I'm thinking of getting a dog. My wife wants a little dog while I prefer a bigger one perhaps in the 30 to 50 lb. range. Dog characteristics I'm looking for:

1. It shouldn't shed a lot.

2. It would be nice if it could be taught to track and retrieving would be a bonus.

3. It needs to be a good watch dog.

4. It will need to be housebroken.

5. It should not eat small children or our cat.

Breeds I'm considering:

1. Jack Russell Terrier

2. German Pincher

3. Doberman Pincher

4. Poodlepointer

Any other ideas or counsel?

Deutscher Wachtelhund

I won't own another breed. I've got a couple pups left from a litter whelped the first week in December. You can see a couple of pics a couple of threads down.

Pudelpointer,

will kill cat's just like most German, Austrian and Czech versatile hunting breeds.

Jack Russels are great dogs, excellent companions and lion hearted like you wouldn't believe but I'd never trust them with cats or (young) children.

How about a labrador?

Labs have to be one of the most laid back, easily trained and family friendly breeds in the world.

I after owning Beagles (2) over the last 15 or so years can't see myself without one.




Cal30

Boykin spaniel and I guarantee your wife will take it over from you. Good retriever, doesn't shed, doesn't knock things off the coffee table with his tail, very biddable, females can be less than 30#. Mine appears to be a good blood tracker also. Go to boykinspaniel.com or .org to find out more. NOT inexpensive to buy, but fairly inexpensive to maintain... e.g., hasn't destroyed any expensive leather items by chewing.

Correct about the Labs, except they shed like crazy! I know from personal experience. I would never have another one just because of the excessive shedding.
joe

I'm on my fourth lab and yes they certainly do shed. It seems to get worse when they get older, but they are such great dogs that I wouldn't have any other breed.

You've actually got no end of choice but another might be a Portuguese Pointer. I have to admit to not knowing much about them other than they'd probably fit most of your criteria & that I'm getting one in the spring.

From the little I've seen of them, they seem to be considerably less hyper than the HPR breeds.

Wife is really wound up on the shedding issue, thanks to our Brittany, Aussie and mutt. So she's been looking at Goldendoodles and Labradoodles. I think you might get lucky and get a new non-shedding friend with intelligence, personality and at least a very good possibility of some serious hunting genes.

quote:

Originally posted by Norseman:
Pudelpointer,

will kill cat's just like most German, Austrian and Czech versatile hunting breeds.

My wachtels are a German versatile breed and neither of my dogs give my wife's cats a second thought.

quote:

Originally posted by Bill/Oregon:
Wife is really wound up on the shedding issue, thanks to our Brittany, Aussie and mutt. So she's been looking at Goldendoodles and Labradoodles. I think you might get lucky and get a new non-shedding friend with intelligence, personality and at least a very good possibility of some serious hunting genes.

From the ones I've seen, their coats are like magnets for anything that wants to stick to it and hold water like crazy. Much worse than shedding in my way of thinking.

quote:

Originally posted by shakari:
Jack Russels are great dogs, excellent companions and lion hearted like you wouldn't believe but I'd never trust them with cats or (young) children.

I have to wonder, why wouldn't you want one around young children, even cats for that matter? They can be trained, especially from a pup to leave a cat alone.

Axel,

Because they've been bred for more than two centuries to go down holes & kill things.

If you do a search on something like 'jack russell attacks' you'll find plenty of evidence of why they don't mix well with babies and/or cats etc.

I like JRs but have no illusions about their basic nature.

Here's an example

To be honest here guys and yes, this really works....

I vacuum the dog and the cat. When I had horses they too got vacuumed during grooming. Makes for a really clean pet and they really do like it. Seriously! Anyway, it sure makes owning hairy beasts a lot more tolerable. There are pet brush attachments for vacuum cleaners readily available just for this chore.

Graybird,

did both of the puppies parent passed the HN-Hardnees test?

quote:

My wachtels are a German versatile breed and neither of my dogs give my wife's cats a second thought.

My Beagle is of English decent and he has a pet cat!(actually 2 of them)



Cal30

quote:

Originally posted by Aspen Hill Adventures:
To be honest here guys and yes, this really works....

I vacuum the dog and the cat. When I had horses they too got vacuumed during grooming. Makes for a really clean pet and they really do like it. Seriously! Anyway, it sure makes owning hairy beasts a lot more tolerable. There are pet brush attachments for vacuum cleaners readily available just for this chore.

I used to do that with a big German Shepherd dog, He looked a bit skeptical when his tail went up the vacuum cleaner hose but took it OK. Of course, he was very obedient and tolerant. When I wanted to removed a 2 cm cyst from the top of his head, I put him on a table in the basement, told him to lay down and stay, anesthetized the cyst with lidocaine and sutured the wound and he gave me no trouble at all.

I've never tried vacuuming my cat; I rather doubt that would go well.

I'd have another German Shepherd in a heart beat but my wife doesn't want something that big.

Thanks for all the great ideas. Some are a bit exotic and may not be readily available in Ohio; hopefully the internet will help.

quote:

Breeds I'm considering:

1. Jack Russell Terrier

2. German Pincher

3. Doberman Pincher

4. Poodlepointer

First off, ANY dog will most likely accept yur cats if brought in as a pup.

Jack Russel Terriers are born killers and any critter they encounter when out and about is going to either die or escape. They are a double coated breed that will shed quite a bit...but they're small.

German Pinscher...not sure what you're referring to but Pinschers were bred for varmint control. Will be short coated.

Doberman Pinscher....who's using Dobes for hunting?? Don't know of any so can't tell you what level of talent they might have. They are used for search and rescue and that requires a stable dog. Do lots of homework regarding temperament.

Pudelpointer..very good dogs but I'm not sure you can expect a lot of home protection beyond barking. Usually very good family dogs, excellent retrievers and couild be taught to track anything. Generally a high activity dog.
They do shed.

Someone here suggested a Wachtelhund...I would agree. Excellent temperaments. I have seen them track and push gun to the gun on driven hunts in Germany. They will retrieve anyhting they can carry with training. Great family dog and they will go to the door and make a ruckus.

I would look into a Standard Poodle. Shedding is minimal. They are VERY intelligent, excellent retrievers and will track without problem. Originally a hunting breed, a few kennels are breeding them as working dogs. Nice dogs to live with.

My dogs don't shed they live out side. so I don't have to worry about hair ,farts other bad dog problems.

quote:

Originally posted by JonP:
Someone here suggested a Wachtelhund...I would agree. Excellent temperaments. I have seen them track and push gun to the gun on driven hunts in Germany. They will retrieve anyhting they can carry with training. Great family dog and they will go to the door and make a ruckus.

I would look into a Standard Poodle. Shedding is minimal. They are VERY intelligent, excellent retrievers and will track without problem. Originally a hunting breed, a few kennels are breeding them as working dogs. Nice dogs to live with.

I am considering a Wachtelhund; I had never heard of them before my post here.

You're the second person who has recommend a Standard Poodle. I knew about the no shedding thing but had never thought of them as a retriever/hunting dog. I also think my wife would like it.

Standard poodle, great retriever's smart don't shed better sporting dog than most people give them credit for.
,

Well, I love labs, currently only have 2 along with one Golden Retriever (one of the sweetest and dumbest dogs I've ever owned, but a fine retriever) and my wife is owned by a Miniature Schnauzer. That damn dog gets more attention than I do BUT he is completely dedicated to her and will not let anything near her that he perceives as a threat. I kind of doubt their hunting abilities these days unless you found a well maintained blood line but they are fine dogs. If he was a Giant Schnauzer, no one and I mean, NO ONE, would come into the house without being invited and introduced carefully. You might consider a Schnauzer.

I used to hunt on a friend's farm who had a standard poodle from Algerian stock. She would REGULARLY out retrieve labradors. If you get one from hunting stock, you won't go wrong.

Another choice, an airedale, great kid dog, great house dog, and can be very protective.

The Boykin, mentioned above, is a great dog as well. A good friend owned one and was very enthusiastic about the breed.

GSP is another consideration.

Finally you might consider going to the pound or a dog rescue place. The cost is minimal, and MANY of the dogs there make wonderful pets. Some of the smartest dogs I've ever seen have been mutts that showed up at a house or were chosen at the pound. If they don't work out, you can always take them back.

Look at a LaborDoddle. It is a mix of Lab and standard poodle. Has the head and build of the Lab but gains the hair of the poodle and does not shed

quote:

LaborDoddle

Sorry LabraPoodle

They all shed, some more than others, Take Ann's advice, get a Shop Vac.

Stepchild

Be VERY careful of any of the "designer breeds"...there just seems to be an enormous number of genetic problems...OCD, ACL, allergies, etc.

I doubt there are very many breeders of these designer crossbreeds that really know the pedigree of the dogs they are breeding.

I agree with the standard poodle. Have them groomed with the hair the same length all over.

Also take a look at the airdale. Great dogs, don't shed much.

Italian Greyhound
Pharaoh Hound
Vishla
Basenji

Instead of going the vaccum route,try using a greyhound comb. I use one eveyday combing through my Glen of Imaal Terrier. The Glens are different but very smart and unique. They are a dwarf dog,short legs,very strong and males can weigh 50 lbs. Don't shed,but they are rodent killers so I don't know about cats.

How about an Airedale of the old-fashioned hunting type that was once America's most popular breed? Theodore Roosevelt, Warren Harding, Woodrow Wilson, and Calvin Coolidge all owned them. Avoid the show types and (for your tastes) the very large Oorang strain. The Traditional Working Airedales website is excellent for ideas on breeders. The right Airedale can hunt both birds and fur, protect your hunting camp, retrieve, and hang out with your kids. Yes, cats can be a problem, but I'm raising one to get along with them.

quote:

Originally posted by FAST996:
Instead of going the vaccum route,try using a greyhound comb. I use one eveyday combing through my Glen of Imaal Terrier. The Glens are different but very smart and unique. They are a dwarf dog,short legs,very strong and males can weigh 50 lbs. Don't shed,but they are rodent killers so I don't know about cats.

Have loved my two Glens. They have been superb pets and the bitch was without a doubt the smartest dog I have ever seen. They are not; however, for everyone. They are terriers so can be very strong willed. They need leadership to learn they are not alpha but don't do well with any abuse.

They have a very strong prey drive and should be kept on lead when out walking. They will go afte any smaller animal. My dog has problems with other dogs and will go from docile to full attack with no advanced warning. The bitch had perfect behavior (she died in June.)

They are not hunting dog. They are very strong dogs with large teeth. They can be difficult to control unless well trained. When on the attack or fighting, they are in it till the kill. Having had to separate the two on several occasions, I know that for a fact. Like snapping turtles, the hang on until it thunders and are not sensitive to pain. I have not and would not trust either with other animals or small children unless Under strict supervision and/or restraint. Neither has ever bitten anyone, there's just too much risk.

I am looking for and will get another Glen pup and don't want to put people off from this wonderful breed. But, people should be aware of all traits and characteristics before taking the plunge.

quote:

Originally posted by Oday450:

quote:

Originally posted by FAST996:
Instead of going the vaccum route,try using a greyhound comb. I use one eveyday combing through my Glen of Imaal Terrier. The Glens are different but very smart and unique. They are a dwarf dog,short legs,very strong and males can weigh 50 lbs. Don't shed,but they are rodent killers so I don't know about cats.

Have loved my two Glens. They have been superb pets and the bitch was without a doubt the smartest dog I have ever seen. They are not; however, for everyone. They are terriers so can be very strong willed. They need leadership to learn they are not alpha but don't do well with any abuse.

They have a very strong prey drive and should be kept on lead when out walking. They will go afte any smaller animal. My dog has problems with other dogs and will go from docile to full attack with no advanced warning. The bitch had perfect behavior (she died in June.)

They are not hunting dog. They are very strong dogs with large teeth. They can be difficult to control unless well trained. When on the attack or fighting, they are in it till the kill. Having had to separate the two on several occasions, I know that for a fact. Like snapping turtles, the hang on until it thunders and are not sensitive to pain. I have not and would not trust either with other animals or small children unless Under strict supervision and/or restraint. Neither has ever bitten anyone, there's just too much risk.

I am looking for and will get another Glen pup and don't want to put people off from this wonderful breed. But, people should be aware of all traits and characteristics before taking the plunge.

Oday450,

Sorry to hear you lost your Glen.

Yes they are superb pets,as they are all about pleasing their owner. My Glen is very sociable around other dogs,but I would not want to break a part a fight between another dog.

Glens pound for pound are very strong,well muscled and surprisingly quick with their short build. A owner must be the "boss" with these dogs as they will try and push the envelope and gain control. That being said,they are extremely loyal and love attention,quick learners and good working dogs. Mine will retreive but doesn't like water.

Everybody that meets my Glen falls in love instantly. He is a people dog for sure and can't wait to Glen sit for them and get his tummy rubbed. They are the most unique dogs I have ever been around,but they like you say are not for everyone.

I think most breeders are women. Glens are rare as there is only about 1,000 in the US. The breed does well in Finland,Germany,UK and it's native Ireland.

Here is a Glen owners Facebook page with about 240 members.

Oday450 I like you hope to get another Glen soon.

http://www.facebook.com/groups...ups/213654242059450/
50lbs at 17 months old

quote:

Originally posted by shakari:
Axel,

Because they've been bred for more than two centuries to go down holes & kill things.

If you do a search on something like 'jack russell attacks' you'll find plenty of evidence of why they don't mix well with babies and/or cats etc.

I like JRs but have no illusions about their basic nature.

Here's an example

I know what they were bred for, still doesn't change my mind. I grew up with smaller terriers that were plenty gamey and the rule of thumb from my parents was don't take any crap from them. I have a JR/Fox terrier mix and he is great with kids and also knows how to catch and kill furry four legged critters. I also got him to live in a house with a cat for a short period and I have no doubt that he would be fine with one long term.

Of course there will be seemingly lots of JR biting incidents, there are thousands of JR's out there.

A standard poodle would be a good choice and a dog I'd like to see more of in the woods. Just be ready for boundless energy and a very willing to please attitude.

Any hunting breed can be raised to trained to do what you want or not do what you don't. I have a lab and yes he does shed but he is great with kids, cats, dogs, people, etc. and loves to hunt. He is also a dog that wouldn't be happy if someone broke into the house. I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of him in a bad mood.

Picking a pup out of a litter with the temperment that will fit you is the biggest hurdle.

I had a black lab that was a fantastic dog while I was growing up. He only had two faults,dog agressive,he would fight at the drop of a pin and he had a sex drive that caused him to eat thru garage doors to get to his bitches. Other than that he was the best.

Terriers will be terriers,they like to dig and hunt. Very strong willed,but my Glen is all about his master,more so than my Lab and that's something.

Perhap's a Hanoverian? Strictly a blood/scent tracking specialist not a sighthound.

My daughter will be breeding her Pomeranians soon. They are guaranteed not to eat small children or even cats (although they would like to eat cats, just can't pull it off). Fairly good watchdogs -- scream bloody murder at any outside noise and have successfully defended the house from the garbage men for the last five years running. They can track their way to a food dish and occasionally retrieve a dead baby squirrel.

Considering your needs, they are perfect! Book early or lose your chance.

The only dog I can see that matches your requirements.
HANDS DOWN THE BEST DOG I HAVE EVER OWNED
HAVE 2 now.
VIZSLA
Please check them out wonderful with kids, they are great hunters. Short hair, Velcro dog
And one hell of a watch dog.
Larry

I wonder if there is a "best". I had a GSP who was my best friend. I later had a Chesapeake who was purely wonderful. I had a golden Lab. whom I loved and who amazed me with his quiet brilliance and goodness. I now have a golden retriever whom I absolutely adore. Each has been a unique and bright light in my life.