I was wondering what would be the best dog for 2 adults and two young boys?
We live in town and work on a farm. There are only 4 hours at a time that the dog would be left alone at the house each day. We had a black lab but when we first moved we rented an apartment where he was not allowed. I would ask for him back but the kids there love him and he, well as a lab does, love them. We do tend to like trainable dogs. Hunting, swimming, ext. At the same time we are looking for another breed as labs are all over the place. Weekends the dog would be MYbaby as I have everyweekend off work. Having a place to run is not problem since we moved again we have a huge back yard ( all privacy fenced) and the farm that he/she can run in.
What would be better female or male? I have always had male dogs because they were always neutered already. I rescue not buy from breeder!
I would go to the closest SPCA or shelter and take the boys and look for one that just speeks to you.
If not a Lab, and you have the room and the time, you could consider a similar breed, like a Golden Retriever, or just about any other sporting/hunting type breed, like a German Shorthaired Pointer, Irish Setter, or Weimeraner. Another thought would be a herding-type breed, such as German Shepherd or Australian Shepherd. Border Collies are crazy smart but they also can be very driven to need a "job" to do, so if they are not exercised or trained enough, they can get destructive or hyper. But then again, maybe there is something on your farm that could use some herding around. Male or female, I really don't think it matters. You can always consider a mix or mutt too. Good luck with your decision!
Narrow your search on this http://animal.discovery.com/breed-selector/dog-breeds/que...
It's a questionaire, then once you've narrowed your breed go to petfinders.com to find a
rescue in your area that fits your needs/wants. Lucky dog....
It sounds like you are looking for a medium to large breed then that likes to exercise, play, and is trainable. Most sporting/hunting breeds would be a good fit. German shorthairs, vislas, flat-coated retrivers are all really nice. A boxer would be a good family dog. Herding breeds may try and herd the kids sometimes and most love to have a job to do and love doing many tricks, so there can always be something new to train. Sporting breeds usually like picking up new tricks too. Some spaniels can be a little higher strung and nervous, but are great dogs.
Since you rescue your best bet might be to talk to one or more rescue groups, SPCA, etc and tell them what you are looking for. Most rescues are great at matching a dog to a person or family since they really want everything to work out and everyone happy. They also tend to know personalities in the rescue groups to get a really nice match for you and the dog gets a great home! Sorry this probably doesn't narrow it down too much really. akc.org can give you information about breeds and health problems that are more common in certain breeds so you know what to be aware of.
Still loving on the Golden Retriever.
It seemed to me there was little difference between our male and female. Di was a lot smarter than Justice but that could have been blood lines and not gender, ya know?
Here's a great list of dogs based on their trainability and reliability to follow commands.
I love GSD's, Cattle dogs, and Border Collies.
I can not say enough good things about my Catahoula Leopard Dog! He is the smartest dog I have EVER came across...might just be him though, not the breed? Not sure since he is my only Catahoula...but everyone who I have ever met that has one says the SAME thing about theirs?! Worth looking into.
~My Brooks is a Mutt...Catahoula/Rott mix and if you ever run across one or a mix of one I highly suggest taking a look!
Sounds like a GSD could be a perfect fit for you and yours. There are definitely rescues available... If you have a FB, go to the GSD Community page... they are always posting GSD's that are in need of rescue (often from folks who have turned them in to a shelter for some reason or other) and there are tons of people on the page that offer to help with expenses of getting the dog delivered to you.
There are also lots of beautiful pictures of people's pets and tons of stories, that can give you some idea of what you might expect if you adopt a GSD.
:)
I would go to your local SPCA or contact a local rescue and tell them what you are looking for. An involved rescue will work hard to match your family's personality and find the best fit for you! I personally prefer mutts; our current mutt is a Bearded Collie mix and she is wonderful, sweet and very smart. Rescues are the best! ^_^
Our neighbors brought us an aussie. She was 4 years old and very smart. She likes to run- lots of running since she's a herding dog. She has only been with us 2 months and has learned to shake. not sure how she would do hunting- she doesn't seem to retrieve well outside- although indoors she does well. She doesn't bark, so she's not a good guard dog, but I think all dogs have some protective instincts. She loves to go to the farm with us on weekends, loves to ride in the car or truck, and the neighbors 4 wheeler. And my husband prefers female- since they are more responsive to a male voice. Just as sons and daughters respond more easily to the opposite parent.
I've had some males in the miniature sizes and thought they were awful and so we went to females and only had them for awhile, 17 years with the family dog. Then after she died we were not sure but found a male and decided to try him and he's wonderful so I think it depends on you and the dog. I think females are more emotional, if you know what I mean, but great dogs. Males seem to be more even temperament. We've had
Great Danes, Collies, Cockers, and always had a Poodle. I think it depends too on the care of the dogs coat, etc. I'm sure you'll find the 'right' one soon.
We love, love, love our Brittanys! We've had 2 girls and 1 boy. Honestly, they are all wonderful in their own ways. They are, 1st and foremost, wonderful with our 3 kids. 2nd, they are great hunting dogs for my hubby. 3rd, they're not huge (35-50 lbs on average). There is a Brittany Rescue organization that you can always check out. www.americanbrittanyrescue.org. Sounds like you have a great area for dogs to run around in, so really, any sporting-type breed would be great for you guys (includes labs, goldens, GSPs, springers, etc). Have a blast!
How about a Lab mix? We have a beagle/lab mix that is so smart and fun. I know a few lab/german shepherd mix dogs that are wonderful. Since you are looking for a rescue this should be fairly easy to find. I've had both male and female dogs. I'm partial to female dogs but I think that's because the dogs we grew up with were female.
Go to your local SPCA & see which dog you gravitate towards & vice
versa.
You'd be amazed how you "find" the perfect match that way.
My dogs have always found me!
