Hey ya'll! Need help selecting a dog...

[Bmanxer]

Hello everyone,:D
I am currently deployed to afghanistan right now and will be returning home shortly. I will be purchasing a home in the VA beach area and was looking for a medium/large size breed, but I'm not all that particular. It will be making infrequent trips to FL about once a year and VA beach is very hot in the summer so I'm looking for a dog very tolerant of heat and being outside (I'd love to be able to play with him outside often). It needs to be moderately tolerant of cold but it's not too much of a deal because he will be only let outside to do his business during the winter. I want him to be very watchful/guarding with a strong sense of loyalty and protection. I'll be able to train him the first year myself, but I go on deployments and I'd like a strong protective dog around to keep my fiance company and give her a strong sense of security. I'd like affectionate and playful tendencies more than pure energy. But my biggest concerns are watch/guard ability, heat tolerance, and affection. There will (hopefully) be no little ones around during his training and that worries me a bit because we plan on having children about 3-4 years from now. Any information would be greatly appreciated! I've narrowed my selection to Am Staff Terrier, German Pinscher, Beauceron, Canaan and German Shepherd. Once again all thanks for your help!:p

[Bailey's mum]

Hello everyone,:D
I am currently deployed to afghanistan right now and will be returning home shortly. I will be purchasing a home in the VA beach area and was looking for a medium/large size breed, but I'm not all that particular. It will be making infrequent trips to FL about once a year and VA beach is very hot in the summer so I'm looking for a dog very tolerant of heat and being outside (I'd love to be able to play with him outside often). It needs to be moderately tolerant of cold but it's not too much of a deal because he will be only let outside to do his business during the winter. I want him to be very watchful/guarding with a strong sense of loyalty and protection. I'll be able to train him the first year myself, but I go on deployments and I'd like a strong protective dog around to keep my fiance company and give her a strong sense of security. I'd like affectionate and playful tendencies more than pure energy. But my biggest concerns are watch/guard ability, heat tolerance, and affection. There will (hopefully) be no little ones around during his training and that worries me a bit because we plan on having children about 3-4 years from now. Any information would be greatly appreciated! I've narrowed my selection to Am Staff Terrier, German Pinscher, Beauceron, Canaan and German Shepherd. Once again all thanks for your help!:p

Hi Bmanxer, after reading your post, I think the perfect dog for you would be a Rottweiler. My Husbands family have had them in his family for years, & I have to say they are very loyal,extremely affectionate, stong & protective of their family & make great guard dogs. They are also very smart & are easy to train. They are short haired, so cope in the heat very well, (believe me when I tell you this, I come from Australia, where our summers are extremely hot) LOL:D
From what I have seen of them they are also very gentle & affectionate around children, but like with every breed of dog , supervision is essential at all times when children & dogs are together.
Hope this helps, Rotti's in my opinion are the perfect breed for you in your circumstances.:)

Nicole

[Bmanxer]

Cool! Thanks Nicole I'll have to check em out. BTW Aussie folks rock! :D

[Bailey's mum]

Cool! Thanks Nicole I'll have to check em out. BTW Aussie folks rock! :D

Thanks, I think where pretty cool too! as are American folks!:D

[Bmanxer]

I still very much like the AmStaff Terrier(Pitbull). I love rots but I really really like the pitbulls. I want a dog that I know is known for being able to live in temperate climates. But I got a few months to mull it all over in my head and really make an educated decision. I can't decide if I wanna get one from a shelter or get one from a breeder. I just worry that if I get one of the more aggressive/powerful dogs from the shelter they may have bad qualities engrained into them...is that somethin to worry about? I really like the idea of giving a dog a good home. I love dogs almost more than people! haha

[Bailey's mum]

Hi Bmanxer, I know here in Australia, they do temperment testing of all dogs to make sure that they safe enough to be put up for rehoming to the general public. Any dog that is found to have bad qualities engrained into them will be seen unsuitable for rehoming & unfortunately put to sleep.
Here in Australia, the Pitbull terrier is considered a dangerous breed, & they have brought in leglisation that any Pitbull or Pitbull cross must be put to sleep instantly if it ends up at a shelter I know that really SUCKS because I know they can be a beautiful breed in the right hands. Unfortunately sometimes they end up in the wrong hands & are treated badly, bringing out their agressive side & a couple of them have killed or badly injured a couple of children over here, hence the dangerous breed classification.

I think it is great that you want to rescue a shelter dog, & I'm sure they weed out all the problem dogs in the shelters in your country as they do in my country.
If you do decide to get a puppy from a breeder, make sure they are a AKC registered & reputable breeder.The last thing you want to do is buy a puppy from an unethical breeder, which might only sell you a puppy with health & behavioral problems. I know what I'm talking about here as I myself am a ANKC registered breeder here in Australia & have seen alot of unethical breeders.
Anyway good luck in choosing the right dog for you, I still think a Rotti is the perfect choice for you, but at the end of the day only you can make the right choice for your self. Maybe you should see what breed your fiancee feels comfortable with, as she will be the one spending alot of time with it when you are away.
Anyway once again goodluck & Oh BTW keep safe over there in Afghanistan, you guys are doing a great job over there.

Nicole

[Mollybird]

It sounds like you have done your research about owning a dog. It is a big responsibility to undertake. Will you, or your wife be doing obedience training with the future dog? I think a Pit Bull, or a Pit Bull mix would make a wonderful addition to your family. I would highly recommend adopting one from a shelter. If you are worried about a shelter dog having behavioural problems, just adopt a puppy from the shelter, then you can train it before it develops any bad habits. I know that PitBulls can get a bad rap these days, but I strongly believe it is all in the upbringing. I have known many families with PitBulls and babies who co-exist wonderfully!! Good luck and let us know how it all goes.

[Bmanxer]

Thanks Nicole, I'm always safe though! hah
Molly, I dont think we'll be doing any obedience training with the dog. Just train him with the family the same as I have with the other pups I've had in the past. All turned out to be very loving(nearly inseperable) and aggressively playful to the degree that they wont cause you physical harm. I had a chihuahua that was so in tune with me that he could grip one of my fingers in his teeth tightly and play tug of war and never grip hard enough to hurt, and if I said "ow radar!" He'd immediately stop and lick my finger and stand upright against me and make sure I was ok. He is such an amazing dog! He's learned the limits of the yard and he no longer requires a leash when we go on our lil jog together, all it takes is a snap of my fingers and he comes zipping right back to my side, no questions asked every time. I'm hoping to train the AmStaff the same way. I'm VERY much a dog person and love to be surrounded with a dog or two, and I'm a firm believer that owning a loving dog such as Radar is good for ones health and mental well being, there's just simply not a better unconditional friend out there!:D

[ramoncarlos09@yahoo.com]

i have a rottwiler and his name is king ^^

[ramoncarlos09@yahoo.com]

rottweiler sorry i m just 15 XD

[ScarlettO's Mama]

Hello, first off I wanted to say thank you for serving, my husband is also in the military and just got back from his second tour. I think an Am Staff would be great for your family, although you'd deff have to look into breed bans in the area(s) you'll be living. I'm a big fan of bully breeds and I know that they do offer love, affection and a great deal of protection (even if they're NOT "mean" just the sight of one scares most people off). Good luck on aquireing a good dog and good luck with the remainder of your deployment.

[Bmanxer]

Scarlett, thanks for your support and glad to hear your husband is doing well. I think they are great dogs and like I've said before I wanna give my fiance some company and peace of mind while I'm gone. I'm going to check with local restrictions on ownership of pits when I return...WHICH AINT TOO FAR AWAY!!! :D:D:D:D

[Aztec]

I know this is a bit late - but I have to disagree with some of the other people on here.

Out of your choices I would choose a German Shepherd.

For the following reasons:

1. They are incredibly intelligent, and learn quickly.

2. The short haired variety can tolerate many different weather conditions. Whether hot or cold.

3. German Shepherds, although sometimes aggressive with other dogs, usually love children. Although socialization will be required before hand if you plan on having children...I would expect this breed to adjust more quickly to a family environment.

4. They are still a very powerful breed, but with a strong leader they are willing followers.

5. Herding/Guard breeds I have found to be the most trainable of any breed. As they are very intuned to their owners. They watch their owners constantly, aim to please them and it is bred into them to make quick, accurate decisions when their owner isn't there to guide them.

There is also an over flow of German Shepherd's/Shepherd mixes available in shelters. Many of them are mixed with collies (Which is a wonderful mix, the collie mellows out the shepherd just a bit) labs (Which tends to make the dogs personality a little less shy) and Chows (Generally a more aloof dog will come out of this mix.) You can also find many of them mixed with pits, rotties, huskies, and golden retrievers.

[Bailey's mum]

I know this is a bit late - but I have to disagree with some of the other people on here.

Out of your choices I would choose a German Shepherd.

For the following reasons:

1. They are incredibly intelligent, and learn quickly.

2. The short haired variety can tolerate many different weather conditions. Whether hot or cold.

3. German Shepherds, although sometimes aggressive with other dogs, usually love children. Although socialization will be required before hand if you plan on having children...I would expect this breed to adjust more quickly to a family environment.

4. They are still a very powerful breed, but with a strong leader they are willing followers.

5. Herding/Guard breeds I have found to be the most trainable of any breed. As they are very intuned to their owners. They watch their owners constantly, aim to please them and it is bred into them to make quick, accurate decisions when their owner isn't there to guide them.

There is also an over flow of German Shepherd's/Shepherd mixes available in shelters. Many of them are mixed with collies (Which is a wonderful mix, the collie mellows out the shepherd just a bit) labs (Which tends to make the dogs personality a little less shy) and Chows (Generally a more aloof dog will come out of this mix.) You can also find many of them mixed with pits, rotties, huskies, and golden retrievers.

So Aztec, you are saying you have to disagree with the other people in this thread. Does that mean you think that a Pit bull & a Rottie are poor choices for Bmanxer? If this is what you mean, could you please explain & validate the reasons why you think these breeds are a poor choice. Have you actually had personal experiences with these breeds?
While I actually agree with your description of a German shepherd & think they are a good choice too, I still have to say that a Rotti also has alot of similar traits, so why are you disagreeing with me. They are also an intelligent breed, short coated, great with children & adjust very well to a family environment,they are a very powerful breed & very protective of their master.
Which are all the points Bmanxer made to describe the perfect breed for him.
I don't know much about pitbulls, but I'm sure they also have alot of similar traits to them, & would be perfect for his situation too.
I also find it interesting that you disagree with everyone recommending Rotties & Pitbulls, then you say that he could get a German Shepherd cross Rotti or Pitbull (which are the 2 breeds you have disagreed with in the first place ):rolleyes:

Sounds very complicated to me & a bit confusing.:confused:
Sounds like you are now disagreeing with yourself.:D:rolleyes:

[21meg]

Bailey's mum, I just think Aztec wasn't necessarily saying she didn't agree at all. I just think Aztec was saying, that she would say the one she thinks is best in this situation is the German Shepherd. And then she would also agree with a Rottie or a Pit bull next. Does that make any sense.

And clearly Aztec wouldn't say she would get a mix of Pitbull or Rottie if she thought it was a poor choice. Also, Aztec said she had to disagree with "some of the other people" on this thread. Not exactly you. My opinion is basically to get either a Rottie, Pitbull, or German Shepherd like mentioned before. They all sound like they would meet your situation.

[Bailey's mum]

Meg, if Aztec is going to make a statement that she disagrees with some of the other people in this thread, then she needs to clearly state who she is disagreeing with & WHY!
Seeing I have been one of the main posters in this thread, I took it personally that she was having a go at me.
Pitbulls & Rotti's have really been the only 2 breeds that have been suggested in this thread, other than her suggestion of the German Shepherd. So if she is disagreeing with other people, then she must be disagreeing to the suggestion of a pure Rotti or a Pitbull, & then she is suggesting to get a german shepherd mixed with a Rotti or a Pitbull.

It just doesn't make sense.

[Aztec]

Sorry that I came across this so late, and I am sorry to cause you any distress...I didn't realize people would become so upset over a mere opinion.

I have been training dogs for about six years, and have worked with a variety of breeds, as well as observed hundreds of others.

Pit bulls, and Rottweilers are bully breeds. German Shepherds are of the herding variety, which divides a huge line.

Bully breeds are very sweet with proper training, socilization, and a good leader. But everything they do has three times the force behind it. They have tons of power. It doen't matter if they are playing, being affectionate, or being aggressive. The power is there. They are a determined breed. If they set their heart on something it is going to take a lot of work to take their attention off of that.

This was taken off a Pit bull rescue website:

Never trust a pit bull not to fight...
It is not a hate of other dogs that causes pit bulls to fight, but rather an "urge" to do so that has been bred into the dogs for many generations. Pit bulls may fight over hierarchic status, but external stimulus or excitement can also trigger a fight. Remember that any canine can fight, but pit bulls were bred specifically for their drive, intensity, and determination to win.

Pit bull owners must be aware of the remarkable fighting abilities these dogs posses and always keep in mind that pit bulls have the potential to inflict serious injury to other animals. A pit bull may not even be the one starting a conflict, but he has the genetics to finish it. Remember that pit bulls are almost always blamed no matter who initiated the hostilities, and often end up paying the price...as does the owner!

That said, some pit bulls get along great with other pets and may live happily with other dogs without incident. We just can't assume that this is true for all of them, or take for granted that pit bulls getting along with other pets today will do so tomorrow. Pit bull owners must have common sense and make sure they don't set their dogs up for failure by putting them in inappropriate situations.

Every negative incident involving a pit bull adds to their reputation and jeopardizes our right to own these great dogs. Keep your pit bull out of trouble!

Please remember that animal-aggression and people-aggression are two distinct traits and should never be confused. Unless they have been very poorly bred and/or specifically "trained" to attack humans (often by undesirable individuals through abusive methods), pit bulls are, by nature, very good with people. They are, in fact, one of the most loving, loyal, friendly and dedicated companions one can have.

PBRC hopes this article will help people understand why so many of us are deeply dedicated to these wonderful dogs. Pit bull dogs need more help, compassion and understanding than many other breeds, but they will pay you back with more love and loyalty than you ever thought possible.

(http://www.pbrc.net/breedinfo.html)

If you want to have other animals, it is going to be more work. Just like I would never own a greyhound and a pet rabbit. Instincts are bred in, as much as people like to say they aren't. Otherwise how would my sheltie...whose lines haven't done herding for generation upon generation still has an incredible urge to herd everything that moves?

Pitt bulls are tough dogs, and will fight to the death to finish something - even if they don't start the fight.

Rotties I really have nothing against and I was not trying to be against them in any way when I posted. They just aren't right for everyone, and so many missunderstand the breed and buy them for looks and then the dogs end up a complete mess.

Mostly just from reading the first post I felt that a German Shepherd would be best for this particular family. For the reasons I stated above and I have no issues with going against the grain of what everyone else said. I felt it was best to name just the positive things of the breed I thought best then to go into the negatives about other breeds as I feel there are good things about every breed.

Thanks.

[Bailey's mum]

Well having said all of the above, why would you suggest to the original poster to get a German Shepherd x with a pit bull or a Rotti, it still doesn't make sense to me.

I know alot of people who own Rotti's & they most DEFINATELY DID NOT buy them for looks, I've never seen them end up a complete mess, & have only seen them as fantstic family dogs.

I noticed you said you have been a dog trainer for 6 years, does that mean you started out when you where 11, you are only 17 after all.

[Aztec]

I think mixing can even out a lot of characteristics. Sometimes it is worse, but I often see a better result come out of a mix. I own a border collie mix, possibly with some husky and mini aussie. She has ended up with a much more balanced personality. She is not as hyper as a border collie, yet her husky stubborness is there yet toned down.

A rotti is a bit more of a mellow breed, which may mellow out a german shepherd just a bit. Plus you are about 75% more likely to find a mixed breed at a shelter, and I think rescue should always be considered first. A mix can balance a lot of things. Just like if you are breeding dogs you are not going to choose a stud that shares all the bad qualities your girl has or your line will never improve. I don't believe in breeding mutts on purpose, but I do think that in many way mixes are better. Why not get a mix of two breeds you like rather than have to choose just one. :)

I live just outside an area where everyone has a pittbull, a rottie or a dobie. The dogs are chained up, messed up, and don't know who to trust. Their owners get the sweet, adorable pups and then don't know how to rein in their energy to keep them from ruining their house...so where do you think they end up? The shelter (Where it is the law that pittbulls must be destroyed, no matter how sweet. If they don't "know" it is a pitt it is different) or in the backyard.

Hm. I have hardly run into a forum where people will let go of the age thing. I am in a tough place. The child forums are not very interesting and the older generation all would rather I not be around. Yes, I have been training since I was 11. I got my first dog when I was 10, almost 11. I housebroke her, took her to training classes, worked with her every day. My dog did better than all 12 of my classmates because I worked her hard. And I have been showing her in 4-H for all of those six years. I have had four foster puppies (Three terrier mixes, and one chow/lab mix) They were abandoned with no mother at 4 weeks. I had them housebroken in three weeks as well, and did some training at home...such as teaching them to sit for their food, very minimal things.

I helped my friend extensively with her 75 pound rottie/hound mix that was aggressive and couldn't walk on a leash. He now walks beautifully with a halti collar.

Fast forward a little bit and I got my sheltie, Aztec. He has some quirks I still need to work out, but I can trust him completely off leash anywhere. He never bolts, comes when I call him and never strays more than four feet away.

I have been learning, and trying to share information on forums since I was
13, and I have read more books than you can count and most importantly I have observed. I watch other people, learn from their mistakes, learn about their breed, learn what they do to fix what they were doing wrong.

Don't assume that young means no experience, because some of the young generation has more experience than many adults.

You will save a lot of bother for people like me in the future.

I am not going to argue with you on this topic anymore, because I honestly did not feel anything was wrong with my first post let alone my second, or this one. I just said I thought a Shepherd was BEST. Not that rotties or pitts were bad in any way. Although now that I have thought about it I think a doberman might work out really well...

Here are three words that hopefully will make you happy.

Get a Rottweiler.

[ashishbarad]

If you are looking for a dog with low maintainance, I wuold suggest you a rottweiler.

Can checkout some of its pictures...


http://images.search.yahoo.com/searc...rottweiler&sz=