Recommend a dog breed
Discussion
Hi there
We are considering getting a puppy in the near future. We have cats, and no kids at present (although 1-2 years down the line that might change)
I would want a mid-size to large dog that would be reasonably intelligent, exceptionally loyal and a good guard/deterrant while remaining non-aggressive towards the 'pack' (i.e. me, the gf and cats!)
I am energetic, have a medium sized garden, and live next to several dozen acres of open public fields so am quite able to cope with a dog that requires 1-2 half an hour or so brisk walk/run a day, plus time in the garden, and longer 1-2 hour walk/runs at weekends and in the lighter evenings. My gf works shifts, so a dog would only be left on its own (well, with the cats) for a few hours on some days.
While growing up I have had a lab and a German Shepherd (at separate times). I'm 30 now, so although I haven't had a dog in the past decade or so and am by no means an expert dog handler, I am not a beginner either.
The breeds I am considering at present are:
Does anyone who has cats (and kids) have any of these breeds, or similar breeds? And if so, would you care to comment and/or make some suggestions.
Thanks
We are considering getting a puppy in the near future. We have cats, and no kids at present (although 1-2 years down the line that might change)
I would want a mid-size to large dog that would be reasonably intelligent, exceptionally loyal and a good guard/deterrant while remaining non-aggressive towards the 'pack' (i.e. me, the gf and cats!)
I am energetic, have a medium sized garden, and live next to several dozen acres of open public fields so am quite able to cope with a dog that requires 1-2 half an hour or so brisk walk/run a day, plus time in the garden, and longer 1-2 hour walk/runs at weekends and in the lighter evenings. My gf works shifts, so a dog would only be left on its own (well, with the cats) for a few hours on some days.
While growing up I have had a lab and a German Shepherd (at separate times). I'm 30 now, so although I haven't had a dog in the past decade or so and am by no means an expert dog handler, I am not a beginner either.
The breeds I am considering at present are:
- Alaskan Malamute
- German Shepherd
- Rottweiler
Does anyone who has cats (and kids) have any of these breeds, or similar breeds? And if so, would you care to comment and/or make some suggestions.
Thanks
schmokin1 said:
make it a rescue dog, eh? I've never seen the point of paying for a pedigree, complete with inbreeding problems, when there are many great dogs needing rehoming....
Ditto. Get one that has been in foster care and so has been fully assessed. You will know if the dog is cat / child / dog friendly.Many, many to choose from here:
www.dogpages.org.uk/forums
Just about all the shapes, sizes, colours and breeds (and crossbreeds) that you can imagine. If you are after a rottie, there are so many of them looking for homes, along with staffies.
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm
we're getting a dog this year as well, probably go for a rescue dog rather than a purebreed with papers. I like cairn and airedale terriers, but the cost is too high for me. Rescue dogs come with a full service (all jabs etc.).
we're getting a dog this year as well, probably go for a rescue dog rather than a purebreed with papers. I like cairn and airedale terriers, but the cost is too high for me. Rescue dogs come with a full service (all jabs etc.).
matt28 said:
I would want a mid-size to large dog that would be reasonably intelligent,
I was going to suggest Boxer and then spotted this deal breaker - you're a hard man.....Seriously though I've had a few Boxers over the years and they are brilliant pets, just a wee bit "daft"....
When my children were growing up I had a Black Lab and various German Shepherds. All of the dogs were bought as pups and they grew with the children. NEVER EVER had any problems with the dogs being snappy with the chidren. When I worked away from home the dogs instinctively new they were guarding the family. I did find that in this situation it is probably better to have b
hes rather than dogs!
In addition to my 2 choices above i would also support those who suggested Rotties or Neapolitans! both great family dogs!
hes rather than dogs!In addition to my 2 choices above i would also support those who suggested Rotties or Neapolitans! both great family dogs!
Just find a suitable mongrel, always intelligent (well mostly) have less medical and physical problems especially in later life, we had an Alsation/Colly cross.
He was the most intelligent, good natured and loyal hound you could wish for - could kick ass too
He was the most intelligent, good natured and loyal hound you could wish for - could kick ass too
Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 3rd February 18:43
Mrs Grumpy said:
schmokin1 said:
make it a rescue dog, eh? I've never seen the point of paying for a pedigree, complete with inbreeding problems, when there are many great dogs needing rehoming....
Ditto. Get one that has been in foster care and so has been fully assessed. You will know if the dog is cat / child / dog friendly.Many, many to choose from here:
www.dogpages.org.uk/forums
Just about all the shapes, sizes, colours and breeds (and crossbreeds) that you can imagine. If you are after a rottie, there are so many of them looking for homes, along with staffies.
GingerWizard said:
Akita
My Father in law had one. Bloody fantastic dog. Very placid but very very very loyal, Not all of them display there "Rings" like this one. I could not give this breed higher praise. Bit rare too. When i have a big house i'm getting a couple.
I am loving this suggestion! Do you know how Akitas are around cats by any chance?
Thanks
Wings said:
Mrs Grumpy said:
schmokin1 said:
make it a rescue dog, eh? I've never seen the point of paying for a pedigree, complete with inbreeding problems, when there are many great dogs needing rehoming....
Ditto. Get one that has been in foster care and so has been fully assessed. You will know if the dog is cat / child / dog friendly.Many, many to choose from here:
www.dogpages.org.uk/forums
Just about all the shapes, sizes, colours and breeds (and crossbreeds) that you can imagine. If you are after a rottie, there are so many of them looking for homes, along with staffies.
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