A Good Breed For Someone With Anxiety?

[mr.mister]

Another here who would recommend a Rottie from a good breeder.

Very intimidating dogs to look at, but absolute wiggle bums otherwise. My sister had a beautiful Rottie bitch who was sweet, affectionate, enjoyed two walks a day and who also had a very frightening bark and was dedicated to protecting her human charges. Beautiful, sweet animal - I was never a rottie person but that dog converted me!

[trifecta]

Groenendael - Belgian Shepherd.

I have serious anxiety issues etc and Ivy is my guardian.

She's protective of the yard and house; she does guard/warning bark really well. Most people are scared of her as she's jet black and looks like a wolf but she's a teddy bear. She will happily chill out on the couch to watch a movie but the moment you are ready to do something; she's ready!

Grooming is simple, she just needs a brush once a fortnight and every couple of days during her yearly-ish shed. No trimming or shaving. Doesn't shed unless she's moulting, and then it is only when you give her a really good rub.

My partner works late at times and has worked away up north. I have felt very safe with Ivy.

Plus her character makes the most awful of days sunny.

I'm happy to chat privately too :)

I second this post.

While (mine) was initially aloof with strangers, but totally fine after introduction, I also think she would have been dependable if a threatening situation occurred. And yes, the image alone is enough to deter people, the common person was not aware of the breed, so "black wolf" was their first reaction!

I've heard dog reactivity can sometimes be a problem with the breed, but if socialised well shouldn't be an issue. Mine was very dog friendly so no problems there.

I think you would have to fit the dog to the person. The Belgian Shepherd is an extremely intuitive breed & less confident individuals would not do well with a handler with anxiety, while the more outgoing types may prove too much dog for the handler. In the case of the OPs friend, it would be important to seek the assistance of a good breeder to match the temperament of the handler to the puppy.

As far as exercise is concerned, I don't think 30 minutes twice a day is adequate, particularly for a young dog & a Belgian needs free running. Belgian Shepherds are also very bright & need training, although the amount of time & effort prepared to be devoted for this activity was not mentioned by the OP.

I wouldn't discount a BSD completely, if the person is attracted to this breed & is insistent on a puppy, I suggest she does a lot of research - there is heaps of information out there & it is important to talk to breeders & look for lines that suit her lifestyle & personality.

Yes. Her older dogs are black (a male and a female) and she now has a greyish one who is probably about 18 months plus old now, called Zephyr. He must be one of the other types of Belgians ??

The grey dog would be a Tervueren.

[Bjelkier]

Not a showie ..but I would imagine there are lots of ways a person's confidence could be shot down .... perhaps sports, or therapy accreditation ?

I have to agree. It can be a brutal place at times.

Perhaps something like rally O or agility would be a better place to start?

[Diva]

I think you would have to fit the dog to the person. The Belgian Shepherd is an extremely intuitive breed & less confident individuals would not do well with a handler with anxiety, while the more outgoing types may prove too much dog for the handler. In the case of the OPs friend, it would be important to seek the assistance of a good breeder to match the temperament of the handler to the puppy.

I agree with this. I have owned several Groens and Tervs over the years. A couple would have been well suited to this situation, calm and sensible. But others would have been a disaster- too guardy and needing strong leadership, or too active and needing lots of activity, or just too empathetic. I had one who came down with any malady I had- if I limped, he limped. An anxious owner would have been a disaster for him.

Edited March 24, 2014 by Diva

[Dame Aussie]

Aussie shepherd great goofy fun temperaments, not too much brushing, they really only have a big shed a couple of times a year (correct me if I'm wrong, I've only had mine 6 months so far and he had a big shed about a month ago, now it's not so much like an avalanche), they go well with an hour (ish) twice a day to run off steam (we go for a half hour run in the morning and then feed horses where he wanders around and has a sniff, morning &/or afternoon) and are happy to loaf all day. They're smart but not difficult, you can be firm with them and they don't fall apart; they also learn quickly!

Mine doesn't bark when we have visitors, even if he's outside on the verandah (or collecting bones....) but I do know some to bark when there are visitors, seems to depend on the dog. They can be really good at looking scary until their owner is around I really like that about them.

They're also really gorgeous

I've found people aren't wary of Aussies. They are too "pretty", they lure people to get a closer look instead.

I wouldn't recommend one for a few other reasons either.

I too would go with Black Lab or Rottie. My yellow lab would scare the crap out of people if he barked, until they saw him with his wiggly tail.

Yes my Aussie draws people in just because they think she's so pretty! People are never scared of her. Although she is brilliant on the anxiety side of things, she helps me a lot with mine :)

[Dame Aussie]

Aussie shepherd great goofy fun temperaments, not too much brushing, they really only have a big shed a couple of times a year (correct me if I'm wrong, I've only had mine 6 months so far and he had a big shed about a month ago, now it's not so much like an avalanche), they go well with an hour (ish) twice a day to run off steam (we go for a half hour run in the morning and then feed horses where he wanders around and has a sniff, morning &/or afternoon) and are happy to loaf all day. They're smart but not difficult, you can be firm with them and they don't fall apart; they also learn quickly!

Mine doesn't bark when we have visitors, even if he's outside on the verandah (or collecting bones....) but I do know some to bark when there are visitors, seems to depend on the dog. They can be really good at looking scary until their owner is around I really like that about them.

They're also really gorgeous

I've found people aren't wary of Aussies. They are too "pretty", they lure people to get a closer look instead.

I wouldn't recommend one for a few other reasons either.

I too would go with Black Lab or Rottie. My yellow lab would scare the crap out of people if he barked, until they saw him with his wiggly tail.

Ahh ok, I've never seen them in the city myself, but I know when they're barking when I rock up I prefer to hang back because they put on their scary barks Even though I know they're just doing their big tough guard dog act, I must be a minority though :)

I have some anxiety issues too and find my Aussie makes me laugh which relaxes me. He also loves cuddles so that makes me feel better too.

My girl sounds bigger and scarier than my Anatolian when she goes off! :laugh:

I think a black lab or a rotti would be good choices :)

[Daisys Mum]

I don't think a cav would look that scary :laugh:

Maybe mine is broken :laugh: don't let their looks fool you haha.

[Guest Clover]

First breed that came to mind was a Labrador (black). Such versatile dogs.

[dancinbcs]

The right male Border Collie would suit. They come in a wide variety of temperaments and activity levels, even within the same litter. A calmer puppy that is confident and outgoing would fit the situation to a T. They are very intuitive and able to read human emotions and prefer to be with their owner, where ever that may be, on a walk or just lying around. They are usually protective of their owners if they are threatened and most have a decent bark but they aren't a noisy breed. They are easy to prepare for shows and have the advantage of being suitable for all dogs sports including herding if she wants to try something different.

[MelissaS]

Seriously, a well bred Rotti would definitely suit - they do shed some, but with occasional brushing that isn't all that much of an issue. The certainly shed less than a Labrador and most Shepherd types that I've come across.

If you've ever had the love of a good Rotti, you'd not ever want anything else... everyone knows what a Rotti is, and only your friends will know it's just a big friendly puppy... *grin*

T.

Couldn't agree more :) My dogs love everyone and are gentle and friendly but their looks alone deter people. Sometimes when walking them I wanna wear a tshirt saying my dogs are friendly!

They are exceptionally loving and welcome friends into the home and hugs when they can get them.

My girl dog has the louder scarier bark when she's alerted to something and it's all bluff but I feel safe when alone.

The girl only barks when there is reason and my boy very rarely barks at all.

They are great to hug.

[Podengo]

I think a well bred Doberman could suit, provided she chooses the right type of puppy. Some are pretty hard to live with for the first year, while others are very calm from puppyhood.

Large enough to deter someone, but not necessarily a guarding breed.

They are a large breed, ideally 65-69cm.

Affectionate, fairly calm and steady as an adult, not typically hyper breeds.

They don't call the doberman a "velcro" dog for nothing! Dobes are extremely affectionate and loyal with their owners, love touching you all the time, not the sort of dog to take themselves away and lay down outside somewhere when they could be laying on the couch next to you. A well trained Dobe with the right sort of temperament could be a calm and steady adult, as I said some are complete live wires but I meet just as many that are gentle, steady dogs. They are very in-tune with their owners.

Not wire-coated or otherwise needing lots and lots of complicated grooming work, remembering she is interested in getting into showing. She is ok with needing a little trimming or needing brushing regularly. Doesn't want crazy mad shedding, but can deal with a moderate amount.

Grooming??? The breed ring can be very competitive in Dobes though....

Barking for a reason is fine, but not anything yappy for no reason.

Our dobes were never barky, but they certainly make a noise when someone is at the gate!

Doesn't have to like small animals, but needs to be ok with other dogs in general, she doesn't need the stress of a dog trying to attack another while out walking.

Dog issues shouldn't really be a problem with any well socialized, well trained dog. They should be able to walk past other dogs without screaming and trying to attack. Our dobes have always been raised around other animals and have been fine with them, but some Dobes can have pretty high prey drive so I wouldn't trust them with strange cats or anything.

She is ok with dogs aloof with strangers, but does have friends and family visiting fairly often, so dog needs to be able to cope with that.

The breed is usually aloof with strangers, but very loving once properly introduced to people!

Dog needs to be ok with at least one, but more likely 2 leisurely 30min-say an hour ling walks a day. Not interested in having to go running with the dog really. Happy with breeds that have to stay on leash if they must but there are plenty of off-leash areas around too.

I think a dobe would be fine with a couple of on or off lead walks a day, provided they are spending a lot more time hanging out with their owner.

[kiwifeathers]

Ok I've gotten some more input from my friend, will try make sure I cover the questions everyone asked in this post:

-She is confident with animals (her anxiety is mostly social, so its really only other people she has trouble with), and has worked with dogs before. She's a whole different person socially if she has a dog around to talk about, from what I've noticed when we have gone out with my two. Although this will be her first solo dog, I don't think she would have issues with making sure dog has boundaries etc.

-Doesn't *have* to go for walks the length stated, that was just the maximum she is likely to do.

-She likes most dogs appearance wise, although I don't think she is crazy on smushy-faced breeds, but if one was otherwise ideal for her, she wouldn't mind it. I do know a shar-pei wouldn't suit, she touched one at a show once and her skin had a reaction to the prickly coat.

-I have warned her about the bad side of showing with the gossip and such. She still wants to give it a go, starting at ribbon parade level, our club's ribbon parades are very friendly and supportive. I think she may also be interested in other canine sports. She feels doing something with her dog will be a good way to build confidence around people, as she'll be in her element with her dog as a social crutch, if that makes sense.

- She plans on taking the pup to puppy school and to at least one six week obedience course for basic stuff after that.

- A loud bark may be enough, as long as it would make any potential intruder move on, I think that would be enough to help her be calmer at night alone.

Any more questions you want me to ask her let me know. I'm trying to persuade her to join but obviously thats a bit tricky haha.

[persephone]

Rottie or Black lab :)

[Kavik]

First breed that came to mind was a Labrador (black). Such versatile dogs.

That's what I think too.

[Brandiandwe]

I have anxiety and I love my greys. They give me a huge amount of confidence, one is very protective, two bark at strange noises at night (including DH coming home late) and all three are very happy to pin you down for love. But much as I love them, given the other requirements especially the showing and obedience, she'd need either a show bred dog, a race bred pup and, TBH, a lot of patience. I'm loving that breeds who are on my 'I want' list are making it here. A Rotti or a Dobe (which I'd never really considered before and which I'm going to check out now) would be good if she doesn't want a Lab.

[juice]

I think any big black dog would fit .

It never ceases to amaze me how people recommend their breed time and time again without reading the OP, I rarely recommend mine, I mean really, a Cav, Aussie and BC look like they will put people off, I don't think so .

My dally is a good guard ,but I didn't say dally because people love them and run upto pat them everytime,( then back off when they see the BT lolling up behind) :laugh:

A single female wants a dog to feel safe with lets remember before we go spouting off about how wonderful our dogs are.

Edited March 24, 2014 by juice

[persephone]

Black or Brindle are the "scaries" , I've found ....

[cassie]

I think any big black dog would fit .

It never ceases to amaze me how people recommend their breed time and time again without reading the OP, I rarely recommend mine, I mean really, a Cav, Aussie and BC look like they will put people off, I don't think so .

My dally is a good guard ,but I didn't say dally because people love them and run upto pat them everytime,( then back off when they see the BT lolling up behind) :laugh:

A single female wants a dog to feel safe with lets remember before we go spouting off about how wonderful our dogs are.

Couldn't agree more! I know we all love our breeds but come on, they're not all suited for every situation.

This thread is probably the second time EVER I've recommended my own breed.

[LisaCC]

Agreed Juice.

I still think A black lab or rottie too.

Look and size wise a doberman could work too, but I don't know much about their temperaments at all, so maybe someone else could help there

[kiwifeathers]

Rottie's seem to be a favorite potential option here, I believe an aunt of hers had them, so she's rather fond of them. Definitely high on the possibles list. I don't think she dislikes labs, but mine growing up shed something awful, im not sure if she'd like that much shedding? She also likes the look of dobermans, but is worried about all the potential health issues. A Saint is also not a bad choice, if her squeaking over a pup at a show once was anything to go by! :laugh: Like me, she does have a bit of a flair for more exotic/rare. Any more unusual breeds you guys think may suit?

EDIT: forgot to mention the belgian sheps as well are being looked at and are on the shortlist. It sounds like it would be important to pick the right personality dog, but if she got the right one could be a great match.

Edited March 25, 2014 by kiwifeathers