energetic boofy labs), then maybe look to a breed that best matches your lifestyle. Each breed are going to have good and bad traits that suit or not suit various people.

I breed borders and while I am not necessarily suggesting border collies, I can give you two examples from one litter. Myf who a friend owns, is a high drive VERY energetic dog. Her brother Blue is a lounge lizzard like his mother. You cannot get a more laid back dog. Another litter sister works sheep and is super high drive.

Within every litter, you will have higher drive dogs than others. Just like in humans. It is important to talk to your prospective breeders about your lifestyle, interests, what you plan to do with the dog etc. Some breeders will say "here is your puppy". You need to be honest with the breeder (and hopefully they will be honest back) and try and match a puppy to suit you. Hopefully the breeder will also say "this breed is not suitable for your lifestyle". Please listen to this kind of advice.

Just because you had a kelpie cross in the past who was a mad hatter, does not necessarily mean the next one will be. Again, I am not suggesting you go out and get another kelpie.

Some breeders breed for performance. If you are not into that stuff, then you need to cross them off your shortlist. Some breeders breed for show and others do the right thing and breed damn nice pets with damn nice temperaments and who do the right thing by their chosen breed.

If you can get to a dog show, I would. Look and talk to breeders.

Just because you work full time, does not mean you not going to be responsible. It is quality time, not quantity. Many of us work full time and have other activities outside our dogs. Yet many of our dogs still manage to live fulfilling lives.

Dogs are social creatures. Walking around your neighbourhood while good, is not necessarily enough socialisation. While there are always going to be idiots at dog parks and in our society. Some sort of social activity with your pet is good to keep their social skills in peak performance. A dog that is not socialised with other dogs, lose their social skills. I go to a dog park. Not every day and not all the time to the same one. But they do get out. There are some idiots out there, but you learn to avoid and manage them.

Edited April 14, 2010 by Mystiqview

[WreckitWhippet]

A Pointer.

[Nekhbet]

Have you thought about a Dogue de Bordeaux? From a decent breeder who doesnt have nervy lines, they're great dogs

[Dogsfevr]

You havent said once what your partner likes ,does he like any of the breeds you have listed ??

I do agree with others your list really goes against all that want for many of those breeds so not sure if you researched those breeds fully or if its a looks thing.

Bloat will happen with everyone of those breeds you have listed so if bloat is an issue steer clear of any large breed.

Go to dog shows & see what is there .

I love males too but in some of those breeds the males can be more toey & its important to consider this in your choice & in relation to how much work you are truly are willing to put in.

If training will be sorta part time then a bitch may very well be the best option but in all honesty when we sell our pups we encourgae people to not always factor the sex but pay attention to the breeders suggestion of the right pup for what you want & expect.

[mumof3]

I haven't read the whole thread. But from your initial list, I'd say Boxer or Mastiff.

I've had a boxer, and she would tick all your boxes.

I've had a mastiff cross and known quite a few mastif crosses, and found them to be not at all agressive - quite the opposite.

If you want to avoid a high energy dog, consider adopting a mature dog older than 3 years. All pups are full of energy (or they should be) and need alot of your time. A mature dog post puberty should have settled down a bit.

No reason not to take your list of wants to a shelter and consider adopting a cross bred. There are lots of mastif cross dogs in shelters, staffy crosses, boxer crosses and cattle dog crosses - perhaps one of these would suit you.

Seek support from knowledgeable people about what your dog needs and about training - perhaps an obedience club. If you don't train your dog, it will decide for itself what to and not to do.

good luck!

S

[poodlefan]

The qualities I would like is very human orientated (loves to be with you and likes snuggles and cuddles etc), laid back and not too energectic (im scared of a dog being go,go,go like my kelpie x) The dog would be walked every day for 20 mins or so, but wouldnt mind if I missed a day or two, I would make up for it by playing in the yard. I prefer short haired dogs, I feel as though they look better but I dont mind the shedding, I would bath once a week if I had to, dont mind brushing etc, I find it alot of fun

Your breed list:

Alaskan Malamute

American Staffordshire Terrier (I worry about BSL though seeing as the supreme court in QLD thinks that this breed is same at a APBT) Who knows?

Beagle (i worry about there scent drive, is that what you call it? eg escaping)

Boston Terrier

Boxer

Bullmastiff

Dobermann

Great Dane

White GSD

Mastiff

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rottweiler

Siberian Husky

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

After a cursory look at your list above, I can only conclude you've picked these dogs on looks and not for the qualities you've outlined above. Few large breeds are going to get by on 20 minutes walking a day. My Toy Poodle gets more than that!

Read up on Spitz temperament. You've got two of those breeds on your list.

Ok so lots to choose from.....So i guess my question is which one would be suited to a novice???

All, or none, depending on how much homework you've done on them and how much you are prepared to adapt your life to meet the needs of the dog. I'm not a huge fan of the idea that some dogs shouldn't be owned by novice owners or that others are a piece of cake. Its about how much time, effort and commitment you put into being the right owner for your breed of choice.

If the Great Dane is the breed that rocks your boat (and you're very clear about the breed and why that is) then find out what it takes to be a great owner (ha ha pun!) and go for it. But be honest with yourself. A dog like that needs careful raising, careful feeding and careful husbandry to become a happy, healthy well mannered dog. Anything else in a giant breed is heartbreak waiting to happen.

[Freshstart16]

So much to read and so much to consider, yeah that list is based on looks, and then ive done research on each breed to see what kind of temperament they have etc etc. Bloat does worry me, but provided I knew what to look for It would be ok, Im not saying that it wont happen but If it did I'd hope that I would know and deal with it accordingly (straight to the vet.)

If I was going to get a large breed it would be either a mastiff or a dane. Provided that I feel I could handle a mastiff temperament as opposed to a dane, Im not 100% sure but I think mastiff may be little harder to train and be more stubborn than a dane. From what I have read anyway.

I like the idea of talking to breeders, Im just very nervous because this would be my first time talking to them etc etc.

Thankyou for all the advice

I would like to get a puppy, I know they would be a handful, but they do eventually settle down as they mature, I would just like to avoid a dog that is high energy forever.

My partner is happy with whatever I choose, as this will be our dog but mine, if you know what I mean and then down the track my partner will be getting there breed of choice. I can put $100 on the fact it will be a chi

Training is something I am going to put so much effort into and all the time that is necessary. I didnt know alot about training when I had my first dog and well we all know how that goes, they will do what they please, I realize that any dog should at least have basic training, but If I get a large dog It is even more so important that the dog knows whos boss and is very well trained. I cringe at the thought of having a huge dog that is just out of control, It would be nightmare for me and the dog.

I would like a dog as a companion, im not interested in showing or anything like that, The dog would go with me everywhere possible

A question I do have to people with large dogs, how do you secure a dog in a car? I imagine a dane would take up the entire back seat of a sedan once grown Might have to get a different car too...

[Dogsfevr]

The dog would go with me everywhere possible smile.gif

If this is an important aspect for your chosen dog then you need to look at where you wish to take it & again would the chosen breed truly fit into that aspect.

One has to be realistic about what you wish & what is feasible.

I have large breeds & small & certainly there are things easier to do with either size,smaller being obviously more easier.

I would suggest the best shows to go view danes plus the other breeds would be either the 8 or 9 May.These are 1 day shows where all the breeds are shown on the one day,they have interstate judges so the turn out will be agood one.

Its free & you can see what is out there & whether they are for you.

If you got there at 9am you will see all the A breeds through alpha wise

[aussielover]

The dog would go with me everywhere possible smile.gif

If this is an important aspect for your chosen dog then you need to look at where you wish to take it & again would the chosen breed truly fit into that aspect.

One has to be realistic about what you wish & what is feasible.

I have large breeds & small & certainly there are things easier to do with either size,smaller being obviously more easier.

I would suggest the best shows to go view danes plus the other breeds would be either the 8 or 9 May.These are 1 day shows where all the breeds are shown on the one day,they have interstate judges so the turn out will be agood one.

Its free & you can see what is out there & whether they are for you.

If you got there at 9am you will see all the A breeds through alpha wise

What show is this? where is it etc? Do they have every registered breed in Australia? 2 days seems like a short time to get thru all...

[Dogsfevr]

The dog would go with me everywhere possible smile.gif

If this is an important aspect for your chosen dog then you need to look at where you wish to take it & again would the chosen breed truly fit into that aspect.

One has to be realistic about what you wish & what is feasible.

I have large breeds & small & certainly there are things easier to do with either size,smaller being obviously more easier.

I would suggest the best shows to go view danes plus the other breeds would be either the 8 or 9 May.These are 1 day shows where all the breeds are shown on the one day,they have interstate judges so the turn out will be agood one.

Its free & you can see what is out there & whether they are for you.

If you got there at 9am you will see all the A breeds through alpha wise

What show is this? where is it etc? Do they have every registered breed in Australia? 2 days seems like a short time to get thru all...

one day shows are very normal ,no state has every registered breed shown

[Freshstart16]

Ok lets spin this around a little, out of all the dog breeds, large and small no matter what they are......which is the best companion dog?? and not crazy high energy???

[Greytmate]

Ok lets spin this around a little, out of all the dog breeds, large and small no matter what they are......which is the best companion dog?? and not crazy high energy???

GREYHOUND.

Seriously why do you think we have dozens of breeds? Different breeds suit different people.

[Nevafollo]

I'll say it again but I definately think a Pointer would be worth looking into!

Seriously they are spethial...

very sookie thou...this is her sookie face!

[poodlefan]

Ok lets spin this around a little, out of all the dog breeds, large and small no matter what they are......which is the best companion dog?? and not crazy high energy???

GREYHOUND.

Seriously why do you think we have dozens of breeds? Different breeds suit different people.

Maybe I can narrow that a little. If your primary requirement for this dog is that it wants to be with people, then IMO you should gravitate towards breeds developed to work with or spend time with people.

Toys, Gundogs, Herding Breeds and those Non-sporting breeds developed as companions would be the direction I'd head in. If you don't want "crazy high energy" you've ruled out young dogs of many breeds and probably some of the working breeds all their lives. Some gundogs need a fair bit of exercise too,

Edited April 14, 2010 by poodlefan

[Crisovar]

Ok lets spin this around a little, out of all the dog breeds, large and small no matter what they are......which is the best companion dog?? and not crazy high energy???

Too hard, every persons situation is different.

Some people want a dog sticks to them like velcro, to them that is the ideal dog, others like a dog that likes to be near them not on them, others want an more independent dog.

How do you define high energy, after living with a very slothful CKCS one of my friends found a pug hard work and regrets her choice, yet her extended family own 5 pugs between them and would have nothing else, she now thinks they are all weird

[Freshstart16]

I have been looking at greyhounds they have very cute eyes and Pointers are also cute.

It will be a long time until I can get a dog anyway, I have just been looking at all my options.

[Greytmate]

Maybe I can narrow that a little. If your primary requirement for this dog is that it wants to be with people, then IMO you should gravitate towards breeds developed to work with or spend time with people.

But... If you live in a home where there is nobody there all day, you should very seriously consider whether a dog whose primary requirement is to be with people is going to be happy.

[mr.mister]

greyhound!

[Greytmate]

I have been looking at greyhounds they have very cute eyes and Pointers are also cute.

It will be a long time until I can get a dog anyway, I have just been looking at all my options.

Yes, you just keep gazing into the pics in my signature. Lovely eyes.

You know you can foster a greyhound for a little while. It is a really good thing to do because it is a no-obligation way to see if the breed suits. Even if it doesn't you have still helped out by fostering.

[corvus]

Hmm... companion dogs.

Well, I'm biased because I have a Finnish Lapphund and I do believe he is pretty much the perfect companion dog. He's my gentle, mellow cuddlebear. But at least some of his suitability as a companion is just his personality. He's a very laid back dude, and just a real sweetie.

I think Leonbergers are very cool because they were pretty much bred as companions. Newfoundlands are lovely as well.

I'm not very into toys, but Tibetan Spaniels seem quite companionable to me. A toy without really acting much like a toy. They seem steady and sensible to me. I guess Cavs are similar.

I think that the smaller herders tend to make good companions. Shelties and Corgis are just nice, generally easy little dogs that love being with their people. Easy to train, portable, quite adaptable with their exercise requirements. There are some other, less common small herders around like Polish Lowlands and Vallhunds as well.

And there are a few nice hounds, too. Basset Fauves are real special, and Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen strike me as a really fun dog to have around. Some Beagles make really great companions, but some not so much. Depends on what you expect of them I guess.

I met a Tibetan Terrier not long ago. I was really taken with her. What a fun, athletic little dog. Very outgoing but not very terrier-like.