BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...

Subject: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: Bobert
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 09:26 PM

Okay, I knew the day would come where the groundhogs, deer, bear and other assorted and sundry varments would overcome the P-Vine in her quest to maintain the size gardens she has on our farm here which backs up to the Shenandaoh Nation Park where hunting is forbiddne...

So, it's time to get "The Dog"...

NOw I've always had dogs and prefer a shepard/lab mix but...

...this ain;t about me...

Now, we have 4 cats so I don't think we need a trained hunting dog but we need a dog, ven if it means gettin' a puppy and trainin' it to chase away varment and not cats...

Any ideas??? Experiences??? Expertise???

Thanks you in advance for any thought you might have unless yer thoughts are, ahhhhhhh, out of the park...

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: Sorcha
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 09:40 PM

How much grooming do you want to do?
Do you want a 'herding' dog or a 'working' dog?
How much 'adoration' do you need? Or the PVine?
Aloof, cuddly, Strange Human friendly?
How much money do you want to spend?
How much barking will you allow?
Do you want it to bark to scare off things?
Chase them off? Attack them?
Inside dog? Outside? In/Out?

I'm thinking probably a Working Dog, or working dog mix. See AKC Working Breeds for a general idea of them all.

If you are lucky you can find some suitable mix at a shelter nearby.
Please! Spay or neuter!

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: GUEST,dogman
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 09:47 PM

http://www.lakelandhuntingpoodles.com/


grrrrrrr....

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: pdq
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 10:01 PM

The full-sized poodle and the airdale are the most likely to turn on their owners or family members. Avoid them.

The Labrador retriever can't be beat as an all-around pet. Companionship, intelligence and trainablilty. Also, they tend to stay mentally sharp as they get old, unlike the Irish setter and a few other unstable breeds.

Black or golden, pick one.

(good for taking-down them varmints,too)

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 10:02 PM

Underdog

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: Ebbie
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 11:07 PM

I would be haunting the humane society shelters. If I were looking for a particular breed or mix I'd probably go for a border collie type. They are brainy, think for themselves, figure out very quickly what it is you want from them.

pdq, I disagree strongly with your depiction of the standard poodle or the airedale, for that matter. In my experience of poodles, they are bright, strong and indefatigible.

I've never had an airedale but my brother has had two of them, both of them more aloof than the poodle but alert and willing. I have never known either of those standards to bite. My miniature poodle, however, attacked the boot of a friend of my sister's when he pretended to step on my sister's foot.

If you want a dog,Bobert, that LOVES to chase without being expected to bring it back, you can't beat a terrier!

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 11:21 PM

Get a pit bull. They are smart, faithful, funny, strong, and they will take out those gophers if you let them. They get a bad rap for being mean or contrary--for decades they were the standard family dog. You simply have to understand that you are the alpha dog--if you understand it, your dog (of whatever breed) will understand it. You may need to get a young dog of whatever breed to raise it around the cats. My dogs live outside and the cats live inside because we haven't managed to convince the dogs to leave the cats alone. (My second dog is a blue heeler/catahoula mix. A herder, a sweetheart, and an annoyingly hyper pooch).

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 11:25 PM

A lab especially if you want a dog to get along with the kitties.

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: SharonA
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 11:42 PM

Bobert, what size are these gardens that the dog is supposed to patrol?

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: mrdux
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 12:08 AM

I would be haunting the humane society shelters.

I'll second that. All of the dogs I've ever lived with, including both of our current dogs, have been rescues from the humane society. I think a working dog mix might be a good choice. At our house, Sage is a blue heeler mix and Iris is a lab/border collie, and both do a fine job of keeping the varmints out of the garden. They're both smart -- although Iris has a silly streak -- good with people, cautious with strangers and they're great house dogs, too.

michael

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 12:09 AM

A bull mastiff -- we have one and she is the best dog in the world -- and would probably hunt if bribed appropriately......!

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 12:49 AM

Get one that was raised as a pup with other animals and you'll probably have no trouble with the cats.

I'd go for the labrador too, it sounds as if you have space enough for it to run. I'm guessing you only want it to scare other animals away, not actually run after them and eat them.... cos if that's what you want, get a mountain lion!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: Helen
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 12:53 AM

I did a quick Google for

choose dog breed

and this is the first quiz I found. I know there are more. It helps you to think of the factors, even if you don't like the outcomes of the quiz.

Selectadog online quiz

Helen

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 01:43 AM

I've had several dogs over the years, with all but one being "pound dogs." While all were a joy to have, the one "breed" was by far the most affectionate, intelligent, and best all-around member of the family. Without outdoor space for a large breed, he was a miniature - POODLE.

I did have the opportunity to observe him and three litter mates several times before selecting him, and none of the others - in my estimation - would have been nearly the great friend he turned out to be, so I must suggest that just picking a breed is not a guarantee of great success. You can use the breeding as a starting point, but you're picking ONE DOG and you need to find the one unique individual that fits you.

Picking by breed alone is like:

"I wanna get married."

"Whatcha want?"

"I think I'd like a girl."

It's a starting point, but a little additional selection is needed - usually.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 08:59 AM

A watchdog?
A hotdog?

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: GUEST,Bruce Michael Baillie
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 09:10 AM

...Get thissen a Yorkshire Terrier (Terrorist)lovable little buggers,feisty and energetic, noisy guard dogs (they won't let anybody in the house without dangling off their trouser legs first!)
small enough carry around if you need to,don't do masses of excrement that take a snow shovel to pick up on walks, AND, they don't shed hair all over the place and make your front room look like the underside of a barbers chair!

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: Grab
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 09:36 AM

Yep, Bruce. And best of all, if it causes problems (as yappy little dogs are wont to do), the rat-on-a-rope can easily be punted the width of the road by the person it attacks...

I'm not a fan of small dogs. The only small dogs I've met that weren't aggressive have all been over 15 years old.

Graham.

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: Big Mick
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 09:50 AM

If anyone had ever told me that I would have a dog that had "oodle" anywhere in its name, I would have told them they were crazy. I have been a beagle and labrador guy my whole life. But low and behold I end up with Riley, the Labradoodle. He is athletic, has an incredible nose, at 9 months he weighs 68 lbs, and does a very commendable job at varmint chasing. He is a lover, at times the dumbass thinks he is a lapdog, but I can't recall an animal that I have loved more.

You might consider one of these, buddy.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 09:54 AM

Well, Bobert, as you might have expected, we're telling you about the dogs we own and love. Mine have a smallish amount of acreage they "manage" but your area is much larger. You might expand a little on what it is you're looking for in a pooch and move to the next stage of the discussion.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: Bert
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 09:59 AM

We were looking for a dog a while back and did some research on the web for the best pet.

It turned up two we'd never heard of a Belgian Turvuren and a Burgermeister.

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 10:00 AM

Hangdog?
(Sorry, I'm in a facetious mood...)

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: Bee
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 10:10 AM

Get yourself a mutt with a little Border Collie or Rough Collie, a little bit of Newfoundland, a little bit of Lab, a little bit of Golden Retriever, a bit of Shepherd, a bit of Hound - in other words, a local farm doggie, big enough to do the required job, sweet tempered enough to have been made pets of for doggie generations.

At least, that certainly worked for us.

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: bobad
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 10:27 AM

We have a border collie/rough collie mix and he is a great dog, easily trainable and focused on making sure no unwanted four legged guests invade his space. We had a purebred border collie previously who, having come from a working lineage, was almost neurotically enslaved to his herding instinct. If you don't have sheep or anything else that needs herding and are considering a border collie, I would recommend that you get one that comes from pet stock.

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: Midchuck
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 10:31 AM

Get another cat.

Don't thank me; glad to help.

Peter

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: SharonA
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 11:18 AM

Midchuck may have a point. A big female Maine Coon could chase plenty of varmints away -- possibly even the deer! Depends on whether you want an animal who will come when you call...

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 11:36 AM

Our McNab border collie is quite protective without going over the top with anyone we approve and he chases, when I let him, the neighbour's cats but not his own. I have had to be top dog with him about that when he first came into our home, but that was years ago and the cats have been lovin' up to him ever since. Now, if they were outside cats it might be a different story. So, with a herding dog I would definitely get a puppy to be raised with the cats, as others have recommended. He is by far the smartest, least demanding, amiable, quiet and sensible as well as fiercely loyal dog we've ever had. When it comes time for us to have another we have decided it will have to be another McNab.

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: Bee
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 02:22 PM

I have seen a purebred Border Collie driven to chasing its own tail after a bout of trying to herd the barn cats.

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 02:26 PM

A three legged one of course!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 02:27 PM

LOL, Bee. What a sight that would be. Fortunately the McNab technically is not a border collie and can live without a specific job other than as a canine adjunct of Messrs. Fielding, Patterson and Swan-Layabouts At Large, here at the Mudcat.My Merlee is perfectly content not herding anything.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: Llanfair
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 03:54 PM

Coupla things;
Border collies are way up there at the top of the intelligence scale, and poodles are second!!

I've got 3 dogs. Monty, the rescue border collie, bright, bilingual, chases cars, is an affection junkie, and never bothers to round anything up. Likes cats and doesn't chase them. Willow, the labrador/huntaway cross, who we've had from a pup. Intelligent, affection junkie, teenage mother (naughty Monty!), doesn't chase cats, thinks she's a princess, and Spike , who looks exactly like one of those Mcnab collies, and is Monty and Willow's pup, now aged two.

What you need, Bobert, is a little pack like this. They bark at anything that comes onto their property, their only interest in cats is to eat their food, and they anticipate your every move.....that's the collie blood.

They will see off any unwelcome wildlife, without aggression, and be your friends, too.

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: Becca72
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 03:58 PM

I agree about the Maine Coon cat! My father and his 2nd wife had one and that little bastard would hide under furniture and things and attack when you walked by...no matter how you tried you couldn't dislodge him from your ankles!

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: Ebbie
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 04:21 PM

The miniature poodle that I had for 13 years - it's been more than 30 years ago and I still miss her! - was the most people-oriented dog I've ever known. Even my mother talked to her as though she expected a verbal answer.

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 04:26 PM

If you want the dog to keep things out, do not rely on anything too small (with one exception, see below).

Anything with Border Collie in more than about 50% will require keeping busy. They do not do "bored" at all well - unless you like furniture eaten, gardens dug, pine cones plucked off trees, etc. They will go over a 6 foot fence and through a two foot thick box hedge, and come back if at all covered with green slime from ditches, not to mention foxshit, and with nasty wounds from swan beaks. Unless trained out of it early, they will bark (endlessly) at everything, try to herd pigeons, are not good with any cloven-hoofed animal unless (again) trained. They are 100% obsessive and will try to chase moving spots of light from reflections off watch-glasses, and indeed try to dig them out of the carpet too. Wonder how I know this?

But with work they are the most trainable dog of any - by a street. They win virtually all the obedience contests, the agility contests, the flyball contests - so much so that most contests now have an "ABC" class - any breed but collie (which means border collie in context). My brother in law used to earn a fair bit with his doing TV commercials: the one about trailer safety with the trailer and dog overtaking the land-rover is his (late) dog.

ONLY get anything with a sizeable share of border collie if you are prepared to occupy it and train it. Also make sure it's been hip scored.

ONLY get a guarding breed if you are prepared to train it - Mastiff of any kind including Bull Mastiff, GSD, Bouvier des Flandres, Giant Schnauzer, even the soppy-looking Great Dane - dangerous if untrained. Rottweiler (aka vile rotter) and Doberman likewise only more so, and less predictable. If you want a Dane, avoid the giant Harlequin ones, they are the least predictable. GSDs are a vet's bill on legs (anal glands impacted by those heavy tails, hips that stop working when they get to about 7, the curved spine bred in for showing since about the 1930s, ear mites, mange, etc etc)

Likewise hunter-killers like the Rhodesian Ridgeback can be dangerous.

Dogs bred predominantly for killing other dogs (Staff, Pit Bull, Tozer, Akita) are likely to kill other things too if not CONSTANTLY supervised.

HPR breeds (GSP, GWP, Spinone, Vizla, Weimaraner, Braque, Pointer) are not a bad bet. A leg at each corner so not usually a vet's bill on legs, large enough to deter, some sort-haired enough not to fill the hoover every day, and not TOO unpredictable (beware the Weimaraner, the breeding to keep those lovely blue eyes gets a bit like Nefertiti at times). There is a fashion for black pointers. Avoid them. Too much inbreeding, and many of them are descended from Baradack Black Knight who was a bad tempered dog at the best of times. Beware of entropion in pointers (and any other breed with too much "work in its face, particularly the chinese prunes)

Labs and lab variants are usually good tempered (not the black ones with a high tail carriage) but will eat anything available, from unattended dinners to gooseberries and festering pigeon corpses. I know of one that had to be put down after eating a disposable nappy (used) which expanded inoperably in its stomach. Flat coats are not bad. Irish Water Spaniel a possibility. Setters have no brains and bad hips, particularly the red setters. Labs have hip problems. Make sure both parents were hip scored and scored well.

Great Munsterlanders are usually sound.

Almost all the giant breeds (St Bernard, Newfoundland, Bernese Oberland, etc) have medical problems.

Spaniels get ear troubles.

Otterhounds are so stupid they need help to wag their tails.

Pensioned off-greyhounds will catch and kill cats.

Boxers and bulldogs are also both vets bills on legs.

English Bull Terrier is often dangerous.

Small dogs are, well, small. The only one that is at all up to the task of seeing off intruders is the Jack Russell (and its variant, the Parson Jack Russell). Many however have been crossed with Staff or Pit Bull to make pocket battleships for dustbin fighting (two dogs into dustbin, sit on lid until quiet, survivor wins) prevalent in some travelling communities. These will have joint problems in two forms. Their own joints are too small for the barrel-shaped body and they will put their knees out when jumping. They will also amputate offered fingers at any joint they can reach.

Safest bet is probably a well-scored lab.

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 04:27 PM

Also Dalmation usually safe, but they stay as mad as a hatter until 4 and need a lot of exercise - bred as a carriage dog.

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 04:34 PM

Lot of generalisations in there Richard!

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: gnu
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 04:43 PM

"...groundhogs, deer, bear and other assorted and sundry varments..."

Irish Wolfhound. Hey, ya might need a 12 guage someday, Bobert... nudge nudge, wink wink.

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: Ebbie
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 04:45 PM

Richard Bridge, unless you operate a puppy mill - which would bring in a different subject altogether - I can't imagine how you expect us to accept as valid your wide-ranging opinions. Some of your conclusions seem grounded in reality, some of them are not.

Bobert, according to Richard, your best bet might be to breed a human kid for the job.

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: Sorcha
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 04:51 PM

Actually, most are accurate. I posted this once before but it got eaten by the Post Monster.

Thank you Richard!!! LOL, but it's all true. And the Dalmations....jack of all trades, master of none.

I might also reccomend a Border Terrier under the right circumstances.

(but I just can't handle Labs.....too adoring....iloveyouiloveyouiloveyou....etc....)

A quick search for How many dogs to change a light bulb (on the net) really will offer some insights to strong breed characteristics.
It's funny but true.

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: Joe Offer
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 05:08 PM

I fought him off for a year and a half, but my stepson really wanted a Shih-Tzu. I was afraid said stepson would dominate the family with a spoiled show dog, and I wanted nothing to do with that. After heavy lobbying, I finally gave in. We met with the breeder, and I saw how well two of them acted together; so I got one for myself because I figured if we had two, they would be more likely to act like real dogs. I named mine Ralph, after Jackie Gleason's Ralph Kramden character. Sure enough, Ralph fits his name. My 18-yr-old stepson does spoil his dog Harry and drives me crazy when he talks baby talk to it, but both does have turned out to be splendid, 20-pound pets.
I wondered how these little dogs would survive here in the Sierra Foothills, and they do quite well - they have to be on leashes, but they love to hike.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: GUEST,Texas Guest
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 05:10 PM

My wife and I have a Golden Retriever and we'll swear by them. My (then new) wife was a bit unsure about a big dog when I first brought Murphy home about four years ago - now she wants to get another. Oh, yes, we also have the world's finest cat - Little Bit - and, although she hissed and spat for about three weeks when Murphy first came home, they soon became best of friends - Murphy even lets her eat from his bowl while he's eating. Oh, yes, he chases the squirrels out of the yard - BIG TIME; a nice thing when you've got
three pecan trees out back.

In my book Goldens are the best, but they do shed quite a bit and the long-haired ones are not exactly low maintenance. If you like the Goldens but don't care for the brushing, etc., consider a
Labrador Retriever - chocolate, black or yellow - you can't lose.

In closing, we recently contacted a Golden Retriever Rescue group here in North Texas and our next critter is coming from them. Please consider a "rescued dog." Murphy was not a rescue dog but he was two-years old when we got him from someone who didn't want a dog anymore - and he's THE BEST. He came housebroked and trained to obey sit, stay, shake, etc., he goes out without a leash and does not run off and he's especially loving and caring. Many rescue dogs are in the same boat as Murph was - please give rescues a look.
Good luck. Cheers.

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: Ebbie
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 05:24 PM

Richard Bridge, my apologies. You, of course, have a right to your own opinions and beliefs and I didn't need to be snippy.

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 05:32 PM

Shitty Sues - one end bites and the other is worse (and they are indistinguishable until they do)! The bitches also establish a pee-patch and will go nowhere else. Some friends of mine moved and in the confusion forgot to take the bitch out. It went on the bathroom mat. Three houses later, it still went on the same bathroom mat. You could lock it out until it had to do a handstand to come in with its back legs crossed, and it would still go and flood the bathroom mat. About my least favourite breed.

Yes, Goldie not a bad bet.

Tervuerens and Lackenois also have hip problems.

I like Pointers as well as anything, if you can put up with the need for 2 hours free running a day. GSP often more intelligent. But you can get an iffy Pointer too. My little Puff (OK, Germal Puff'n'Stuff if you want the full name) (smallish, well within breed standard liver and white) was very intelligent for a Pointer but hell with other dogs. She got jumped by a Staff at her first show, and never really got over it. Psycho. No warning - bang - other dog with bit missing off nose, then yelp for the pack to rescue her, which her parents Cassie (Hurwyn Calypso at Lokmadi) and Axel (Lokmadi Highspot) usually did.

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: gnu
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 05:37 PM

Um... take that mat outside?

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: Bobert
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 05:47 PM

Whew... Lotta readin' and stuff to think about...

Our last dog was a border collie... Nasty little sumabitch... All it had to do was imagine it heard thunder and it went into freak mode... Eat furniture... Tore up carpets... I put it in the basmement and it literially scratched the door molding down to the 2x4 under it...

So no border collie...

And yes... We have alot of gardens and acreage for a dog to roam... 17 acreas with at least 3 acreas that are either the P-Vine's ornimental gardens with lots of paths and nice plantings or our veggie garden... That's alot of tastey stuff for deer and g-hogs... The veggie garden is just g-hog accesible as I have an 8 ft deer mesh fence around it... So the deer go off and sample the P-Vine's gardens... BTW, she does use Liquid Fence but still some stuff gets samples...

I personally like labs... But I've never known one that will chase a deer... Chase a favorite rock??? Yeah...

My brother had a black lab that had a favorite rock on my brother;s farm of thousands of rocks... But this dog (Lucky) knew his favorite rock... He lived to be about 12 years old and carried that rock around with him everywhere he went... You could take and heave the rock a 100 feet out into a grassy field filled with millions of other ocks but he'd find "his" rock... Never went to sleep at night without "his" rock by his side... In the winter, he'd bring it in the house... True story...

Yeah, I think the pound maybe the answer...

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: gnu
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 06:16 PM

The pound is definitely the way to go.... IF you know dogs. If you do not know dogs, stay away. I have first hand knowledge... seriously. I know of a half dozen instances, two with the same couple, very good friends, where going to the pound was a big mistake.

Now, I also blame the people at the pound. There are some dogs that are at the pound for a very good reason. Yes, I do know that the good volunteers at the pound can't make the "decision", but, sometimes, I think they should.

I'll take off before I upset too many people. But, unless you know dogs and are willing to take a chance, stay away from the pound.

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: Dave Swan
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 06:24 PM

O.K. I'll risk getting into this one. As others have said, individual responses are based on individual human/dog relationships. I had a Dalmation who was great at obedience and would fetch all day long. I've know others who could only run. I had a lab who didn't give a damn about fetching. The retriever bit was lost on him. One bloodhound slobbered and tracked as if she were possessed, another was dry mouthed and couldn't find his food dish. So....it's about the realtionship of the human(s) and the dog(s). At this point, I'm all for hybrid vigor, dogs over 50 pounds, and temperament testing. Talk to an animal behaviorist. Many humane societies have them on staff. And remember, if going for a rescued dog, it's a good idea to find one who's been fostered for a time, then evaluated. The freaked-out dog you see in a shelter (often appearing to be calm due to fear) is not the dog you'll see after s/he's been home for 72 hours.

D

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: MaineDog
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 06:28 PM

The canine MaineDog is 3/4 lab and 1/4 German shepherd. He has the ears and nose of the Shepherd, and also he is very smart. He is bigger than most labs, yet swims forever. I sometimes deny his papers and report that his daddy was a horse and his mommy was a seal (see member photo).
He is too friendly, not a particularly good watch dog. He loves children and is gentle and tolerant with them. I don't think he would harm a cat, but he would bark and chase and scare one away. He is quite trainable, and has earned his Canine Good Citizenship dogtag.
MD

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 10:04 PM

Bobert, I believe you ought to re-think this whole dog idea. The animals that are getting the vegetables are ready to invade the garden 24/7. You can't keep a dog out there that long. Dogs are pack animals. A dog that's put in solitary can go crazy, the same way a human would. And until it does, it will drive everybody nuts with its incessant barking.

Also, it's surprising how much it costs to keep a pet healthy and enjoyable.

I don't know what the answer is, but I don't believe a dog is the solution - not if you live next to a big park.

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: Sorcha
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 10:31 PM

Aw, Bobert does need a dog. So does the P Vine. Dog won't have to be On Duty 24/7....but it might choose to. I for one do trust Bobert's instincts at the shelter/pound.

And, pssst, Bob...not all Border Collies are that demented. They just have to have a Job. If you don't provide one, they will find one and you probably won't like it. Mentioned above....Border Collie from 'pet stock'. Ha. Ha. Ha. IS no such thing. There ARE psychotic BC's....lots of them. Pets with NO job except tearing things up.

Please, please, please, don't get a Border for 'just a pet'. If I can't convince you, perhaps the author Donald McCaig can. Read 'Nops Trials' and 'Nops Hope'.

And, IMO, 'most' Labs are too friendly. Part of my problem with them.

Subject: RE: BS: Dog Wanted...But What Breed???...
From: Bee
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 11:03 PM

A good dog will smell and hear invaders (like sneaky night-time garden raidin' deer... oh, and skunks, so sniff out the door first before engaging dog) from inside the house, and will tell you about it, at which point you can let loose the dog of war or hie out there yerself, popgun in hand.

Purebred Labs confuse me. When I was a kid long ago, Labs were tall huge black dogs with long legs. All the Labs I see now seem to be short-leggedy critters with barrels for bodies.

If you were in Nova Scotia, I'd recommend a Nova Scotia Duck Toller, lovely medium size quiet dogs. They like a good long hike, but they'd just as soon lie on the front step looking unpredictable - it's their eyebrows, I think.