Can anyone recommend dog breeds I should consider? - Page 1

Hi all, my dog passed last year and I'm finally ready to get a new dog. I've had German Shepherds my whole life but would like some alternative breed options that don't shed as much.

Some aspects I am looking for are:
-I prefer larger dogs.

-Minimal shedding if possible (but please recommend any breed)

-I live in Georgia for now but will be relocating to Indiana at the end of the year so the breed needs to tolerate the temperature there.

-The house I am moving to is on a 4.5 acre lot that is gated and fenced all around so if the breed has decent watchdog traits that would be better (just looking for it to bark and alert me if there is someone/something on the property). All my previous German Shepherds were backyard bred/from puppy mill rescues so did not exude typical German Shepherd traits. They would bark at everything except the doorbell or someone pulling into the driveway.

-I do a lot of cross country road trips and hiking so a dog with the energy and personality to keep up would be ideal.

-All my past dogs were rescues but had a multitude of issues so I'm looking to get a puppy from a reputable breeder this time around.

Any and all opinions are greatly appreciated.

There’s nothing like gsds, but of course you mentioned the shedding. Before we owned gsds, we had multiple Airedale terriers. They don’t have excessive shedding, but require more grooming if you want them to look up to standard. You can let their hair grow long and curly if that doesn’t bother you. They are good watch dogs and great family dogs. Very healthy. They are often used to hunt wild boar and bears so they do really well in the outdoors. They are very courageous dogs. It is often said that Airedales don’t start fights, they end them. They aren’t easily angered, but they will stand their ground. They can be a little on the clumsy side. Pretty loyal, but not like a gsd. Fairly easy to train but can be stubborn.

If you can find a 'working' Bouvier, they are relatively non-shedding (some people cut their coat) and can be very good watch/guard dogs. My first dog was a Bouvier, and he was wonderful with children but a very fierce protector of us and our property - you would have to kill him to hurt us. It is difficult to get a 'proper' Bouvier with any working temperament these days, but someone one here who has good knowledge of these dogs and who is still breeding working type Bouviers told me about this person:

http://www.facebook.com/carolina.vanduijvenbode

A properly-built 'working' Bouvier has enough endurance and energy to go hiking and work a farm or property and they have great loyalty.     If you are looking for an alternative working dog that doesn't shed, consider this breed.

Another one to consider, if you can find anyone who breeds for correct working temperament is the Giant Schnauzer     I don't know of any 'working' GS breeders, so cannot point you in any direction.    Good luck with your search.

For people who are interested in some quality workingline bouvier FCI  -KNPV-IPO kennels

 

http://www.fokrohof.nl

http://www.dutch.nl/caya/mainindex.htm

https://eltonshomeworkingbouviers.wordpress.com/

If you want a really big dog, with a personality more like that of a GSD than some other giant breeds (Newfies etc), you could think about a Leonburger. The couple of these I had as part of my 'pack' at work did not seem to be prolific shedders; having the slightly longer coat than the GSDs seemed to make it hold in more ... our two girls were up for long walks. They are not really a Sport breed though, the Bouvier might suit better if you want to work the dog seriously.

If you are looking for larger dogs, you can also consider the Sarplaninac.

http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/sharplaninac/dog.html?id=2844672-bux-fci-4302

Not a real large dog but very active and are a very good alternative breed is the Australian Cattle Dog...I love this breed and are super nice as long as you have a busy...active life style...They also need room to run and exercise...

~Bob~

I agree a working Bouvier may be a fine match and suggest you speak to Carla with http://dutcheastdogs.com in Virginia Beach. Carla is exceptionally knowledgeable of the breed (and working dogs in general..) and has earned an excellent reputation as a trainer and breeder of working Bouviers. Carla strive to place her pups into homes according to temperament and the puppy-buyer’s prior experience to ensure both a good match and a great life for her pups.
I highly recommend her and she may have exactly what you’re looking for in your next dog - if not she’ll point you in a direction better suited to your situation.
But as with most breeds there are Bouv breeders happy to sell pups to any/all interested - I should know as I’ve rehomed dogs sold as 8 wk pups to novice owners that were 80+ yrs old and pups sold on “2-4-1 breeder-deals” to green buyers just to give a couple examples..

Good luck - and feel free to contact me if a re-home Bouv is of interest.