Suggestions?

[N3235m]

Hello everyone I was just wondering if I could get some help in deciding which dog breed(s) I should look into getting. For years I've wanted to get a dog but until now, I never had the opportunity. So I'll tell you a little bit about myself, I'm a 19 year old single, active guy who practically lives on a 500 +- acre farm, so naturally, I love the outdoors and I love being active. I have past experience with bullmastiffs, a rhodisian ridgeback cross, and an Australian cattle dog and shepherd. So some of the dogs I've been really intrigued in include the: beauceron, doberman, bouviers des flandres, and dogo argentino. As you can probably tell, I like large(er) dogs and I also like dogs with protective instincts and with a sense of loyalty. I'm a stubborn person (so I'm told) so I think having a headstrong dog won't be a big problem however at the same time I don't want a dog that will challenge my authority (in a big way) every second. It's going to be a while still until I make a final decision but I just wanted to get some opinions.
Thanks!

 

[Linds]

It tends to be easier to recommend a breed to someone when they give more about what they want.

So, for instance, what kind of coat are you ok with, grooming requirements, you say you like to be outdoors but how much real physical exercise are you willing to give, how much mental exercise are you willing to give. Realistically.

Are you interested in any sports or just an outdoor companion? How athletic are you looking at?

How biddable do you want the dog to be? Do you want a dog that is a shadow dog or more independent? Do they need to be good off leash? How much training do you plan/want to do?

Health needs? Any excessive heat or cold where you are?

Does the dog need to be good with other dogs? Other people? Other animals?

And so on.

There are so many breeds out there than it really helps to get a better idea when you seriously figure out what you are looking for in a dog.

 

[N3235m]

Thanks linds, I was kind of waiting for someone to start asking specific question to help narrow it down. I myself am an athletic person I like to run, swim, etc. And for those purposes along with others i would like a comcopanion. This dog would have to be able to at least handle being around other dogs because pretty much everyone I know owns dogs. I live in (northern) California, suffice it to say it gets hot in the summer and seni-chili in the winter. Im not really interested in doing any sports at the moment but that might change. As far as the leash goes, they don't need to be excellently behaved but to come when called. I wouldn't mind if the dog was semi-independant. As for the coat, my preference is to low maintenance I guess but I know dogs like the bouviers don't fit that so I'd be willing to spend a fair amount of time a day to groom.

 

[milos_mommy]

Maybe a Chesapeake bay retriever? They're much more protective than other sporting breeds, but usually better with other dogs than the other breeds you listed.

Most of the breeds you're interested in (and many more protective breeds) aren't great with other dogs, especially strange ones. If you're willing to adopt an adult dog in rescue, you'll have a better idea of how they get along with others.

Other breeds you might want to look into: boxers, rotties (not always good with other dogs), Rhodesian ridgeback (not sure if they're out since you say you have experience but they aren't on your list), Australian shepherd.

 

[N3235m]

Milos_mommy thanks for the reply. I don't know why but the chessie is a breed that just doesn't interest me, I don't know why I've tried to like them but I can't really seem to. However for some reason I really like the curly coated retrievers. As for the rhodisian ridgeback, although it had a good temperment, it was a very independent dog and that independence eventually cost it it's life. I liked the dog just not it's tendencies sometimes.

 

[Alpha1]

Have you considered a coonhound. I have not owned one but I have friend who have.

 

[StompinT]

I have a Bouvier des Flandres (I don't think anyone else on here does), so feel free to ask me any questions. This breed could actually work quite well from what you are describing.

They are typically not described as "dog park dogs", meaning, they can be pushy and forward, and will NOT back down from a challenge. Having said that, my adolescent so far likes most dogs he meets, and will back off when given a correction by the dog in question (he is still in the I-want-to-play-play-play stage of life). But he is unquestionably confident, and pushy, and can be a bit rude with other dogs. I think he feels he can badger dogs into playing with him.

The most amazing aspect of the breed is their undying devotion to their person. They loves their families, and typically have one person that they are incredibly bonded to. My dog follows me from room to room, and just hangs out. He wants nothing more than to be near me. I'm pretty sure he'd do anything for me, and it's an amazing feeling.

They are slow to mature, which can honestly be a little annoying. Dealing with a 90 lb puppy can be a challenge, to put it mildly. They are headstrong, and stubborn, but actually reasonably biddable. Definitely responds more to positive training than getting harsh.

Many mature Bouviers live without fences, as they don't want to stray from home.

Feel free to ask me any specific questions you have. There is a Bouvier appreciation facebook group that has some really, really experiences Bouvier people who can provide you invaluable advice if you are interested.