what dog breed do YOU recommend and why?
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FineWynsFJ40
Too much to do...
Large Munsterlander. Hands down the best breed I have ever encountered. Our dog Willy is basically a member of our family who cannot speak but communicates in English just as well as we do 
Great hunting dog, loves attention and *needs* to be next to you or wherever you are. Loyal, great guard/watchdog, and loves the outdoors. He's my buddy when driving around with the windows down on a trail, and often supervises me when working on my FJ55. Quick learner, learned sit, stay, lay down, and shake, averaging about 1-2 hours to learn and perfect each skill. I suggest looking the breed up and at least giving it a consideration. My $.02. 
Brian
Great hunting dog, loves attention and *needs* to be next to you or wherever you are. Loyal, great guard/watchdog, and loves the outdoors. He's my buddy when driving around with the windows down on a trail, and often supervises me when working on my FJ55. Quick learner, learned sit, stay, lay down, and shake, averaging about 1-2 hours to learn and perfect each skill. I suggest looking the breed up and at least giving it a consideration. My $.02. Brian
We have a 7 month old Golden Retriever and Chocolate Lab. My favorites.
I also really liked my chocolate lab/dalmation mix. He was an awesome dog, faster than s*** and could nearly jump over a 6' fence. He was the best frisbee dog I ever had. I miss him
Yup,
The best dog I have ever owned was Lab-Dalmatian mix. Hands down....the smartest, best tempered all around dog I have ever had, or have ever seen.
In my lifetime...I will never find another as good as him.
He has been gone for twenty years this December and I still miss him.
rusty_tlc
Dain Bramaged Member
If you block her with your knee a few times she will stop jumping, Jake will jump but he does it a few feet away from you. Let me know when you figure out the mouthing thing.
Every Standard I've ever had wasn't that interested in food they tend to eat just what they need. I always free feed mine, you could put out 40# of food and they won't over eat.
Check with a groomer supply place and ty to get some depilatory powder for the ears. I use to use a pair of forceps to clean the ears but the depilatory powder makes it easier on you and the dog.
That is kind of freaky, he "talks" when he wants something. He was begging for food, which I hate.I like Jake!
He's a sweetie!
He freaked myout while staring her and growling while she was eating on Barney Riley, but aside from that....
Hes cool!
Chicago
His real growl sounds different.
Box Rocket
SILVER Star
Box Rocket
SILVER Star
ok now that I'm done being emotional, I'll chime it with my thoughts. Based on your lifestyle with all the outdoor activities, a small dog probably isn't going to cut it quite as well as a med or large breed. I know lots of people who really like mixed breeds but I'm definitely a pure bred guy. I've had lots of dogs over the years. We participated in similar activities although one of our main ones has always been upland game hunting so that dictated some of our decisions. Between my childhood and now (roughly 25+ years) we've had 4 English Setters. All of them have been oustanding. My little brother has one right now that is probably the best of the bunch. Super smart, loves to hunt and does it well. Fast. Very obedient and mild temperment. Sheds a bit and likes to lick, but I rarely hear her bark and she is very gentle with kids. Very Agile. I suggest the English Setter because from my experience they are great dogs and a good size for what your interests are, and no one has suggested them yet.
Also, over the years I've had 3 cocker spaniels. Cockers are great and I would make a strong case for one except they could be on the small side depending on how difficult your hikes get. Take a fair amount of grooming if you intend to keep their coat close to the suggested breed standard, but great personalities, and fun, gentle dogs.
My dad had an English Pointer when I was a teenager. Another great dog. Friendly, obedient. There are better choices around small kids IMO.
We had a Beagle a few years back. He was a decent dog, but he was a runner. Had to be careful when he wasn't on a leash. He was good until he developed some epilepsy and it brought out a little bit of aggression. He became unpredictable around our small boys and we had to get rid of him. Personally I wouldn't own another Beagle so I understand them being on your "bad" list.
I had a black lab that was hands down the absolute BEST dog I have EVER owned. The one I had was so smart it made all other dogs I've ever had look like they took the shortbus to school, and I had had some smart dogs. Wonderful around our boys. Loyal and Friendly like no other breed I have seen. Love outdoor activities of all sorts. I think they are one of the most versatile in this regard. they are just as at home camping or hiking with you as they are retrieving ducks, or just sitting by you in your favorite chair by the fire. I know labs are very popular but there's a reason for it. Like has been mentioned before, there is some overbreeding and it is worth the time to find a good breeder, and even then, it's good to be very selective with pups to find the right one for you. I am on the hunt for a new lab right now since mine was hit by a car. This is my #1 choice.
Oddly enough I'll make another suggestion, with a caveat. Again depending on the hiking you do, it could be too small like the cocker, but if you hike on relatively mild trails it could work. My wife bugged me for years to get a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. I resisted for a while, but gave in about a year ago. If you want a dog with personality, this is it. They'll take a bit more attention and training if you've got small kids. They are herding dogs and small kids are viewed as peers or something that needs to be herded. It was funny for a while when as a pup our Corgi would herd our boys onto the couch and not let them off. We trained that out of her and she has become great with kids. Very fun, energetic dog. They shed a bit, but their hair is on the short side. They do great in agility contests. They are traditionally used to herd cattle and are very tough considering their size. They are also used for herding sheep on steep hillsides in England so despite their short legs they can handle tough terrain with suprising ease. I have really been suprised at how much I've grown to like this breed.
so those are my suggestions.
Also, over the years I've had 3 cocker spaniels. Cockers are great and I would make a strong case for one except they could be on the small side depending on how difficult your hikes get. Take a fair amount of grooming if you intend to keep their coat close to the suggested breed standard, but great personalities, and fun, gentle dogs.
My dad had an English Pointer when I was a teenager. Another great dog. Friendly, obedient. There are better choices around small kids IMO.
We had a Beagle a few years back. He was a decent dog, but he was a runner. Had to be careful when he wasn't on a leash. He was good until he developed some epilepsy and it brought out a little bit of aggression. He became unpredictable around our small boys and we had to get rid of him. Personally I wouldn't own another Beagle so I understand them being on your "bad" list.
I had a black lab that was hands down the absolute BEST dog I have EVER owned. The one I had was so smart it made all other dogs I've ever had look like they took the shortbus to school, and I had had some smart dogs. Wonderful around our boys. Loyal and Friendly like no other breed I have seen. Love outdoor activities of all sorts. I think they are one of the most versatile in this regard. they are just as at home camping or hiking with you as they are retrieving ducks, or just sitting by you in your favorite chair by the fire. I know labs are very popular but there's a reason for it. Like has been mentioned before, there is some overbreeding and it is worth the time to find a good breeder, and even then, it's good to be very selective with pups to find the right one for you. I am on the hunt for a new lab right now since mine was hit by a car. This is my #1 choice.
Oddly enough I'll make another suggestion, with a caveat. Again depending on the hiking you do, it could be too small like the cocker, but if you hike on relatively mild trails it could work. My wife bugged me for years to get a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. I resisted for a while, but gave in about a year ago. If you want a dog with personality, this is it. They'll take a bit more attention and training if you've got small kids. They are herding dogs and small kids are viewed as peers or something that needs to be herded. It was funny for a while when as a pup our Corgi would herd our boys onto the couch and not let them off. We trained that out of her and she has become great with kids. Very fun, energetic dog. They shed a bit, but their hair is on the short side. They do great in agility contests. They are traditionally used to herd cattle and are very tough considering their size. They are also used for herding sheep on steep hillsides in England so despite their short legs they can handle tough terrain with suprising ease. I have really been suprised at how much I've grown to like this breed.
so those are my suggestions.
kabota19
KE7SBT
add my 2cents. we are on our second golden, the last one could jump the six and a half foot fence in our yard almost with out a running start (we lived next to RR tracks and he got trained, made it under the moving train but not out the other side
) we moved and our current golden, molly has been around for...15 years (ya she is OLD) and still gets out and runs a lot...it seems that with the right kind of food she is acting like a puppy again. Has had a hard life with only one eye. Chases anything that is in the air: birds, crop dusters, helicopters....super gentle (brings eggs in from the chicken house with out breaking them) loves kids and is incredibly protective. my next will definitely be a golden.
brandon
) we moved and our current golden, molly has been around for...15 years (ya she is OLD) and still gets out and runs a lot...it seems that with the right kind of food she is acting like a puppy again. Has had a hard life with only one eye. Chases anything that is in the air: birds, crop dusters, helicopters....super gentle (brings eggs in from the chicken house with out breaking them) loves kids and is incredibly protective. my next will definitely be a golden.brandon
- Thread starter
- #90
saw a doberman mix today i loved. i have to bring the wife back to see it.
this is something that i have read and something that concerns us.
Adopt a greyhound... I will always own one or two. IMO, they are GREAT pets.
Not sure about finding a dominant one, but aren't you the leader of the pack anyway.
would love to... its not in the cards right now.
i had two in childhood. love them.
love labs
- Thread starter
- #91
thanks for all the advice! i can barely keep up!
sounds really good but we are trying to rescue one... i will see if there are any rescue places in the area
we have met only a couple in our lives but each one has had a drive like we have never seen before. truly amazing animals and brilliant but just not for us at this time. of course i want one badly but i dont think we can give it the lifestyle it needs and we have seen in a few cases that this leads to the development of a compulsion or destructive behavior. don't get me wrong, we are great with our dogs, learn about the whole pack mentality, alpha dog issue, train and exciercise the dogs mentally and physically but truly, i dont think i could give the border collie what it needs. along the same lines, i think i am realizing the same thing about the ACD.
pretty much what we are doing. we were there for 2 hours today.
this is a very good point - thanks!
thanks for the kind words. we just found out there is a weight limit to the dog we can have... around 45 lbs.
so true, i keep going back to the standard poodle...
so true. we just happened to see a 9 week old ACD pup we fell in love with today at the kennel. however, for the reasons you have mentioned and the fact that most of the stuff we find on the web says the same thing, we are most likely going to pass. as much as we will train, i think its hard to unwire that genetic thinking.
do yours actually nip?
great advice, thanks for taking the time to write this up, must show the wife.
sounds really good but we are trying to rescue one... i will see if there are any rescue places in the area
we have met only a couple in our lives but each one has had a drive like we have never seen before. truly amazing animals and brilliant but just not for us at this time. of course i want one badly but i dont think we can give it the lifestyle it needs and we have seen in a few cases that this leads to the development of a compulsion or destructive behavior. don't get me wrong, we are great with our dogs, learn about the whole pack mentality, alpha dog issue, train and exciercise the dogs mentally and physically but truly, i dont think i could give the border collie what it needs. along the same lines, i think i am realizing the same thing about the ACD.
pretty much what we are doing. we were there for 2 hours today.
this is a very good point - thanks!
thanks for the kind words. we just found out there is a weight limit to the dog we can have... around 45 lbs.
Peepers,
Sorry about your girl. She sure looks like she was having fun racing the Border Collie.
I think it is great that you are looking for a dog based on how it will fit into your lifestyle. You are way ahead of the game. Too many people choose a breed based on looks and are then frustrated with a dog that does not suit them.
From your list I would highly recommend the Standard Poodle. They are fun strong dogs and they don't shed. As others have mentioned, you don't have to keep them in show coat. The kennel or puppy cuts are actually very normal looking. Standard Poodles are both brave and loyal. They use them as police dogs in some areas. The Standards also have a great sense of humour. And they really are absolutely brilliant, smarter even than a Ridgeback
The only thing I would caution you about is in assuming that a mixed breed dog will have the temperament of the breed whose phenotype is dominant.
Good luck in your search!
Kelly
Edit: I grew up with Dobes and Rotts. Had Old English for many years and now have Rhodesians. My oldest is ten and I will never be without one again.
so true, i keep going back to the standard poodle...
so true. we just happened to see a 9 week old ACD pup we fell in love with today at the kennel. however, for the reasons you have mentioned and the fact that most of the stuff we find on the web says the same thing, we are most likely going to pass. as much as we will train, i think its hard to unwire that genetic thinking.
do yours actually nip?
great advice, thanks for taking the time to write this up, must show the wife.
FJBen
SILVER Star
We have Boris, a French Bulldog...now talk about a dog that will make you laugh just staring at him.
He is 1 and really a great dog. They can weigh up to 28lbs. He is just a chill dog...you pick him up, or put him in the car, and he just chills and hangs out. A little bit of snoring sometimes or snorting when he's sniffing something Pretty quick, we trained him pretty easily actually. Likes to walk and run around. Doesn't chew anything..doesn't play with toys (because my 11 year old lab steals every toy for herself and won't let anyone touch them
you'd think she's the puppy) He only chases metal bowls around and has started playing with rocks... He puts a foot on the metal bowl and scoots it across the ground...he will do this for hours barking at it.Average shedding, really low maintenance compared to the English bulldog. The dog can fart...I'm mean easily outdo my lab. It seems to only happen in the cruiser...I don't get it, but wow.
Run for the chopper!!![/schwartzennegar] If I were a jogger or something, he wouldn't be the best choice, but for an all around good dog that you just laugh at constantly, he's tops. He really loves people and they really love to see and pet him.
This isn't ours, but he looks pretty close to this:
I also have my lab Rosie, pure bred and brain dead until she goes hunting. Then it's ALL business...best dog ever hunting...but at home...ugh...eats kids crayons, digs in the yard to cool off in the summer...any give chance will dig in the trash and get on the table to get food...soul purpose in life...GET FOOD.
By far the thickest headed lab I've had. Still acts like she's 2. runs around, dopey headed and will only listen to me, the wife...not at all. She is also the toughest...ran through barbed wire fences and no stopping (stitches) didn't notice tear under arm till we got home. Hit by a car...no damage but it wasn't a bad hit, cut her paw pad almost off, 2 surgeries for bladder stones...that dog just goes, never complains, wimpers anything.
But she is protective and awesome with the kids. Plays fetch forever and seems to mellow out after awhile....sometimes...;p
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after growing up around many types of dogs, Bullmastiffs are my personal favorite. Awesome with kids and a great watch dog (they look scary but wouldn't hurt a thing, but do have a big deep bark) But they would not fit into your lifestyle. Too much activity for them and definately over your weight limit. I also really like Visla and German Short Haired Pointers. Both awesome athletic dogs that can go all day long. Can be a bit stuborn, but only because they are smart.
- Thread starter
- #97
some sort of shepherd/golden i was assuming as well.
Good lord she looks like a Boykin Spaniel without the docked tail.
I kid you not. Go look at the pictures in the link I posted earlier.
The Boykin comes from a stray brown dog who just took up with a hunter.
I have a couple friends with Bostons. They are different people with different dogs and different diets but both of the Bostons are gassy. I wonder if that is a breed standard?
Hey Peepers, I know what it's like to lose a 4 legged friend, if I did not say it before, sorry for your loss.
We've had a few Dobes in our family over the years, and loved them all. Truth be told, it was my grandmother who brought the first Dobe home from the pound back in the early 80's...she had no idea what a Dobe was. The rest is history. Just love them.
Found this guy's site on uTube, lots of funny Dobe stuff that will give you a clue to what Dobes are like . YouTube - cwdressen's Channel
Did your wife like the Dobe/mix?
BTW...that's a nice looking mix. What ever you decide, it sounds like your new dog will be going to a good home!
We've had a few Dobes in our family over the years, and loved them all. Truth be told, it was my grandmother who brought the first Dobe home from the pound back in the early 80's...she had no idea what a Dobe was. The rest is history. Just love them.
Found this guy's site on uTube, lots of funny Dobe stuff that will give you a clue to what Dobes are like . YouTube - cwdressen's Channel
Did your wife like the Dobe/mix?
BTW...that's a nice looking mix. What ever you decide, it sounds like your new dog will be going to a good home!
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