What dog breed?

Question

Okay so my family and I really want a dog. We however are gone during the day (work and school). In our house we have 2 cats. Our yard is medium to large and our house is fairly large. We are defintely against getting a dog smaller than say 50-60 lbs. We have looked into German Shepherds and Newfoundlands and they are deftinely our favorites. Except that GSD are prone to chasing and killing cats and Newfoundlands drool a lot and shed quite a bit. A breed that we can pretty much cross off our list is a Golden Retriever and Lab. Both fine dogs but we are not fond of them (too common and overbred). Any suggestions as to which breed would be good for our family?

P.S.- We live near a busy street (but would have an electric fence) and do like the hounds and setters (mostly Gordon Setter and Bloodhound)
Also, can anyone tell me anything about Bernese Mt. Dogs and Canaan Dogs. We like both of those and seem to fit our lifestyle in general. Detail on both breeds would be greatly appreciated

Answer 1

OK, no I'm not nut's but because of your life style and you want them around kids or cats but you want a large dog I say a Great Dane. Dane's may be large but they are not real active like the Burmese Mountain dogs are for herding. They move around a lot, can be very destructive if left alone and are like having a 100lb. long hair cat that shed something terrible. The Dane's are great even in an apartment they just lay around a lot when they are past the puppy stage. Crate train the pup no matter what you get. Just remember one thing larger dogs have short life spans, the bigger the dog the shorter the life! Small dogs can live up to 20 years or more Danes and others that size 8-10 is average. Just as they get to be a family member they check out! Good luck and take care of your new baby, his or her life will be in your hands.

Answer 2

You should head to the local shelter and visit with a bunch of dogs. You can get a good feel for breeds by visiting and by talking the the staff and volunteers. Plus, if you end up falling in love and adopting a homeless pet instead of buying from a breeder or pet shop you'll be a hero!
A good tip...head to the local humane society on a weekday when they are a bit slow and you will have the undivided attention of the staff who really love the dogs there and typically know a lot about them (energy level, history, personality, etc.)

Answer 3

We had three labs and yes many have been overbred, but wonderful dogs with kids and other animals.

We had a bassethound and he loved the neighbors' cats.

Go to an animal rescue foundation and tell them you want a medium size dog that is good with cats. That way you save the life of a wonderful dog, who loves cats.

BTW a dog can be scared enough not to want to go outside if it becomes afraid of the electric fence.

Answer 4

Are you getting a pet or picking out drapes?

I feel like you have set these guidelines for the "perfect" pet and no matter what, you are going to be disappointed.

You're in trouble if you don't want a shedding/drooly dog but you want it over 50+ lbs.

I think your best course of action would be to hook up with a local rescue organization. Tell them your wants and needs and they will match you with a good pet.

petfinder.com is a good start.

Answer 5

Doberman...I have a dobbie, she weight about 115 and is very well manered. I dont care what people say about them they are great dogs. It all depends on how you raise them. They hardly shed at all and are GREAT watch dogs. They are very protective and very loving. i could have not asked for a better dog

I dont know a lot about the Bernese Mt dog except my friend has one and it is HUGE!!!!!! It seem like a grerat dog though, it just doesnt get along with other dogs that well.

Answer 6

you should go with a German Shepperd or a chow chow. i would suggest getting the dog while he/she is at an Early age. train the dog and you will become attached. i have a mix of the two and he is the best thing that ever happened to me and doesn't have any problems. i know many people say chows are a 1 person dog and if your scared of that go with the German Shepperd....they don't only chase and kill cats...one dog might have but that's not usually all they do. they are very good protectors.

Answer 7

The Bernese MT Dog has a very short life span

Answer 8

im sorry but if ur gone during the day DO NOT get a german shepherd.
they are very intelligent dogs (hence all their uses, police, herding, shutzhund etc.) and will get very bored and lonely and destructive alone all day.
due to their guarding instincts i dont advise this as a first dog either as they need extensive socialisation to prevent aggressive behaviour against other dogs and people.
they also need loads of exercise. nothing wrong with them i have one myself, its just they are very prone to separation anxiety, if u want a big dog, u must realise they need LOTS of exercise,
what about a retired greyhound?
they'd sleep all day when ur away and have a quick run when u get back...

Answer 9

Get a beagle. My beagle is the sweetest dog in the world. She loves kids & my 4 cats. Go to a shelter and adopt an older one though. I had a beagle puppy who was psycho, I adopted this one who is older and very gentle & loving.

Good Luck!!

Answer 10

Hounds=barking! Especially in a busy area. I love my Boxer. We have always had one since I was a kid. If you raise them with cats they could care less. Our old guy used to take "cat naps" with our cat. I have had hounds and they drove me nuts!