Thought I would make one of these threads for the first time, as I'd like to hear suggestions from board members who have had more experience with a greater variety of breeds than I have.
My next dog WILL be a German Shepherd, there is no doubt, but after that, I am interested in owning other breeds as well. Here is what I would like in a dog:
- Medium to Large sized (between 40 - 120 lbs)
- High drive, but with the ability to easily settle. I do not want a dog with nervous energy or a dog that is constantly "GO GO GO". I need a dog that can quickly switch off, content to lie on the couch when it is hailing outside, or when I am sick.
- I appreciate a dog that makes me laugh, but overall I prefer serious dogs. I am not a big fan of "bouncy", perpetually goofy dogs. Emphasis on "perpetually", I like a dog that can be silly, just do not want it 24/7.
- I can deal with a relatively vocal dog, but one that can be easily trained to be quiet. Barking when people knock on the door, vocalizing to demand rewards, etc. is not a problem, but my neighbors used to own a Sheltie and that was too much for me.
- Low maintenance coat. I can deal with any amount of shedding, but would rather not have to take a dog to the groomer's regularly (bathe and brush the dog at home and be done with it).
- I cannot deal with excessive slobber. German Shepherd slobber is more than enough.
- I need the dog to be okay with children and cats.
- Handler/owner oriented, I do not want a dog that believes every person with a treat is his/her new best friend.
- Fairly biddable ("eager to please").
- I am okay with dealing with same sex aggression and a dog that does not do well at the dog park.
- I prefer a hard dog, not sure how well I would work with a soft tempered dog.
That's all I can think of right now. Breeds I'm currently considering, besides German Shepherds, of course, are
- Beaucerons
- Mudis (my exception to the size requirement)
- English Shepherds (thanks, SitStay )
Breeds I have already looked at are
- Doberman Pinschers
- Rottweilers
- Australian Shepherds
- Border Collies (probably too soft in temperament? That is what I have been told)
Any suggestions will be appreciated.
My next dog WILL be a German Shepherd, there is no doubt, but after that, I am interested in owning other breeds as well. Here is what I would like in a dog:
- Medium to Large sized (between 40 - 120 lbs)
- High drive, but with the ability to easily settle. I do not want a dog with nervous energy or a dog that is constantly "GO GO GO". I need a dog that can quickly switch off, content to lie on the couch when it is hailing outside, or when I am sick.
- I appreciate a dog that makes me laugh, but overall I prefer serious dogs. I am not a big fan of "bouncy", perpetually goofy dogs. Emphasis on "perpetually", I like a dog that can be silly, just do not want it 24/7.
- I can deal with a relatively vocal dog, but one that can be easily trained to be quiet. Barking when people knock on the door, vocalizing to demand rewards, etc. is not a problem, but my neighbors used to own a Sheltie and that was too much for me.
- Low maintenance coat. I can deal with any amount of shedding, but would rather not have to take a dog to the groomer's regularly (bathe and brush the dog at home and be done with it).
- I cannot deal with excessive slobber. German Shepherd slobber is more than enough.
- I need the dog to be okay with children and cats.
- Handler/owner oriented, I do not want a dog that believes every person with a treat is his/her new best friend.
- Fairly biddable ("eager to please").
- I am okay with dealing with same sex aggression and a dog that does not do well at the dog park.
- I prefer a hard dog, not sure how well I would work with a soft tempered dog.
That's all I can think of right now. Breeds I'm currently considering, besides German Shepherds, of course, are
- Beaucerons
- Mudis (my exception to the size requirement)
- English Shepherds (thanks, SitStay )
Breeds I have already looked at are
- Doberman Pinschers
- Rottweilers
- Australian Shepherds
- Border Collies (probably too soft in temperament? That is what I have been told)
Any suggestions will be appreciated.