What Dog Breed Should I Get?

[dainerra]

Quote:
that description covers every doodle I've ever met or that anyone I know has ever met. Possibly because there are next to zero responsible breeders of doodles. Plus, no responsible breeder of poodles or whatever other breed is going to sell a quality dog to someone planning to breed doodles. So you have bad breeders using less than quality animals that the breed with no regard to health or temperament. Coat also varies greatly. Some will have poodle type coats. Others will take after the other parent and shed like crazy. Labs and goldens are the 2 most common breeds and both shed a LOT! Poodles, however, are very intelligent dogs. They are retrievers and work well with their humans. There are many poodle breeders who do hunt tests with their dogs to prove them. No matter what breed you decide to go with, go to a good responsible breeder. They will take you under their wing - they will tell you if their breed is not right for you. They will also carefully match you with the best puppy for your expectations and experience. If they don't have something that is right for you, they will have people that they can refer you to. dobermantalk.com is a great forum with lots of good helpful people.

 

[Sfraker]

If you decide on a shedding lab my breeder is up near Eau Clair. She has great dogs and is wonderful to work with.
http://www.firesidelabs.com

 

[arielleacres]

I would have said a Great Pyrenees would have been a great since they are used as guardian dogs too but maybe staying with a poodle

 

[dekel18042]

Most important may be the individual dog but not the breed. I've had dogs and chickens my entire life, and with one exception all were fine around them.
Some questions for you, how much grooming do you want to do? What activity level are you looking for?
I would advise staying away...far far away from huskies and their like. They have a high pray drive and as such can be chicken killers. And they can be sneaky about it. The one we had when separated from the chickens would wait quietly for one to come in range then kill it.
Even with professional training we couldn't modify her behavior.
Otherwise we're always had herding dogs (Not sure I would get a border collie, they herd from a modified prey drive. With the exception of the husky, all have been 100% trustworthy even around day old peeps.
I have an English shepherd (also had these in the past) and have never lost any poultry on his watch. Unfortunately he is getting old now. Darn! Pictured above is Josh, still on the job at almost 14.
But I also have shelties and have had collies in the past that were awesome.
You might want to do some research into the original purpose of breeds you are interested in, and that might give you a clue as to whether they would be well with chickens and other animals.
If a dog is listed as a farm dog, or you know dogs that do well on a farm, that breed might be right for you.

 

[chickgirl12]

This is my Australian Cattle Dog/ Pembroke Welsh Corgi mix. Very nice dogs.

 

[HighStreetCoop]

I have been thinking about Huskies, or a poodle mix (like my current dog). Bring on the suggestions!

Edit: With more research, I have decided to branch out a bit more than poodles and their mixes. Other suggestions would be appreciated.

If you're looking at Poodle mixes, I can highly recommend Giant Schnauzer/Poodle crosses. Two of my friends have them and they're both amazing dogs. 70-90 lbs (so large, but not HUGE), WHIP SMART, eager to please, sweet, and HIGHLY trainable.

 

[HighStreetCoop]

I would have said a Great Pyrenees would have been a great since they are used as guardian dogs too but maybe staying with a poodle

Except they shed and drool like crazy and they are SOOOOO not going to want to do agility. You'll get *the look* before they wander off to police their borders and check on their critters.

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

I recently adopted a dog from a shelter. Luckily, I didn't have to spend much time looking for what I wanted because she turned out perfect and was one of the first dogs I went to look at. Anyway, I knew I needed a dog that would be fine alone for several hours while I was at class, would relax while I study, but would be excited for a walk or training. House training and crate training were also important. She's all of those things and more! I definitely think if you look in the right places (and without any breed ideals in mind) you can find great dogs in shelters. I have no idea why they found this dog as a stray. She had to have had a family at some point. She knew what a couch was and is so darn cuddly. If I was still in 4h, I know I could have used her.

Sometimes when we focus on breeds, we get too wrapped up in focusing on one thing. If you asked me at the beginning of the year if I would have adopted a generic brown dog from a shelter, I probably would have said no!

 

[Alice28]

I agree. Are dog is from the shelter and she is just amazing. We would only adopt from a shelter and most you can look at animals that are for adoption online.

 

[PluckyClucker99]

Most important may be the individual dog but not the breed. I've had dogs and chickens my entire life, and with one exception all were fine around them.
Some questions for you, how much grooming do you want to do? What activity level are you looking for?
I would advise staying away...far far away from huskies and their like. They have a high pray drive and as such can be chicken killers. And they can be sneaky about it. The one we had when separated from the chickens would wait quietly for one to come in range then kill it.
Even with professional training we couldn't modify her behavior.
Otherwise we're always had herding dogs (Not sure I would get a border collie, they herd from a modified prey drive. With the exception of the husky, all have been 100% trustworthy even around day old peeps.
I have an English shepherd (also had these in the past) and have never lost any poultry on his watch. Unfortunately he is getting old now. Darn! Pictured above is Josh, still on the job at almost 14.
But I also have shelties and have had collies in the past that were awesome.
You might want to do some research into the original purpose of breeds you are interested in, and that might give you a clue as to whether they would be well with chickens and other animals.
If a dog is listed as a farm dog, or you know dogs that do well on a farm, that breed might be right for you.

I was looking for medium-high energy level, they will be having plenty of playtime. I can handle excessive grooming/bathing just fine, only thing is has to be minimally shedding.