Need Help From Dog-Knowledgeable Freepers

Me ^ | July 5, 2002 | Yours Truly

[Pharmboy]

We are moving from Manhattan to the mountains of New Jersey (only half-kidding; they're the Kittatinnys). We have an apartment dog (a Bichon Frisse) but now I want a good family-friendly dog that will be an excellent loyal and protective dog.

I originally thought of a boxer, but then someone told me they do not bark. Now I am thinking of a German Shepherd. I want to purchase the animal as a puppy and would like to pay 800 bucks or less.

Thanks for your freephelp.

[Pharmboy]

Freepmail me if you like.

Pharmboy

[HairOfTheDog]

You can't do better than a Labrador Retriever for a good family friendly dog, In my not-so-humble opinion!

[Samizdat]

Lab or a Golden retriever are both good. Smart, loyal. Don't get an Irish Setter. Dingbat dogs.

[HairOfTheDog]

Here is mine... In his younger days... he is nearly 15 now.

The link, unfortunately will not last long, because Webshots is a lousy place to link pics from... Here is the page it came from if the pic isn't working...

But to tell you the truth, if you are looking for a pet, you can save your money, and save a forever grateful dog, by getting a mutt from the pound!

[Cagey]

We have an apartment dog (a Bichon Frisse) but now I want a good family-friendly dog that will be an excellent loyal and protective dog.

I trust you are still keeping the Bichon Frisse, right?

I used to live in those "mountains" in northwest New Jersey and it's a wonderful place to have a dog. I had a couple of acres and almost half of it had an "Invisible Fence" so our Lab could enjoy all the running she wanted to.

I think Sinkspur may have a Bichon and I've heard they are a wonderful breed and not just "apartment" dogs.

[katnip]

First, Congratulations on getting out ( I've got 2 more years to go).

Lab or Golden I agree with.

Be really careful with the breeders though.

I've had a bad Lab and my sister had to return a 6 month old Golden after it ripped her hand apart.

I have an Irish Red and White Setter puppy.

Fantastic disposition, but insanely energetic.

Good luck.

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

We had a Husky......they don't bark, but they sure scare the hell out of anyone walking up.......they just stare...... but they are so loveable..........

[Inge_CAV]

"You can't do better than a Labrador Retriever for a good family friendly dog, In my not-so-humble opinion!"

I agree, the Labrador Retriever is the best choice for a family friendly dog. IMHO too.

[another cricket]

Doberman Pincher. They are smart, loyal, obedient, and lovable and they don’t shed. Lavish them with love and they will die for you. Check out a couple of books on them and talk to a breeder to see if they are the right dogs for you. I have owned two, Shasta and Shawn and I would own no other dog. The only sorrow they ever caused me was when they left me.

a.cricket

[Pharmboy]

Our Bichon will be with us until the end of her days...she is one of the best dogs I ever had. And that was something I forgot to mention: the new dog must be able to get along with the little one.

Are Labs good watch dogs?? I know they are great family dogs, but will they protect?

[HairOfTheDog]

And mutts are not to be underestimated either, lots of nice mixed breed dogs need homes, and can be just as fabulous as a purebred, if not better, as a pet.

Many of the breeds have been finely bred for a particular function, and have inherited drives to do one thing, as well as inherited common faults. Mutts can often be more balanced and free of some of the breed defects, with sweet and appreciative temperments!

[Kaslin]

My suggestion is go to your local humane society and get a puppy from there

[Pharmboy]

I had thought about a Dobie. Thanks--I will do more research.

[Pharmboy]

My wife had suggested that but I thought a mutt would be more of a crap shoot; but, I have an open mind and perhaps we will investigate some pounds after we move. Thanks.

[Cagey]

Labs will alert you if something is up, most likely. But where you're moving to you don't need a Pit Bull for protection. Mailbox bashing and cow tipping makes the front page in Sussex county.

[HairOfTheDog]

A labrador is not likely to bite someone. But unless you are really going to have a finely trained protection dog, you don't want a biter. Really. So yes. They will bark at anyone who comes up, but the tail wagging and the face will be smiling! And that is all you want, unless you are a pro, in which case you would not be asking!

[dwilli]

Check into English Springer Spaniels. Have owned
the breed for twenty-five years and will as long
as I am able. Friendliest, most loving dogs on earth>

[Inge_CAV]

"you don't want a biter."

I have had a couple of German Shepherds in the past and they were tempted to bite strangers. Fortunately they didn't but I kept an eye on them just in case.

[LibWhacker]

I'm no dog expert, that's for sure. But I do own a German Shepherd and let me tell you: It'll spoil you for life; I don't know if I'll ever be happy with another dog. Generally, they are extremely loyal, intelligent and protective. However, there also seems to be a huge amount of variability. German Shepherd's are like a box of chocolates: You never know what you're going to get. :-)

For instance, my dog is very nervous and fearful around strangers (particularly children), and will snap at them for no apparent reason whatsoever. So I don't let him get anywhere close to other people. He does not bark unless I'm playing catch with him. You'll never have a better friend than a German Shepherd who love you, but I know if a burglar or robber ever breaks into our house, I'll be protecting him, not the other way around.

German Shepherds also need lots of exercise (i.e., a yard or frequent walks), so I'm not sure it's a good choice for big-city apartment living.

Go here, click on 'breeds' and browse through the list to see if you can find something you really like. I'm sure if you follow their advice you'll maximize your chances of getting something you'll be happy with. Good luck!

[HairOfTheDog]

My Dal-brador is a bit too sharp with strangers too... I have no doubt she is capable of biting someone who threatens her (or me I suppose) But I try to correct it... Not good to be sued by the the pizza boy!

She is a liability, and I worry.