We have to get a new dog and researching all the breeds to find one suitable.We are in our mid 50's and need a dog that would be satisfied with 2 walks a day as well as a little play.We are home most of the day.We also need one that is less likely to jump a 4ft fence so was thinking about the Labrador. Found that JRT's will jump so was back to the drawing board. Thanx guys.
2006-12-10 07:33:27 · 13 answers · asked by dolphinesque 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
yes we have to get a dog cos we have always had a dog and our old dog (12yo)had to be put down because of a disintegrating spine prob.She was a german shepherd cross and the greatest .
2006-12-10 08:04:21 · update #1
I would not recommend a lab to you based on what you described. Labradors can be very high energy dogs. If not excercised enough they can become destructive and rowdy out of boredom.
They also do not generally make good watch dogs because they tend to be very friendly toward people. Although they can look intimidating to a stranger :)
A good site that tells pros and cons about various dog breeds is
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/index.html
2006-12-10 07:42:59 · answer #1 · answered by Aunt Doo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Labrador retrievers need a lot of exercise or they will get bored. They are mostly very energetic pets. You should research the breeds by how much exercise they need. You may want to look into the "giant" breeds. They seem to be more loyal and you can easily find out which breed needs less exercise. Any breed book from the library would help you make the right choice for you. You may also want to think about getting a dog from a rescue or the shelter to get an adult dog.
2006-12-10 17:05:34 · answer #2 · answered by Stacey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless you are getting an older, mature Lab, I don't think it is a good choice. Young Labs are hyper and require a lot of exercise and attention. They are also very strong and can pull people easily if not well-trained.
I would go to a shelter and find a one year old mix breed. It would be grateful to you both for the second chance. Also, this way you would be getting a basically full-grown dog so there wouldn't be any surprises as far as size.
2006-12-10 15:38:37 · answer #3 · answered by betsyssi2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to get a new dog, or you want to? Are you just looking for a four legged alarm system, or a companion animal? Sorry to be blunt, but, "have to" just doesn't sit right with me.
As to the question, I've found all three of the lab mixes I've had in my life are very good about barking at strangers who try to get in their territory, but, they're not very intimidating dogs. They're far too friendly to be guard dogs, since if said stranger has food, or can guess their name, it's play time.
Also, they are capable of jumping a 4 ft fence, if they really want to. Luckily, they usually don't want to. They're very happy to stay home.
2006-12-10 15:40:00 · answer #4 · answered by Emmy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your looking for a watch dog, a German Sheperd is a great dog, which you said you had one already. As long as you just let them out to use the bathroom, and they are trained you should not worry about them jumping a fence.
2006-12-10 16:15:20 · answer #5 · answered by Lo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My husband and I are also in our fifties, we also wanted another dog, we decided on a yellow Lab, we named her babygirl, She's the greatest. 1 year later we got coco, a chocolate Lab He's great too. They are good for each other because they help burn off that energy Labs tend to have, They are great protectors and will bark when strangers come to the door. I just finished a wonderful book named Marley and Me, treat yourself.. You can also go the website, www.marleyandme.com to view photos.. Good Luck with you choice, you won't be disappointed.
2006-12-10 16:26:20 · answer #6 · answered by MKM 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
LABS ROCK! the fence will be a problem and the dog would love the walks and they get their hackles up pretty easy.good good dogs..they do pull alot though.great with kids and other critters to..
2006-12-10 17:00:49 · answer #7 · answered by AST 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Labradors are great dogs,very loyal and smart,but a 4 ft. fence could be a problem
2006-12-10 15:39:27 · answer #8 · answered by Ricky Lee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not really, their more like family playful pets. Try a Doberman, theytre relly protective and dont need much playtime, do you have youger kids in the house? If not a doberman is perfect!
2006-12-10 15:37:40 · answer #9 · answered by Jenny(: 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a lab and they are pretty protective. it really depends on how you train them. But yea, my dog is pretty good with people, but when she hears someon near our door, she barks.
2006-12-10 15:42:52 · answer #10 · answered by lindsey 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋