Looking for a dog breed?

Question

I'm interested in these breeds, but there's always something about them that's not suitable for me...

Bull-mastiff (It's exactly the personality I'm looking for, but it's HUGE)

Staffordshire Terrier (It's very dependent and practically needs attention, but a lovely personality)

Boxer ( Basically the same problem with the staffordshire terrier)

So, I'm a novice owner that's looking for a "respectable" dog... By this I mean: I would like a somewhat protective dog, but not really an aggressive breed...Any suggestions? Thanks in advance... =)

Answer 1

I would go for poodle for a novice. They are one of the worlds smartest dogs, they don`t shed,great disposition and can be trained to be protective. If nothing works out go to the SPCA there are plenty of dogs there I'm sure one of will be what you want. But remember if you don`t have enough money to spay or neuter, feed your dogs. Then mabye a fish would be better :)

Hope this helps  

Answer 2

My family and I did some dog hunting and we got a Great P. they're really really good dogs. we love ours

Answer 3

Adopt a mixed breed stray from a shelter.  Pure breeds aren't the only protective dogs out there, plus they tend to have genetics flaws from in-breeding sure as hip displacement, blindness, deafness, epilepsy etc.

Answer 4

Chiuaua

Answer 5

go here its really helpful!! http://animal.discovery.com/breedselecto...

Answer 6

Daschund (Daxin) - Energetic, Playful, Protective, Small, Determined

The websights will help

Answer 7

Labradors are great all around dogs.  Read up on their traits!

Answer 8

I Labrador retriever is a very loyal, smart breed that is large enough to be a little intimidating, but is docile enough to be a family pet.

Answer 9

I have a beagle she is awesome

i recomed labs there playful and very fun

Answer 10

I have a dog and he is very protective! He is a black Lab which I highly recomend they are GREAT dogs and very respectful

they do NOT get that big but a pretty good size they can be hyper as puppys but they will calm down and they are really only hyper when people come around that they do NOT know!

I really think these are good dogs especially with kids !!!! THEY ARE GREAT!!!!!  

Answer 11

You shouldn't let the size fool you with a bull mastiff.  I have an English mastiff and they are not all wild and crazy like a little dog.  They are much more relaxed and laid back!  I could never go back to a small dog and I think you would feel the same.  You will not find another breed with a similar personality.  You may have to share your couch and bed but they are wonderful spooners:)

Answer 12

Labrador retrievers, huskie, golden tretrievers, saint bernard, german shepherds.

Answer 13

try the pomeranian.

Answer 14

You could always get miniature versions of the dogs you think are too big. My sister has a miniature boxer and loves him. She hasn't had any medical problems or anything either.  

Answer 15

From experience, Id choose the Staffy. They are wonderfull dogs, very loving to humans (expecially there owners), but can also easily protect you. They do enjoy your attention yes.. they liked to be shown alot of love, but they will show you so much more back! Truely rewarding dog :)

Also, another dog you could consider (If you've got the room) is the rottweiler, they are such loving animals, very much the same as staffies but don't crave so much attention. They will protect you, as well as love you ever so much =) They are expensive though, my nans eat an awful lot hehe!

Good luck! xx

Answer 16

well you say the mastiff is huge which is true but how big is too big because it sounds like you could be a shepard person i have a german shepard sadie is very sweet and gentle around all other members of the family including the 4 yr old and the chihuahua but she will risk life and limb to protect her family



btw ALL dogs NEED attention its part of being a responsible dog owner so if you cant give enough attention please dont waste time getting a dog and then disapointing it, they really arent for everyone

The German Shepherd Dog (also called ‘GSD’, ‘German Shepherd’, ‘Alsatian’, ‘Deutscher Schaferhund’, or even ‘Police Dog’ in some countries) was bred in the late 19th and early 20th century in a concerted effort to breed the ultimate sheepdog. Contrary to popular opinion, it is no more closely related to the wolf than any other breed of dog. A consortium of German breeders worked to make a brave, intelligent dog that could herd sheep and run quickly with great stamina. They produced an agile, powerful dog which quickly showed its usefulness at police work and guarding. During World War I, the breed’s name was changed to ‘Alsatian’ (‘Alsatia’ is a German speaking region of France) to protect the breed against possible anti-German sentiment. This name lasted only briefly in some countries such as America but remains to this day in others. German Shepherd Dogs became the most popular breed in America after the rise of German Shepherd movie star Rin Tin Tin, who thrilled audiences with astounding skills such as leaping nearly 12 feet high. Rin Tin Tin was known to dine on tenderloin steaks prepared by a personal chef. While no longer the country’s number one breed, the incredibly adaptable German Shepherd Dog is today a popular guard dog, police dog, guide dog, search-and-rescue dog, drug-sniffing dog, and pet.  The German Shepherd Dog has a shoulder height of 56-66 cm (22-26 in) and weighs 35-39 kg (77-85 lbs). It is a long, muscular dog with a black nose, powerful scissors bite, wide, erect ears, and intelligent, almond-shaped eyes. German Shepherd Dogs have a flat back, bushy, low hanging tail, muscular legs and chest, and short, round feet. They are the image of power and dignity. German Shepherd Dogs with a shoulder height over 64 cm (25 in) and weight over 41 kg (90 lbs) are sometimes called ‘King Shepherds’, but this breed is not recognized as distinct by the American Kennel Club. There are three varieties of German Shepherd Dog: coarse and short-haired, coarse and long-haired, and wavy and long-haired. Long-haired varieties may or may not have a double coat. The prototypical German Shepherd Dog is tan with a black back and mask, but German Shepherd Dogs come in a variety of colors including solid black, grey, brown, and yellow, tricolor (black, white, and brown or red), or sable (black and red, silver, or tan), plus a variety of marking designations including ‘penciling’ (black lines on the toes) and ‘tar heels’ (black on the back of the leg). German Shepherd Dogs may not be white, though in some countries this is considered a separate breed.The German Shepherd Dog is unusually intelligent and unconditionally loyal, obedient, brave, and protective. It is known for its fearlessness but it is by no means hostile or aggressive. German Shepherd Dogs are poignant and devoted, making wonderful companions and ideal watchdogs. They are highly versatile and can fit in with many different lifestyles. German Shepherd Dogs are highly territorial, making them among the least likely of breeds to run away from a fight. They are not friendly towards strangers and will stop unwanted visitors. The German Shepherd Dog gets along fine with children and other animals, provided proper socialization has taken place, but does not prefer the companionship of other dogs.: The German Shepherd Dog should be brushed weekly. During shedding, a special comb to remove dead hairs may be required. Like other large breeds, German Shepherd Dogs are susceptible to elbow and hip problems. Meals should be spread throughout the day to avoid bloat. The German Shepherd Dog has a life span of 10-14 years. German Shepherd Dogs are eager pupils and are quick to learn new tricks. They are most responsive to their owner’s voice. The German Shepherd Dog’s versatility makes them suitable for a wide variety of activities including dog sports. German Shepherd Dogs are happiest when doing some type of work, such as agility, obedience, or police trials. Over-exercising when young can cause damage to growing bones, joints, and muscles. The German Shepherd Dog prefers a yard to play in, but can tolerate life in an apartment if sufficient exercise is provided.

Answer 17

I believe what you are looking for is a german shepherd! I have owned three and I must say they are great! They have personality, loyalty, but also can protect. My 3 year old GSD is great! She listens well and is great for families. Boxers have way too much energy. Mastiffs are too big and The terrier isnt loyal. A GSD is right for what you are looking for.

Answer 18

Pug =]

Answer 19

You may want to adopt, or look at the Douge de Bordeaux.  It seems like you want a larger dog, but not as large as a mastiff.  The Dogue de bordeaux is the smallest mastiff.  Check them out.

Answer 20

Bull-mastiffs: can be scary when the owner can't control it

What about a german shepard- protector?

I own a english pointer (who is not territorial but barks when anything is up)  very easy-going and relaxed but thats since he turned 6

and an 8 month catahoula- assertive, protective once it reaches adulthood but they mature late (2-3 years) then a light goes off like they are no longer a puppy any more

Answer 21

try looking at a bull terrier, i have one, they are very loyal and protective of their family and at the same time they are silly goofy and very playful... my bull terrier loves to play with other dogs he even tries to snuggle with my guinea pigs and rabbits lol hes also very people friendly and doesnt have an aggressive bone in his body.... bull terriers are very independent and stubborn lol but they are very very loving... if u have any questions about this breed feel free to e-mail me and ill help u good luck

Answer 22

German Shepard

Answer 23

Get a Schipperke! They're fiercely loyal, great watchdogs (hearing and vision are impeccable), not loud, rarely bark unless they feel compelled to protect you, sweet and extremely adorable. Check one out at your local animal shelters!

Answer 24

I would go Boxer. GREAT DOGS... If not.. Bulldog or Rottweiler

Answer 25

Akita

Answer 26

The perfect dog is a Puggle, they are a mix between Pugs and Beagles. They act like a pug but they don't have any of the skin or nose problems.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=h...

Answer 27

boston terriers!! :) they are like boxers but smaller and they are play full

Answer 28

Rottweilers are very protective of their territory but are very loving. People can have family rottweilers around their baby.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfPC0FMFu...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZ5YVMRRs...

Answer 29

a labrador sounds like the perfect match for you.perfect respectable and loyal,you can"t go wrong