I live with my retired parents, who have agreed to look after the dog while i am at work, they would prefer a labrador sized dog that is as happy being around the house as it is out running in the fields, i would like something similar that would protect our house and us if necessary, but in general id like it to be quite sociable.
We have no other pets and no children in the house either. Any ideas????
2006-12-11 00:27:00 · 34 answers · asked by Unhinged.... 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
you are asking the impossible. You want a dog which is friendly, but will guard? Friendly dogs dfon't guard. Guarding breeds are suspicious of strangers. A dog happy to idle the day away indoors, is unlikely to be happy running about all day long outside, just as a dog with high energy levels happy to run outside, will be miserable if forced to be a couch potato.
I think you really need to think some more about what exactly you are lookiung for in a breed and prioritise some of the ideal traits and compromise on others. There is no dog on the earth who is a sociable friendly guard dog, and a highly active couch potato which, in effect, is what you have asked for.
2006-12-11 00:50:40 · answer #1 · answered by fenlandfowl 5 · 2⤊ 3⤋
I can tell you based on dogs I own or have owned.
A lab is the best in a lot of ways. They LIVE to retrieve though, so if you won't play fetch, don't get one. They are easily housbroken and are very friendly to all, but will bark at the doorbell or someone approaching in the dark. They do, however, shed all the time.
A Bernese Mountain Dog is super friendly to everyone, has a great bark, and only sheds in the summer. Well, they shed a bit all the time but I can't imagine any dog shedding MORE than a BMD does in the summer! Great gobs of fur everywhere, and I mean in the fridge, all over the floor and walls and furniture.. DAILY. ick. But they are the most loving dog there is, bar none. They get very offended and sad if you speak meanly to them, are great with other dogs and animals. They have the softest fur of any pup. They also don't roam. So if you are in the yard and someone walks by, the dog will sound a bark, then stand there, aloof but strong.
I know you said a bigger dog, but a yorkie is great too. They never shed, are allergy free to humans, and they sit on your lap. I don't mean like any other dog will. I mean, you get up, they follow. You sit back down, they are on or beside your lap. Up...follow...down...lap. It's a part of the breed that I just love. When I am sick, my yorkie stays in the bed with me, senses something is wrong, and barks when folks come near.
The downside to yorkies is they will chase ANYTHING from a leaf to a bus and if you do not train them, they do bark more. Not like a chi or a pom etc. I agree, no herding dogs, they are more high maintenance. Also, don't listen about finding a dog that is a protector and kind. That is what dogs do! All of the dogs I have mentioned are like that. Remember though, the smaller the dog, the harder to housebreak. Also, kennel training is the ONLY way to go. Never paper train, or you have to train them twice.
Lastly, do consider a pound dog. Lots of discussions have been done on the subject. It's almost always best to get a pound dog...you can take your time... play with the dog. See if he is aggressive, lethargic, etc. Really interact before choosing. The best part is, and this may sound like movie stuff but it's very true... they will always love you for saving them.
2006-12-11 03:33:10 · answer #2 · answered by WriterMom 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
A Labrador is a great house pet and guard dog, we have a black labrador who is now 15 mths old, he is a wonderful animal, very loving, quite happy alone once he grew out of his chewing stage and amazing guard dog - I would dare anyone try to get in!!
They make great companions, are good around other animals and children if you have visitors.
Not sure where you are located but if in the UK and South - www.fenflyerlabradors.co.uk are the breeder we bought our Guinness from and they donate to the Guide dogs for the blind.
Hope this helps and good luck.
2006-12-11 03:35:41 · answer #3 · answered by surfershell_1972 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
DO NOT go along the lines of any collies/herding dogs... They need a lot of activity and I really diagree with them being kept in the city in houses and back gardens when they have naturally a lot of energy. Would you not consider a lap dog? Not a terrier though as they also can have a lot of energy. I would suggest a cavalier king charles, they are gentle in nature, small enough and just they're coat can be kept nicely with a brush everyday. They do have health problems though. Setters and Spaniels can have lots of energy too which can be destructive on your items if not dealt with with plenty of activity. A golden retriever or a labrador retriever make lovely pets. Labs do have a tendancy towards obesity but shed less than the golden retrivers.
Good luck!
2006-12-11 00:35:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
everyone will say the dog they have, i.e jack russell, lab, but it all depends on the family, I have a Doberman who is 9 months he is around a 3 year old, 2 year old. He is great yet he may not suit your family. Its how the family is with the dog which will decide how the dog is with the family. What ever breed you choose traeted right will be suitable. Take your family with you when choosing.
2006-12-11 03:09:23 · answer #5 · answered by shelz042000 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My many year of training dogs has brought me to the conclusion there's a dog breed for everyone.Id like to say first a lab is a good choice loyal obedient and loving, yes they do require exercise as all dogs do.I'm assuming you are willing to make a commitment to walk your dog every chance you get. All breeds have some quirks but for an all around dog,a good choice.
for advice on training, this will depend on your goals and needs
2006-12-11 01:45:41 · answer #6 · answered by tonyflorida2 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, Labradors, and Boxers are all good dogs. =) If a smaller dog is okay, a Japanese Spitz or a Cocker Spaniel would be a good idea. And it'd be better to adopt on from the pound. You'd be saving it from certain death. =)
2006-12-11 01:17:08 · answer #7 · answered by dryad_of_nature 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i would go with a retired greyhound as well, i have had 3 of them in my life, as well as other dogs. you can adopt them at only a couple years old, and 2 of my greys lived to be 15, so you'll have a good long life with them. it seems that most of the answers to your question have been people's 'favorite' dogs, and not ones that would suit your family. your parents would have no problem with a greyhound, as they are big couch pottatos, and loooove to cuddle, but as soon as you take them outside, they are happy to walk where ever you take them. and if you've ever seen a grey show it's teeth, those long muzzles of theirs can be VERY intimidating. all around a perfect dog. even if you have no other pets/kids right now, make sure to get a grey that is good with both. most adoption agencies can fit you with the best dog for you. and congrats on getting a new family member!
2006-12-11 00:45:24 · answer #8 · answered by liz s 1 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Norfolk Terrier
2006-12-11 00:33:45 · answer #9 · answered by Isabelle 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It depends on your lifestyle too.
cause your parents can look after the dog but the next step is: what breed. well look up in google 'what dog breeds are best for me' and you might find some help.
Good luck
2006-12-11 05:53:21 · answer #10 · answered by nicky 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋