Suggest a Breed for Me!

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#1
No, I'm not getting a puppy soon, more like late 2015 to 2016, but I'm one of those people that plan for no good reason and plan many months in advance... I need a plan! :p (And yes I made one of these a while ago hehe)

50+ pounds preferred
Shedding ok
I'm not willing to take the dog to the groomers
I love velcro 'I-want-to-be-with-you-and-touching-you-at-all-times' dogs
High energy but with an off switch
Whether the dog is wary of strangers is not of great importance... I would like it if the dog was polite but indifferent
Will be exercised both physically and mentally
Dogs prone to household SSA are ok (Crystal has SSA so the dog would be a male anyways)
Biddable
Reliable off leash (with training)

I keep thinking German Shepherds but I also keep second guessing myself :rolleyes: So, yes, please suggest!
 

GSD4ME

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#3
I agree, GSD.

Why do you second guess yourself? If you already haven't, maybe spend some quality time around german shepherds and pick the brain of their keepers. Or, maybe even volunteer with a rescue.

For our girl, the physical exercise combined with a mental challenge is what really wears her out. She loves hiking, running, chasing, ball, tug, hide & seek, swimming. She most definitely has an "off" switch and always did even when she was a puppy. She turned 8 this month and is still FULL of energy. She herds her Goldy sister and brother, as well as her toys...haha. She is very social (not at all indifferent), but at home doesn't mind having her own space and will go to bed by herself for a rest. Snuggles with her sister & brother and is very loving. Very talkative and constantly communicating...absolutely adore her (my velcro dog)! Hope this helps. :)
 

*blackrose

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#4
I think a Doberman would also work?

But I agree that if you are interested in a GSD, they sound like a good match!
 
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#5
GERMAN SHEPHERD.

All those things are GSD.
I agree, GSD.

Why do you second guess yourself? If you already haven't, maybe spend some quality time around german shepherds and pick the brain of their keepers. Or, maybe even volunteer with a rescue.

For our girl, the physical exercise combined with a mental challenge is what really wears her out. She loves hiking, running, chasing, ball, tug, hide & seek, swimming. She most definitely has an "off" switch and always did even when she was a puppy. She turned 8 this month and is still FULL of energy. She herds her Goldy sister and brother, as well as her toys...haha. She is very social (not at all indifferent), but at home doesn't mind having her own space and will go to bed by herself for a rest. Snuggles with her sister & brother and is very loving. Very talkative and constantly communicating...absolutely adore her (my velcro dog)! Hope this helps. :)
I second guess myself because I thought I was thinking of German Shepherds because that's what I wanted to hear haha. My neighbor has two well-mannered German Shepherds that sound like yours, and I've admired GSDs for a long time, I just never knew if they were really right for me or if I was just looking at them through rose-colored glasses :D

Now I'm leaning towards GSDs like 7x more than I already was!

I think a Doberman would also work?

But I agree that if you are interested in a GSD, they sound like a good match!
I've had Dobies suggested to me before. I would love one of these, too, and they are definitely beautiful dogs.
 
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#6
The only thing about GSD's is the crappy breeding practices and wide popularity that have lead to serious downfall in the health of the breed as a whole. Do you have any ideas of who you're looking at as your breeder yet?
 
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#8
The only thing about GSD's is the crappy breeding practices and wide popularity that have lead to serious downfall in the health of the breed as a whole. Do you have any ideas of who you're looking at as your breeder yet?
No idea yet. I know I'd like a working bred dog, but I also know there are a bunch of different lines among the working lines (DDR, West German, etc) but I don't know a whole lot about them. I've looked at GerdesHaus, Van Meerhout, and GermelHaus, though.

I think a GSD sounds like it would fit, but thinking outside of that box

- Bouvier?
- Berger Picard
- Rottie?
- Giant Schnauzer
Thanks for the suggestions! :) I've never encountered a Bouvier or a Berger Picard, so I think it would be interesting to meet some!
 
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GSD4ME

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#9
I second guess myself because I thought I was thinking of German Shepherds because that's what I wanted to hear haha. My neighbor has two well-mannered German Shepherds that sound like yours, and I've admired GSDs for a long time, I just never knew if they were really right for me or if I was just looking at them through rose-colored glasses :D
Okay, gotcha!

Now I'm leaning towards GSDs like 7x more than I already was!
:) ...hehe!
 

*blackrose

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#12
Maybe :) Thanks for the suggestion! If I ever get a lab I see myself with a field bred lab, rather than the show ones.
Since it seems like you prefer protective vs. uber friendly...obligatory Chesapeake suggestion. :D If you prefer more reserved to brash, a Curly Coat would also fit.

But I still think a shepherd is your cup of tea. ;)
 

Laurelin

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#13
TO me that list reads pretty broad. I think some of the sporting, larger herders, and some working breeds would fit that.
 
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#14
Since it seems like you prefer protective vs. uber friendly...obligatory Chesapeake suggestion. :D If you prefer more reserved to brash, a Curly Coat would also fit.

But I still think a shepherd is your cup of tea. ;)
TO me that list reads pretty broad. I think some of the sporting, larger herders, and some working breeds would fit that.
Thanks!
 

Romy

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#15
A kuvasz also fits most of those things. The two points they might miss is the off leash and the biddability. I had a kuvasz living here for several months and she would have been absolutely perfect for what you're looking for. However, her owner did a freaking amazing job socializing and training her so she as an individual was very responsive, biddable, and reliable off leash.
 
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#16
A kuvasz also fits most of those things. The two points they might miss is the off leash and the biddability. I had a kuvasz living here for several months and she would have been absolutely perfect for what you're looking for. However, her owner did a freaking amazing job socializing and training her so she as an individual was very responsive, biddable, and reliable off leash.
Thanks for the suggestion! :) I've never met a Kuvasz in person but I do admire them from afar, as they're beautiful dogs
 

AliciaD

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#18
English Shepherds can come in over 50lbs depending on the breeding, and a good chance if a male.

Can I interrogate you a little? Lol
Do you want serious dog or goofy dog or...?
Are there any dog looks you can't stand, like helicopter ears or something?
Does the dog have to be good with kids?
Groomers are out but can you deal with the shedding factor?
How do you want them to act with strangers on your property? Aloof but very tolerant? Alerting? Guarding instinct?

Apologies if you already answered these!
 

AliciaD

On second thought...
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#19
I should mention that what might be downside to English Shepherds is that they can/do like to police other dogs, so your other dog may not appreciate this new tattle tail, :p

But there are ES people on here who have way more experience and can tell you more than I can.

But I also don't think German shepherds sound like a bad match.
 
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#20
German Shepherd because...they're the best :D

We have 5. You described them to a T. Working lines. House pets. IPO dogs. Awesomeness.

Pack of 5 by Falon167, on Flickr

Ignore those off breeds ;)
I absolutely love your pack! :) With the amount of GSD suggestions I'm now 99.99% sure nextdog will be one.

English Shepherds can come in over 50lbs depending on the breeding, and a good chance if a male.

Can I interrogate you a little? Lol
Do you want serious dog or goofy dog or...? Not really that important, honestly :)
Are there any dog looks you can't stand, like helicopter ears or something? No brachycephalic breeds, um... that's all I think.
Does the dog have to be good with kids? Well, youngest sibling is 12 so, older kids, yes.
Groomers are out but can you deal with the shedding factor? Shedding is ok, considering I already have a massive shedder :D
How do you want them to act with strangers on your property? Aloof but very tolerant? Alerting? Guarding instinct? Alerting and barking when someone is at the door is okay, but I'd prefer they either be aloof/uninterested in guests or friendly, not guarding. Of course, the dog will be socialized a lot, and I know socialization can mold the pup a little bit.

Apologies if you already answered these!
Answers in bold :)

I should mention that what might be downside to English Shepherds is that they can/do like to police other dogs, so your other dog may not appreciate this new tattle tail, :p

But there are ES people on here who have way more experience and can tell you more than I can.

But I also don't think German shepherds sound like a bad match.
Policing could be a maybe with Crystal :p

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! I'm most likely going to get a German Shepherd, now that everyone has convinced me of it. :D
 

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