A 'hypothetical' what breed would be best....

[ACooper]

....for me in this situation:

Lets say Kevin and I were moving to the country. A big place with at least 20 acres, quite possibly more. A place farther north. It will have plenty of various wildlife, quail, pheasants, turkey, billions of deer, a good population of bear, and who knows what else.

The criteria I am rolling around in my mind:

Dogs who will of course have access to the indoors/outdoors at their choosing, day and night to be able to successfully 'guard' the property.

They must be good with children, 'in their make up' so to speak (general breed trait that is common to 'most' you can point to).........not just isolated cases, or 'working with them' about it.

I would like them to naturally get along with other dogs, not be a threat to any livestock on the property but also fend off would be predators. Again, 'in their make up' to do so. By 'fend off' would be predators, I mean be able to chase off mountain lions, bears, coyotes, etc if it came to that. Not working alone of course, but perhaps a few together.

I would like them to be 'easy' dogs in general.........not stubborn, pig headed, or hard to train/deal with in general.

Do you think these are unreasonable expectations? Or....If you have a suggestion that could fit all the criteria above, please explain a bit and supply me with a link or links to further my investigations please

Understand, at this very moment it IS a hypothetical situation. But it is a dream of mine, one I am taking very serious and hope to achieve. Kevin is with me on this, and we've even looked at different options available at the moment. I don't think this will become reality anytime soon.........but one never knows

 

[sammgirl]

I would say a good german shepherd would fit you very nicely.

 

[Crowsfeet]

What about a Newfoundland.. ? I honestly don't know a lot about them, but their name has been popping up now and then, with the criteria you listed following it

 

[FoxyWench]

id look into a good pyr, one from farm working lines, and raise him around stock and yoru family.

i think of the livestockers the great pyr is the best inbetween dog that would deifnalty protect livestock, home and family.

and as a side note...when you find where you looking for, let me know so i can pack my bags in time

 

[TheGoldenRetriever]

I would say a good german shepherd would fit you very nicely.

^^^ Same thought ... a good, well-bred GSD.

 

[Lizmo]

You just described all the LGDs dogs I've met. Given, that's only been 3, but they've all had the same general temperment. The 3 that I've met and spent alot of time around have been the Maremma breed. Maremma Sheepdog - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

They're meant to guard flocks of sheep. The 3 that I've met have all been friendly (not run up to you and melt into a puddle, but they are fine with me and everyone I've seen them around). From my experience, they generally leave you alone. They'll pop up to see what's going on when you come in a gate, but that's about it. One male does come over most of the time to say 'hi' for a minute, then he goes on his way. Overall from what I've seen, they have very stable temperments.

 

[Dekka]

YES YES to maremmas!! There is a breeder up the road from us (not a good breeder but still) they are great dogs and fit EVERY req you have laid out.

There are lots around here as working LGD, so I know its not just a couple that are like that.

 

[ACooper]

Keep in mind I won't need them to "herd" anything, LOL.......if/when this dream does come true, we'll most likely just have some goats and chickens, neither of which need herding.

BUT, the guardian aspect does sound very nice!

 

[Renee750il]

A good, solid, male brindle Fila

 

[mrose_s]

I've recently become a fan of Pyrenean Mastiffs. They are awesome dogs.


I did a bit of reading on Maremma's a while ago also, they seem really interesting aswell, they are flock protectors but they choose to stay close and protect as opposed to going to investigate because that would leave they're flock unprotected. They instinctivly put themselves between they're "flock" and a "threat" and prefer to bark and warn before engaging a threat.

 

[Barb04]

I would say an Anatolian Shepherd fits your criteria.

 

[ACooper]

A good, solid, male brindle Fila

Hehehehe......I knew if you saw this thread you'd pop in with that idea

BUT, as many of the criteria as they meet, I already ruled them out for a few reasons. One of the biggest reasons being children. NOT children of the immediate family, I have no doubt a fila raised with them would be GREAT. I ruled them out due to OTHER children. Visiting children like friends, cousins, etc. I've read repeatedly on the net about filas 'protecting' their 'own' from what they perceive as a threat.........and that includes OTHER children rough housing with THEIR children in some cases. Not a good scenario, been there done that with my last dobie boy, LOL. He was basically good to all children and people, but he did 'grab' people by the clothing and sit them down when he thought play was getting out of hand or one of 'his kids' might need his assistance. Not something I'd like to worry about again, hahahaha
(Orson is the same by the way, he 'breaks up' disputes among our OWN children sometimes)

 

[ACooper]

I would say an Anatolian Shepherd fits your criteria.

And that is another breed I've been rolling around in my mind barb! I've heard really good things about them and want to learn MORE

 

[Dekka]

Keep in mind I won't need them to "herd" anything, LOL.......if/when this dream does come true, we'll most likely just have some goats and chickens, neither of which need herding.

BUT, the guardian aspect does sound very nice!

Mareema's don't herd. Good friends of ours have one. I was looking for pics (can't find them but I will post if I cna find them) He is the sweetest ball of mush ever, LOVES my son. Is great with dogs. And is fantastic at keeping the coyotes away. (they were loosing a lot of lambs.. even in broad daylight)

Angus (thats his name) is happy and bouncy and fairly eager to please for a LGB. Even the ones who live down the road who are unhandled and not socialized are fine once cornered for their every few year rabies shot.

Having a child myself I totally get the must be fine with other kids. You don't want a dog who will get upset if your child and visiting child start play wrestling or get in a fight.

 

[FoxyWench]

yup it sounds like any of the soild live stock guardians would be good, maremmas are lovely, i do have a HUGE soft spot for anatolians though, absolutly lovely.

 

[MPP]

OK, my basic ignorance is showing. What's an LGB? What's a maremma?

 

[FoxyWench]

LGB is a Livestock Guardian Breed.
a Maremma is a breed of LGB, bred specifically to protect livestock (origionally sheep)
Maremma Sheepdog - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[TreeHillChi's]

You could get a Komondor.

The breed is very devoted and affectionate to its owners. Komondors are playful and loyal to their family and guards them well. The owner and Komondor must agree upon what is to be guarded. The Komondor will then decide on how to guard it. He may appear lazy and sleepy, but he can easily respond if there is trouble. The breed is amazingly fast and agile and does not need a constant patrol to be effective. It is very important to socialize the puppies by introducing them to many people and experiences. Obedience training is a good idea for all puppies. If raised on a farm or ranch, the puppies should go into town periodically to meet strangers and friends. Puppies with little human contact can be overly aggressive towards people. As adults, these are the dogs that may bite. the Komondor's main task is to guard flocks of sheep or other livestock against predators such as wolves, coyotes, feral dogs, or human predators. The nature of the Komondor is that of a calm watchful dog who thrives on responsibility. Komondors need something to watch over. Be it livestock, children, or a cat, a Komondor is happiest when taking responsibility for another's well-being. As a pet, the Komondor is quiet around the house, unless it perceives a threat to those entrusted to its care. In the field, the Komondor is vigilant and trustworthy, reducing losses and even caring for orphans. It is important to remember that the Komondor is, first and foremost, a stock guard dog. When evaluating whether this is the breed for you and your family, keep this in mind. If you are seriously considering acquiring a Komondor, I strongly urge you to see adult dogs in their home environment before making your final decision.

IMO As long as you socialize them they are good with other people and pets. They will gaurd their families and property fiercely unless invited in by the owner. They greet them then go about there own business. At least that's how mine and my breeder's dogs act and she has children with the neighborhood kids coming by all the time with no problems.

Mac checking for intruders in his yard!

 

[milos_mommy]

I thought Anatolian shepherd...Pyr would be a good choice...or a bernese mountain dog...a lot of breeds would fit, i think.

 

[Xandra]

LGD's aren't known for being easy to train or compliant though, they were bred for "independence." Otherwise they fit the bill well.

You might have trouble with a GSD and livestock. Mine killed a two of my rabbits, but is fine with the cats. He had some exposure to the rabbits but has lived inside with the cats. I think if you got one from a puppy and were careful about raising it with them, it would be fine.