Guest Anonymous Posted February 1, 2005 Posted February 1, 2005 Looking for some advice on a dog breed. I'm a stay at home Dad of 3 children. Two still at home one in school, ages 2,4,7. we are a very active outdoorsy family. I live in Minnesota and we play outside in the winter months as well. I canoe camp in the BWCA in northern Minnesota, so any dog we get must be able to swim and sit in a canoe. We also camp in a Larger camper to "family campgrounds". I have only a 1/3 acre yard but it backs upto woods and wetlands (read swamp). Yard is not fenced and not interested in fencing it. Because of the woods behind us and the trails that lead upto the property I'd like a dog with protective intstincts. We've had teens wander through and even had a a couple of fires back there. Not much traffic now though due to our "explorations" keeps others out when we are back there most of the time playing. So I need a kid friendly dog that can handle hot summers and cold winters with protective instincts. Well mannered and obedient. A dog that can romp through the woods with the kids and stay close to home. I have owned a few dogs in the past ranging from a Greyhound to a Chocolate Lab and a Collie. Dog would be an inside dog with the possibility of having a kennel/run connected to the garage allowing access to a kennel inside the garage when out and the dog is not able to come with us. Long winded I know and I apologize, just trying to provide some background Thanks for any input, Joe Quote
nadooshkinz Posted February 1, 2005 Posted February 1, 2005 Hey Joe! Welcome to Dogo, May i suggest A Golden Retriever? Very kid friendly, easy to train, not so much with the protective instincts, as they are not guard dogs but then again you will find most dogs protect their owners, is both a good inside and outdoors dog, can handle hot and cold summers, and is overall very easy going, yet active and playful! hope i helped :wink: Quote
xavierandrea Posted February 1, 2005 Posted February 1, 2005 Well that narrows it done to the breed I have :D :D a Rottweiler!!! ( Three of them to be exact.) Quote
Guest Anonymous Posted February 2, 2005 Posted February 2, 2005 Thanks for the input. Both sides of the spectrum here! A Golden and a Rotty. I know many goldens and have considered them. I have had Rotts on my list but I know my wife would say no as would the neighbors. I 've met a few Rotts and they were super sweet dogs and I understand them to be kid friendly but to those who don't know ie my neighbors, my kids would lose their playmates fast! My kind of dog but I know I'd get vetoed. Thanks again, Joe Yes the Pats are going to win Go Vikes! For next year...The most talented mediocre team around Quote
JackieMaya Posted February 2, 2005 Posted February 2, 2005 Rotties are great dogs, but I think most of them don't like cold weather like we have in Minnesota. Quote
rotten_two Posted February 2, 2005 Posted February 2, 2005 yes and both my guys hate er um make that detest water! JDEcho: i have a couple more questions . . . would you consider adoption from a shelter or breed specific rescue? what size dog or does it matter? preferrences for shedding/grooming/allergies? do you have other animals? birds, cats, hamsters? how much time are you willing to put in to his/her training? also just a note that you will have to train a dog to sit in a canoe, the swimming well sometimes you have to remind dogs they know how to swim too haha. with any dog you really should do at least some basic training. Quote
Guest Anonymous Posted February 2, 2005 Posted February 2, 2005 I'd consider adopting an older dog. My only concern is that I have young children and would like the dog to be raised with them from an early age. I really don't have any preference to size or breed(it's got to be bigger than a football) I hate yapping! I asked about specific breeds because that way I can get a pup and raise it for the above mentioned reason. If I found a "mutt" that showed great temperment around my family I'd be on board. But the dog has to have certain characteristics to meet my criteria. It's gotta swim and be able to be outdoors all year round etc.... Certain breeds I'm finding are quite willfull and independant nordic and terriers don't seem to fit my bill. I have no issues training a dog. I stay at home and am able to train with the kids for the most part. I spent hours a day with my chocolate lab and it all payed off till she had to be put down. I don't hunt but like the sporting dogs. I don't farm but like the herding dogs. It's a crap shoot as far as getting my desired characteristics even if I get a pure bred but at least I've got the odds in my favor I think. I need a protective Lab that has a mellow dispostion! Haven't seen one of those yet. Quote
rotten_two Posted February 2, 2005 Posted February 2, 2005 first let me say that you can get younger dogs from rescue -- you might have to wait but i got my male rottie from rescue when he was 12 weeks. anyhoo here are some of my suggestions . . . speaking in generalities of course -- within any breed you have variants. standard poodle (good with kids, loves loves loves water, needs good bit of exercise, very clever, believe it or not quite a good guard dog) bernese mtn dog (great with kids, good with cold weather, active, adequate guard dog) portuguese water dog (excellent with kids, loves water, very smart, easily trained) newfoundland (might be a tad big for a canoe -- would likely rather swim anyway, good with kids, loves water, protective of family) there are others i can think of but this will give you something to research :) Quote
Lucky Chaos Posted February 2, 2005 Posted February 2, 2005 My dog Lucky fits everything you've described. Only he's a mixed breed, Border Collie and Golden Retriever. He's EXCELLENT with my little cousins, aged 10, 7 and 3. We own a cottage which we go up to every summer, he LOVES swimming and I haven't taken him on the canoe but he's good on the motorboat. At the cottage he has tons of room to run but he always stays close and never wanders. I would say try to find a mixed breed or young purebred with the characteristics you like. With a puppy, you could end up with a dog that hates everything you like to do. If you adopt an older dog you already know that its good with kids or likes swimming. A rescue organization will help match the perfect dog for your family, they know the dogs. Quote
xavierandrea Posted February 2, 2005 Posted February 2, 2005 My older brother has a Lad and she is great! She tolerates the New England Winters very well and our hot and humid Summers He trained her to hunt and she is and excelent hunter. He said she was very easy to train, She is now 2 years old and knows to hunts better than his 9 year old Beagles. She is very active and protective of him and his wife. Casey ( that's her name ) appears to have all the qualities that you are looking for. I understand why you can't get a Rott. Some neighbors will and can make your life miserable just because of the type of dog you have. Quote
Guest Mutts4Me Posted February 3, 2005 Posted February 3, 2005 My labrador we had when we were kids was a very sweet dog, and very protective of us. Once my sister and I were home alone and my grandparents came over. Bandit wouldn't let them past the entrance way! Once he broke out of his outdoor kennel while we were gone, and my neighbor tried to get ahold of him (for the dog's own protection), but Bandit wouldn't let him on our property. Because they're so popular, there are a lot of labs and lab mixes in shelters, both puppy and adult. And while a lot of people are nervous about adopting an adult dog from a shelter because they think they've got too much baggage, the top two reasons dogs (and cats) are surrendered is that their owners are moving, or they're not allowed to have pets. So there are a lot of good, well-adjusted animals in shelters whose owners have just been unable to keep them. Many shelters temperament test, too, plus keep records of whether the pet was previously with kids, cats, and dogs. Best of luck to you, whatever you choose. Quote
CincoandDahlilasgirl Posted February 4, 2005 Posted February 4, 2005 What about some type of hound? Quote
lsailor Posted February 21, 2005 Posted February 21, 2005 I think a "Sporting" type dog would be a great fit based on your description. What about a Brittany, Viszla, Weimeraner or German Shorthair Pointer? Or some mix of those? I'm sure up in Minnesota (?) there are probably more than few of the 'gun dog' type dogs at the shelter or in rescue. My best friend growing up had a German Shorthaired Pointer that her dad had as a hunting dog and he was the best playmate for us. We had a great time with him - he was intelligent, gentle, patient, silly, and sturdy enough for us to roughhouse with. :great: Quote
imported_Debbie Posted February 24, 2005 Posted February 24, 2005 Dog Fancy April 2005 (the magazine) just came out with types of dogs that are best suited for certain life styles...... Young Family Seeks First Dog Top Picks; Collie (smooth/rough), Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Pug, Boston Terrier Worth A Look; Affenpinscher, Brussels Griffon, Dachshund, Labrador Retriever, French Bulldog Retired Couple Seeks Companion Top Picks; retired racing Greyhound, Boston Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Papillon, Havanese, Chow Chow, Bichon Frise, Pekingnese Worth A Look; Bull Terrier, Beagle, Chihuahua, French Bulldog, Italian Greyhound, English or American Cocker Spaniel, Tibetan Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Miniature Poodle or Min Schnauzer Active Single Seeks Sporty Friend Top Picks; Belgian Malinois, Border Collie, Golden Retriever, Jack Russell or Parson Russell Worth A Look; German Shorthaired Pointer, Shetland Sheepdog, Border Terrier, Whippet Working Couple Seeks Companion Top Picks; retired racing Greyhound, Whippet, Basenji, Chinese Shar Pei, Fox Terrier, Lakeland Terrier, Welsh Terrier Worth A Look; Beagle, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chinese Crested, Chihuahua, Pekingese obviously every breed isn't represented here but they're trying to give a good idea to people...... :wink: Quote
Guest Anonymous Posted February 24, 2005 Posted February 24, 2005 what do people think of adopting a rescue German Shepard? Friends have one and is an excellent dog. Thanks for all the input, Joe Quote
imported_Debbie Posted February 24, 2005 Posted February 24, 2005 JD, adopting is great !! Just make sure the dog is kid friendly since you have a few !! :wink: Quote
lsailor Posted February 25, 2005 Posted February 25, 2005 [quote name='DivineOblivion19'][quote name='Debbie']Dog Fancy April 2005 (the magazine) just came out with types of dogs that are best suited for certain life styles...... Young Family Seeks First Dog Top Picks; Collie (smooth/rough), Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Pug, Boston Terrier Worth A Look; Affenpinscher, Brussels Griffon, Dachshund, Labrador Retriever, French Bulldog ... I don't think a Corgi would be good for a first time dog owner... I completely agree. I'm not sure these choices make much sense for a young family (assuming that includes kids!). - Corgis tend to try to herd children (read: nipping heels!) - Cavaliers are awfully fine boned to stand up to rough play with kids, if you have nice, calm kids I'm sure they're great with them - Dachshund...well...they don't put up with much and the ones I know won't hesitate to let you know when they're annoyed - French Bulldogs, as an owner myself, I can say they need LOTS of attention, they cannot withstand a lot of exercise or they'll overheat, they potentially have expensive health problems, and I don't think they'd make a great first dog as they are stubborn & are very slow to potty train. I think a rescue GSD might be a good choice. You would definately have to make sure they are good with children. They tend to be dominant dogs so training would be a must, and they are highly intelligent so you'd have to make sure they'd be busy :kciuki: Quote
Crystal Posted February 25, 2005 Posted February 25, 2005 I think a GSD would probably be a great thing. I know my husband had a GSD/Husky mix when he was young. The dog is like 14 or 15 now. He is great around kids, but very protective also. I know when I first started giong around he was very wary of me, but after 4 or 5 visits he started to warm up. He is real easing going around the kids to. When my daughter was like 2 or 3 she sould lay all over him, she would try to climb on his back. I know the only thing he didn't like was to have his tail touched, but that was because he got it run over once and never really got passed it. Then there are always mutts, which is what I am getting in about 3 days (yay... :D ) We have 2 kids, 1 1/2 and 6. We wanted kid friendly, in house dog, pretty active, and somewhat protective. Ended up with Husky/Lab mix. I think its going to work out good. I would have to say Mutts are my fav!!!!! There not really held to any kind of standard, they can just be what they are. Works out wonderfully. Quote
imported_Debbie Posted February 25, 2005 Posted February 25, 2005 :wink: Don't kill the messenger.....I said this was an article from Dog Fancy magazine....... I personally don't know a lot about some of the dogs on the list and wouldn't pick them myself but that's the consensus from the magazine... The author of the article was Joan Hustace Walker. She got her info from a variety of sources....A director for an Academy for Dog Trainers at the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and a canine behavior consultant Myrna Milani DVM, Charlestown, N.H. I'm not advocating this advice one way or the other......... Just wrote what was there. :wink: P.S the DVM said young families with first dog should avoid the working breeds........ Edited to add....I have 2 Jacks and a Lab/Rott and run a Daycare in my home so I'm going against the supposed recommendations as well.... I think it depends on the particular dog and what they'll put up with and what they're used to..... my dogs were raised with little ones around and love them. :wink: Quote
imported_Debbie Posted February 25, 2005 Posted February 25, 2005 [quote name='DivineOblivion19']Not killing you Debbie!!! :P Just had to comment! As usual I just couldn't keep my mouth shut! :wink: :oops: I think a GSD may possibly be a good choice. It is a great idea to make sure you get the kids involved in the training of a GSD. Well, it's actually a good idea for any breed, but especially with a larger dog, you need to make sur ethe dog respects everyone in the family! :wink: GSD's are great dogs and definitely need stimulation. I knew someone who decided to run into the store really quickly while her GSD stayed in the car. She was in the store for about 6-8 mintues and when she came out, the dog had ripped the dash off of the car!!!! He was not a happy dog!!! And she was not a happy owner. :o I know D.O !!!! :wink: :lol: The person in the article says for 1st time owners (young families) to avoid the working breeds for just that reason..... Plus, with an older rescue you can't be sure of the reliability with kids. I guess just different takes on the subject.....people are going to do what they want anyway.... :wink: :D Quote
Guest Anonymous Posted February 28, 2005 Posted February 28, 2005 How about a "Mutt" puppy? Mixed with desirable breeds such as a Lab or Golden? That way I raise it and I don't have to worry about some of the issues with Pure Breds. Quote
Crystal Posted February 28, 2005 Posted February 28, 2005 Just got my mutt puppy yesterday.....husky/lab. I think it will work out great. I wanted a pup to raise with my kids 6 and 1 1/2. I thought it important for them to grow up together. I would defientley say go for a mutt. A dog is a dog. If it cost $800 from a breeder, $80 from the shelter, or free from an oops encounter. Just don't buy from a pet shop..we will hunt you down and harm you(jsut kidding) Hey go for the Mutt!!!! Everybody needs somemutty to love!!! :D Quote
Guest Anonymous Posted March 12, 2005 Posted March 12, 2005 Typically, with kids involved, the best dog you can get is a big dog. Steer clear of small dogs. Kids tend to be rough, very active, not aware of their surrounding, and not aware of their own bodies. To a small dog, this can be VERY stressful. Imagine being surrounded by three clydesdale horses while they played soccer, hit eachother with pillows, etc. It would probably make you pretty nervous and on edge too. It also sounds like you have a fair amount of space for a dog to run and a good amount of time to train and exercise a dog. I think a GSD would be great. The big problem with GSD's nowadays is a problem that plagues many of the popular breeds. Rotten, you can probably speak to this as well. GSD's, rotts, pit bull, and others have all been victims of idiot breeders. It seems like you have not had tons of experience with choosing dogs. Here are some generally good rules of thumb when considering a dog like this: 1) If you cannot meet the parents--both of the parents--scratch that breeder off of the list. There are FEW legitimate reasons why meeting and spending some time with the parents would not be possible. The majority of the time, the breeder who tells you that the stud/bitch is not available for whatever reason is lying to you. 2) If the breeder does not have children, move on. 3) If the breeder does not ask you about what your plans are for the dog, move on. 4) Make sure to ask about health certification/hip testing/temperament testing. If you really have a good idea of dog behavior and temperament evaluation, do not feel hesitant to go to a shelter. The problem is that you are looking for a companion that will be around your kids, their friends, etc for YEARS to come. It is VERY hard to judge a pups temperament. Assuming you are a good owner, which you seem to be, then genetics are the most important part of the dog you choose. A pup with stable, level parents will most likely be stable and level. I would recommend, if you like what you see in a GSD, looking into a Malinios. They have not been subjected to the poor breeding of other breeds. Joseph Quote
Guest Anonymous Posted March 21, 2005 Posted March 21, 2005 How about a Bullmastiff or an American Bulldog? Anyone with experience with these breeds? Thanks, Joe Quote
Shannon_C Posted March 22, 2005 Posted March 22, 2005 [quote name='JDEcho']How about a Bullmastiff or an American Bulldog? Anyone with experience with these breeds? Thanks, Joe Hi Joe. I have experience with the Bullmastiff breed who are the most loving and gentlest with children, however with any dog they should never be left alone with children especially toddlers because a full grown Bullmastiff can easily knock over a small child without realising it. They are a large powerful breed that do need a strong handler and should be socialized with other dogs and animals. Puppy's should not have long walks until they are at least 12 months old because they are still growing, if over exercised with any large breed, they can be prone to hip dysplasia.....but at maturity they will take as much has you can give. They are a stubborn breed at times and drool occasionally when they drink or get hot but a cloth always comes in handy for this. Training is a must if you want a calm loving dog to just lie by your feet, they can be couch potatoes. I have one at the moment, he is now 5 years old and he loves my daughter who is 1....she climbs all over him, they will tolerate anything. Obviously you will have to introduce your children to the new puppy or dog. The only problem with this breed is they are an indoor dog......they don't like the cold weather and have to be kept cool in summer. Quote
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