Dog breeds

Just getting this on the list!

After our last dog was killed last year (run over right outside our driveway. Very sad. He was a border collie mix, freebie dog. Horrible about chase cars, but I think the one that hit him were theives anyway. Long story), we decided we didn't want a freebie dog anymore.

DH said he always wanted a German Shephard. So, that's what we got. He's an outdoor dog only (I've tried, DH will NOT let me keep pets in the house, not a dog or a cat). So far, he is great with the kids. In fact, yesterday the baby snuck out of the yard and was on his way to the cow pasture, the dog stayed with him the entire time. He's sweet and loyal, and has personality. He minds pretty good, but I haven't had much time to do any real training on him yet. Great guard dog, even though he barely barks when someone pulls up. Most people just see we have a german shephard and think twice about getting out unless I go out there (so far, he will just lick them to death).

My drawbacks with him is he loved cats. Alot. I had 8 cats when I got him, now I have maybe one that stays hidden in the barns. He just liked to play with them a bit too much. He also jumps my 4 foot fence (but so far he can't on his 6 foot pen). On the shedding, I think if he was brushed daily, especially in the spring, it wouldn't be bad. Being an outdoor dog I don't brush him alot, so when I did it was a hairy mess. But daily, I don't think it would have been a big deal.

I also think a Golden Retriever would be great. The breeder we got Tex at also had goldens, but DH HAD to have a german shephard. LOL! My daddy has a golden and that is the most spoiled and sweet dog ever. He loves and treats that dog better than he ever treated me! (I'm not kidding, I was treated like crap compared to that dog, who gets her own bowl of ice cream every night!). But Lucky is a great dog, too.

One more drawback: Dogs chew. the first two years, they chew alot. Garden hoses, motorcycle helmets, extension cords, toys, soccer balls. You name it, we have had a dog chew it. Between 18 months and 2 years they seem to outgrow that. It's just getting to that point is the hard part. Now, I've never had a house dog, so maybe the more human attention and they don't do that. My daddy's dog didn't chew (but she also hung the moon, didn't you know?).

Growing up, I had cocker spaniels, and I loved them. Again, outdoor dogs. Brandy was my baby, such a good dog. Randy was horrible and hyper. But he was given to us by someone who didn't have time, so his bad habits were already in place.

I think a Weimaraner or an English Bulldog would be great, too. Little hair on them, I wouldn't think they would shed much at all.

Of course, check out the akc website (www.akc.org). You can get info on every breed out there.

Here's a website that helps you identify what breeds will work for your family, house, and lifestyle: http://www3.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

I used a site like this when we were looking for a dog. Ended up getting an Aussie Shepherd, named Jefe. I love him, he's a big goofball, very smart, not a little neurotic...he's kinda high maintainance, but he's ours. He's mostly indoors by choice. He's bored outside unless there's someone out there with him. Aussies really want to be where their people are.

We got Jefe from an animal rescue group. I think these groups are way better than the pound because the animals are usually fostered with people in a home while waiting for adoption, so you find out from someone who's lived with the pet what the dog or cat is like, their history, etc. Maybe there's a dog rescue society near you.

Anhata
www.familynaturally.com
Your Family's General Store, Naturally

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My family has always had black labs. It is the only dog that I have ever had. We had one when both my sister and myself were younger and loved her! She was never a problem with children and she loved us so much. She was never too big for us or too playful. I just remember her as the most wonderful pet I've ever had. After her my parents decided to get another black lab. They do need to have lots of walks and exercise which is great for my parents who live on a farm. But they are great dogs and I think great for families. As far as smaller dogs, I like west highland terriers. They are so cute and loving. They like to play but are not harmful to children. I am not sure about shedding but I would think it's comparable to most dogs. Keep us posted if you get one! I'm excited to hear

We have a lab and he is so sweet and gentle with the kids. I have only had him and a mix breed dog as a kid....good luck!
we too have had trouble with dogs from the SPCA...one bit DH! Be careful!

Hi Andrea! I'm curious to know if your family ended up getting a dog yet or if you're still thinking it over. Keep us posted!

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