Hello everyone.
Just recently I lost my chow/lab/border "pup" at 12 years old. I am considering bringing another dog into my life and with all the research I've done, I think Dobies would be a good fit. Here are my wants/needs in a pup -
Very affectionate to me and good with other family members (not necessarily to strangers)
Velcro (though not to the point of separation anxiety)
Ability and drive to protect me only if necessary. He/she will not be trained for guarding or protections specifically.
Intelligent dog that is people-oriented and wants to please.
Extremely loyal dog.
Decent with other dogs (I know this is a case-by case basis but still)
Low prey drive. No going after chickens, cats, or hedgehogs.
Medium-large dog preferred.
Healthy-er dog breed that is known to last at least 12 years.
A breed that is not known to have prevelant, bad skin/allergy problems.
Nothing hyperactive.
Nothing that barks at everything that moves.
Other family members want:
Nothing with really long hair/excessive shedder.
No labs or GSD.
My searching pointed me to Dobies or Vizlsas mainly, as well as aussies, goldens, labs, heelers, etc. I have also deeply considered a pitty but I have yet to see/meet one that isn't a cat/chicken chaser or killer. My research shows that Viz' aren't exactly the most intelligent breed and tend to be hyperactive. I am wanting to adopt, not buy - thanks in advance for everyones suggestions and experience!
Just recently I lost my chow/lab/border "pup" at 12 years old. I am considering bringing another dog into my life and with all the research I've done, I think Dobies would be a good fit. Here are my wants/needs in a pup -
Very affectionate to me and good with other family members (not necessarily to strangers)
Velcro (though not to the point of separation anxiety)
Ability and drive to protect me only if necessary. He/she will not be trained for guarding or protections specifically.
Intelligent dog that is people-oriented and wants to please.
Extremely loyal dog.
Decent with other dogs (I know this is a case-by case basis but still)
Low prey drive. No going after chickens, cats, or hedgehogs.
Medium-large dog preferred.
Healthy-er dog breed that is known to last at least 12 years.
A breed that is not known to have prevelant, bad skin/allergy problems.
Nothing hyperactive.
Nothing that barks at everything that moves.
Other family members want:
Nothing with really long hair/excessive shedder.
No labs or GSD.
My searching pointed me to Dobies or Vizlsas mainly, as well as aussies, goldens, labs, heelers, etc. I have also deeply considered a pitty but I have yet to see/meet one that isn't a cat/chicken chaser or killer. My research shows that Viz' aren't exactly the most intelligent breed and tend to be hyperactive. I am wanting to adopt, not buy - thanks in advance for everyones suggestions and experience!