I've wanted to get a dog for a while now, but I'm not sure what type to get? Whether I should get a cross-bred or a pedigree. I want something that is big, lovable and cuddly, but that will also protect me and friends/family is there is danger. So a guard/friendly dog if you catch my drift. Any ideas on what type(s) to get? -please base knowledge on experience, no guesses
Go to your local rehoming place and just have a look around, theres loads of dogs at the moment looking for new homes If you have a rough idea of what your after they should be able to help you good luck
Cross breads have less issues ($) down the road. Are you sure you are ready to have a kid (dogs are about as taxing)?
If you raise the dog right, it is no where NEAR as taxing as kids =oP Jarse, both purebreeds and mixed breeds have their pros and cons. You run a risk of health issues with either type, just different ones. It's more about personal preference than anything, the only thing purebreds have over mixed breeds is that they are far more predictable as far as how they will grow up and the general temperament. What makes or breaks a dog is how it is raised to live among you. I personally prefer mixed breeds, only based on personal experience which is that they are usually smarter and more affectionate. As for the type of dog you are wanting, ANY dog will be protective, especially if it is loving towards it's human family, and sees your family as it's pack. So you will want a naturally gregarious greed that has a strong tendency to have a pack mentality. Such breeds are Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and pit bulls. Yes, I said pit bulls, they are VERY affectionate and sweet loving dogs, as long as they are raised right, I can't stress that enough. However, there is so much ignorant prejudice against the pit bull breed that you may run into problems from other people. Weimeraners and large standard poodles (the kind that are very large) are also good dogs for what you want, but less likely to care for playing with the children than labs, goldens, and pits. Labradoodles are lab/poodle crosses, they are excellent family dogs as well. Those are just a few breeds off the top of my head, there are others that would make good large family dogs, and like I said, if the dog sees you as it's pack, it will be naturally protective anyway. Besides breed, you also have to get the right temperament for what you want. Very dominant or even moderately dominant dogs are not a good choice for a large dog in a family, unless you are very experienced with raising dogs, which it doesn't sound like you are. Dominant dogs are not aggressive or mean but they can appear that way or cause problems simply because of where they feel they are in the pack, and it is hard to keep your place as head of the pack so that you have their respect and they feel safe with you. You also do not want very submissive or even moderately submissive dogs either. While very sweet and safe, they will not be protective like you want. And in most cases, these types of dogs don't FEEL safe either, especially around children. The type of temperament you want is right in the middle, very rounded out. Whether or not you adopt a grown dog or a puppy, there are tests you can give each potential dog to somewhat gauge it's temperament, because it's not just about dominance but about pain tolerance especially around kids, and some dogs like to play and others are all about relaxing and business while still yet others just want to be in your lap 24/7 no matter their size, lol. You might ask around to find someone experienced in temperament testing to help you look at potential puppies/dogs and get an idea for the temperament, but it will not always be 100% accurate, you can never really know for sure. It would help cut down on getting a dog that is too hard to handle or one that won't be like you want it to be, though. Hope that helps!
Consider your life style when selecting a dog. Don't choose a working dog if you aren't home much or don't want to walk it on a regular basis. Golden Retrievers are large to medium, very intelligent, bond familywise, but aren't overly assertive, that's why they are used as guidedogs. You don't have to buy a pedigree Retriever, visit your local shelter or animal control....more than once would be my recommendation. But I fell in love with my BillyBob the minute I openned the door and saw him. He's a Lhaso Apso. Small, but very family oriented and a good watchdog.
True. small dogs are just as good as watchdogs as big dogs. They may not be able to physically take care of business like a big dog but you don't really want them too anyway, too many legal implications and serious issues. considering a smaller dog as a house alarm is just as valid of an option. My 18 pound terrier will not let a butterfly cough 20 feet from the house without making sure I know about it.
Yeah I suggest going to your shelter. They should be familiar enough with dogs to know which may suit your lifestyle best. But may I sugest a Kuvasz. They are my fav Not many people know of these dogs but here's a description:The Kuvasz is a very intelligent, assertive dog, combining great strength with quickness and speed that is often unexpected in a dog of its size. A Kuvasz is unwavering in its loyalty and devotion to its family, be they people or animals. There is no threat he will not face in protecting those he loves. He is independent in nature, and is discriminating with strangers. He makes his own judgements about who he will consider his acquaintances. This often leads to comments about "aloofness", which seems to add to his noble demeanor. Seriously, I love these dogs sooooo much but again, I would suggest checking out a shelter first.
Frieden never heard of the Kuvasz before. But after reading about them sound like a great larger dog. Look kind of like the pyrennes and have similiar traits. They were bred as working dogs, so probably would need regular exercise. I used have Irish Setters, everyone told me they were ditzy, but I loved their energy. If I had a lot of land that was fenced I'd have twenty of them, guess that's how you feel about the Kuvasz.
Where I use to board my horses there was an Irish Setter. He was an old man in age but a youngin in spirit. I really enjoyed that dog! I can see why you like the Irish Setters. They are also very beautiful....they always look so prideful.
First off, I think it's a VERY bad idea to suggest a pit bull to a first-time owner, or ANY owner with no experience with such breeds. Especially coming from anyone that's trying to support them despite the bad-rep they're getting all over the media. A pit bull doesn't have to fall into the wrong hands to end up with the wrong attitude, they just need someone with more breed-specific experience who knows how to train them well and knows what to expect out of a dog like that. Anyway, if you're looking for a bigger dog, I'd definitely suggest a "mutt". After what I said above... since most bigger breeds are tagged as "dangerous breeds" and there's no doubt that, without proper training, even with good intentions, they can turn into something that you can't handle. First, you want to check any breed-specific laws in your area... dogs that you might not even expect could be on the list if they do have such laws where you live. Go to the SPCA even if you're not looking to adopt, or to a local vet, and talk to them about what you want, how much experience you have, etc. They'll be more than happy to give you a list of breeds they think would be right for you. Then, get online or something and look up the breeds they suggest, choose what you think is right, and NEVER get a dog that you aren't sure whether or not you could handle.
I concur. I would just like to add that certain dogs become liabilities. I know our homeowner's insurance was dropped because of a breed of dog we had, an Akita. Also, I have no experience with Pit Bulls whatsoever, but I know in many cities/counties/etc it's illegal to have one. If you ever find yourself needing to relocate, that's something to consider.
Yeah... when we lived in BC, we REALLY wanted pit bulls (my husband and I were both raised around big dogs and "aggressive breeds" pff...) and it would be fine there, they're legal everywhere in the province and I can't see that changing any time soon. But after moving to Florida, we'd have to compromise, because dangerous breeds generally bring your house insurance up at least $100,000 and I just don't know how things are gonna be going down here with breed restrictions in the next few years. I wouldn't risk it. And as somene who has A LOT of experience with big dogs/so-called dangerous breeds... (my last dog was bullmastiff (half), rottweiler, boxer, and lab). They are seriously a full-time job. I'm a housewife so having those breeds isn't a problem for us, but you HAVE to have at least a few months to commit to training and preventing aggression... and it takes a lot of time and patience.
....Beagle....? i have a beagle, and she is sooo adorable, but she also protects us and watches over us. and she's big, 'cause she's fat! lol. I know you want a bigger breed, but yeah, just thought i would throw that one out there. Oh! and Golden Retrievers are really loyal as well~
Beagles are awesome, and they definitely are protective... consider they were hunting dogs! My dad has a lab/pitbull (male) and two Jack Russel terriers (male and female)... the female Jack Russel is seriously the main guard dog... she's backed people into corners (and bitten a few times) even after she knew them for a long time, just 'cause they walked in the house when my dad was in the back yard or something... but, she seems to know that I'm his daughter, because when my husband and I are over there, she's ALL over us, and she'll let us in the house even when nobody's home. Smaller dogs can be very smart and VERY protective. The boys... The bitch...
