OSoSwift Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 No-one gives choccies eyes better than a gorgeous male GSP. No one breaks ankles better either Only if you don't get out of their way!!!! Sorry Haven Black Lab and GSP from me I will leave before I derail any further :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mita Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 (edited) People seem to be pointing to a black lab & you (rightly) want one with a proven good temperament. So, why not look for a registered breeder who wants to place an adult lab in a good home? A breeder whose dogs are integrated with his/her family life, where there may even be children. Some time back, a good registered breeder, not far from here, was looking for such a home for a lovely natured 4 yr old black lab girl. I've had adult tibbies from breeders like this.....whose dogs were integrated with their family lives. And the dogs have been super, socially & temperamentally (health-wise, too). I only wish I could claim credit for all this, but I'd be lying. I just keep up the good work already put into them. Edited May 12, 2011 by mita Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 People seem to be pointing to a black lab & you (rightly) want one with a proven good temperament. So, why not look for a registered breeder who wants to place an adult lab in a good home? A breeder whose dogs are integrated with his/her family life, where there may even be children. Some time back, a good registered breeder, not far from here, was looking for such a home for a lovely natured 4 yr old black lab girl. I've had adult tibbies from breeders like this.....whose dogs were integrated with their family lives. And the dogs have been super, socially & temperamentally (health-wise, too). I only wish I could claim credit for all this, but I'd be lying. I just keep up the good work already put into them. Labrador Retriever Club of Victoria would probably a good place to start enquiries. If going for a mature dog Haven, I'd opt for a dog rather than a bitch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mita Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 (edited) People seem to be pointing to a black lab & you (rightly) want one with a proven good temperament. So, why not look for a registered breeder who wants to place an adult lab in a good home? A breeder whose dogs are integrated with his/her family life, where there may even be children. Some time back, a good registered breeder, not far from here, was looking for such a home for a lovely natured 4 yr old black lab girl. I've had adult tibbies from breeders like this.....whose dogs were integrated with their family lives. And the dogs have been super, socially & temperamentally (health-wise, too). I only wish I could claim credit for all this, but I'd be lying. I just keep up the good work already put into them. Labrador Retriever Club of Victoria would probably a good place to start enquiries. If going for a mature dog Haven, I'd opt for a dog rather than a bitch. Just as an exercise in giving examples. Here's the current entries in the DOL Breeders' Community pages for adult labs available. http://www.dogzonline.com.au/breeds/mature/labrador-retriever.asp Is there something particular about female mature labs as opposed to male adult labs (after desexing), that the former would be less suitable for a family? Or is it that the males might offer a bit more of the security that the OP also wants? I don't know anything about the lab breed. All our adult adoptions have been female (just worked out that way). Raised with contact with children, by their breeders. They've been excellent with young children. But that's another breed, of course. Edited May 12, 2011 by mita Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
budgiew Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 Yes i agree with poodle fan.I grew up with a g,s,pointer great dog, Look at curly coated retrievers;Airedale;Boxer.Try Showdog.com dog breed selector.and K9 Country K9 considerations breed selector tool. Was thinking low shed good with kids .I am reading a lot about dog breeds;every book says something different.I am learning more from this forum and the nice doggy people here.cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 Just as an exercise in giving examples. Here's the current entries in the DOL Breeders' Community pages for adult labs available.http://www.dogzonline.com.au/breeds/mature/labrador-retriever.asp Is there something particular about female mature labs as opposed to male adult labs (after desexing), that the former would be less suitable for a family? Or is it that the males might offer a bit more of the security that the OP also wants? I don't know anything about the lab breed. All our adult adoptions have been female (just worked out that way). Raised with contact with children, by their breeders. They've been excellent with young children. But that's another breed, of course. No. I gave that advice based on the fact that the OP already has a mature female (Rottweiler). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mita Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 Just as an exercise in giving examples. Here's the current entries in the DOL Breeders' Community pages for adult labs available.http://www.dogzonline.com.au/breeds/mature/labrador-retriever.asp Is there something particular about female mature labs as opposed to male adult labs (after desexing), that the former would be less suitable for a family? Or is it that the males might offer a bit more of the security that the OP also wants? I don't know anything about the lab breed. All our adult adoptions have been female (just worked out that way). Raised with contact with children, by their breeders. They've been excellent with young children. But that's another breed, of course. No. I gave that advice based on the fact that the OP already has a mature female (Rottweiler). That makes good sense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RubyStar Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 (edited) I brought in an adult female (desexed) Labrador with my already adult female (desexed) Labrador. While they get on fine, the adult rescue I brought into the family is more dominant, but I suspect that is just her personality more so than just because of two females together. I'd go for a male myself, they are generally bigger so offer more security looks wise, plus you won't have to worry if the personalities clash too much with two bitches. Edited May 12, 2011 by RubyStar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aphra Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 Given that you have some specific requirements for temperament I'd suggest that you have a look at the breed rescues (or breeders rehoming adult dogs) for a dog which has the qualities you want, rather than looking for a specific breed. I understand that you're not interested in a mixed breed rescue dog as such, but just as an example, I currently have a Rottweiler X who fulfils most of your requirements. She's currently living happily with another female dog. So rather than start with a specific breed, start with the list of breeds you like and look for an individual which has the qualities you're interested in. I think that while breed gives you a broad generalisation, dogs within breeds can vary as widely in temperment and behaviours as between breeds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haven Posted May 12, 2011 Author Share Posted May 12, 2011 Thanks everyone, lots of food for thought. I have considered a black Lab, in fact they were once very high on my list when I was getting into scent detection training. I'm thinking though that if I'm going to end up with a sizable dog that sheds I'd prefer to go for a Rottweiler or GSD over a Lab, or would you guys say that a Lab sheds significantly less? I looked briefly at a Cane Corso because a few sites I read said they were particularly good with kids, but then others say too boisterous for kids etc. The aggression thing is obviously a concern for me because I have a child. My dogs have always been a big part of the family and I would like them to be able to come places with us. I cannot have a dog that I cannot trust to be sound around other dogs because I cannot handle the dog and a toddler safely at the same time if for example we are at the park and another dog shows up. I'm specifically talking about dog breeds with a genetic tendency for aggression, as I believe that my experience with dogs is such that I ought to be able to avoid problems occurring in a pup or deal with any other form of aggression that might happen to appear. I know that if you can get a good breeder who breeds selectively for temperament etc you can be more confident about what you are going to get, but as I don't know a breeder well enough personally to be confident that they have done this, I'd rather steer clear of it all together.Almost certainly the dog would be a male, because I do have a female and because I just prefer males as a general rule.I'm not opposed to the idea of an adult dog, in fact I'd love to skip the puppy stage entirely, but I would prefer to get a dog that I know the parentage of and, most importantly of all, I must be confident it has been socialised adequately if it is no longer a pup.Gun dogs I love, in fact I'd have a hundred different breeds if I had my way, but having a child forces me to narrow the field a lot. I have briefly considered but probably rejected the idea of getting one because I don't think they're terribly imposing and because a large percentage of the ones I have known have been rather scatty. Sorry, I don't want to offend anyone by saying that and I don't think there is anything wrong with it, I just don't think it's the kind of personality that is the right fit for us. Admittedly a lot of the dogs I came into contact with when I worked professionally as a trainer were byb and puppy farm dogs, so not necessarily a good indication of the true temperament that one could expect from that particular breed, but while I do want an active dog I prefer the more sedate, calm temperament of a mastiff type dog for example. Another I had considered is a Giant Schnauzer, but that is purely from looking at breed info pages because I've not had the pleasure of meeting a real one in the flesh, only lots of schnauzerdoodles. It seems like the grooming requirements might be a bit much though, even if they are good with kids, does anyone know?I've no problem with a high drive dog, but it is unlikely that I will find the time for training on the same kind of scale that I used to anytime soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FHRP Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 No-one gives choccies eyes better than a gorgeous male GSP. No one breaks ankles better either Would this sweet innocent GSP do anything so norty?? You might not consider Gundogs as imposing as a rottie or GSD, but I can tell you no one in their right mind would come into my yard without me around. My younger Vizsla in particular is very "imposing", my own father won't go into the yard if I'm not there, even though Rogan loves him at all other times. I also feel quite safe when walking them. Gundogs are very active as a rule, especially the pointing breeds IMO. Unless you want highly active I wouldn't even look at the GSP or Vizsla and even Labs are very active, especially from working lines. Scatty can describe some Gundogs, but that's usually seen in under exercised (physically or/and mentally) individuals or dogs bred without regard for temperament. A scatty gundog is of no use to a hunter. I think a well researched desexed male Rottie or GSD would work for you, but I'd be happier with a Lab for assurance of potential to get along easily with other dogs... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussielover Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 Sorry but why not another rotty? I think they are pretty well known for being great with kids if you get from a good breeder and socialise and train them well. I also thought a black lab- although many are high drive and exhuberant, if you get a well bred lab from guide dog or assistance dog lines or even ask the breeder specifically for a low drive dog, I think they would be just as laid back and steady as a mastiff type dog. Cane Corso aren't particulary well known for being great with other dogs. How about a great dane? They are known to be genlt with kids, good with other dogs and low sheedding and definitely imposing!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 (edited) Yes i agree with poodle fan.I grew up with a g,s,pointer great dog, Look at curly coated retrievers;Airedale;Boxer.Try Showdog.com dog breed selector.and K9 Country K9 considerations breed selector tool. I don't think Airedales are very imposing. They look like big teddy bears and I have never heard a more sissy bark (unless that is just mine). Yuna sounds a lot more tougher Edited May 12, 2011 by Cat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corvus Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 What about a Boxer? I'm not sure what their temperament is like wrt dogs and kids. Every one I've met has been very friendly to both, but very boisterous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gayle. Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 Any dog that bares it teeth and growls at strangers looks imposing. My two pretty, soft, sweet girls are very scary when they want to be......a stranger comes into our place and they are ON GUARD. But they are very, very loyal to me and very protective of anything that's mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
budgiew Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 Yes i agree with poodle fan.I grew up with a g,s,pointer great dog, Look at curly coated retrievers;Airedale;Boxer.Try Showdog.com dog breed selector.and K9 Country K9 considerations breed selector tool. I don't think Airedales are very imposing. They look like big teddy bears and I have never heard a more sissy bark (unless that is just mine). Yuna sounds a lot more tougher Well i just adore Airedales, Teddy bears alright, very huggable.I would be wary of one barking at someones gate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
budgiew Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 Italian spinone, doberman;weimaraner;dalmation;boxer;???Grasping at straws now,out of ideas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alyosha Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 Belgian shepherd - any variety. Ticks all your boxes. Beautiful, beautiful dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spotted Devil Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 A well bred/raised Dalmatian tends to be great with kids but are high energy, particularly for their first few years! On the up side they only shed twice a year...6 months in the Autumn and 6 months in the Spring ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellazpupz Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 I had a Rotty growing up and it LOVED LOVED the boxer down the road, they got along very well... my vote is Boxer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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