Can you help me pick a dog please? - Page 1

Hi guys hope you can help me out on a dog breed for my husband and I, but will primarily be my dog since he works late and will sometimes be out of town on occasion. I’m leaning towards the Dutch shepherd or Belgian Shepherd(either malinois or gronendael) but am open for other opinions on breeds.

Firstly I believe my living arrangements may present a problem as I have no backyard but, live in a temporary 725sq ft apartment next to a 2+ acre park, have a small dark park across the street and a dog beach 20 minutes driving distance and am willing to provide 3-4 hrs of exercise daily along with an hr of training, I’m unsure if this would be enough.

Next I’m very small I am a mere 100 lbs at 5’2’’ and am unsure if I would become overpowered by such an energetic dog. Although I am an ex horse handler, rehabilitator and know how to handle a pushy animal.

I have two cats, one five years 12lbs one 5 months 11lbs both are unsure what to think of a dog and I have received mixed information on how well a Dutch or Mal will take to small animals. This is the same for small children since I am unaware when I will be having my own and need a reliable dog in that area as well.

I am not looking for a dog to put into French Ring, Schutzhund, etc. although, I am willing to participate in fly ball, agility or obedience.

I live in California and there are breed restrictions so please take this into consideration if giving opinions on a separate breed, this includes the German Shepherd even though I am familiar with the breed and grew up with them I cannot rent with them.

Thanks- K0nok0

I would caution against the Mal or Dutchie for any non working home (there are of course exceptions). If you don't have a job for them to preform every day on a constant basis, they will drive you insane.

For what you are looking for you may want a GSD. Of course I am biased, but I am speaking from a trainer's point of view. You don't want an over the top dog drives wise, but not a couch potato either. You can find what you are looking for in either show or working lines, you just need to look around and talk to as many people as you can. Every one will say their "type" of dog is the best, but if you take the best info. from all that you meet then you will develop in your mind what you want.

Also, go to as many clubs and see the types of GSD people are working. Inquire about their lines and where they got the dog from. This will help direct you to breeders who breed the type of dog you like.

I have a Mali and have had and worked more then a few Malis. It takes a special kind of person to channel the drive of a good working Mali. Like I mentioned, there are exceptions to the rule, but finding a lower drive good mali is next to impossible. A GSD is probably a better bet.

Thank you,
Melissa

I missed the last paragraph with the no renting w/shepherds.

In that case, what about a spaniel ( not cocker), weimerainer (sp?) chesepeak bay retreiver, etc...  I had a client board a Field Spaniel not that long ago that was a certified disaster HRD dog. That dog was driven!!!

Melissa

Thanks for your imput guys, I grew up with a german shepherd during my childhood but unfortunatly we had to put him down at age 8. And I would have probably gone that direction if not for laws regulations etc, here in california if you rent, you are absolutely not allowed to have a GSD unless they are ADA certified. Thus I was atracted to the Mali and Dutch since they are close in  catergory as well as healthier than the GSD.

As far as personality goes, I want a dog that will be protective of our family but will understand when it should and should not act. Since dog bite laws in California are horendous hell, even if you shoot someone who breaks in here it's a pain much less if they fall over your cofee table. I'm good with either semi aloof or in my face attention now my husband on the other hand would prefer slightly aloof or somewhere in between.

My husband does not want a mixed unless it was from a breeder who could gauruntee the temperment of the dog as well as it's health. I will probably get a puppy due to the limited amount of stress it will put on my cats and give the dog time to become familiar with livestock.

I was thinking on flyball since there are about three clubs in my area, and it seems to be the cheapest. Yes the excersise will be throughout the day starting 7am to 7 or 8 at night.  

I just looked at the breed profiles for the spaniels melba thanks for the imput, although I am looking for something a little larger possibly in 50-60lbs area 70lbs max dur to renting restrictions also I had a friend with a spaniel, unsure of her type, but the dog seemed like the type that would have trampled a child in order to get your attention instead. Just personal experience also excessive barking is not permited where I live I'm unsure if a hunting dog would train as eaily for that as a shepherd. Thanks again.

What about a Beauceron?

Melissa

I had thought of the Beuarecon but here in Cali if something looks like something you're profiled by other pet owners to them the dog looks like a dobbie pin mix and therefore would prejudice against the dog. I saw a man screaming at a pitbul mix at a dog park for being too close to his little shitzu even though the bit was playing and wagging its tail no sign of agression. Also its final size with some will reach 110lbs

By appearence a smaller dutchie could appear as a cattle dog mix which has close to little negative influence. I have been looking at dog breeds for 3 straight years and have tried to keep current with rent laws, dog racism etc. California is just about the capital of liberalism makes me sad might as well move to Utah.

Have you thought about a Corgie ? They are like mini GSDs.. they have drive, are safe around farm animals.. and if brought home young enough you can teach it to leave your cat's alone.

I have not seen any sane/nice ACDs (though I know they are out there :)) and have been attacked walking my dogs on 3 seperate occasions by 3 seperate ACDs. All of which would "never attack a person or another dog". Their owner of one was stupid enough to cudle/hug ( think foo foo baby voice) the dog after I bear sprayed it ( I warned her the dog had been sprayed!!!!)

A Dutchie or Mali look to the layperson like a GSD mix. They have pointy ears and resemble a GSD. I get that all of the time with mine.

Maybe you should wait a bit longer until you are able to have the dog you want??

Melissa