Best dog breed that matches my "needs"?

Question

I've been looking around to find out what breed of dog I "need", but some of the stuff I've heard seems to be contradictory, so could you give me an idea of a breed that (basically) fits the stuff below?

1.I want a large dog.

2.Walk maybe two or four times a week (depends).

3.Gets along well with cats (doesn't chase them, bite them, etc.)

4.Runs off other dogs/coyotes.

5.Doesn't bark continuously.

6.Friendly but wouldn't allow someone mess with our house.

7.A yard that is about 1/4 to 1/2 of an acre would be enough room for him or her. (We'll probably put one of those electric fence things under the ground.)


I've been checking at our local animal shelter for pups too, so if you know a mix that would be good. (I don't care if it's pureblood and whatnot)

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Here is a site that could help you out....

What breed is right for your family?
Take the quiz and find out!
http://www3.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

Good luck!

Answer 2

Many large breed assertive dogs will not do will with underground electric fencing. They may see a coyote or anything on the other side and run right through the fencing.
If you live in an area where you have that type of wild life a chain link fence would be much more appropiate for your yard as it will not only keep the dog in but keep out unwanted critters. Most coyotes will not hang out where they can smell dog urine. I have them all over here and they are noever up near the yard or where we run the dogs.
Many breed have a high prey drive and will chase cats. It depends on the dog and if it is a puppy you will need to train it.
Barking is another thing with high prey drive dogs. Some bark alot others not so much.
Sounds like you are looking for a low to medium energy dog who is not a barker and not high prey drive. Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds are on the very large end of the scale neither is high enery or high prey drive. Neither one is a big barker (most times). Just their size will scare off many people but htey are really gentle giants.
They both are prone to some health problems and a short life span so do some research before you decide.
Good luck.

Answer 3

For your needs, a stuffed toy would be the best.

Dogs need walked every day - twice a day at least. Not a few times a week. Large dogs especially.

All dogs bark. Big dogs bark louder than little dogs.

Many dogs get along well with cats - but it's an individual thing. One dog may get along well - a litter mate may devour the cats.

Most dogs are territorial - but watch out for bites etc.

Those electric fences are OK - but only as long as the collar is working and the fence is turned on. you're better off with a physical fence - as opposed to the electric ones for a yard that size. Also, larger dogs have been known to put up with the mild shock the electric fence gives to get at something - a stray dog perhaps.

Naw. For your needs, invest in an alarm system and get a toy dog.

Answer 4

Good for you for researching before adopting/buying! That is key in finding the perfect pup for you!
And it is great that you do not mind adopting..so many of the pups in shelters or rescue groups make wonderful pets!!
Maybe you should consider a Pointer or a Setter. If you want a purebred puppy, Pointers and Setters are great family guards and do well with that size land.
Both breeds and varieties of breeds enjoy long walks, hikes, jogs, and room to move.
They are both large breeds, the Pointer being shorter with shorter fur, and the Setters being larger with longer fur.
They do not bark incessantly when compared to the Hounds.

So examples are:
German Shorthaired Pointer
The Pointer
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
English Setter
Irish Setter
Gordon Setter

If you really want a purebred, the best way to find a reputable breeder is to visit a local dog show and visit with the breeders there. Since these are all rare breeds, you will not likely find them in abundance at any local shelter, but the ones you do find will likely be from good, healthy lines.

If you want a shelter dog, wonderful!
There are many varieties of Labrador and Shepherd mixes at any given shelter on any given day. Although it is more difficult to find puppies, if you keep looking, they will appear.

Check out www.petfinder.com
Search for Pointer, Lab, Shepherd, Setter, or Golden Retriever mixes and enter your zip code. An endless listing of available adult and pup dogs will appear.

Answer 5

I would go with a mixed breed dog. They tend to have a better temperment. With the large yard, I bet you'll just let him/her out to run, so that takes care of the "walk every day" wise-cracks. As other's pointed out the under-ground fence won't necessarily work for all dogs. it probably won't do a thing for my beagle. They are sniffers and if they smell something, they won't be able to control their nose and they'll go right through it, pain and all. As long as you train your dog to return, a fence isn't necessary if you're out in the country. If you're also wanting something that is good with kids, but also good at guarding the house, you're looking for a "watch dog" not a "gaurd dog". Big difference. A watch dog will alarm you when someone walks up, barking. A gaurd dog will attack the individual. If the cats are in the dogs "family" it should be fine, but still keep strange animals at bay. just keep checking the shelters. Also go on http://www.dogbreedinfo.com and type in your criteria and they will pop up the closest breeds and look for a mix with those. Good luck!

Answer 6

The breed dosent matter as much as the individual dog and its training. My wolfdogs would easily fit the bill though most people would say I was insane for even having them.

I also wanted to add a note about the underground fence. On a larger dog they often don't work especially if the dog has thick fur. If the dog is determined he'll charge right through the shock. Once outside, the fence will actually keep him from returning. Don't rely on it alone, a regular fence would still be needed.

Answer 7

A shepard mix from the pound would be fine. Loving - protective and very smart. FYI - Pure bred dogs seem to have more health problems than mixed pbreed due to inbreeding in the blood line. Now the cat thing - that's up to the individual dog really, but cats can defend themselves for the most part. The dog will figure that out real quick :)

Answer 8

I would go for a mixed breed dog, maybe even an older one if you dont want them too active. With all the different needs you specify, it is really important you spend a lot of time with the dog so you can get to know its personality.

Answer 9

Labs are really good friendly large dogs. But I recommend rescueing a dog from a shelter. People find excellent companions there.

Answer 10

A Golden Retriever there good, nice, and very friendly. They also love to run around, cuddle and go on walks. That would be a perfect dog for you.

Answer 11

A Lab would be a great dog for you and maybe even a german shepherd, if you need to know where to get a puppy of either kind and you are close to Oklahoma let me know.