The Great Dog Search...

[Sister Grace]

I've been thinking about getting a dog. I haven't had a dog in years..The problem is, i'm just not sure what kind I should look for. I know I dont want some little cutesy ankle-biter. I need a good guard dog but don't want one that is too volatile. I went and looked at a boxer, but something about the dog kinda weirded me out and we didn't 'click' if you know what i mean..
I've been thinking along the lines of a german shepard or a doberman. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[Menard]

I've been thinking about getting a dog. I haven't had a dog in years..The problem is, i'm just not sure what kind I should look for. I know I dont want some little cutesy ankle-biter. I need a good guard dog but don't want one that is too volatile. I went and looked at a boxer, but something about the dog kinda weirded me out and we didn't 'click' if you know what i mean..
I've been thinking along the lines of a german shepard or a doberman. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Uh...yeah...glad you steered away from any potentially volatile breeds.

If you want a beautiful animal and you are considering a Doberman, look at a Pit Bull/Doberman mix.

Out of the two you mentioned, I'd consider the German Shepherd. Look at the background on the dog first, though. Shepherds are more than capable and one of the more easily trained of dog breeds.

If you are wanting a dog can be an excellent family dog but still has good size, you might consider a Lab or Lab mix.

[Dennis]

As far a guard dog goes you need to decide what type you want, the larger dogs are certainly more  intimidating, especially if they've been trained to a level you feel is adequate for your needs. You should get advice from a professional trainer in this regard. On the other hand a dog or dogs that let you know when strangers come around are pretty good too, we have a pair of beagles who, although they wouldn't attack or bite without provocation, go ape when strangers approach the gate to the front yard. A pair of barking, baying, howling beagles is pretty impressive and intimidating if you don't know them, plus our two pooches are just as loud greeting people they know but in a way that lets us know we have company, they're much better than any doorbell I've ever had.

[Patient7]

My dog is a shepard/collie mix, it's a pretty good mix, fun and protective, I like it.

[Raffine]

I'm a bit prejudice since I grew up with German Shepherds, but they definitely get my vote. Even though your Shepherd may be as gentle as a baby lamb, most evil-doers find their looks very intimidating.

Shepherds do tend to be strictly 'one-person dogs' which may or may not be a good thing in your situation. If the dog bonds to you, any spouse, friends, etc. will be largely ignored, unless they regularly carry treats in their pockets. 

[Sister Grace]

First of all, thanks to everyone for the advice. I'm pretty sure we are gonna be looking at german shepards. I do plan on getting advice from a trainer so hopefully everything will go well. I know since we live out in the country, whatever dog we decide on, he/she will have a great home and good enviroment.

[CheezeFlixz]

First of all, thanks to everyone for the advice. I'm pretty sure we are gonna be looking at german shepards. I do plan on getting advice from a trainer so hopefully everything will go well. I know since we live out in the country, whatever dog we decide on, he/she will have a great home and good enviroment.

Shepard's are great dog but they are prone to hip problems which can be very painful for the dog and very expensive for the owner. So if you go with a GS then find a reputable breeder than can produce generation of breeding papers. Do not buy of some puppy mill or chain store. If the place you are getting the dog looks dirty and untidy then pass. Insure that they've had there shots on schedule and check with their Vet to see if they keep their dogs health up to snuff and the records.
If they try to tell you they give the shots themselves be careful they might not have.

You down in Dresden right? One of my running buddies is a Vet in Mayfield he might have leads on quality breeders.

[Trevor]

Sister Grace: Rhodesian Ridgebacks are a breed to consider.

Charlize Theron has one and they come from the same place I was born in, so they're not bad really. 

www.rhodesianridgeback.org.za

[CheezeFlixz]

Sister Grace: Rhodesian Ridgebacks are a breed to consider.

Charlize Theron has one and they come from the same place I was born in, so they're not bad really. 

www.rhodesianridgeback.org.za

Does the dog come with Charlize Theron ... if so I'll take 2 or 3 or 4 ... etc.

[Trevor]

Sister Grace: Rhodesian Ridgebacks are a breed to consider.

Charlize Theron has one and they come from the same place I was born in, so they're not bad really. 

www.rhodesianridgeback.org.za

Does the dog come with Charlize Theron ... if so I'll take 2 or 3 or 4 ... etc.

[Sister Grace]

First of all, thanks to everyone for the advice. I'm pretty sure we are gonna be looking at german shepards. I do plan on getting advice from a trainer so hopefully everything will go well. I know since we live out in the country, whatever dog we decide on, he/she will have a great home and good enviroment.

Shepard's are great dog but they are prone to hip problems which can be very painful for the dog and very expensive for the owner. So if you go with a GS then find a reputable breeder than can produce generation of breeding papers. Do not buy of some puppy mill or chain store. If the place you are getting the dog looks dirty and untidy then pass. Insure that they've had there shots on schedule and check with their Vet to see if they keep their dogs health up to snuff and the records.
If they try to tell you they give the shots themselves be careful they might not have.

You down in Dresden right? One of my running buddies is a Vet in Mayfield he might have leads on quality breeders.

If you could, please email me your buddie's contact information or the name of his Vet office. We're still buzzed around here about finding a good dog. Its been almost eight years since I had a dog, we had a chocolate lab named Sampson forever and when he passed I just couldn't bring myself to get another one.The only downside is i've got so much information from family that I'm not sure what to believe anymore. I know my brother said that I should look at the pads on thier feet, because discoloration can be a sign of inbreeding ?!!? Is this true or an old wive's tale? Also I came across a six month old dobie b***h that seems like a good dog, she's good with her owner's kids and she's already house-trained; however i've heard that its best to get gaurd dogs as a puppy, but the dog seems fine to me. Should I put any stock into the raising them from a pup theory?

[CheezeFlixz]

If you could, please email me your buddie's contact information or the name of his Vet office.

PM sent

[AndyC]

Always best to look up any breed and get some handle on temperament, energy level, common physical defects of the breed, and grooming requirements.

I have a Brittany, which is a friendly, lovable dog, but it sheds, requires regular brushing and periodic haircuts, needs a lot of exercise, and is emotionally kind of over-sensitive. A Brittany also takes about five years to mature from the neck up.

So, which breed you want is a matter of personal preference, but be sure to answer those questions.

And never, never, never buy a puppy from a pet store or a backyard breeder. Go to a reputable kennel and you'll know what you're getting for your money (and that the dogs are treated well).

[indianasmith]

We have four dogs  . . . an annoying little Bohemian Nostril Hound named Ali (she belongs to my mother-in-law, and is the most annoying dog on earth), and a big, amiable black lab named Dixie (see Humorous Captions board, "What Is Dixie Thinking?".

But in our field, to watch the goats, we have one purebred Great Pyrhennes and one that is half Pyrhennes and half Anatolian Shepherd.  They are both sweet, loyal, good natured beasts.

[Sister Grace]

Well, she's here! We finally got our dog. On her papers, we named her Rose Connolly, my daughter is rather fond of that ballad. Anyways, she's doing great and she took right up with my daughter, following her from room to room.

btw, thank you Cheezflix for all your help