hello i am looking for a large breed of dog. i run in the morning at like 6 am got to class 8-12 come home bike or rollerblade go to work 3-7 then i would come home and play ball with the dog. i dont live in a really good place so a dog that would protect me when needed would be good i also have a cat and a chinese crested. so if you guys could recamend a breed for me i would greatly apreciate it.
2007-03-11 08:29:13 · 9 answers · asked by kiersten g 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I have a yellow lab and that breed would be perfect for you. In the summer I run in the morning and he goes with me and when I get home from work he loves to chase the ball. He barks when he hears something outside. He is a very loving dog who would do anything for you.
2007-03-11 08:33:37 · answer #1 · answered by CctbOh 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I would recommend a German Shepherd Dog or Belgian Malinois. Since you're gone alot, I'd recommend getting an adult as puppies need alot of time. If you do get a puppy, no running with it until it is at least 12 months, preferably 18 months, as it can cause hip problems. After that age, run with it all you like. If you get an adult, you will need to do an introduction to your cat and crested ON LEASH for several days until you know that things are okay. Make sure you tell anyone you get the dog from that you have these animals and make it clear that the dog MUST be able to co-exist with them (some people are just thick). Both of these breeds are generally smart, loyal, and good protection dogs if they come from good parents and are raised right. I'd recommend working lines if you want protective instincts. It's still not guaranteed but they generally are better protection dogs. However, the working lines are usually a bit more headstrong and require a strong leader. You should speak with Ed Frawley at Leerburg. If he doesn't have the dog for you then he can direct you to someone with one that will work for you. I warn you that he is very blunt but he knows his stuff when it comes to workingline shepherds and mals.
2007-03-11 08:42:20 · answer #2 · answered by Erica Lynn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have cats and a crested too! what good taste you have. almost any large breed will work for you, most dogs as long as purchased as puppies will adapt to the environment you provide. as well almost all will protect you as well, especially males.
how large a dog do you want? my personal favourite is the standard poodle - far too smart, active (mine used to run MILES with me beside my bike, and a perfect gentleman in the home. the no shedding is a bonus too! as well my guy acted protective, and once scared off a big guy that came at me in the park one day.
german shepherds are good if you can stand the shedding, as well as boxers. i also like great danes, but sometimes they are too friendly (which doesn't really matter as most bad guys won't go anywhere near a dog that large.)
good luck!
2007-03-11 10:37:14 · answer #3 · answered by mich mich 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would recommend visiting your local humane society to find a breed. You will most likely get a mixed breed but they could tell you the dominant breed plus the dogs personality.
And since you still have a pretty busy schedule I would recommend adopting a 1-2 year old dog as opposed to a puppy (even thought 1-2 year olds are still very puppy like and trainable).
The thing to keep in mind about big dogs is they have joint problems. If you are looking for a running partner you need to get a more midsized dog. Large dogs won't be able to take the pounding.
Search your local humane society's website they will have blurbs on the dogs they have available and let you know if they are cat friendly.
Good Luck!
2007-03-11 08:38:51 · answer #4 · answered by mk_german 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I personally have golden retreivers, which would fit all of your criteria perfectly except for the protection part. Labs, pretty much same thing.
A german shepherd or doberman might work well with these criteria. They are athletic and highly trainable.
All breeds, especially those that you may want for protection needs lots of socialization with people and other dogs and lot of obedience training so that they have a stable personality in lots of situations. You don't want an aggressive dog, just one that might be protective of you were in a threatening situation or at least make people think twice about messing with you once they see the dog whether it is protective or not. For this reason, these breeds are often not recommended for inexperienced dog owners who have not had some exposure to training of strong-willed dogs.
2007-03-11 08:38:08 · answer #5 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Almost any medium - large breed dog raised around the cat and chinese crested would be fine.
I've seen Dobermans, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds raised with minpins ,poodles and cats, so....
I personally favor the Doberman. I've had them for 26 yrs, so I guess that's a bias answer. However... all of them are very social, but I know if the situation should arise they would protect me with every ounce of their being!
A Doberman is not for everyone. They demand alot of attention, and must be handled correctly, but would love the time for jogging, rollerblading....
2007-03-11 08:37:06 · answer #6 · answered by Pam 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Get a German Shepherd. Its large,active and a great guard dog.
2007-03-12 03:58:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I highly reccomend german shepherds. Not only would they fit very well with your lifestyle, in all the experience I've had with them they tend to be very very good with other pets.
2007-03-11 08:39:24 · answer #8 · answered by KatieBee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to akc.org.... there are tons of breeds that fit your description..... i would say, BELGIAN SHEEPDOG OR BELGIAN TERVUREN look em up,,, gorgeous,, smart and loyal ( and not overbred)
2007-03-11 08:34:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋