Looking for a dog...

[HeavenlyJumper]

My husband and I are wanting to get our first dog. We will have a house (making sure to get one with a fenced yard) in approximately 6 mos to a year. I figured I would start my search early! Here are some facts about us, and what I would like in a dog. Please make suggestions and feel free to ask me some questions

My husband and I have no children, and aren't planning any for a while.

We have been together for 8 years, married for three. (no doggie custody battles please!)

He is in the navy, I have a part time job.

We have 4 spoiled kitties and 4 horses

We want a dog that is at least 50-60 pounds

We want to be able to play hard (tug and wrestling)

We want to go on trips and take our dog with us

We like to go biking, hiking and swimming

I want a dog who can alert me and protect me when my husband is away

low grooming maitenance is a plus, but not necessary

I am interested in agility, flyball and schutzund

We are considering these breeds: (others welcome)

German Shepherd

Boxer

Blue Heeler

[GermanShepherds]

Well for what you are wanting in a dog, I would have to say a German Shepherd is your best bet and perfect fit.

btw My brother is in the NAVY, hes a MA, coming home tomorrow for a week

[GermanShepherds]

Heres Dakota (8 months).

In this thread are Pictures of his 2 sisters. (I also have 2 more older Germans.)
http://www.prodoggroomingsupplies.co...ead.php?t=9601

[GSR Trucker]

A German Shepherd fits most of your criteria. However, you said you preferred low grooming maintenance. Many of us who have Shepherds refer to our pets as "German Shedders" I brush mine 30 minutes nightly.

Sheps can be great family dogs, but they also require a LOT of socalization, lots of positive training, lots of human interaction, and lots of mental stimulation. They are highly inteligent and if you don't provide ways for them to entertain themselves, they will invent their own distractions, and you won't like it. Confining them to a kennel or tying them up is not the answer either. GSD's go "cage crazy" real quick. I work with a Shep rescue, I see it all the time.

They are not "backyard dogs" They need to be an integral part of a family unit. It's good that you plan to take your dog with you. Sheps thrive on that.

When you get past basic obediance, continue the training to more and more advanced levels. Even if you don't need a dog who can fly an F-16, sheps need the mental stimulation. As a bonus, you get bragging rights as to how well trained your dog is

Make sure you introduce your shep to all types of people, all types of animals, and all types of situations. You want a protective dog, but you also want a confidant and friendly dog. You want to be confidant that the dog will not bite when that child passing on the sidewalk asks to pet her.

Agility, flyball, and herding are good activities for sheps. Strictly as my personal opinion, I am not a fan of schutzhund. We've had a couple dogs come through our rescue that were schutzhund trained, and the owners gave them up because they could not properly control the behavior that they had taught their dogs.

Sheps are prone to having hip problems, have the hips x-rayed at 12-18 months of age and the vet can tell you what you can expect. Don't give up on a dog because of hips, there are corrective proceedures.

And finally, when searching for your dog, never rule out the option of adopting a rescue. In many cases they are already house broken and have had basic training. They will recognize you as their savior and will repay you with a lifetime of loyalty.

[pitbullman]

Of the ones you listed I would say the German Shepherd. Another dog a would consider is a pitbull. With a fenced yard it would be a perfect place. I own one and he can keep up with me when we go walking in the woods. And it would protect you. But I would say get one when it is a puppy.

[rottiegirl]

You tell us what you want, but you don't say what you are willing to do. How much training/socilization are you prepared to do?

Ger Sheps are good, as are the Belgain Shepherds, Malanios are closer to your size range though.

[whimzikal]

I am loving my Giant Schnoodle, I know mixed breed.
But both his parents are good breeds. Standard Poodle...
The Giant Schnauzer might fit better for you though.
You have a world of choices out there!!

[HeavenlyJumper]

rottiegirl~ You are so right! It was hard to get all that down and not forget something. *slaps head* Sorry! As for the weight, that was only a minimum, bigger is ok. Since we don't have any children and don't plan on them for a few years, this pup will be the center of our life. I am planning puppy school and frequent trips out of the house to socialize. I love dog parks and I plan to find one in the area we will be going to. (Kings Bay, GA) Training for me will be a daily routine, I know how important consistency is to having a well adjusted baby.

Cowgirl~ Woo Hoo! Look at that gorgeous boy! Give him a kiss for me! My hubby and I are in Mayport currently and he too is an M.A. (he will be after "A" shool)

[rottiegirl]

Personally I would tell you to avoid all of these rediculus (no offense to the people that love them) Fad breeds, and the breeds you were leaning towards were better.

Rotties and Dobies could also be a consideration. How about a rare breed? Check out Cane Corsos, Beaucerons (my breed! very active, but you had heeler down so...) Fila Brasilero, Dogo Argintios. I like all of those dogs!

[rottiegirl]

oh! If you don't mind a dog with a little coat maybe a Bouvia De Flandres (sic!)