Puppies!
- Thread starter FlakeNoir
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Neesy
#1 fan (Annie Wilkes cousin) 1st cousin Mom's side
Ok people; best suggestion for a protective family dog that can co-exist with a toddler and three cats. Please?
Neesy
#1 fan (Annie Wilkes cousin) 1st cousin Mom's side
I would think any well trained dog would be good. Not sure which breeds are recommended however. My brother had a shepherd husky cross (female) who was very good. Asking the dog to get along with three cats might be a bit challenging!
Good luck with finding a great dog, Red Queen
A rescue dog! Something in the hound family in the 60-70 lb range. That's what we have and he's protective but his best friend is a cat down the street! No, he's not available, rescue your own!
....I agree, many "mutts" make the perfect family pooch, and even tolerate felines....A rescue dog! Something in the hound family in the 60-70 lb range. That's what we have and he's protective but his best friend is a cat down the street! No, he's not available, rescue your own!
I would love to adopt a dog, but I have no faith in the shelters around here. They don't seem to know anything about their charges, and give this blank stare when you ask for pertinent information.
For example: several months ago, I went in to a local shelter and adopted a German Shepherd mix that had supposedly been around children his whole life. He was fantastic with me, I mean perfect. He tolerated my husband, but apparently thought our son was a chew toy. I worked with him for two weeks, and thought I was making all sorts of progress....until he tried to take my son's face off for no apparent reason. No matter how good he was for me, I couldn't trust him with my son. So back to the shelter he went, and I've been researching dog breeds ever since.
I figure, if I can't get a reliable history from any of the shelters, I ought to track down a certified breeder and get a puppy. But all the info on the internet can't replace personal experience, and the only breed I've got experience with is Doberman Pinschers. My one and only complaint with that breed is their health. I've lost too many good dogs to go back to the breed willingly.
Which is a very long winded way of explaining my plea to you guys. Maybe I should have been more specific, and asked for stories. Like, what about Anatolian Shepherds? They sound great, but I've never met one. I love the sound of German Shepherds, but are they really as great as they seem? Do Newfoundlands drool as much as the 'net says? Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks as smart as they appear? Google can't answer these questions half as well as a human being with personal experience.
For example: several months ago, I went in to a local shelter and adopted a German Shepherd mix that had supposedly been around children his whole life. He was fantastic with me, I mean perfect. He tolerated my husband, but apparently thought our son was a chew toy. I worked with him for two weeks, and thought I was making all sorts of progress....until he tried to take my son's face off for no apparent reason. No matter how good he was for me, I couldn't trust him with my son. So back to the shelter he went, and I've been researching dog breeds ever since.
I figure, if I can't get a reliable history from any of the shelters, I ought to track down a certified breeder and get a puppy. But all the info on the internet can't replace personal experience, and the only breed I've got experience with is Doberman Pinschers. My one and only complaint with that breed is their health. I've lost too many good dogs to go back to the breed willingly.
Which is a very long winded way of explaining my plea to you guys. Maybe I should have been more specific, and asked for stories. Like, what about Anatolian Shepherds? They sound great, but I've never met one. I love the sound of German Shepherds, but are they really as great as they seem? Do Newfoundlands drool as much as the 'net says? Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks as smart as they appear? Google can't answer these questions half as well as a human being with personal experience.
German Sheperds are pretty good with kids and cats.
I grew up with Sheperds and my sister has one and three cats.
Labs are sweet and gentle. I don't know how they would do as a guard dog though, unless a bark is what would be needed.
If someone broke in, they would probably make friends.
If someone broke in, they would probably make friends.
So sorry about your experience! I know your son is young, can't remember exactly how young, but you should be able to introduce him to a dog first to make sure it's the right fit.
Yes, Ridgebacks are very smart but not always good with kids.
Yes, newfies really drool that much!
Labs are a great dog, but if you are wanting protection they are sometimes too friendly.
Wishing you good luck in your search.