Any suggestions for a breed of dog?

Question

I have a 5 year old girl, a small lot and I'm not always able to get home in the middle of the day (althought i usually can). I prefer larger breeds. I prefer long hair to short and am looking for a middle of the road temperament. Not too hyper (black lab would not work), not too mellow. I've been thinking about a Leonberger, but I've heard that they really like to be muddy. Do you know of anyone that has a leo that doesn't get muddy, but is still happy?

Also been thinking about a Golden. There is an excellent breeder in town (just won best in breed at Westminster). I just wonder if a Golden would be too active, and be totally bored during the day when we're all gone.

The good news is that I'm getting a laptop for work and we just began using a VPN which means I can start doing more work from home.

If you've got other ideas, I'd love to hear.

Answer 1

GOTTA LOVE THESE PEOPLE! You say large - they say "King Charles Spaniel and Lhasa Apso and Maltese!" You say No Lab - they start going on about Labs (whose own breed resuce has put on their website that they will not accept dogs with aggression and biting problems..! You say long coat - they suggest shortcoated breeds - Boxer, Rhodesian.... You say "middle of the road temperment, not too hyper" , they say Australian Shepherd.......I guess they don't know anything about the breed you mentioned which bring us to .....


WOW a Leon!! Huge and I mean HUGE giant teddy bears of a dog. (And I have a large/giant breed and I think Leons are enormous - first time my young Kuvasz who is no slouch in the size department saw a Leon, he did a stiff legged, sliding backwards 'Holy Batman' halt and his jaw dropped - he has always been the biggest boy around towering over even many Newfoundlands. Got even mre of a shock when he met his first Great Dane the next day - quite funny to see.)

Many Leonbergers do love to go out and wallow. Not that much more than many breeds but there is just so much of them that it seems worse. On the other hand, I've met several who thought it to be simply too much effort - yawn. If you don't have a lake or pond in your yard, you should be fine - they ADORE bodies of water. I strongly recommend a nice sandbox that is very deep - they think they can make it to China. Actually the digging comes from making a nice cool spot.

There is one that is a Service Dog working wheelchair. I think they are so sweet and make a GREAT floor pillow for watching TV! . They are quite popular as the 2nd breed for many of the people in my breed.

As to breeds in general, let's start with the SPORTING breeds.

Goldens are a popular favorite. Given the horrendous hereditary health problems in the breed, definitely go with the show breeder in town. Now living with them though might be another matter (and I had them for 28 years.) They need to run and romp and rip and play..... A Golden puppy who is bored will expand your vocabulary of 4 letter words. They do settle - sort of - around 3 or 5 or 7..... The upside is they are highly trainable and excell in high performance obedience (unlike Leons whose favorite command is "down -stay.')

Just about anything in the sporting group will have that same need for a lot of heavy duty play time.

Here they are: http://www.akc.org/breeds/sporting_group.cfm


Next is HOUND Group.. Virtually all of this group are short-coated, need the exercise and adore running, and running and running (except for the Basset and Dachshunds.) The only one I suggest for children is the Rhodesian Ridgeback - Kennel Ration Hero of the Year was a Rhodie who saved his 8 year old girl from a pedophile who was kidnapping her and left the bad guy almost bleeding to death. But they LOVE to boogey if given a chance and are not suitable for small yards and are short-coated. (Herd guarding breed from Africa also used for hunting - 30 years they were big powerful dogs, now the breeders have gotten obssessed with lure coursing and they are starting to look like enlarged greyhounds.)

http://www.akc.org/breeds/hound_group.cfm


Then there is the WORKING Group.

Some very good candidates here. Moderate to laidback on the energy. Nice and large with long hair. Very good with children, and some will protect the child unto death.

.Bernese Mountain Dog - Used for draft work. I would have one of these except for one small problem: they have an incredibly high cancer rate and rarely make past 8, often dying at 4 and 5. Sweet calm patient dogs.

Great Pyreenes - A herd guarding breed. They do not go on the attack like German Shepherds. The herd guarding dogs warn, shove their charges back, block the threat, knock the threat back and away, and finally, if the threat didn't get the idea, go into combat. Extremely devoted and watchful of their charges. Since herd guarding dogs have to stay immobile for hours on end on watch, these dogs are moderate energy.

Kuvasz - the herd guarding dogs from Hungary and ancestors of the Great Pyr. Slightly smaller in width than the Pyreenes but taller and longer and heavier than a Golden. My 2 year old Kuv is a working Service Dog - mobility assistance. I just placed an adult Kuv as the guardian and caretaker of a 4 year old autistic child. Very good at being still for hours (flying at my feet in airplanes with plane changes all day starting at 13 months is a pretty good test) and can do with a small lot to play and walks. Now, if you want one of these, the bloodline with "the best" temperments is the breeder whose dog that has gone BOS at Westminster the past two years and his mom and sister were both BOB and placed in Group at Westminster. (Watch the video on the Westminster website - he is the one with the happy grin at the judge and dancing along. Runs in the family.) Another breed that will self-sacrifice to protect your daughter and you.

Newfoundlands - large gentle giants who adore naps.

http://www.akc.org/breeds/working_group.cfm


Then the TERRIER Group. I am NOT a terrier fan - too much energy, too pig headed, obedience trainers always say - - - - Terrier!!!

http://www.akc.org/breeds/terrier_group.cfm

We can skip the TOY and the NON-SPORTING groups since you prefer large and long coat and child friendly. Some in Non-Sporting meet one or two criteria but not all 3.

I'm very fond of the HERDING Group for children. They hover over them, watch them and are on the alert for anything approaching them. Some in the group are high energy, and some are more moderate-laid back.

Border collies are the hyper active obsessive-compulsives of dogdom - an obedience/agility competitors dream but exhausting for many pet owners who don't live on a farm. Australian Shepherds are energetic fluff balls and great obedience competition dogs but 'calm' and 'couch potatoes' are not in their vocabulary.

The top picks from this group based upon your criteria are;

Belgian Sheepdog

Belgian Tervuren

The Belgians are two of my most favorite breeds. Very very intelligent and extremely devoted. They excell at every type of performance ever devised. Now the downside is that while they are not as hugely energetic as the sporting breeds, they are not couch potatoes and are more energetic that the Leon, Pyreenes, Newfie or Kuvasz.

Bouvier des Flandres
A very interesting breed. My vet just got his 3rd Bouv to watch over and protect his family. They are not for the inexperienced or meek handler as they can be too clever by half and are dominant. They do require daily grooming with a comb. They are velcroed to their family and excellent with children.

Collie
They are one of the most laidback herding breeds. Intelligent, trainable, run a brush though, highly devoted and attentive... What more can one say about Lassie???

Old English Sheepdog

The gentle, equitably tempered and hilarious clowns of this group. They are quite happy with walks and some ballplaying (if you get them moving)

. http://www.akc.org/breeds/herding_group.cfm

Now, on those links, when you click on the picture of the dog and go to the page for that breed, on the left is a column. At the bottom of the column, is a link captioned "National Breed Club". Click on it - that takes you to the link to the National Club that is the only club about the breed that is recognized and accredited by the AKC and it sets the standards for the breed .

The Clubs' websites will give you an ENORMOUS amount of information about the breed - the good, the bad, and the why or why not to get that breed. The clubs websites also have:

(1) a breeders list - all of whom have agreed to abide by the breeders code of ethics (which you can read)

(2) a link to the breed rescue for their breed

Do give serious thought to adopting from an adult from a breed rescue. The clubs' breed rescues go to a great deal of trouble to determine the dog's temperament, personality, likes and dislikes (particularly kids and cats and other dogs in the household), health, and level of training. They make a huge effort to match the right dog to the right home - and if they don't have one they think will be suitable for your home, they won't place just any dog with you but will wait for the right one. Great way to avoid the puppy training, newspapers, chewing.......They have dogs that are purebred and sometimes part-bred (1/2 or so of their breed.) Dogs that come through rescue are so thrilled to have a forever loving home having once been abandoned to a shelter or rescue that they are typically extra devoted and loving. Dogs lose their homes for reason that are not their fault: death, divorce, a move and they couldn’t keep them, financial problems….

SInce you are obviously aware of the importance of getting a dog from a responsible reliable breeder committed to the breed because they love it and not for the money (those kinds of breeders alwasy lose money on theri dogs!), I'll skip my usual lecture about why one avoids backyard breeders and pet shops.

You may find the breeder who has the type of dog you want but no litter on the ground at the moment. Most good breeders have waiting lists -get on it. You may find the breeder and puppy you want but at a distance. Among the really responsible breeders(members of the club) shipping a puppy is quite normal -they want the best possible home for the dog and the written contract is very extensive. These kinds of breeders are always active in their breed clubs and have piles of documentation about the OFA hip/elbow/cardiac/ thyroid testing and CERF eye results plus the AKC certificates about the titles their dogs have earned. They will undoubtedly co-opt you into the breed club.

Do ask the breeders on the club list if they have any dogs they bred that they need to rehome - good breeders all require if the owner can't keep one, it comes back to them. It may be a dog they placed and it came back because the owner didn't have time, didn't realize how big it would get, got divorced, they died .... It may be a dog who was a show prospect but as they grew didn't meet their early promise. It may be an AKC Champion they decided not to use in their breeding program because while it did get the Championship, they don't need more bloodstock or find a tiny conformation flaw they don't want to reproduce.



GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 2

I f I were looking again for a breed of dog that had size,temperament and a hair preference I would talk to a breeder that was not planning to sell me a dog until I had been interviewed by him or her. Yes that is what I said . It is a two way street. A good breeder will not sell you a dog that you will end up being unhappy with. As for a Golden Retriever if that is the breed that you have mentioned, they rate in my books as the most gentle loving caring dog next to a lab that you can have. It is your job to make sure that the dog gets a walk at least four times a day. Morning ,when you come in, after supper and before bed. You have to play with them and give them the exercise and love they need. These dogs need about three years to calm down and get mellow. I have had six and don't think that I would have any other. ( When I went to buy my first it was not supposed to be a lab. After a coffee and a walk around the breeders place I was given some time with lab pups. The rest was many happy years with the most loving and gentle dogs anyone could hope for).

Answer 3

Large breeds are great, Retreivers themselves are fantastic companions. However, I'd be kinda leary about getting a large dog since you have a small area. Granted all dogs need their daily exercise a smaller breed would probably benefit the most out of the square footage you have currently.

On the otherside, if you and your daughter are able to provide say a Golden, the adequate exercise it needs by walks or fun spirited runs, then perhaps you can work it out. Retreivers, Labs or Golden's, --are-- active dogs. They flourish with routine exercise and play.

Actually, since you are considering the Golden and know that Best in Breed breeder, you should contact him/her for more information. A breeder of such stature would probably be best suited to tell you straight up if you should or shouldn't get the breed.

Personally, I'm a huge fan of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeds. While they don't get big (20lbs average) they're still hearty in size to have fun with and make loyal family members. Their disposition is quite pleasant and they have an immense amount of intelligence. Not to mention their penchant for chillin' out with the family on movie night; resting their head on your leg while watching some show.

No matter what though; even as cute and child friendly as they can be, I wouldn't recommend a Beagle or any form of Terrier. Terriers are terribly high strung and can wreak havoc when left unamused.

Answer 4

Golden Retrievers are wonderful dogs. They can be energetic, but usually about 20-30 minutes of play time/exercise a day is sufficient to keep them happy. The young ones do like to chew, as most puppies of any breed do, but if you can provide them with safe and durable chew toys the problem can (hopefully) be avoided. They are excellent with children.
I grew up with a Golden and he was the best friend and most well behaved dog a family could have. Our family's second Golden is a little more "spoiled" but has super personality. I've moved away from my parents' home and miss having that canine companionship. I plan on getting a Golden of my own as soon as funds and space allows.
I'd also like to add that they're very smart and easily trained. A warning: they do like to "retrieve" things like underwear, socks, towels, etc. from the laundry baskets, especially when you have company.

Answer 5

Yep, a lab is probably going to be a bit hyper, especially if you're thinking of getting a pup rather than a grown dog. Goldens are a bit more sensible in my experience, but they can be awfully destructive when they get bored.

If you like larger breeds, what about something like a Ridgeback? My dogs are both Ridgeback X...they are great with small children, although of course I would never leave them unsupervised.

They tend to be very gentle, smart, sensible dogs- love going for a walk, run or ride in the car if it's on offer, but are quite happy to curl up in a corner and sleep/entertain themselves with toys if you're not directly spending time with them.

Answer 6

dotman 10 has a very good point, a mutt. Otherwise known as Heinz 57s they have all the good qualities of pure breeds and little if any of the defects known to be bred into pure breeds. They usually have a lot of intelligence and mostly come in mid size for a dog.
Unless you have the time to cater to the needs of a pure breed, or the money it usually costs to maintain their health I would stay away from most of them.
Stay away from pet shops for these creatures as you will find a lot of health issues there as well.
Five weeks is too soon, take the pup away at that age and you're going to end up with a neurotic dog. It's akin to taking away a child from it's mother at five months and handing it out to adoption. (an exaggeration to be sure but you see my point?) Dogs are pack animals from Chihuahuas to wolves they all have that pack/family sense to them.Every dog has it's day but the day for leaving it's pack for your pack is weeks away from a mere five weeks. Eight to nine weeks is good. That way you have control in the dogs training not the problem of retraining the pet from the poor training of another.
I have two dogs. A Border Collie I bought for $450.00 when she was nine weeks old. I had her trained in the basics in a matter of two weeks.
The second dog is a mix from the pound and it took my wife and I eighteen months to properly retrain her. She's a big white and chocolate sweetheart and very bright.
EVERY CHILD SHOULD HAVE A DOG, AND A MOTHER WHO WOULD ALLOW IT.

Answer 7

Labrador's are great dogs, however, like you said, they would be too hyper. This goes for Golden's too. They shed alot during 2 particular seasons and need a lot of special care due to their long hair. They are also very likely to get skin allergies.
Some breeds that MAY suit your lifestyle are:

Basset Hound: sweet, gentle, behaved and devoted. Their temperament is always friendly and not vicious. They are very affectionate to it's master and children they know. The Basset is incapable of biting and can be a bit stubborn at times. They will do tricks for food rewards, this can be very entertaining for your daughter. They can be a little difficult to housebreak but with firm but gentle training, they will get it right. It can be hard to get their attention if they find a scent on the ground.

Collie: Noble, intellegent, loyal, sensitive and kind. Mostly good with other household pets and other dogs. Very devoted and protective of his family. The Collie is an excellent children's dog as they are playful and gentle with little ones. Collie's are easy to housetrain and can learn within a week. They are not aggressive at ALL however, can be wary of people they do not like.

Samoyed: Gentle, peaceful, devoted, loving. They make terrible watchdogs as they are too friendly. The Samoyed gets along great with children. It can take a while to train but again, with firm and gentle training, they will learn quickly. They can be VERY destructive if left alone for long periods of time. They should not be trusted with small, non-canine pets but can live with cats if they are introduced to them as puppies. The Samoyed tends to bark a lot.

Poodle (standard): Proud, elegant, dignified. The Poodle is a very intellegent breed and is very fast at learning. The standard poodle is a lot calmer than the smaller breeds of Poodles. They need do be with their family for them to be happy. They do not like being alone for long periods of time. The Poodle is excellent with children.

I hope this helps! If you would like to take a quiz on what breed of dog may suit you and your daughters lifestyle, go here ( http://www2.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm ).

Adopting an adult dog is also a great idea however, most family's like the idea of having a puppy. Goodluck with your decision.

Answer 8

Pick up a mutt. They're usually the most even tempered dogs around, and they don't have the genetic defects that plague their in-bred full blooded cousins. Check the pound, or the sunday paper, you'll find tons of puppies. If you know the general size/breeds of the parents you can easily determine about how big the mutt will get.
Have fun!

Answer 9

I would highly recommend a small dog (OR 2). They live at least 5 yeasrs longe than big dogs and thousands of dollars less fod. Vet bills are lower too generally.
But if you do get a big dog PLEASE get a shelter dog that needs a good home. No reason to bring a new dog into the world when so many millions of big dogs stuck in shelters.

Answer 10

Um I have a toy-size maltese. There is a teacup size and the normal kind, which is pretty big. Maltese are great dogs. So cute and fuzzy.(I think it will nice for 5 yr olds) Don't think of maltese as their hair is very very long. You can cut the hair if you don't want it long. Since you prefer long-haired breeds you can let the maltese's hair grow. These dogs never shed. They learn how to potty train very quickly. The maximum time to learn how to potty train would be 3 weeks. Good Luck.

Answer 11

You have to remember that 5 year olds grow up so size wont matter soon :) If you don't object to their appearance collies are perfect. They are middle of the road intelligence and they are great with kids. They are also rather intelligent. I would just hate my dog being called lassie all the time. Another good choice is the lab. (obvious) stay away from chocolates and blacks, but the Golden's are mellow and loyal. Good luck choosing.