Another "What Breed For Me?" Thread--lol!

[sillysally]

I won't be looking for many years hopefully, but the Next Dog thread got me thinking about breeds, and I'd love some breed suggestions and thoughts from chazzers....

Size: smallish (pug or frenchy size) all the up to very large

Coat: No poodle or bichon type coats. Anything from smooth to double coated to long coated is OK though

No heavy drooling in combination with a heavy coat-it can be drool or a heavy coat but not both (DH's rules)

I would like a reasonably intelligent and biddable dog. Some independence is fine though. I like a dog that can think for itself when necessary but be happy to work with me as well.

Energy levels are variable, but nothing more energetic than say a young lab or pit bull (I already know I can handle that-lol).

Something that's not going to eat my birds is a must. I don't ever allow my birds and dogs loose and unattended together, but I want a dog that can hang out in the same room as loose birds while we're watching TV or something peacefully.

It must get along with household dogs and at least ignore strange dogs. I can do anything from very dog friendly to just not giving a hoot about strange dogs at all, but I'd prefer not deal with dog aggression or high reactivity.

I would like a dog that would at least bark at the door when someone is there. I don't want a super hardcore guard dog, but some guarding/watchdog instinct would be nice, even if it's just barking at the door.

With strangers the dog can be either gregarious or aloof, but they need to NOT be timid or activity dislike strangers.

My ideal is a take anywhere, do anything sort of dog....not sure how realistic that is-lol.

Any thoughts?

 

[*blackrose]

*cough* Chessie! *cough*

Large in size, short thick coat, independent in a way, but also very biddable, active, sturdy, polite in public towards other people/dogs, friendly with welcomed guests at the house, watch/guard dog, good with household animals.

I imagine if Abrams had been raised with pet birds, he'd be fine with them. He likes to chase birds/small animals in the yard, but after a proper introduction he's been great with the pocket pets (and teenie kitten that was Histamine) we've introduced him to. Introducing a bird now would take time, but if he was brought up with them I'd imagine he'd be able to distingush pet from "okay to chase" .

But honestly, I think a lot of breeds would fit the bill.

 

[Laurelin]

I thought lab.

 

[LostAndConfused]

Golden? We need goldens on this forum!

 

[Romy]

I was going to say borzoi until you got to the alert barking part. The only reason I'm considering a non borzoi dog at any point is to get an alert barker. lol

Edit: Actually a stable, healthy ibizan hound would fit all of those nicely.

 

[LMost]

Cane Corso
80 to 120lbs
Very friendly with other family pets.
Minimal grooming
As long as socialized as a pup good with other dogs and strangers.
Lower end of the drool range.
Good with kids.
Alerts but does not bark much.

 

[lancerandrara]

A show line Golden Retriever (from a reputable breeder) was the first thing I thought of! The requirements are pretty loose though, so I think many different breeds could fit into what you're looking for, especially when it comes to the individual dog. :0

The getting along with household dogs and specifically ignoring strange dogs isn't something that's very breed inherent though. But the lack of prey drive, friendliness/aloofness/lack of timidity towards strangers or other environment stimuli while retaining the energy level of a pit or lab makes me think a show line Golden... though Goldens are lacking in the watchdog area, because basically everybody is a friend. They may or may not door alert. LOL.

And the take-anywhere, do-anything? Totally, show line Golden!

There are a ton of off-temperament Goldens going around though, with all the bad breeding for how popular they've become. So it's really necessary to find a trustworthy, reputable breeder to ensure that standard, easygoing, soft Golden temperament.