Can you identify this dog??

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Ok here goes. We want a dog that is comfortable inside and out. That is highly protective of the the humans and animals in its territory. (in our case 2 adults that act like children, 6 year old child , 2 cats, 1 minn-pinn male & 1 female lab, 1 toy miniture chihuahua female)...

We want a dog that can be called off "vistors" but will give their all against a true "intruder"...

Easily housed trained. One that will tell when it needs to go potty.

One that can be shown its territory (2.38 acres) and will stay within its boundry without being put on a run. (We have 2- 300' runs)

A dog that will come when called. One that is not afraid of "noise" (in this case firearms being shot...our neighbors have a makeshift range behind their home) Noise also includes the teenagers loud cars that frequent our dead end road.

The dog must be tolerant of physical touching, petting and all around spoiling. (wife and daughter are truly affectionate towards animals).

One that will eat anything.. :-) dry food, can food, table scraps.

One that would enjoy riding shotgun in a pickup truck. (gotta have a pal to help take off trash)

A dog that can tolerate camping out and NOT run off from the tents.

Now thats all I can think of right now.

Your Turn tell me what animal I have described.

-- Kenneth in N.C. (wizardsplace13@hotmail.com), March 03, 2001

Answers

poochie!!

-- lynne (silly answer@hotmail.com), March 03, 2001.

I see these perfect dogs all the time riding around in the backs of pickup trucks here in Central Texas. They are for the most part mixed breed. Something you might see at the Shelter. Good luck in finding the perfect dog. mary

-- mary, texas (marylgarcia@aol.com), March 03, 2001.

you've just described my shelties to a t.they are all around great little dogs!

-- cindy young (cin_sue63@webtv.net), March 03, 2001.

Sounds like you need a 4 yr old golden retriever. I love goldens, but they do take time to train!! Oh, well.....they do lick alot too...my strange dog Adderley would be perfect, but we aren't sure what she is. She loves it indoors and out, trains well, scares off bad people and animals, protects our family/farm animals. We thought she was a Berger Picard...but now she looks like a sheep dog. She isn't too big, isn't too small, very friendly, but protective. She keeps herself clean, even keeps her area outside clean...nope, you can't have her. ;-) Look into Berger Picard's too, they are supposed to be wonderful dogs, I think ours must be a mix of that and a sheep dog. Such a good dog! Good luck!! :-)

-- Cindy in Ok (cynthiacluck@yahoo.com), March 03, 2001.

The breed you have described is one that has been extensively worked with from puppyhood, and has had an extremely intelligent and engaged owner who is interested in CDX work.

Even so, there is no guarantee. The only dog that fits that description to a T is Lassie.

-- julie f. (rumplefrogskin@excite.com), March 03, 2001.



I second the vote for a golden retriever. They are great dogs. To have a dog act the way you are describing, the key is close contact. The dog must be a part of everything you do. The more time you spend with him, the more he will respond in the desired fashion. We were in a position about 10 years ago where we had to live in an apartment for a few months. Our golden lived with us. He went everywhere with us. There has never been a dog as well behaved as Max. We have land for him to roam now and he is getting hard of hearing, but he's still the best dog ever.

-- Mona in OK (jascamp@ipa.net), March 03, 2001.

Ken we live on 13 acres, though fenced in, we still have some barbed wire and no front gate, yet the ridegbacks never leave the property. Now I do not do the running to the dump with the dog in the back of the pickup, and I wouldn't take one camping, course I am not camping anymore anyway, did that when we moved out here to build. I want my dogs to stay home, guard the stock and us. Like the previous posters said, any breed of dog is only as good as the time and patience of the owner, and with all the beating of the dogs for eating chickens you hear on this forum...............got to be smarter than the dog! Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), March 03, 2001.

I would have said a Pyr as he protects the stock and us, doesn't leave the property even though he can walk off it anytime, eats whatever we give him, comes when called, is very well behaved and loves to be petted. The only exception to the rule is that we do not take him off the property (not even to the vet's office, the vet comes here to see him). His job is here on the farm to protect the goats and other critters, so he stays here all the time.

One very smart dog I know of that goes everywhere with his owner, barks like mad whenever anyone comes up, rides in a tractor and truck, loves kids and is tolerant of cows, other dogs, etc. and is my hayman's blue heeler. Very smart dog but I do not know how protective he is of livestock. I know he is very protective of his owner and the property. They aren't huge dogs, but have a big dog bark.

Good luck finding the perfect dog..

-- Cindy (colawson@mindspring.com), March 03, 2001.


You described the bullmastiffs we had when I was younger. Raised with the family, they bond intelligently and protectivly. Their personality is family oriented, taking que on strangers from the family ( Ours would hold even close freinds they knew well if they sensed them approaching our property improperly in our absence. An example of this was an aquaintance that I loaned a sprayer to. The dogs knew him well, however, they held him firmly and docilely for 3 hours until we returned because he jumped the locked fence. They did this by laying on him and only snarling if he tried to get up. Their personality traits, coup;ed with obedience training at home resulted in an excellent pet,guard,working dog and family member.

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), March 03, 2001.

Must be your "Dream" dog,,that is too perfect...:-)

-- Patsy (cozyhollow-gal@care2.com), March 03, 2001.


my pal is sitting here as i type this he is an australian shepard as was his mother that we owned. they are the most loyal breed that i have owned over the years. they are great with people (the invited ones) & kids . people that they do not know (watch out)... they come when called and run like the wind on our 60 acre place here in calif. this guy is different than his mother, he now insists on sleeping on my bed and staying in my recliner when i'm not home. although the breed is expensive, they cannot be beat.

-- bob mccaffrey (bobmccaffrey1@netscape.net), March 03, 2001.

I would have to agree that it would be the one raised tolerantly, lovingly, determinedly, and it will still only be 99.9999% perfect. Just like people, all dogs have there little foibles. I have one dog you'd swear was perfect, but he doesn't like gun shots....then I have another perfect dog, but she likes to dig in the yard sometimes...Life goes on! I would suggest a mellowish breed.I love herders, but you have to lose a bird to them before you can beat them with the dead one as Vicki mentioned above. Unless you are lucky enough to have the time and already grown birds and sit in the chicken yard with the pup and teach him gently not to mess with the birds. Time is the most essintial ingredient in the near perfect dog. Mutts are probably going to be the best bet. Good luck in your quest!

-- Doreen (animalwaitress@excite.com), March 03, 2001.

I have had a couple of goldens. In fact, we are obedience training a four month old puppy right now. They are extremely obedient and easy to train. Goldens are almost always the National Obedience Champion. However, they make very poor watch dogs. They will be overcome with joy to see any person and will bring the intruder a nice slimy tennis ball to play with. Also, my goldens are really miserable if they have to be outside by themselves. Of all breeds, they are the most people oriented and they really prefer to be with their person or people all of the time. Also goldens cannot eat just anything. This breed has a lot of trouble with allergies and sometimes need special food. They are big gluttons too and need to have the type and the amount of food regulated. Our last golden got into the compost pile and chowed down a couple of sweet corn cobs. Very sick dog. Did not have fun that night! But what a sweetheart. If you really want a watch dog, I think another breed would be better. Maybe a pyrenees, a well trained dobie or a german shepherd obtained from a reputable breeder. One that is breeding for temperament and the like.

-- vicki (thga76@aol.com), March 03, 2001.

Kenneth, the dog that comes to mind for me is a well socialized, well trained and well bred German Shepherd. I have two now that would fit that bill but I would'nt part with them for any amount of money. As those before me have said...the dog is only as good as the effort and time put into him. I used to do search and rescue with my female GS, I've recently retired her and now she makes a superb guardian dog for my goats, property and children ...and not necessarily in that order...the thing is, most of the "herding dogs" would fit the bill but THEY NEED A JOB TO DO. And if you don't give them one they'll make up one of their own and you won't like it. So please look very carefully into the breeding of whatever breed you decide to buy and if it comes from strong working lines make sure you give him/her the time and direction they need. If you do, you'll have a wonderful companion for you and your family for at least a decade or more. Enjoy.

-- Judy in Md. (trailhppr@msn.com), March 03, 2001.

My vets have all said the same thing: the injuries/deaths they see the most in dogs, are dogs who ride in the back of pick-ups.

-- ~Rogo (rogo2020@yahoo.com), March 03, 2001.




-- Richard Goodeill--Alameda,Ca (goodeillkr@aol.com), March 04, 2001.

You've already got one...LAB. I prefer female lab muts, just be careful what the mix is. Ours are lab, german shepherd, golden retriever. DW

-- DW (djwallace@ctos.com), March 04, 2001.

Ours! He is a Blue Healer, maybe 1/4 something else but mostly Blue Healer. Very protective, but loving. He doesn't bark unless there is something or someone there. He doesn't always bark then, sits on the porch and kind of dares them to come up with a smile! Will eat anything, even bugs! Will tree a racoon or possum and bark to let you know to get the gun. Plays with the cats, does chase them once and awhile. Did kill a chicken and a duck when he first came but he "learns quick", won't go near them now! Gets my vote.

-- Margie (bromens5@navix.net), March 04, 2001.

The dog I believe would come closest to what you want is a German Shepherd. I don't have one now, but used to raise them, and they are THE breed for me. There are always exceptions to the rule of course, and I have had better luck with a high quality farm or pet type than the show type (particularly as regards temperament) but the GSD tends to be highly intelligent, loves his family, will warn off intruders, generally is not inclined to bite w/o provocation but is fearless when necessary in defense of his family, and can be great at working stock. My stud dog would herd horses or cattle with the best of them. Could send him up a brushy hillside and count on him to bring out all the cattle while I sat on my horse at the bottom and let him do all the work.

My toddlers learned to walk using the dogs' ears for support. They would crawl all over my dogs, using them as a live "Wonder Horse", bouncing on their backs. My dogs would guard the kids from both people and potentially dangerous livestock. They kept stray dogs and cats off my place, yet my stud dog could often be seen snoozing away with 2-3 of our own cats sleeping on his back.

My dogs could stay out in any weather provided they had a snug doghouse, but loved being indoors. Generally stayed out from under my feet, preferring to lay by the front or back door where they could keep an eye on us. If company showed up, they always placed themselves between me and the door, so I had to reach over them to open the door. One time an old friend (whom my dog had never met before) was passing through and showed up at my place late at night. My dog saw him as an intruder and when I opened the door the dog raced down the steps and launched himself at the man. I suddenly recognized the visitor, and yelled "Down", and my dog dropped instantly, inches away from this guy. On another occasion, when I had 2 very unwelcome visitors, and no phone in the house (scary situation!) I let my dog out and he ran them off. The next day I found pieces of bloody jeans where my dog had "helped" the guys up a haystack. My dogs could and would scale a 6' fence, yet I could put them behind a 2 foot tall decorative fence and tell them to stay, and they would never go over the fence. None of my dogs ever had any professional training and I knew only the very basics of obedience training, but my dogs lived to please. Didn't matter much what job I gave them, if I was happy, they were happy. Never had any picky eaters, they lived mainly on dry dog food, often a little canned for treats, loved scraps from the table, milk, whatever. Loved a ride in the truck, but I agree, the pickup bed is not a safe place for a dog. Ours usually rode in front with us, except on the ranch. They loved to go anywhere with us, camping, trail riding etc. Were good with new people and strange dogs, except when they felt a threat to their family.

I've owned many, many dogs, purebred and mutt, and have worked at the Humane Society where I encountered many breeds. I like most of them, but the German Shepherd is my love. Best all around dog I've ever owned, and when I have time to train a pup again, I will get another one.

-- Lenette (kigervixen@webtv.net), March 04, 2001.


Here's a different answer for you, a female American Eskimo (spayed). Not the fluff balls you see in the UKC (United Kennel Club) show ring, but the old time farm type. Yes they are a farm dog. We had one for 13yrs and she did most of what you want. She did prefer the outside to inside the house but was very well housebroken. We use to refer to her as the doorbell because of her ability to warn us of anything that did not belong on "her' property. Not mindless barking at anything that moved. If I could teach one to herd goats I would get rid of my Border Collies. (Great dogs but need lots of work, and have a tendency to seek out something to do all the time.) Since you probably won't be able to find an Eskimo like our old Liz, my vote is for a Golden Retriever.

-- Nancy Bakke-McGonigle Mn. Sunset (dmcgonig@smig.net), March 04, 2001.

I agree with the folks that said the secret to a great dog is early socialization (handling, training,car rides, etc.) The two best breeds my husband and I would recommend are a collie or a German shepherd. Maybe a combo of the two! We bought a German shepherd pup (male) when our son was 6mos. old, and you couldn't have asked for a better protector, of our son or our property. And he never left our property, just a 1/2 acre lot at the time. Very easily trained!! When he passed away at 11 yrs. we bought a collie pup (female). Ditto for her. She would wait for the bus to drop my son off after school. Both of these breeds would be great. Just remember that any breed will probably be attracted to chasing livestock, poultry especially. Early training will cure this. Good luck on your search!!

-- Marcia Webber (HrMr@webtv.net), March 04, 2001.

Thank all of you for your suggestions.

My wife says we have the perfect dog her toy miniture chihuahua female. She said if we could find a full size (make that medium size) dog with Sweet Peas heart and temperment we would have the best of all worlds. (She likes Shelties)

Our Lab is going to a new home next week. She is very loving and YES she'll bring you a ball, a frisbe and demand you play with her no matter whom it is.

One of our Minn-Pinns was poisend by some jerks on 4-wheelers that keep cutting across the pipeline on the rear of our property. I would like to ......well ya'll already know what we'd like to do.

Thanks again for the suggestions.

-- Kenneth in N.C. (wizardsplace13@hotmail.com), March 04, 2001.


Hey Guys I forgot to mention. The dog rides in the cab with me. I never let one ride on the back unless its in a pet carrier going to the vet. (Our vet doesn't make house calls)

-- Kenneth in N.C. (wizardsplace13@hotmail.com), March 04, 2001.

Ken please try your local pound. Quality mixed breed dogs wait there and they have many of the traits you are looking for. Any dog can learn- take him camping, hell learn to love camping,.Take him in the back of your pickup and hell love that too eventually. No one dog has all of these traits, but there are lots of older dogs learning "new" tricks... they are waiting for homes at your local shelter. Michele

-- Michele Rae Padgett (michelesmelodyfarm@Yahoo.com), March 05, 2001.

Well, Kenneth, you've alrady found what the perfect homestead is, and the perfect land location... now you need the perfect dog! My vote is for anything crossed with an Australian Cattle Dog. "Crossed" is the key word here; it tones down the intensity a bit. I've got two: Mattie is half Welsh Corgi (looks like a Corgi in a blue-speckled cattle dog suit with short, Queen Anne legs), Sydney is half Australian Shepherd. Both the best, obedient, brightest, lovable, cuddling-est dogs in the world, and neither one could care less about my chickens, cats, or goats... they just want to be with me no matter what I'm doing.

My third dog was given to me last year as a 2yr old, and is a purebred ACD... she's the one who wants to kill my chickens and is now staring longingly at my goats. And that worries me because I'm expecting my first kid crop this spring. If I'd had her as a pup, I'm sure that wouldn't be the case. So... breaks my heart, but I'm in the process of finding her a new home as we speak! But no matter what dog one gets, hands-on is essential. You can't just throw one out in the yard and hope for the best! Ay-dios, dh in nm

-- debra in nm (dhaden@nmtr.unm.edu), March 05, 2001.


Kenneth,

You're describing the old farm collie! They once graced almost every farm in this country and were truly an all-purpose dog. Aussies, collies, even border collies are related to him and may exibit some of his traits but usually not all. Its a shame that there are so few left. There is an effort to bring them back and I hope for the homesteader's sake it is successful. He's the kind of dog we need!

-- Amy (who's lucky enough to have one) (gshep@aeroinc.net), March 05, 2001.


I just found this thread (been away from the computer for a few days). My first thoughts were similar to the others here about attention, intelligence, and time from the human. And I also thought of the old-fashioned farm collie, as Amy mentioned, BUT I was under the impression that they do not like to leave the property, such as going to town with the human? Maybe I should just go pose that question to the farm dog list . . . .

-- Joy F (So.Central Wisconsin) (CatFlunky@excite.com), March 05, 2001.

My new pup is an australian cattle dog .I choose this breed for many reasons .You also want to choose the breeder that has good lines .My reasons are as follows ,low maintenace coats ,fearless herders ,protective of family and property, they are scarier looking than border collies , smaller size .When bought from the correct lines and the correct pup from the litter they will not be uncontrolable .They are hardy , healthy dogs .I also have Golden Ret and German Sheperds .Goldens are not for protection !

-- Patty {NY State} (fodfarms@slic.com), March 05, 2001.

HE's right here...LOL Actually I have a little lab mix that came into our clinic at 3 daYS old because he was having breathing difficulties. The owners didn't want to pay his bill, so I took him home and he was raised by my AmStaff bitch as she had a litter the same age. Hes fluffy and looks like he will be a medium size dog. Hes had no breathing trouble so we are assumung he aspirated some milk when he was nursing. Obviously, hes here in Wisconsin so unless you wanted to pay shipping hes not the one for you, but the point I'm making is I think a nice lab mix should fit your needs. Check out a shelter or rescue. I raise American Staffordshires, which I think are the greatest dogs, but you would need to get a young puppy, 8-10 weeks and work had at socializaton with the smaller dogs. They also need to be house dogs in colder weather since they have no undercoat, but strangers won't come anywhere near your house.

-- Dianne (yankeeterrier@hotmail.com), March 06, 2001.

Ken, any dog is that perfect dog you described, its all in how you train them. Yes everyone is going to tell you a specific kind, just like theirs, but it is not the breed it is all how the dog is raised. You must be ready to raise this animal as your child, be true to its teaching, consistant, and especially calm. No animal is perfect, no person is perfect, but we all can attempt to come close and those differences give us individuality! all the luck...by the way we have Cattahoula's, a louisianna curr, and as in any parents eyes, they are the perfect dogs!

-- Erik Miller (enricoestabar@yahoo.com), March 08, 2001.

I have to agree with the part about spending time and having patience to train any dog you get ...But the absolute BEST dog we ever had and I would love to have again was a half German Shepherd And a half Blue Heeler. What you want describes our dog to a tee!!! He's been dead now for about 11 years and we still all talk about him and compare other dogs to him....he is our "yardstick". We got him as a 7 week old puppy, he was bob-tailed and marked like a Blue Heeler, but He was built like a very stocky German Shepherd. At his prime he weighed 130 lbs. and ran and jumped like a deer. He was fascinating to watch. We have 48 acres and my husband walked him around the perimeter twice and from that time it was "his". No one ran their Beagles or anything else on our property nor did they tresspass. He was tolerant and loving to everything that "belonged" on the place. He would go off the place when the kids went down the road or adventuring. He onced saved my middle son from being gored, or worse, by a bull by running at the bull and attacking it to distract it and my son was able to roll under the fence. He was not mean at all, but the Avon lady told me she "instinctively" knew not to come up on our porch, just leave the bag of cosmetics on the bottom step. He did try to kill the phone man and it was all my husband and I could do to hold him down, we finally yelled at the man to just leave and send somebody else, he did and Timbo let that man go about his business with out so much as a snarl. Made us really wonder about the other guy. He also bit someone once and I thought he made a very good choice! But we were in the house and this man just opened the door to come in unannounced and Timbo got him. Otherwise if we said it was ok with us it was OK with him until the visitor proved otherwise or as in the case of the phone man Timbo knew something we didn't. I know this is long but I take every opportunity I find to sing that dog's praises. We are even considering getting a German Shepherd and a Blue Heeler and breeding them...we could call them a Blue Shepherd!!.....................Artie Ann

-- Artie Ann Karns (rokarns@arkansas.net), March 08, 2001.

We are even considering getting a German Shepherd and a Blue Heeler and breeding them...we could call them a Blue Shepherd!!.....................Artie Ann

Sounds Great Let me know how the cross turns out. I may even want a puppy.

Our pound now charges $85.00 per dog whether puppy or full grown. The guy in charge said the "put to sleep rate" has increased to 70% now that the state raised the adoption fee. It does not include fixing the animal. You do get the rabies shot...Yipee a $8 shot for $85.

FYI we decided to keep the Lab. She just didn't like the folks that came to look her over. I guess were just suckers foe pets.

-- Kenneth in N.C. (wizardsplace13@hotmail.com), March 09, 2001.


YOU HAVE TO CHECK INTO A GREAT PYRENEES. THE NUMBER ONE ISSUE IS THAT THEY WILL BE SAFE WITH YOUR CHILD AS WELL AS PROTECTING YOU AND YOUR FARM. I SEARCHED FOR YEARS FOR THE PERFECT DOG. I BOUGHT ONE AND AFTER SEEING HOW CALM THEY ARE WITH THE KIDS, I NOW HAVE THREE. THEY ARE ALL THE SAME. WHEN THE KIDS OR I GO TO THE BARN THEY GO WITH US. THEY ARE ALWAYS BETWEEN THEM AND THE DRIVEWAY KEEPING WATCH. THEY PATROL THE PROPERTY AT NIGHT. I DON'T KNOW HOW THEY KNOW WHERE IT ENDS, BUT THEY KNOW. I DID ADOPT ONE IN ADULTHOOD THAT RUNS. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE DIFFERENCE IS. THEY LOVE AFFECTION AND WILL EAT WHAT YOU FEED THEM. LOVE THEM! START WITH A PUPPY AND THEN YOU CAN TRAIN THEM TO DO ALL THOSE OTHER THINGS LIKE RIDING IN THE TRUCK. TERISA

-- Terisa (pbandjallen@jcn.net), March 09, 2001.

You need an appreciative "mutt" from the humane society.! ! !

-- Dan (dshaske@excel.net), March 10, 2001.

I would nix the Great Pyrenees -- they are lovely dogs, and very useful in the right situation, but they also bark all night, need a larger territory than the amount of property you said you have, and shed long white hairs all over everything if you have them in the house or vehicles. I would second Amy's old-fashioned farm collie. We have two of them now, both still pups. Wonderful dogs. As many people have said, a big factor in getting the dog you desire is training, but the old-fashioned farm collies don't perhaps need as much training as they are the real-life "Lassie". They don't have as full a coat as a standard collie, someone on the farm collie list has described their coat as "Teflon". They might need combed out behind the ears once in a while, but that's about it. They are very wise dogs as well as being smart, and once they know their boundaries, they do stay home. They aren't overly friendly with strangers, which to me is a plus, as I don't want to have to worry about my dogs following someone else off, and I do want them to warn me about people coming around the place, and keep said people off if necessary. They will herd as well as protect, but aren't hyper or "intense" like most BC's or Aussie's. We are feeding ours raw rolled oats (old-fashioned kind, purchased in 50 lb. bags) soaked in raw milk, with a little brewer's yeast mixed in, and sometimes a raw egg (shell and all) or a little raw meat, preferably with bone. They are doing very well on this simple diet. If you have to buy the milk, it won't be any cheaper than a store-bought dog-food, though it is better for them. For more information, look at

http://www.geocities.com/farmcollie1/index.html

Hope this helps -- it really is important to do as much research as possible, and make sure you have the dog best suited to you and your situation. That will ensure many happy years together!

-- Kathleen Sanderson (stonycft@worldpath.net), March 12, 2001.


I think a good choice would be a beagle. I have a four month old beagle puppy, who is almost the way you described. I still have some training to do, but for a four month old dog he is exceptionally well trained. It only took me/him two weeks to potty train, now he comes to me and barks when he needs to go to the bathroom. He is very good with cows, and loves children, he is also very protective until you call him off. I tend to agree with what most of the people are saying though, about how any dog will do. It is completely based upon how you train them. I have many different types of dogs and all have been exceptionally well trained, however the beagle has been the easiest, and is very quick to catch on. Next would be a McNabb/Red Healer, another very good dog. I would suggest getting a good book on training dogs and read it very throughly. The most important thing is to get a dog that is teachable and earn his/her respect, never physically punish them. A harsh word does more to discipline a dog than a swat or spank ever will. Good Luck.

-- B in TX (br549@bodybilt.com), May 10, 2001.

i am making a wild guess but ........ german shepord maby or a wietan terrior

-- Larena cook (mugsyc101@aol.com), May 19, 2001.

Hi, Mabey a German Shepherd, Giant Schnauzer, any dog that was used in the wars back then. Let me name some other dogs: Dobermans, Komondors, Great danes (well, Mabey), and a Rottweiler, well I did my best, good luck.

-- Sara (Ikrafttwo@aol.com), May 28, 2001.

I would recomend a chow, black lab mix. Mine ( Fancy) is everything you described and more! She is protective of our family, goes camping during deer season,stays right by our camp,eats the same breakfast we do and loves to go bye bye, she understands everything I say, loves,protects,and mothers all of our other animals, chickens,canary, cats and our other dog Zeek, she is totally a house dog, never "went" in the house not even when she was a pup,shes been to the beach, motorcycle runs and big partys and only "watches" people if I tell her to. always lets us know if we have company,way before they come to the door, and won't let anyone in unless I tell her it's ok.I've had her since she was 6 weeks old she is 10 now and I would not trade her for the world. We have 3 acres and she has never wandered away from our yard, she loves to swim, fetch objects and people too when asked to, she knows whats hers and whats ours and never forgets the difference.loves our kids and won't let anyone hurt any child if shes around.What more can I say?

-- Mar (womagata@seacove.net), July 12, 2001.

IF YOU DON'T ALREADY HAVE A DOG YOU MUST CHECK OUT THE FILA BRASILEIRO OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE BRASILIAN MASTIFF. It is a rare breed of dog that is known for its loyalty and protectiveness. They get alomg well with all animals but they are very distrustful of strangers. They will stay close to their home and family because they are PROTECTION dogs. They are not vicious but they will not tolerate strangers who pose a threat to their families. When they are with their families they are just big cuddly puppies who require lots of love and attention. A fila is a very large dog (a small fila female still weighs over 100#'s)but they are excellent house dogs and they are extremely intelligent. A Fila is as playful as a puppy but they are not hyperactive dogs, usually when you are not playing with them they will just sit around waiting for your attention. They do not do well with negetive reinforcement since their only wish is to please their family members and be loved on. If you decide to get a Fila please research them because they are not people dogs and they must be socialized if you have a lot of people in your home who are not regulars. For more info look on the internet at Shoo-Its Mountain Filas (Lots of stories about the Filas general disposition) and especially Frog Holler's Filas (at www.angelfire.com, they have great info about the Fila in general.) I strongly reccomend a Fila to anyone who wants unconditional love and loyalty. You can contact me if you have any questions and I will help you if I can. I hope you decidecide to enrich your life with one of these wonderful dogs.

-- Jennifer Magby (jennifermagby@hotmail.com), July 23, 2001.

I certainly believe that the dog you want is the all famous german sheperd. I have owned many dogs yet the only dog that (by my experience)ican learn everything is the german sheperd. If you train them to do some thing, they will do it. Even scientists believe that the german sheperd is the smartest dog. The german sheperd has a very keen sense in identifying a persons behavior, so you want have to worry about his behavior to visitors and towards unwanted intruders. If you read the AKC book, it states that the german sheperd is the only dog born with the protective ability. It could be said that it is one of there outstanding senses. NO WONDER THEY ARE USED AS K-9 POLICE DOGS. I hope this might help. The german sheperd is a very family dedicated dog.Anyone that owns a german sheperd definitly owns best dog.My dog learned how to go potty in one single day AND HE WAS ONLY THREE WEEKS OLD.Oh yeah one last thing a german sheperd usually comes when called and does not have to be trained to do that.

-- john dear (pimx@hotmail.com), August 01, 2001.

Hi, you need a German Shepard! We have a shepard three years old & just got a minn pinn this year. The shepard treats the minn pinn like it was her own. The shepard loves to go riding in my pick up, & also she likes to go camping & sleep in the tent. This is the third shepard I have had & they are good all around dogs & from my experence, they love kids as long as the kids don't miss treat them. The only trouble with a shepard is that they shed year around. They are very smart.

-- Murray in SCarolina (mtjones@mecsc.net), April 14, 2002.

Kenneth, The responses to this post have just confirmed what I knew. That the perfect dog always belongs to somebody else! :-)

Our doggies are nice and would probably have been really great dogs if we could have gotten them as puppies but rescued ours from people who were moving and coudln't take them. They were both about 3 years old when we got them. Both are neutered/spayed.

Rocky (the name she came with) is a shepherd/lab sort of mix. She weighs about 95 lbs. and has a black/blue spot on her tongue. We've had her for about 6 years and she was about 2 1/2 when we got her. She came with some bad habits that have required her to be chained, on a run, or in a kennel. She loves to "play" with the chickens, and enjoys a run around the neighborhood if she gets loose. However, she has been protective of us, growling at unkown people, barks when someone pulls into the yard, is great in the house though we wouldn't leave her alone with the cat because the cat would attack the dog. She is an absolute sissy at the vets.

Bart is our other dog. We've had him for a year. He was about 3-4 when he came to live with us. Bart is a beautiful Husky dog with blue eyes albeit with cataracts. The first night bart stayed with us, he got loose and went visiting the neighbors. At 3am, we got a call that he was at their house. This was in March. So, I got all dressed, got my boots on and started to head out the back door and THERE WAS BART! He came back his first night with us and he came back! The next night, he tangled with a skunk. It's been a year now and he doesn't smell anymore. I think he's replaced the fur that was sprayed. Bart is NOT allowed in the house. I haven't trusted him not to "mark" his territory if allowed in. This fear was confirmed just last Thursday. My younger daughter was helping me hang out clothes on the line when my older daughter came up with Bart on the leash after a walk. Bart hiked his leg to my 7 yo and urinated on her leg!!! That being said, Bart is a real sweetie. Really mild tempered and wouldn't mind the least being used as a pillow. One main thing about Bart and I think it is a trait of huskies in general, he Rarely barks. Only when playing with Rocky in one of their mock fights does Bart bark and then it's mostly just a yip. If you want a dog to alert you by barking, this might not be the breed. However, it is highly unnerving to have a dog slink up on you without a sound.

This has gotten far too long. But I did enjoy reading about other people's dogs and their experiences.

-- Lavender, Central Maryland (lavenderbluedilly@hotmail.com), April 14, 2002.


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