Need help finding breed of dog that is right for my family UPDATE #43

[marilyn15]

I had to respond just because I am a dog lover, I do not claim to be an expert on any breed but do know what I love and thought I would share my experiences. We currently have a beagle (barks to much for you) but love him he is 16 and love him but will say I will not have another beagle because of the barking/shedding. We also have a lab and she is a real sweetie, my husband loves labs as I do too because of there great personality but the shedding is major. I do not have a favorite breed as most of the dogs I have ever owned were either rescued or from an animal shelter. But I will say I absolutely love GoldenDoodles. They are real beauties, no shedding, not a lot of barking and just friendly great family pets. I have never had one, but two of my close friends have them and they are just wonderful dogs. Even my friend that is not a dog lover (but her husband and kids are) loves this dog. JUst thought I would share my opinion, it seems a GoldenDoodle or LaborDoodle would fit all your likes.

 

[cpwhip]

from your list of wants it sounds like you're discribing the Rottweiler! they are wonderful dogs,smart highly trainable to do most anything including opening doors and letting themselves in/out of the house they love kids and other animals. mine love my Lhasa Apos's and watch after them when they are in the yard because both Lhasa's are old and blind and my Rotti's are aware of it. they are a large breed however they are not high strung like some other breeds they are just as happy to be in the house laying low with you as they are to be running around the yard. they don't bark unless they hear something out of place then they let you know. they are excellent Guard dogs mine except everyone in but the dogs also watch the new people until they get to know them. they are wash and wear no special grooming required, they love the water and swimming in the kiddie pool keeps them busy for hours. They can have a very intimidating look, and will protect their family and property with their life if necessary. a Rottweiler has a calm stare, that’s really effective at telling people when to "back-off." qualities of a true well bred Rottweiler are Calm, Natural clown, Wait & see attitude, Courageous & adaptable, Confident & self assured Responds quietly to their environment.
When you think of the Rottweiler temperament, think "Grizzly bear on the outside - Teddy Bear on the inside".
some of my babies past and present best of luck!

 

[Kitty Cat]

Hmm, no idea about poodles. But my sheltie is good around horses and is wonderful around the chickens. My lab/husky mix is actually medium sized (she must have something else in her) she is good around both as well, listens all time and is never agressive, no seperation anxiety potty trained. And she came that way. My sister brings her border collie over sometimes but he is too high strung and always wants to chase the horse as well as the chickens. I think a border would do well if gotten as a puppy and trained properly but they are herding dogs. German Sheperds are usually pretty good although like labs they can be hell on wheels as pups and they are bigger dogs. Great Pyrenees are awesome and beautiful dogs.

 

[ki4got]

Ok here's my 2c... Standard Poodles. I know you said you wanted minimal grooming, but for every other requirement, they would fit wonderfully.

IMO, I'd rather have hair on the floor once a month or so when i'm grooming, than have to deal with hair EVERYWHERE for other breeds that shed.

I have mine shaved down almost completely every few months (I either do it myself or take them to petsmart depending on how I'm feeling at the time), and have my own clippers as well that i use for touch-ups in between. In winter they get a bit longer to help with the cold. they are a low maintenance dog with minimal body odor, so mine only get baths as needed. (a note on color, my white gets bathed more than my black simply because he turns beige otherwise LOL). neither are groomed for fashion statements, but for functional clips that are comfortable for the season (winter, mud, heat, burrs)

I have 13 bantams, 4 horses, 3 cats and the 2 Spoos (nickname for standard poodles). and the spoos are the perfect farm dogs, enjoying the freedom of my 26 acres when i'm home, and content to be couch potatoes when they're not outside. Sunny (the white 1 year old pup) does have a bit more prey drive than Shadow (10 year old black) so is determined to eradicate the property of FLB's (Furry Little Bas#@^*s... uh... buggers - squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, etc) but I consider that a benefit to keeping him fit and thin. LOL

 

[anjaolson]

I have 2 Corgi's and they are great with my hens. I will NEVER be without one!

 

[coreybee]

Quote:
Congratulations on your newish family member! So glad to see when someone is a repeat rescuer!

Hugs to your new canine family member!

 

[ljohnsonusa]

You can go online to Animal Planet's website and there is a quiz that you can do that will you find the correct breed.

 

[ChristineR]

Congratulations on your new dog! I still have to respond because I am a dog lover.

I've owned several breeds of dogs from childhood on. Most of them sporting dogs. I have to say that in my opinion, the Labrador Retriever is the best dog for what you describe. The only caution to potential Lab owners: make sure the parents have been tested for all known health problems in the breed (this is true of any purebred dog).

I just lost my Lab -- he would have been 11 years old next month. He was the most loyal, intelligent, and loving dog I could ever ask for. He was high energy, but with plenty of exercise, that wasn't a problem. He chewed up one pair of shoes as a puppy and that was the first and last thing he ever destroyed. He got along fine with the cats and only looked annoyed when my Pekin drake would follow him around and bite him.

 

[dogbitesandbeestings]

I haven't read all seven pages, but has anyone suggested an English Shepherd?

We had two Australian Shepherds who beloved dearly. When they passed, we did a lot of
research and decided on an English Shepherd. Brady is five now and pretty close to the perfect
dog...great with kids, other dogs,cats and the chickens . They are a herding breed so they can be as handy
as a border collie or Aussie without the intensity. Very, little grooming...just a little brushing from
time to time.

Not that many breeders out there, but worth looking for. Anyone one else have one?

Karen

 

[Johnboy78]

Love all dogs. Really love dobes.
This is Bravo, a huge purebred rescue.