These are the ones we have in mind: yellow lab., Boxer, Gordan Setter, Banter bulldog, Belgian shepard Malinios, Great Pyrenese, Norwegian Elkhound.
In our family there are 2 kids, one 12 one 10.
We aslo have a 1 year old bull boxer (American staffordshire terrier and Boxer mix)
WHAT KIND OF BREED SHOULD WE GET?????????
2006-08-15 12:26:19 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Never heard of a Banter Bulldog. The Malinois can be very aggressive and quick to bite, so I wouldn't recommend it for a family dog. Labs are great, Boxers are fine if you've got the energy to exercise them. Gordon Setters are very sweet, but more hard-headed than the English Setter. Elkhounds shed a LOT and are pretty good, but independent and prone to running away. Great Pyrs are sweet, but can have terrible problems with dysplasia - and as a giant breed, they don't live as long. I'd go with the setter or the lab. Get a breeder referral from www.akc.org and find the best one you can!
2006-08-15 13:03:15 · answer #1 · answered by Danger, Will Robinson! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wow. That's kind of a range of types. Unfortunately you don't give us any details about what you are lookign for in a dog, so no one can really answer that question for you. Each kind of dog was developed for a specific purpose and that will influence how they behave within your family. You need to ask yourself what you are looking for in a dog and choose your dog according to those desires. Think about active/less active, big/small, hairy needs a lot of grooming/needs grooming once a week. Do you want to take the dog running? Do you want an 80 pound lap dog? Clingy, velcro dog/aloof pet me once in a while dog? Easy to train because you can't stand defiance, or are you a good dog trainer and can handle a hard headed dog? Those are the kinds of things you need to think about before you decide.
Then go to the library or the book store. There's a great book called The Right Dog for You that will help you decide which breed works best with your lifestyle. Also there is one called Raising Rover that offers opinions on the TYPICAL personality type of many popular breeds. It focuses on how easy they are to train and what techniques work best.
Personally, of the breeds you mention, I love boxers. I grew up with a boxer and my parents have one now. Though recently I discovered that I love collies too! Boxers are generally terrific family dogs, protective without being mean. Very stable and trustworthy. However they are rambunctious and rowdy, hardheaded at times, and man, can they drool!
Twice a year the Great Pyranese will blow its coat and you will need to groom a room full of hair off him. On the other hand, if you like to knit... Also these are not good dogs to have in warm climates. And they are BIG.
Gordon Setters are goofy and fun, but need to run. Plan on a TALL fence and lots of exercise. I've seen Gordons that could clear a 6 foot privacy fence.
Yellow labs are kind of the quintessential family dog. If you train them they are wonderfully smart. They can be very happy being mush minded couch potato dogs. They love people and water and not neccessarily in that order. I don't find them to be beautiful, but that's me.
The Belgian Shepherd Malinois is similar in type to the German Shepherd. Bred for similar sheep herding skills, and now used for police or protection work. They can be smart and loyal, but will require training. I have a Belgian/Chow mix who has more chow personality, but now and then I get the glimmer of Belgian coming through. If Belgians are very similar to German Shepherds, they may have that annoying Shepherd whine. Drives me crazy.
Elkhounds are likely similar to other Northern breeds like huskies and malamutes. Generally the Northern breeds are nice dogs, but aloof. They don't want or need to be clingy and cuddly. If you want a cuddly lap dog, don't pick this one. Also they don't do well in hot climates.
Not sure what a Banter Bulldog is. Maybe it's one of those made up breeds? You're on your own there.
Good luck.
2006-08-15 20:32:18 · answer #2 · answered by Robin D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One thing you want to look at is how fast they mature. Goldens generally taek 2 years to mature out. Also consider the energy level in your house and how often you are able to walk the dog. Sporting dogs are high in energy.
I love pyrs. but talk about grooming. I have a soft spot for Malinios as well.
But just be sure to research each breed and see what you like best.
Good luck.
2006-08-15 19:52:00 · answer #3 · answered by announmous 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We had a yellow lab when our kids were younger and she was an awesome dog. She had a great temerpent, patience with he kids and had a quite independent soul. My ex-husband took her as part of his divorce settlement and she did great! That is just my own personal experience and bias-- buy I think that is what you want!
2006-08-15 19:34:55 · answer #4 · answered by norsktjej1964 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to the Purina website they have a questionnaire that you can fill out that will help you figure out the best breed for your family. Good luck.
2006-08-15 19:30:37 · answer #5 · answered by bcringler 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Me personally, i like the Golden Retrivers. Lol. Does are really loyal and are guard dogs for kids.
2006-08-15 19:32:13 · answer #6 · answered by Jennifer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well boxers or yellow labs r kool n great dogs a faw of my friends hav them
2006-08-15 19:33:35 · answer #7 · answered by aundreawin 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mix them all together...you get a MUTT. Get one at your local shelter. "save a life"
2006-08-15 19:31:39 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should get an English Bulldog!!!!!!!!
2006-08-15 19:31:16 · answer #9 · answered by lbniblack 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋