I am thinking of purchasing another dog. I do foster care for displaced dogs and I foster them until they get good homes. I am good with dogs of all kinds. The last several I have actually owned myself were St.Bernard, Lab & Rott mix, Collie & lab mix (ex wifes dog), and a dobberman. Ok So that being said my last dog experience didn’t go well I had to take responsibility for my animal and have him euthenized. He went insane. I was safe but no one else was. He was an animal who they said his skull stopped growing and his brain kept growing and the pressure on his brain made him nuts to say the least. He tried to kill children, women, men, cats anything that wasn’t me or my wife at the time. I though it was a protective thing I took him to Dog obedience training starting at age 4 months… By the time he reached 8 months I had to have him put down. I never ever want to have to do that again. I love big dogs I am looking at in no particular order Rotts, Dobbermans, Neopolitan mastiff, and mastiff. I would like everyones opinion on this but especially people who have large breed dogs. Don’t tell me to get a yipper. Don’t get me wrong I know dogs and am pretty good with them I am just having difficulty desciding on the breed, breeder and living arrangement. Thank you,
I have a pitbull/german sheppard mix. She is a great dog. Very intelligent, gentle is other animals (if she is told to be), rarely barks, hardly begs, very playful, loves other dogs. And on top of all of that i think she is gorgeous. If you’d like i can upload a picture somewhere and put up a link to a picture of her. She’s not too big, 75lbs of pure muscle and strong as all hell.
I’m a big fan of the ‘bull’ breeds. Pit, AmStaff, American Bull, etc. They take a lot of work to socialize them, but you can’t ask for a more loyal dog. They are not the bets for home protection though, because regardless of the bad press, they don’t instinctively go after people.
You did the right thing bro…It is not easy but they are animals and if they don’t make your life better and safer then you did the right thing. But fuck it hurts doesn’t it. I have four Rotties. I actually bought one fully trained and 3 weeks after the purchase we learned he had been shot by a 9mm richochet. He healed so as no one could see but he turned out going crazy and we had to put him down and then we had to sue the place that raised him. YUK. don’t go there. I didn’t make that mistake again. Just search like a mofo for good breeders. Go check them all out and see what kind of dogs they put out and what kind of people they are. I have now gotten all my rotties as puppies from a breeder whom I feel very comfortable with. One of my friends got a rott from the same breeder and it got sick and died two weeks later. The breeder gave my friend first choice out of the next litter for free and she turned out great. So, although shit happens with living things, you can lessen the chances of something like that and you can definitely lessen the pain that we all go through when a pet dies I don’t know where you live but I went toYorba linda for mine and it was call Sundance Ranch.
German Shepherd, the king of dogs, big and agressive enough if that’s what you like, and second only to the border collie in smarts. easy to train, very loyal, don’t bark to much, and great companions. my buddy just got an all white shepherd. cool dog.
If your are loking for a real sweetheart of a dog, try a Newfoundland.
Ever consider a Malamute? Cool dogs. Husky looks and German shepherd + size. And they don’t bark so much as bay. A little eerie sometimes.
Knuckledragger, I know you didn’t mention this breed but if you live in a fairly cold climate you may want to consider an Alaskan Malamute. They are big(and STRONG) dogs with great temperaments towards dogs and people but it takes a little work for them to get along with cats and other small animals that could be viewed as prey. I believe they are beautiful dogs but man do they shed. I’m not sure how this breed does as a guard dog but I tend to believe they are poor guard dogs b/c of their disposition toward strangers. I have no experience with dobermans and my parents owned 2 rottweilers when I was young and one hated me b/c it saw my parents interacting with me and not it and the other was as sweet as sugar so I can’t really say what the deal was there. I know nothing about mastiffs except that they drool alot. Whatever your choice, good luck and enjoy your knew friend.
D Rock, I know I wasn’t the original poster but I would like to see a pic of your dog. I have been trying to decide between a GSD and an amstaff. I would appreciate the pics. Thanks.
Ryan - take the amstaff!
As guard dogs, malamutes kind of suck (depending on your perspective). They’ll let any one in, but won’t let perps out. Great if you’re inclined to shoot trespassers.
Personally I like the energetic, strong breeds. Pits, Boxers… However I once spent a large amount of time with an Akita, and it was great… big dog too. However I think they need more room for playing and such then a Mastiff does. I’ve been checking them out and the breeders say the Mastiffs are just huge lap dogs.
I think it depends somewhat on your lifestyle and living arrangements. Of the breeds you are considering, Mastiffs have the shortest life span and are the most prone to health problems. Dobbermans are high maintenence, they need alot of human attention and need tons of exercise. They are super smart and need constant mental stimulation. They are probably the easiest to train but they can get pushy if you are not firm, and the females are more stubborn than the males. Dobbermans are extremely cold sensitive and shouldn’t be kept outside, but they are much better with a large yard to run around in. They are probably the least likely to be overly aggressive.
Personally, I love Rottweilers. They have a very calm, gentle regalness that I like. They don’t shed much, don’t drool like a mastiff, don’t smell, and aren’t excessive barkers.
The AKC provides breeder referrals, that may be a good place to start. Also, my understanding is that there are three ways breeders cross their dogs, direct inbreeding (siblings with parents, other siblings), indirect, (I think they are one generation removed when they breed indirectly), and then breeding totally unrelated dogs. I can’t remember what the exact technical terminology is but totally unrelated is ideal.
Another vote for Rotties. We have 2 at home, one pure bred, one mix, both rescues. Sweet, sweet dogs although they like to play rough. When they play in our yard, it looks like they are fighting, but they are just having fun. The bigger, full Rott plays w/ a 13" car tire - throws it up into the air. At night, they just like to be as close to the people as possible - they follow you from room to room and lay down nearby. Because we did not get him as a pup, however, we have not been able to break the full Rott of his ‘Rottie talk’ habit, otherwise known as growling. If you get a pup, you should prob try to break him of this common Rottie habit, as it is kind of threatening to guests. If one is a ‘dog person’ they will notice that his tale is wagging away while he growls, but most people just think that he is preparing to take their head off.
Alaskan Malamute-I have one and strongly believe he is what a dog really should look and act like. if you believe that dogs decended from wolves then mine is the closest on that chain. Not agreesive, very strong.
very cool looks…
It’s nice to finally see someone talking about rescues here!!! There are THOUSANDS of dogs that need homes, and it is not hard at all to find a purebred (sometimes with their papers) why go to a breeder and spend hundreds?
I’ve got a 3yr old male GSD a 2 yr old Fm Rottie and a 1 yr old Fm Pitbull. All of them are great and continue to learn but the shepard practically gets treated like a human, we spoil our babies but when it comes to rolling around town with one of them, My GSD goes everywhere, no leash, everybody respects a GSD, especially if they are handsome. Talk about best friends…
I am a huge advocate of rescues as well, however, I do think you need to be extremely careful when getting a breed that can be aggressive from a shelter or rescue. Especiallly dogs as large as the breeds mentinoned above. Proper socialization and training while still farily young is critical for these breeds, in order to control their natural tendency to be over protective/aggressive. Also, in my experience, rescue dogs can become overly attached to the rescuer which can be a source of over protectiveness. Not saying don’t do it, or that you can’t find a puppy, just be careful if considering an adult dog. You really don’t want any suprises with a 150 lb Mastiff.
Haven’t seen any mention of Great Danes.
D-end has given you good advice concerning breeders and Michelle has given you excellent advice on socialization and the benefits of rescue. First: whatever dog you choose, research the breed inside and out before you get it. Each breed has it’s own distinct characteristics that need to be understood. Second: If you go through a breeder, get references from others who have purchased dogs through them. Make sure they house raise them and have done a lot of early socialization. Also make sure they offer a guarantee against hip and eye problems and any problems associated with the particular breed. Only buy from a registered breeder. Don’t support back yard breeding. Most of the dogs in our rescue are from backyard breeders. Third: As we rescue pitties, I’m obviously a big fan of rescue. If you go this route make sure the rescue has tested the dog for temperment with children, adults, dogs and other animals. Any adult dog that shows aggression towards people must be euthanized. Aggression towards other dogs and animals is something you can deal with by simply avoiding these animals. There are also training methods for correcting animal aggression aswell. Rescuing adult dogs is a great way to go as you already know what you have in terms of temperment and health. Even the best trained and socialized pup can fall prey to a genetic glitch. (as you have already, sadly, experienced) Fourth: If you get a pup, get it to puppy school as soon as it’s shots are updated. A pup has a window of about 18 wks. to get socialized. In this time you must introduce him to lots of dogs, cats, children and people of every size, shape, sex and race he is likely to encounter throughout his life. Go to a mall and ask people to feed your dog treats. Do the same at parks where there are lots of children. After 18 wks, it’s a crap shoot as to how a dog will react to anything he is not socialized to. If he is afraid, he will react like all animals with flight or bite response. Last: Only use positive reinforcement type training. Forceful negative correction and any type of hitting or choking is simply an ignorant and violent way to train animals. This outdated style of training only leads to a neurotic, unpredictable animal who will not trust you.
Like Michelle, I’m a huge fan of bully breeds. (pitties, amstaffs,staffordshire bull terriers, bull terriers, american bulldogs, ect.) I love all dogs, but these breeds are known for great temperments, affection, loyalty, playfulness, and unmatched tenacity and courage. Pitties are easily the most virsatile and athletic of breeds. They excel in obedience, therapy, search and rescue, agility, weight pulling, tracking and hunting, herding, cattle catching,and schutshund.(sp?) They will protect you and your family to the death without question and without being trained to do so. There only downfall is there potential for aggression towards other dogs even if well socialized. They have been genetically selected for fight ability for hundreds of years. For them it is a self rewarding activity. They usually don’t start fights, but if provoked will take great joy in a good brawl. The problem with this is they can do severe damage to another dog in a short amount of time. With pitties it’s best to have only one and avoid other dogs altogether. This may sound cruel, but pitties are people oriented and would rather play with you than another dog anyway. The only negative side to their love of their people is that they are prone to seperation anxiety.
Whatever breed you do decide on, spend the time and do the research before getting it. Oh, one more important thing. ABSOLUTELY SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR DOG. The exception is if you have an agreement with the breeder to bring him back to stud for him. Personally I dream of a day when there will be no need for shelters, rescues and euthenazia for unwanted dogs. If only registered breeders with integrity were allowed to have in tact animals then there would be very few unwanted dogs. Don’t support back yard breeding. Good luck!
GREAT DANES GREART DANES GREAT DANES the fucking Apollo of dogs. Big hell yes, loving,you won"t find another dog or person who will love you more, loyal shit my harlequin can’t stand it when me and the misses leave home without him. Guard dog, damn right, has the brains to sense trouble and always react in kind, hell the bark alone will make you shit. Kind to strangers, only when we are and damn he loves the attention and petting. If every human were as sweet, smart, and downright wonderful as my Dane the world would be one wonderful place, hell my wife would kick me out first. 33" from the shoulders and 169 lbs. of lean rock hard dog . No fat, just got him from a very large breeder Bitch and sire were monsters. By far they are the best dogs in the world. This is my 4th one and I will never own another breed. They completly attach themselves to you and as you can tell so do I. The dogs name is Daultry ( I’m a big Who fan) Still hurting over John Entwistles death.