Can you give suggestions for a family dog?

[jnjw2001]

Hello again. Another quick question. The kind of dog we are looking for is a medium to large, not a big shedder, not a drooler, or much of one. Needs to be family friendly and not overly hyper. Can you please give me any suggestions on a breed. Mixed or not is fine. Thank you so much :)

[Devlin_Kain]

hey now!  i threw out husky!  I helped lol.  Yeah, Id say go with the german shepard.  Youll have a gorgeous wolf like dog who will protect you, as huskies SUCK at protecting others besides those they consider the alpha male in the pack.  But with a shepard husky mix....all i can say is....

.....lucky you ^_^

[Red931]

If you can get the Shepherd/Husky mutt that is going to be in need of a home that would be great! You would be giving a dog in need a good home and it would also seem as I will have won the suggestion pool. LOL!!!!!

Good Luck!

[jnjw2001]

Again, thank you for all the help and support you have given. We are reconsidering the Carolina Dog and looking at a shepard/Husky mix. Saw a cute puppy and the owners are moving out of state and can't take with them. Going to be giving them a call today. Problem with our area is, we have been to adoption rescues to look for dogs and we are lucky if we can see 5 or 6 dogs, most are older dogs already. So we've been traveling out of the area to see more. My husband doesn't like the poodles or terriers. He likes the looks of the mastiffs, great danes, german shepards, boxers and loves the look of the husky. I'm a lover of all breeds. Growing up we had a dachapoo. Part dachson (i'm sure I spelled that wrong lol ) and part poodle. We had her for 14 years. Went every where with us. Anyway, we are still searching and will let you know what we find and will also still call upon the community for help. Thanks.

[Ghilly]

Something you'll find with dogs is that the people who breed them seriously, who do their homework before they decide which female they're going to breed to which male, who show their dogs to prove that they meet the breed standard before they just breed them for the sake of having puppies to sell, the ones who research the genetic problems of the breed and who do their best to produce puppies free from those problems, they are going to more than likely produce puppies that are not only excellent from a bloodline standpoint, but also from the standpoint of being well socialized and nice to live with.  Even taking this into consideration, however, you have to remember that in breeds that are still used for their original intended purpose, there is a clear defining line between those who breed seriously for show purposes and those who breed seriously for work purposes.  The dogs that come from the show type breeders are going to be a lot calmer to deal with, while the dogs who come from serious working breeders, while just as well bred as those who breed for the show ring, are bred with more of an emphasis placed on their working ability and drive.  So you can get a puppy from a serious working breeder that is still difficult to live with because it has a lot more drive and instinct than the puppies that come from show breeders.  For the record, these people are referred to as "hobby breeders".

On the flip side of the coin we have the backyard breeders.  These are the people who breed their pets without any research other than whatever it took to locate someone with a dog of the opposite sex that was also interested in producing a litter of puppies.  Depending upon the breed, it's easy enough to get a calm, easy to live with puppy from one of these people, but depending on the breed, it can be extremely rare to find such a puppy.  In breeds that are extremely driven to do what they were bred to do, it's very much a hit or miss situation when buying from a backyard breeder.  Breeds that CAN be (but don't have to be) difficult to live with when purchased from backyard breeders are any of the retrievers, many of the spaniels with emphasis on Springers and Brittanys, most of the terrier breeds other than Yorkies, which, even though they are terriers, are classified as Toys, Siberian Huskies, Irish Setters, Australian Shepherds and Border Collies.  Border Collies have a distinct line between the show lines and the working lines, and the working lines and backyard breeder-bred dogs can just drive you BONKERS unless you're a very skilled trainer.  Same thing with Huskies.  If you are lucky enough to find a calm individual, you've got a great dog on your hands.  If you have found one of the not-so-calm dogs, which are very much in the majority in this breed, you'll spend more time chasing it around the neighborhood trying to round it up than you will anything else, again, unless you are a very skilled trainer.

Poodles are a great breed for beginning dog owners.  They're extremely intelligent and willing to please, and even though they do have quite a few genetic problems, if you find a breeder who strives to avoid those problems, they are a long-lived breed.  Mixes are excellent dogs for first time dog owners, because you can get the general look of a breed, but depending upon what it is mixed with, the drive is tempered down by the other breed or breeds in the mix.  For example, Australian Shepherds are extremely drive-y dogs, they need lots and lots of work and interaction with their humans, but if you can find an Aussie X Collie cross, you'll often get the brains of the Aussie with the calmer demeanor of the Collie.  Keep in mind that this can go the opposite way as well, you can get the size and coat of a Collie with the drive of an Aussie, but you can usually tell by interacting with the puppy or dog a few times before actually bringing it home which way it will go.  

If you are getting a puppy from a breeder, make several visits to the breeder before actually deciding which one you want, or even whether or not you're actually going to bring one home.  This will give you the chance to see whether the puppy you have your eye on is like that all the time, or was he or she just having a good day or an off day the first time you saw them.

My best advice is to just read and read and read and read, and when you think you've had just about enough reading, read just a little bit more about every breed you think you might be interested in.  Visit the puppy or puppies you think you like a couple of times before you decide for sure that you have found THE one.  This will be helpful not only in being a good way for you to get to know your puppy before it comes home to live with you, but it will also acquaint you with the breeder, which is an invaluable thing.  Getting to know your breeder will give you a mentor that you can call if you have a question or a problem.  You can call for help with training.  You can call for help with health issues.  Having someone who knows and loves the breed as your friend will help you immeasurably until your puppy is grown and trained.  But you have to seek out these breeders, you probably will not find them advertising puppies in the local paper.  Contact the AKC to find out what the parent club for each breed you are interested in is called, then contact the parent club.  They will be able to refer you to a person near you who breeds and who has puppies available.  These are the breeders you want to deal with.

Ghilly

[April2]

I had a friend who bred Siberian huskies. They are such beautiful animals! You are right, they seemed pretty calm to me, for the most part except when they were feeling playful. I love those gorgeous blue eyes! But yeah, they sure do shed a lot!

I'm kinda partial to poodles. Can you tell? :)

[Devlin_Kain]

My mother has a miniature poodle.  He is very well trained, and they are playful dogs and dont really require too much attention as they can take care of themselves.  Since we are talking about German Shepards, I would suggest a Husky...I know i know u dont want a dog that sheds, but just like what was stated earlier, all medium-large dogs will shed.  Yes Huskies shed more than normal dogs as they are either Alaskan or Siberian, but they are great dogs!  I have an almost 4 month old puppy, and lemme tell you...sometimes I think she is sick because as apuppy she is SOO calm and does whatever I do.  If im hyper, she is ready to play.  If im sitting watching tv, she is watching tv with me laying down.  I take her on long walks and we play frisbee and fetch all the time.  she even plays tag!  My friend just had a baby, and she is so calm around the newborn.  She doenst jump, she just sniffs.  As for other kids, she isnt too hyper, its like she knows they are fragile.  GREAT family dogs, not too hard to establish dominance, and very laid back if trained correctly....like with all other dogs, no exercise or entertainment/amusement = ur house getting destroyed lol.  

I just had to throw this out here, I think my husky is one of the best dogs ive ever owned.  Ive owned shepards, rotts, dobermans, lhasa apsos....but the husky is incredible, and the bigger plus is they are GORGEOUS, especially with blue or green eyes.

[dogmom192]

My neighbor has a boxer that is quite nice- mild mannered, (sweet disposition) very short hair, and medium-large sized.  Ghilly's comments were very accurate-  and your children's safety is first.  Anytime people choose part-wild animals as pets, they're getting into a potentially dangerous zone, even for experienced handlers/trainers, as you're dealing with an unpredictable/wild element.  Go with an easy dog first time.  I was so lucky with my first dog-   he had been dumped on a country road at about 5 weeks of age, and I just happened to almost run over him as he was trying to keep up with a rag tag pack of stray dogs running across the road- he was covered with burrs and urine and was filthy.  He was so little- I was within a mile of a Vet, so took him in- he weighed 5 lbs.  Anyways, he turned into a 110 pound dog, (part Great Pyrenees/part Lab we think) but he was the mildest mannered dog in the world.  He was healthy as a horse, too-  basically all I had to do for him for 14.5 years was feed/water him and keep up with shots- (and I had him neutered at about 4 months). I never worried about him, he was so great with neighbors, children, everyone, that I never had to pen or chain him up, (we lived on acreage in the country).  In fact, we had 5 neighbors that all kept water bowls on their porches for him, because he would do "rounds" visiting everyone several times a day.  Everyone adored him. My point is- a mild mannered, easy going dog is what you need for kids-  don't try to get something exotic or wild - get a dog that you can trust around children, neighbors, the UPS guy- a dog that won't end up tearing off someone's face, or land you in lawsuit or jail.

[April2]

Really??!! I didn't think poodles shed! Well, at least it's not the coarse hair like some. They're still supposed to be good for people with allergies. That's why my mom first brought home a toy poodle when we were little because my sister had so many allergies. I love poodles!

[AireScottie]

April posted while I was writing, and I agree standard Poodles make great family pets, but my aunt's sheds so much she could knit a sweater from the hair!  There are tumbleweeds of hair throughout her house, and she cleans every week.

[AireScottie]

Red and Ghilly are very correct about retrievers, especially labs in my experience.  My last Scottie was attacked from behind, totally unprovoked, by a loose chocolate lab and eventually died from the bite.  I've met a lot of labs, and about half are super low key and half seem like they're totally nuts (probably from lack of exercise).

Ghilly's right about what the dogs are bred for too.  I love my Airedale; they're happy as can be, they're great with kids when socialized, but they were bred to run, hunt, and kill, and I'm talking taking down bear here.  They are high energy, but not necessarily hyper.

Speaking of hunting dogs, though, my neighbor has a Blue Tick Coon and a Bloodhound.  They're both big, low shed, and low key dogs.  Both are rescues and started out howling their heads off, but have decreased howling with proper training. These two are great dogs.  Anyone know what the breed tendencies are?

[April2]

I have 2 toy poodles pups. They will be small - up to 7-9 pounds. The next size up would be more of a medium sized dog, which is the miniature poodle and then the standard, which is a pretty good sized dog. I was just in Petsmart the other day and a lady was walking a standard poodle through there and she says she loves poodles and has always had poodles. This one seemed quite calm and gentle. I grew up with toy poodles and I love them.

[April2]

Have you thought about a poodle? I know you said you wanted a large dog but poodles come in all sizes from teacup to standard (the large poodle). They don't shed, they're hypoallergenic, they don't drool, they're very intelligent dogs, loyal, loving, playful and easy to train they say. Just a thought.

[Red931]

That is exactly what I was trying to explain with the Retrievers being hyper. Thank you Ghilly for the explanation. I can't type that much these days with my arm being the way it is right now.

[Ghilly]

I would definitely not recommend a Carolina Dog for your family.  Not unless you have a LOT of experience in training dogs with dominant personalities.  They can be extremely difficult to deal with, not unlike wolf-dog hybrids, since there are still feral individuals in the population.   Only the most experienced of dog owner/trainers should consider owning a dog that is not completely domesticated.  They can quickly take over your home and intimidate you on a daily basis unless you know how to overcome their dominant attitude.

There are loads of breeds and mixes that fit the description that you gave - ie, a dog that loves to do things outdoors with the family.  The most important thing to keep in mind is what the breed was originally developed to do, since these behaviors are instinctive in ALL individuals of that breed, and instinct can be an extremely tough thing to overcome.

For example, people see Border Collies playing frisbee on television, or they see Border Collies doing amazing tricks and think"wow! I want one of those!"  What they don't realize is that the brains and energy that make a Border Collie a Border Collie are awful things to deal with unless you have experience in training BCs, and the breed probably has more individuals in rescue than any other percentage-wise just because people can't deal with them in an average house setting.  They require almost CONSTANT stimulation, otherwise they get bored and try to amuse themselves, and when they are in charge of finding their own amusement, the results are never good.  They are hyper in the extreme because that much energy is needed to work tirelessly with a flock of sheep all day over thousands of acres.  

Any breed that is used for hunting (ie, retrievers, spaniels, pointers) has to have lots of energy becauses they have to be able to run, find and bring back anything that the hunter shoots.  This natural energy is great when you're hunting, but it's not so great when you live in a house that doesn't have a fenced-in yard or worse, if you live in an apartment.  Siberian Huskies are bred to pull sleds in the coldest of temperatures.  They run for a living.  And run.  And run.  And run.  Did I mention that they run?  Unless you have a fenced in yard and are prepared to throw a ball for a few hours a day for a sporting breed or a husky, you're going to have a hyper dog who paces around the house and develops habits that can be rather difficult to live with if you don't know how to bottle their energy.

Even some non-sporting breeds can be difficult to live with.  Dalmatians, for example, were bred to run under a coach for hours at a time.  So while they are not going to chase after small animals because they have an instinct to hunt, they do have the instinct to run, and they have the stamina to do it for hours.

Whatever breed you end up choosing, make sure you research what it was originally bred to do, and that will give you a clue as to how much work will have to go into making it a good companion to live with in your home.  I most definitely do not recommend a Carolina Dog for you, however, mostly because of the not-totally-domesticated thing and the large possibility of running into a dominant individual that will end up making your lives miserable instead of being the companion you are really looking for.  

Ghilly

[jnjw2001]

Thank you so much for the wonderful response and all the great suggestions. We have been doing so much research on the different breeds of dogs because we do want to pick the one that will be right for the family. We came across the Carolina Dog, other name is American Dingo. We have also talked to a breeder in our area who gave us great information on this breed. Has anyone heard of this dog? From what we have read it is not a completely domesticated dog, it is easy to train, with early proper socialization they become loyal and amenable companions for all family members. They are clean pets, easy to house break, usually have no problem getting along with children or other household pets, playful and sociable and adapt to indoor and outdoor living. They have no doggie odor and their coats take care of themselves. They clean themselves like cats. They usually list no health issues with this dog. We understand that dogs shed, even the small ones. I would look forward to grooming the dog even if it didn't shed. We love the outdoors and doing different activities and plan on taking him with us where ever we go, including vacations.

[have 2 kids]

We have had many golden retrievers over the years.   Not one of them has been "hyper"
They are friendly, playful and loyal.   We do not have problems with drool or spit.
They do require exercise- either a yard to run in or a couple walks a day.   Most goldens will shed but if they are brushed regularly it isn't bad.

[Red931]

You have many here suggesting the Retriever and they are correct in most of what they are saying about their friendliness and playfulness, however to get one that is not hyper is rare. They were bred to run and they love to chew so while they don't druel very much they will leave spit on what they chew.

We are all probably going to be a bit partial to the breeds that we have or owned in the past. So first of all I would would recommend any mid to large size mutt as they need a home more than any other and you can't go wrong as most of them are just a joy to have especially if it is anyhting crossed with a Shepherd.

That is going to bring me to my pure breed choice for you. The German Shepherd. They are perfect with children and the most loyal breed you can find. Their personalites are second to none. As far as shedding goes, you are not going to find many medium to large breeds that don't shed. No matter what dog you decide on getting as long as you groom him/her regularly shedding will not be much of an issue.

I currently have English Bulldogs that are also great family dogs but they are very high maintanence and require a lot of attention.

[DUKE2008]

Hi there I have a 1 yr old lab (boy) and a 12 old lab (Girl) . I think they are excellent with kids they are easy to train and such loving dogs my sisters kids from newborn babies to 7yr olds have always been around them and they are great with the kids .. They are not overly hyper depending on there training they can be very obedient dogs they do shed but once you look after them and give them a brush yourself they will be fine also all dogs need walking but labs especially as they tend to put on weight but if you have a large garden then you would not have to walk them everyday

best of look with your doggy shopping !! :o)

[dogmom192]

Lab or Lab mix are excellent family dogs, but are quite energetic and need exercised.  Not a problem if you live on acreage. If you have time to socialize the pup, exercise the dog, and don't mind picking up dog piles,  (things kids don't think of when choosing a dog) then you can't go wrong with a lab or lab mix, (fun, energetic) even in the suburbs.   Just really think about your lifestyle- are you committed to walking several times a day, every day...is there someone who will clean up the piles...do you have room in your car for a big dog with the kids, or will you have to board the big dog every time you take a long weekend?  You want your dog to be part of your family, (to take on vacations, on errands, etc...) so, just make sure the size dog fits in with your schedule/lifestyle. Too many dogs end up in shelters because folks don't consider the commitment- often dogs are part of your family for 12-14.5 years.  (don't get a Bassett Hound, for example, if you live in the city-  your neighbors won't put up with the houl)

[Lucey12]

I find Labs are the best pet and friend. They are also very easily trained. My old lab could open and close the door and knew her right from her left paw. She was mixed with a spaniel. My new puppy is just over 2 months and knew nothing when we got him 2-3 weeks ago, not even come. He knows stay, come, sit, laydown and no longer goes potty in the house, and doesnt chew anything other than his toys when were not home....anymore. He is a lab collie and mystery breed. Labs are good, or crossed with anything like cocker spaniel, springer spaniel, collie, etc.

[ginger899]

Take a look at this site:  http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/searchcategories.htm

It provides a lot of information generally about dogs and dog breeds, which dogs are good with children, good with other dogs, etc. The information seems well-researched.

[dogmom192]

Probably smaller than what you're thinking about, but Boston Terrier's are excellent family dogs.  Big enough for kids to play with, and energetic enough as well, but not hyper.  Also not aggressive or a worry with neighbor kids. They do well with a good yard for exercise, as well, (get a doggy door put in so dog can go in and out on his own) so not so much of a time commitment as with larger dogs that have to be walked.  Also easy to take in the car, on a trip, etc.. because don't take up as much car space as larger dogs.  An excellent choice for a busy family.

[dogmom192]

My neighbor has a lovely female Doberman.  Very sweet, and plays well with my Cheasapeake, Great Pyrenees, and with her chiwauwa, and good around horses.  Definitely no hair problem.  You'd definitely want to spend a lot of time with any dog you get as a puppy because its very very important to socialize them- any dog who is not properly socialized as a pup will be a problem.  My neighbor got her Doberman at age 2- from a military family moving overseas, so the dog was already properly trained/socialized.  If you work a lot, you might consider getting a 2 year old rather than a pup.

[April2]

Wow, Ghilly, I never knew that about collies! I've always heard that Golden Retrievers or Labradors make excellent family pets. They're gentle, loyal, playful and loving. However, they can be a bit hyper for probably at least the first 2 years until they reach maturity and calm down a bit. They do need a lot of exercise so that they don't get bored or distructive but then I think most breeds need that, don't they? They do shed, too, so they'd need a lot of grooming.
What about a Greyhound? I heard they make good pets and I know a lot of them are let go or even put down once they're past the age of being able to race. I think it's awful. They have that here and have a rescue group just for Greyhounds. I heard they're real sweet dogs.

I'd just keep looking around and learning about the different breeds. I'm sure there's one out there that will be perfect for you and your family! Good luck! :)