Choosing A Breed

[TikaAkita]

mumtoshelley- your right, a gaurdian breed does increase the risk of council or people in general having a problem with the dog.

lyss- sadly yeah, short lifespans for big dogs. Tibetan Mastiffs are supposed to have an average of 10-12yrs though, which isnt bad.

I'm so set on Tibetan Mastiffs, I've been researching them and thinking about the breed for a whole year, since i first came across them online. However I dont want to get a dog thats incompatible me. Trying to mix logic with love! :) I'm still waiting on another reply from the TM breeder, shes taking a while to get back to me. Maybe she will know if i could successfully own one or not. I wish there were some owners on here! Thanks to everyone else for all the advice and ideas, very helpful :)

EDT: woops didnt see the other posts!

I think there is an Akita living down the road from us? They are larger than i thought! Hmmm. Are they very active?

A dog that looks intimidating to someone who doesnt know it is most important to me. But I want the dog to at least try and protect me if necessary! I dont mind the coat, long or short is fine.

Edited May 2, 2012 by Emma93

[pixie_meg]

what about a borzoi. the right dog can be a great kid dog but that comes down to choosing the right pup. also while giant in height they don't weigh as much as the super giants so require less food and medication. as well as being naturally free from hereditary health issues like hip dysplasia.

I understand wanting a rare breed, i too wanted that. Also this breed isn't necessarily that expensive to buy compared to other purebreds. I think the average pet borzoi is around the $1000 mark.

I have seen many zoi barking to guard their property and I wouldn't enter the yard with the way they looked at me.

Just thought this breed might be worth thinking about.

[TikaAkita]

Thanks for the idea pixie meg, lovely dog but a bit lean for what i want.

Would anyone be able to tell me the rough purchase price of

-An anatolian shepherd

-An Akita

:)

Just found out the cost of a TM off the breeder i've been contacting. Its a bit steep Its similar to other Aus breeders still. I would have to wait until their next litter (most likely next year, not sure) until I could get one at that cost.

[minxy]

Roughly $1500 - $2000 for a pet Akita :)

[TikaAkita]

Roughly $1500 - $2000 for a pet Akita :)

Thank you! Really helps for comparison :)

[Red Fox]

If you want large(ish), protective, easy to train and unusual then what about a Belgian?

The Lakenois are quite rare and the Tervs and Groens are just beautiful to look at too (Mali's are awesome!! but many don't make suitable pets).

Or if you like the Retriever temperament but want something a little bit different you could also consider a flat coat or a curly coat.

Rhodesian Ridgeback - large, protective, unusual, easy to care for, great companions, can be good with kids. Very smart, easy to train - but not always easy to motivate which can be frustrating.

But if you really want a TM then get one. Do your research, know what you are in for and you will make it work.

[Red Fox]

Just found out the cost of a TM off the breeder i've been contacting. Its a bit steep Its similar to other Aus breeders still. I would have to wait until their next litter (most likely next year, not sure) until I could get one at that cost.

But if it's what you really want then it will be worth the wait and the expense.

[TikaAkita]

Just found out the cost of a TM off the breeder i've been contacting. Its a bit steep Its similar to other Aus breeders still. I would have to wait until their next litter (most likely next year, not sure) until I could get one at that cost.

But if it's what you really want then it will be worth the wait and the expense.

Very true! I just dont like being patient :) I want a dog already, its no fun living without one.

[Alkhe]

Just found out the cost of a TM off the breeder i've been contacting. Its a bit steep Its similar to other Aus breeders still. I would have to wait until their next litter (most likely next year, not sure) until I could get one at that cost.

But if it's what you really want then it will be worth the wait and the expense.

I agree - to be honest, if a few hundred dollars, or perhaps even up to a thousand dollars, is a deal breaker, perhaps look at whether you are going to be able to afford it in the long run. The upfront cost is something to wear at the start, but if it means saving for a few extra months, I really think it's worth doing.

I really don't mean to be rude or offensive, or discriminatory or anything like that.. I don't think that dog ownership should be cost prohibitive at all. But you really do need to be completely aware of how much it can cost, for vet bills, good quality food, training.. I'm not just directing this at the OP, either. It's just my thoughts in general. IF someone complains that a purebred or xxx breed is expensive, I always think 'you're talking about a dog. This is a 10-15 (hopefully) year commitment - $1000, $2000 now .. just make it work, or wait until you can!'.

It's something I just wouldn't skimp on. If I had my heart set on a particular breed, I would pay (within reason, of course) whatever it cost. I wouldn't go to one breeder over another based on a few hundred dollars, or one breed over another.

[TikaAkita]

Just found out the cost of a TM off the breeder i've been contacting. Its a bit steep Its similar to other Aus breeders still. I would have to wait until their next litter (most likely next year, not sure) until I could get one at that cost.

But if it's what you really want then it will be worth the wait and the expense.

I agree - to be honest, if a few hundred dollars, or perhaps even up to a thousand dollars, is a deal breaker, perhaps look at whether you are going to be able to afford it in the long run. The upfront cost is something to wear at the start, but if it means saving for a few extra months, I really think it's worth doing.

I really don't mean to be rude or offensive, or discriminatory or anything like that.. I don't think that dog ownership should be cost prohibitive at all. But you really do need to be completely aware of how much it can cost, for vet bills, good quality food, training.. I'm not just directing this at the OP, either. It's just my thoughts in general. IF someone complains that a purebred or xxx breed is expensive, I always think 'you're talking about a dog. This is a 10-15 (hopefully) year commitment - $1000, $2000 now .. just make it work, or wait until you can!'.

It's something I just wouldn't skimp on. If I had my heart set on a particular breed, I would pay (within reason, of course) whatever it cost. I wouldn't go to one breeder over another based on a few hundred dollars, or one breed over another.

Yes you are right, dogs, especially large purebred dogs are a big expense. I knew that, its just frustrating to have to face the reality that my puppy may be a year or more away. The cost is making me want to be 100% sure im chosing the right one! :) I guess thats a good enough reason alone to have a high price on purebred dogs, people are less likely to impulse by :)

[Alkhe]

I really hope that post doesn't come across the wrong way! I'm not sure how to word my thoughts properly. Basically, if you have your heart set on a TM and have done your research and go into it fully cognisant of everything that the commitment is going to involve over his/her lifetime.. don't let a steep cost for a pup put you off.

I paid $800 for my 3 year old toy poodle when I got her, and I'd pay triple that again, in a heart beat. That doesn't mean I'm rolling in money and can afford whatever I want - far from it; I work part time and study. It's just about prioritising, and if you're making the commitment to a dog, you have to really make that commitment.

[cannibalgoldfish]

Have you thought about looking at an adult dog rather than a puppy? They are sometimes cheaper plus have training and the hard work of feeding a giant breed puppy during the crucial months is already done.

[TikaAkita]

I really hope that post doesn't come across the wrong way! I'm not sure how to word my thoughts properly. Basically, if you have your heart set on a TM and have done your research and go into it fully cognisant of everything that the commitment is going to involve over his/her lifetime.. don't let a steep cost for a pup put you off.

I paid $800 for my 3 year old toy poodle when I got her, and I'd pay triple that again, in a heart beat. That doesn't mean I'm rolling in money and can afford whatever I want - far from it; I work part time and study. It's just about prioritising, and if you're making the commitment to a dog, you have to really make that commitment.

Its okay I got what you meant :)

[Dogsfevr]

rare breeds can at an extra cost .

The TM breeders spend alot of money bring imports into the country to increase the gene pool so i would be expecting to pay a price reflective on the rarity .

I guess it comes down to what one considers steep

Although when it comes to price many cross breeds actually cost more than a health tested pure breed especially in pet shops .

I would consdier a year wait nothing for the correct dog that you must factor will need to live with your children when the time comes especially as the dog will be 3/4 years old & set in its ways ,you need to ensure the dog no matter what breed is conditioned to this sort of change in its life so picking the right dog/breeder & time is well worth the wait .

[Zug Zug]

No need for a large dog to be a guardian - just the fact that the dog is large will put most people off.

So you can get a big easy going dog and you get the safety without needing to deal with strong guarding instincts, and life will be easier for you.

I would suggest a Deerhound - lovely breed, large and just shaggy and grey enough to give someone pause for thought.

Borzoi also a favourite breed with me from the giant breeds, but I don't think they would put anyone off (even the dumbest creep can tell a Borzoi is just so friendly and sweet I think - or am I completely biased? My daughter has one and she is an angel. I think they look like angels to even the most casual observer.)

[espinay2]

I can understand some of your motiviation - in fact you sound a lot like me when I was looking for my first dog as an adult...and ended up with a Pyr. I will admit to be ing a bit of a 'dog snob' myself and preferring something a bit more 'uncommon' ;) And yes, 'uncommon' generally means they may come with a higher price tag, and you will have to wait for one to become available. (after all, if they were cheaper and more easily available, they would not be 'uncommon' ;) )

On feeling 'safe' - yes my Pyrs make me feel very safe. But to many people they may seem to be marshmallows and that is good too (though I have found most will hesitate about entering a yard with a Pyr!!!). Socialisation will be very important as well as an understanding that a Pyr is NOT a 'guard dog' but rather a guardian. They act instinctually and any effort to actually try and 'train' them to 'guard' people etc can be counter productive. It can not (and should not) be 'taught' to be intimidating and in most situations will (and should) come across as a big fluffy cutie, but they CAN act appropriately when called for. Better they never have to though.They DO need an owner that can be a good leader and understands the importance of good management and socialisation.

Note that a TM can be an even more difficult breed to manage than a Pyr IMO. More territorial, more standoffish, even with accepted visitors and needing an even stronger leader.

Barking, shedding, digging, being an escape artist, not being trusted to be off lead and being rather independent are issues you will need to consider with a Pyr. You will find more info on my webpage and feel free to contact me privately so we can talk more.

Edited May 3, 2012 by espinay2

[Gemiix]

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[Baileys mum]

I agree with what some other posters have said & would recommend a Rottweiler. They are such big gentle sooks, but can be quite intimidating to look at for others that don't know the breed. :)

[Kajtek]

I have an Anatolian boy we rescued, they're a lot of dog :laugh: And yes, very stubborn.

I would love to parent one of those magnificent beings. Maybe in the future lilly can find me one that's broken and can cope with suburban life.

[Dame Aussie]

I have an Anatolian boy we rescued, they're a lot of dog :laugh: And yes, very stubborn.

I would love to parent one of those magnificent beings. Maybe in the future lilly can find me one that's broken and can cope with suburban life.

Mine copes quite well, only problem is barking (rolly eyes) and we have that pretty much under control now. Had to get used to praising him for barking rather than telling him off! :laugh:

They are magnificent, and sooooo loving.