Breed Research

[Rosto]

First about me, I'm in the middle of a divorce. So, when I get my new house I will have a large fenced yard where I can own an X- large breed dog. I would really like to adopt from a shelter or rescue. I have had dogs all my life from all the different breed classes. I grew up on a farm, and will be living in the same area. Rural Alabama with acreage. I have owned a Newfie mix before. So, I have good basic knowledge. It helps that I'm a librarian and have read every book on breeds, training, and dog care I come across. I also believe in serious research before making a lifelong decision which I consider a new pet to be. Until recently, I raised mult-champion show and hunt Bluetick Coonhounds. I'm the breeder of one of the top 25 Blueticks in the AKC right now. In the past we have bred and owned multiple show and hunt champion hounds. Unfortunately, between grad school and divorce it was impossible for me to promote my show animals. I sent them to a good friend who is a professional breeder and show handler. It killed me to part with my hounds, but it was best for them.

What pets I currently own:
A 2 yr. old male, neutered, Boston Terrier Mix.
A 1 yr. old male, neutered, Pomeranian
An 8 yr. old, male, neutered, Orange Tabby
An 8 yr. old, female, spayed, Black Tabby
50 assorted LF & Bantam Chickens

What I want in my new dog:
Intelligent- I like training and going to obedience classes. I want a dog capable of problem solving, and recognizing a threat(intruder) from a non-threat (child).
Trainable- See Intelligent comments above.
Dominance- OK to have a dominant breed because I know how to remain the pack leader.
Stable- I want something that won't snap and eat my other babies. I can work with dominance because I have a pack leader mentality.
Protective- I want something that will make people decide it would be easier to rob the house next door than mine. I want something that will play with my small dogs, and sleep beside my bed. I want something that will first tell me there's danger, and only as a last resort stop the attacker.
Quiet- I want a dog that barks at an intruder. I do not want a neurotic barker that love spending time howling at the wind, the truck on the highway, the bird in the tree, the moon in the sky, etc.
Size- X-Large breed that offers a presence that acts as a deterrence to danger.
Coat- short easy to groom. I don't mind a little brushing, but prefer to not need professional grooming.
Animal Friendly- I want a dog that will not indiscriminately eat my other pets.

I'm open to any and all breed suggestions from the common the the rare. I'm patient and can wait on the perfect dog. Please feel free to post pics and stories. I love everything dog!

Thanks, Amy

 

[Illia]

Great Danes? They fit everything there. . .

However when looknig for them, avoid ones with any decent possibility of having Wobblers or Hip Dysplasia. Horrible thing to go through.

 

[Lothiriel]

Naturally Australian Shepherds get my vote! I love my Aussies to pieces.

Intelligent- I like training and going to obedience classes. I want a dog capable of problem solving, and recognizing a threat(intruder) from a non-threat (child).
Aussies are highly intelligent, period! The smartest breed I know of (and have had experience with).
Trainable- See Intelligent comments above.
Golly, do Aussies love to be trained! We are planning to do lots of training with our newest puppy -- obedience classes, set up an agility class, train him to help out with the farm animals, etc.
Dominance- OK to have a dominant breed because I know how to remain the pack leader.
Some are, some aren't. Depends on the dog. We have 1 normal Aussie and 1 who I really think is more dominant.
Stable- I want something that won't snap and eat my other babies. I can work with dominance because I have a pack leader mentality.
Highly unlikely with an Aussie, I think. My older dog Ginger will tell the puppy when he's going too far with his playing, but so far not one bite from either one to any of the other animals.
Protective- I want something that will make people decide it would be easier to rob the house next door than mine. I want something that will play with my small dogs, and sleep beside my bed. I want something that will first tell me there's danger, and only as a last resort stop the attacker.
Aussies will do just that. Even if the intruder cannot see the dog, just by their bark they sound pretty scary! If I were a desperate character and I heard a bark like theirs, bboy would I leave fast!
Quiet- I want a dog that barks at an intruder. I do not want a neurotic barker that love spending time howling at the wind, the truck on the highway, the bird in the tree, the moon in the sky, etc.
In all the 10 years I've had Aussies, the only times Ginger has barked were when an intruder arrived or someone came to the house (a "someone's here" bark), and when Riley (the puppy) wants more attention...
Size- X-Large breed that offers a presence that acts as a deterrence to danger.
Well.... Like I said, Aussies are a medium size....
Coat- short easy to groom. I don't mind a little brushing, but prefer to not need professional grooming.
They have an undercoat, but are quite easy maintenance. Not too much shedding, and never have my dogs been to the groomer.
Animal Friendly- I want a dog that will not indiscriminately eat my other pets.

Eat other pets??? Never! Aussies love cats, to play with! And so far I am seeing that they like other dogs too. And never have either one of my dogs tried attacking any of my chickens.

Here's Ginger:

And Riley:

 

[dainerra]

German Shepherds fit everything except the "x-large"

Intelligent? My youngest got 2 legs toward his Rally Novice title at 8 months old.
Trainable? See above
Deterrent? absolutely! People tend to be very leery of the breed.
Quiet? see trainablity above

Good with other animals? yes and yes
Easy groom? absolutely! Bathing very very rarely. Brushing will clean up 99% of the dirt and mud that they get in.
Stable? go with a good breeder and that goes with any dog you might consider!

Rayden making nice with the bunnies

what isn't to deter a criminal?? (an archive pic)

 

[bagendhens]

from the sounds of it almost any of the giant breeds would fit your needs, but a dane definatly fits the bill and theres certinaly plenty in rescues that need wonderfull people!

 

[Illia]

The thing is, most giant breeds are very hairy.


Besides Danes, the other option is Dane-based Bandogges. Which to me are the BEST, but, they're very rare and often expensive.

 

[gritsar]

Though I am owned by two GSDs and wouldn't trade them for the world, I think a better dog for your criteria would be an irish wolfhound. Awesome, AWESOME dogs!

 

[ChickenWisperer]

Then only thing I think really fits your criteria to the T is a Great Dane. I'm not sure on guarding skills

If you want to go back on size, you could go for a European Doberman. Dobermans have been breed over to years to be much more friendly to both humans and other animals, and with proper training, you won't have to worry about anything. Every doberman I've ever met has been a great dog. They make the top 5 for both guarding skills and intelligence. I'm pretty sure if someone sees a doberman with docked tail and cropped ears they won't even begin to consider stepping on to your property.

 

[watchdogps]

They arent super guardy, but it sounds like you dont really want that, so I'd suggest you check out Greater Swiss Mtn dogs, Bernese Mtn Dogs and Leonbergers.
The Berners and Leos may have more hair than your ideal, but they fit the personality very very well, especially the "wont eat your small dogs or kids" part. Frankly, i'm guessing thats more important than a short coat! They are all quite trainable and obedient, although it may be in kind of a lazy way. You wont get the snappy obedient style you will from a dobe, but they will do what you ask them to.

 

[Rusty Hills Farm]

I have both Dobies and GSDs and have had many of each over the years. Both breeds are extremely intelligent, have major stopping power, and the very sight of them is a deterrent (lol so is the SOUND of them behind a fence even though they are not "barky" breeds). They both live to serve and are very loyal and protective of their families. I don't recommend Dobies for families with very small children, however. My Dobies have always been really uncomfortable around loud, squirmy small children, but the GSDs are very tolerant of even these.

It goes without saying that either breed needs all the testing going back generations so you know you have a sound dog, but once you have that, these are both breeds that will steal your heart and give you theirs in return. I've kept both continuously for well over 30 years. And if you are looking for a new sport, may I suggest schutzhund? It will enrich the bond between you.

Best of luck with your new breed, whichever you finally select.


Rusty