Can you recommend a good dog breed for my situation?

[Caitlin2013]

A Saint Bernard would be a good fit for you if you don't mind a large dog with a lot of fur. They love kids and other animals. They're very easy to socialize and can be fairly easy to train compared to other dog breeds. They also don't need as much exercise as you may think they do. My girl used to be very content with just following me around the yard while I did my work. A brisk 10 minute walk in the afternoon made her very happy. She was a very laid back girl who loved everyone and everything. Then again, you must always remember that not all dogs of the same breed act the same.

Mutts are also great. I find that pound puppies always seem to be the best pups to get as well. They're just so happy to be sprung from the pound that they just seem to be so grateful for the most simple things

 

[makingshift]

Thank you so much, everyone! Your answers really are helpful. I thought of a few more details that might matter. We have a small fenced dog run but the rest of our property is not fenced. Our current dog, a 15 yr old lab mix, has never been one to wander off so this is not a problem. Our neighbors all have big lots (1-5 acres) and no fences, either, so there are three other dogs on the block that come around. They are great dogs. I love the thought of a Great Pyrenees but worry that they would be too territorial and fight with the neighbors' dogs or gradually expand their home territory to include my neighbors' yards. Fencing our whole yard would be quite an undertaking.

Thanks again and I'd love to hear any further comments!

 

[ocap]

poodle crossed with anything, we found ours as a rescue on the web

 

[ChickensRDinos]

I would say the breed is less important than the training. Training training training and consistency. Look at your lifestyle and pick a breed that works with the realistic amount of exercise you can provide. An under-exercised dog has a much harder time being a good dog and it's really not their fault.

Most rescues and shelters will let you spend time with a dog and walk them around and meet your whole family. You can also talk to the volunteers who sometimes spend a lot of time with the dogs and get to know them. It's a good thing to take advance of.

 

[cluckydog]

A breed that is bred to protect livestock would be ideal, their are breeds called the "flock guardians" that make perfect outdoor dogs, are friendly with children and all sorts of animals. The maremma sheepdog, Puli, Komonodor, Great Prynese and anatolian shepherd are all flock guardian dogs.

I would recommend a Collie as the best breed, although the long haired variety can be a handful to groom but there is also the short coated variety. They are very docile gentle animals, medium in size and even though they are bred to be with animals they don't have to nipping tendancys like other breeds which herd. They aren't very likely to wander either and have a real uncanny sense of direction, perfect for the large backyard. When you train one well you have the most perfect canine companion.

Generally if you have kids avoid small dog breeds, they tend to be more dominant. Avoid the hound because they have a high prey drive and often difficult to get along with other animals, same with terriers, and you''re obviously not a fan of guard dogs so don't look into those. Herding breeds are good but usually higher energy so you need to be willing to work them - a lot, as well as do a lot of obedience training. Mutts are great, you just need to pick out the right one to suit your situation.

Of course if well trained any dog, breed, age or history unconsidered, can be taught to do well with other animals.

Take in mind that every individual dog is different and not all labs are friendly or all rottweilers aggressive, the puppy you pick and the way you train and raise it will determine a lot of how the dog behaves. In your case try and choose the more laid back puppy in the litter, not the ones that jump up and flop all over you, but also avoid the timid, afraid and shy puppies. You want a 'middle of the road' and 'medium energy' dog because they're much easier to deal with and more kid friendly. If you want a dog to be good with animals and children alike then raise it as a puppy and invest in a lot of time supervising interactions to raise them well together.

Overall I'd go with the Collier, they are great docile dogs and sounds just your type.

 

[makingshift]

Thank you so much, everybody. I was really interested in Great Pyrenees but I fear that our place is too small for a true livestock guardian dog to be happy. (Plus, that heavy coat would probably be miserable during Central TX summers!) I'm looking into several breeds that you guys mentioned.

Thanks!

 

[wyoDreamer]

Wow, what a lot of recommendations for a LGD! We have 1 acre fenced for our dogs - barely enough for the setters since that is where they are all day while we are at work. I seriusly doubt that a LGD would be happy and stay on 1.5 acre of land.
Big detail is amount of time you have to be with/work with the dog. Young kids eat alot of your time. Any dog breed CAN be a good dog for your situation, but without time for training investment any dog can also be the WORST for your situation. Figure out how much time you can realistically devote to the new dog, and then decide on a puppy or adult. There are actually a large number of people who have to get rid of their dog for one reason or another who would be so grateful to find a home for their beloved pet rather than drop them off at the local pound.

Labs are a great family dog. I have only met one mean lab, and that was entirely due to upbringing - the owner was a mean old SOB. I also knew alot of very nice Golden Retrievers, most from small breeders who really love their babies. Both dog breeds love to play, attach to their owners and offer endless love.

 

[chixie]

o loved my great pyrenese... he was great with everything, my grandbabies would crawl all over him and he was amazing with my other pets. dogs cat kittens rabbits... best dog I ever had

 

[cluckydog]

Oh don't worry about space so much with the great pryenese, if you supply him with enough exercise he will be happy, plus with plenty of training you can get him to work as a flock guardian that way he's got a job to do to keep him engaged. Company of another dog will also help keep them from getting bored, and as for the coat all that means is you need to put in a bit of extra grooming, I know plenty of people who own dogs with thick coats and the average temp here is over 30 during summer months, they just need to compramise. Overall its entirely up to you, choose whatever breed you think fits into your home well - you know your lifestyle better than we do.