Plucky Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 My poor little pug can't walk the distances I like. I'm also out walking the kids. I want a dog that is gentle, but scary to others so I feel protected. Any good suggestions? And doesn't cost a fortune. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mynyel Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 (edited) Get a lab.... or in out case a lab/border collie mix. He can go for long walks (well used to but he has a hip problem now and we take it easy on him, efore the hip problem though dh ran with him) and he just doesn't care about anything. Except strangers around the house. :D He weighed 99 pounds when he got his rabies booster in June. I think he weighs more now, he looks bigger. Lug. ETA: I just thought... 4 hours nonstop might be a bit much. We would go for hikes and such for a few hours and stop a long the way and he was fine. Edited October 30, 2011 by Mynyel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WiseOwlKnits Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 I second the suggestion of a Lab. Ours is very very gentle, loves kids, and loooooves going for hikes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scmama Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 I agree to the above! I would recommend the lab. We have one, he'll be 4 in May. He is awesome. I've noticed how he plays differently with each child. I have a 5 yr old, a 10yr old, and a 13 yr old. With the youngest, he's very sweet and easy, doesn't pull him, or knock him down, plays very gently. With my oldest, who's a boy, he's a bit more rough, like he knows he can handle a pull or a jump up, and wrestles with him! LOL He just understands which needs which. They are awesome family dogs. He has a deep bark, and he's a huge dog. He does scared people when they see him. But little do they know he's just another mama's boy!! :) He tends to follow me around the house, and has become my little shadow. So I do feel is someone was to try to hurt me, he would protect me. He doesn't even like dh to get to close to me, and keeps a watchful eye on him! LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jar7709 Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 You could also consider a rotweiler or lab/rot mix. They are very loyal and sweet with a lot of endurance, intimidating to strangers but very trainable. Did you ever read 'Good Dog Carl'? :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane Elliot Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 (edited) We love our Norwegian Elkhound. He goes on long hikes with us, but he's not overly active at home. He'll sit under the table the whole time dd is doing her school, letting her keep her feet warm on him. He looks like a small wolf or German Shepherd. He's very obedient and easy to train. ETA: I have no idea how much these dogs cost. Our dog is pure-bred, but he was given to us by a breeder. Edited October 30, 2011 by Luann in ID Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest IdahoMtnMom Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 (edited) We love our golden retriever. She is 10 months, awesome with the kids, a great hiking companion and camping dog... very mellow, plays well with other dogs, trained VERY easily and was only $300 from a local breeder... ETA: My parents have a golden from the same breeder as do my neighbors (same litter as my parents doggie, actually) and both dogs are also awesome dogs. I don't think the neighbors Buddy gets out and hikes all that often, but he good with their kids and cats. Micah, my parents dog, has done 13 mile loop with my dad to the Pioneer cabin with an elevation gain of 2000 and he was fine... with lots of water, of course :-) Edited October 30, 2011 by IdahoMtnMom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plucky Posted October 30, 2011 Author Share Posted October 30, 2011 So a lab or lab mix is the choice? I love golden retrievers, too. I'll start looking. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bnrmom Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 How about a boxer? My SIL has had several and they have all been super sweet gentle dogs, and love long walks. They also tend to scare people as they are mistaken for pitbulls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plucky Posted October 30, 2011 Author Share Posted October 30, 2011 I thought about a boxer, but I don't know enough about them. You are right they do look like pitbulls. I need to look them up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenpatty Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 Another vote for labs! Well, lab mixes, that is... Ours is a black lab/hound mix and she is so sweet! She only plays rough with the boys when they play rough with her & egg her on. She also has a huge bark when strangers come up to the house. (Though she'd only lick them to death, should they try to enter.) As I type, she is belly up on the couch, snoring. I love our dog! Forgot to mention, she has boundless energy when needed for long walks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hedgehog Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 (edited) German or Belgian Shepherds, as long as you don't mind brushing and dealing with dog hair! ETA- just thinking about the "protecting" part of your requirement - a GSD or Rottie would be perfect for that, since no-one in their right mind would mess with either and both have a good bark on them. In reality, however, provided that either breed is well-trained and well-socialised, and hasn't been subject to ill-treatment, they'd probably just bark as a way of saying hello and being excited to meet someone new. Edited October 30, 2011 by Hedgehog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 border collie, they can walk/ run for a very long way. My ds regularly takes ours for a 14 km run. ds rides his bike, the dog runs right beside him. My neighbour does triathlons, his border collie trains with him. he has made a cute little trailer for his bike for the dog to sit in when he does the bike part Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keptwoman Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 We have a boxer, she would fulfil your requirements. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 Canaan dog. Ours is awesome with the kids but is big like a German shepard. Boone comes near the house cause he barks like crazy. He matches his energy level to us- loves to hike and run but is content to just lay around also. The one drawback is they shed alot at certain times of the year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TXMomof4 Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 (edited) I thought about a boxer, but I don't know enough about them. You are right they do look like pitbulls. I need to look them up. Boxers are fantastic family dogs. We've had a boxer mix and now a boxer from a breeder and I adore him. He's just about the sweetest, most lovable dog ever. He's goofy, but very smart and fantastic with kids. We got him when he was a year old and he is a little nervous around adults. He absolutely loves kids though. Ds rides him like a horse, uses him for a pillow, wrestles with him, Oz will drag him around the house on his rear when they're playing tug of war - they're best buds. About 2 months after we got him we had a group of people over at our house. There were probably 12 kids there -Oz was laying in the middle and all the kids on their knees around him, petting and loving on him. The baby of the group crawls over and grabs his big jowls to pull up to standing. I'm running because who likes their lips grabbed and yanked, but Oz just laid there and when the baby moved his hand he gave him a big lick across the face. I decided then that he's one of my top 2 pets ever. He'll probably make it to number 1 when we've had him longer. He loves walks - not running. Of course, that could be because he's as out of shape as I am for running. And not too, too hot. Moving from KS to GA in July just about did him in. We all hid in the AC for the first few weeks. Let me see if I can find a picture of him. He's a brindle boxer, so he looks a little scary - everyone thinks he's a bulldog - which is ridiculous, because bulldogs have not so cute faces and Oz is precious. That's my essay on my wonderful dog - check out boxers. They're fantastic. Edited October 30, 2011 by TXMomof4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plucky Posted October 30, 2011 Author Share Posted October 30, 2011 I am looking at a lab mix that is 1 1/2 years old? She knows sit, down, stay. Does she sound like a good fit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MariannNOVA Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 You might also look at a hound - we have a blue tick hound - he is a pure bred, we adopted him from rescue - he was just about a year old -- we have had him for 2.5 years. He is mellow, laid back, doesn't counter surf, doesn't jump, weighs 62 lbs and that is as big as he will get, he is loyal, and he could run 20 miles a day at a clip. And, he is a short hair so I am not constantly vacuuming or sweeping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plucky Posted October 30, 2011 Author Share Posted October 30, 2011 You might also look at a hound - we have a blue tick hound - he is a pure bred, we adopted him from rescue - he was just about a year old -- we have had him for 2.5 years. He is mellow, laid back, doesn't counter surf, doesn't jump, weighs 62 lbs and that is as big as he will get, he is loyal, and he could run 20 miles a day at a clip. And, he is a short hair so I am not constantly vacuuming or sweeping. He's gorgeous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goodgollycr Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 I am not a dog person, but I love our Rottweiler. She is super sweet and the most obedient dog we've ever had. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MariannNOVA Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 He's gorgeous. Thank you -- he is such a good dog (and I didn't want a dog b/c I foresaw alot of extra work for me) that I am considering telling dh and the kids that perhaps he needs a sibling. THAT's how good he is.;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tex-mex Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 (edited) German or Belgian Shepherds, as long as you don't mind brushing and dealing with dog hair! :confused: You mean a Belgian Sheepdog? Not to be confused with the Belgian Malinois: http://www.akc.org/breeds/belgian_malinois/ http://www.akc.org/breeds/belgian_sheepdog/ We used to own and show Malinois. Great dog choice for active lifestyles. The breed loves a challenge. But I do not recommend the breed for those who have never raised one before. You have to be in command, period. Ours was a "reject" from a breeder who sold them to K-9 and armed forces types. As a result, he was very gentle and loving -- but needed constant training as he loved to be engaged as a puppy. Once he grew up, he became more sedate and just loved our company. He was 115 lbs and came to my hips. He sure did scare a lot of people -- but he was a teddy bear. ;) Edited October 31, 2011 by tex-mex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tutor Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 We've been very happy with our red heeler (Australian Cattle Dog). We got him from the pound when he was 3 months old. He likes having something to do, but if we take him on a long walk or out to play soccer (he loves fetching soccer balls) he is content to snuggle for hours afterward. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southernm Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 (edited) We are boxer people here. If you want constant entertainment, go with a boxer. Belle is such a clown. When outside, she loves to throw random balls/toys in the air and bounce them with her nose. She has taught herself to pull the tap on the water cooler, fill up the bottom tray, and get herself a nice cold drink. She is not aggressive towards the birds and animals that are around (we live on the water) she just looks at them funny and goes back to playing. When she is really tired, she will sleep on her back in her crate with all paws in the air. She was very easy to train as well. The owners from her litter stay in contact through a fb page. It's hilarious to see what the other pups are up to. One owner posted a pic today of their boxer watching his favorite afternoon cartoon "X-Men"! They are a riot! Edited October 31, 2011 by southernm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annlaura Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 You might also look at a hound - we have a blue tick hound - he is a pure bred, we adopted him from rescue - he was just about a year old -- we have had him for 2.5 years. He is mellow, laid back, doesn't counter surf, doesn't jump, weighs 62 lbs and that is as big as he will get, he is loyal, and he could run 20 miles a day at a clip. And, he is a short hair so I am not constantly vacuuming or sweeping. He is gorgeous! What a charmer! Funny, but DSnearly5 asked for a blue tick last night. And my foolish self actually looked at a hound rescue to see if any needed, um, fostering. I was going to suggest one of the bigger hounds. They can go and go and go, but also will cheerfully lie on a chair and veg. And they are typically great with kids. If you had a bigger one, like a blue tick, you would have the safety factor as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraGB Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 You might also look at a hound - we have a blue tick hound - he is a pure bred, we adopted him from rescue - he was just about a year old -- we have had him for 2.5 years. He is mellow, laid back, doesn't counter surf, doesn't jump, weighs 62 lbs and that is as big as he will get, he is loyal, and he could run 20 miles a day at a clip. And, he is a short hair so I am not constantly vacuuming or sweeping. :iagree::iagree: Ours are all of those things, well, except the youngest is a bit of a counter surfer, but I accept accountability for that :blush:. Sweet, affectionate, loving, loyal. Totally able to do the 4 mile trek with no problem whatsoever. I think they are bred to run (to hunt) for many miles without tiring. Love mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southernm Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 Here's Belle when she was a baby! DSC_0069 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MariannNOVA Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 He is gorgeous! What a charmer! Funny, but DSnearly5 asked for a blue tick last night. And my foolish self actually looked at a hound rescue to see if any needed, um, fostering. I was going to suggest one of the bigger hounds. They can go and go and go, but also will cheerfully lie on a chair and veg. And they are typically great with kids. If you had a bigger one, like a blue tick, you would have the safety factor as well. We went to a rescue event yesterday b/c we were donating dog and cat food that the twins had requested be brought to their birthday party in lieu of gifts -- and i had looked through their website the evening before to see 'who' they had. I think I would take another blue tick in a heartbeat -- unfortunately, they are all too common at our rescue events -- when hunting season is over, the hunters (:cursing:) will take the hounds to the woods and let them loose - a hound will run for 20 miles without stopping -- our hound was found in the woods and brought to one of our rescue foundations. He had probably been wandering in the woods for a couple of weeks judging by how thin he was. It's so sad. With the colder weather coming, he hibernates -- I am the only other living being I know who likes to sleep as much as he does.:D :iagree::iagree: Ours are all of those things, well, except the youngest is a bit of a counter surfer, but I accept accountability for that :blush:. Sweet, affectionate, loving, loyal. Totally able to do the 4 mile trek with no problem whatsoever. I think they are bred to run (to hunt) for many miles without tiring. Love mine. Yup -- they are bred to go all day in the woods -- or anywhere for that matter. Although, ours is a hoot -- if I take him out and it is very hot, at some point, he will find shade and sit down and will.not.budge.:glare: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracy in Ky Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 We love, love, love our gentle giant--Frosty. He is a Great Pyrenees. He can hike with us and is intimidating but friendly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plucky Posted October 31, 2011 Author Share Posted October 31, 2011 Update: Well I ended up not following any of your advice. I was in get a dog/puppy mode. I couldn't get an adult one from anyone that I liked, i.e. didn't have major problems. I ended up getting a Husky German Shepherd mix pup. She is very sweet and gentle, of course she's 9 wks old. I was just reading that both breeds have a ton of energy. I plan on walking her 3-5 miles a day when she's matured. Anyone have Husky German Shepherd mix experience? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraGB Posted November 1, 2011 Share Posted November 1, 2011 Update: Well I ended up not following any of your advice. I was in get a dog/puppy mode. I couldn't get an adult one from anyone that I liked, i.e. didn't have major problems. I ended up getting a Husky German Shepherd mix pup. She is very sweet and gentle, of course she's 9 wks old. I was just reading that both breeds have a ton of energy. I plan on walking her 3-5 miles a day when she's matured. Anyone have Husky German Shepherd mix experience? Um. And the pictures of her are where???? Congrats, btw! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheryl Posted November 1, 2011 Share Posted November 1, 2011 *********** I just read your update. I really need to read those before replying! :iagree: Lab! We have our 2nd lab. Our first one passed away, and we like labs so much we adopted our 2nd one. We've had labs for 20 years. They are very social pets. They are referred to as "lap" dogs sometimes b/c they just love their family....adults and kids. They are mostly gentle. Now an "alpha" is much more spirited and you may want to steer away from that. Our first was the runt and the BEST lab. Our 2nd was alpha female and she's VERY smart, but a bit on the hyper side.....comparing labs to labs only here. Yes, they can hike. We hike. We live in Charlotte and get to the mtns as often as possible. We took our lab and she was great. 4 hours is quite a bit. Will there be rests? If you hike and take bottled water, may I suggest that you take a bottled water for your canine. Petsmart and like places sell a nylon type bowl that is collapsable! I've always wanted one and we haven't bought one. Perhaps this thread will incite to do so...;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jann in TX Posted November 1, 2011 Share Posted November 1, 2011 Growing up I had a boxer-- wonderful family dog! When my cat had kittens and she wanted to go outside she would bring them over to our boxer (one by one) and then meow and walk towards the door-- it was hilarious! Somewhere my Dad has a picture we took once... dog was laying quietly as 5 little kittens crawled ALL OVER HIM! This happened repeatedly for more than one litter! I'm a German Shepherd person now-- we have had 5 (will be loosing one in the next few weeks...) and will get another GS next spring... once trained (mine have been EASY to train) they are great family dogs--and loyal floor rugs. Ours LOVE to go hiking at the nearby state park... our male carries a pack too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plucky Posted November 1, 2011 Author Share Posted November 1, 2011 Um. And the pictures of her are where???? Congrats, btw! I have to figure out how to put it on here from my phone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frontier Mom Posted November 1, 2011 Share Posted November 1, 2011 I second the suggestion of a Lab. Ours is very very gentle, loves kids, and loooooves going for hikes. :iagree::iagree:Labs are so great with kids and love to be outdoors on hikes. The only drawback to ours is the hair but I can live with that considering what a terrific pet he is for our family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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