What breed of dog do we need for our situation?

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#21
Oh, one more thing (and this may be the best advice you get in you life) DO NOT GET A BLUE HEELER AKA AUSTRAILIAN CATTLE DOG. Not to impune the Austrailan Shepherd, which is a different breed and a darn fine dog.
Just my 2 cents, based on personal experience.
 

Red_ACD_for_me

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#22
Oh, one more thing (and this may be the best advice you get in you life) DO NOT GET A BLUE HEELER AKA AUSTRAILIAN CATTLE DOG. Not to impune the Austrailan Shepherd, which is a different breed and a darn fine dog.
Just my 2 cents, based on personal experience.
Being an Australian Cattle Dog owner I'm not sure what this comment is supposed to mean? Negative or positive?
ACD's aren't for the first time dog owner and if you get one like mine and don't know what you are doing you can have a medium sized CUJO on your hands. My boy is from tough working and herding lines and they are a tough all around dog. He is very protective and they are a breed that is naturally suspicious of strangers but they also won't back down when they feel a threat. They are also not the best little kid dog because of the strong herding instincts.
 

tempura tantrum

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#23
Yeah, I'm a little confused on that comment as well. Would you mind clearing it up Doubleblind?

I've known several WONDERFUL examples of the breed- tough and smart as whips. My boyfriend's family in Australia uses both ACDs and Kelpies on their working cattle station- the job would be nearly impossible without these dogs.

I'm actually in the beginning stages of research to obtain one of my own. (Would LOVE to pick your brain about it at some point, Red).

I'll heartily second Red's opinion that they aren't for the first time or "casual" dog owner by any means, but I certainly don't think that's reason to malign the breed. Are we just reading something into your response that isn't there?
 

RD

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#25
I'd like to know what you meant by that, too. I think a well bred ACD can be a tremendous worker, but they're different than Border Collies and Aussies in the sense that they use more muscle and force to move stock. I wouldn't be confident putting such a grippy dog on sheep or ducks. But that's not the OP's concern - they just want a dog that will chase the geese and deer away.

They aren't dogs I would trust to be civil and just bark at strangers on the property, though. The ones I know tend to be a little impulsive and a threatening bark can quickly turn into a bite if the owner isn't there to control the dog. But I guess that could happen with any breed.
 

Red_ACD_for_me

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#26
Quote by RD:They aren't dogs I would trust to be civil and just bark at strangers on the property, though. The ones I know tend to be a little impulsive and a threatening bark can quickly turn into a bite if the owner isn't there to control the dog. But I guess that could happen with any breed.

Very good description RD, I couldn't of said it better myself ;) .
 

Red_ACD_for_me

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#27
Quoted by Tempura:I'm actually in the beginning stages of research to obtain one of my own. (Would LOVE to pick your brain about it at some point, Red).
I'm ready anytime you are TT! LOL! Are you going for a red or a blue?
 

tempura tantrum

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#28
LOL, Red. Every time I think I decide on a color, I change my mind. I know for sure I want a male, however.

I'm struck with how similar ACDs can seem to Shibas at some times. I've never been fond of "easy" dogs, which is partly why I'm so drawn to Aussies. But I'd also LOVE a breed that I could get really competitive into agility with (as well as conformation), and I feel like an ACD would be quite suitable.

I'm definitely open to learning herding as well. It's going to be awhile before I get my next dog, and at that point I would be in a position to begin some herding.

I've been looking at Reddenblu ACDs in Ontario (I believe). Do you know anything about them?

Or heck- point me in the direction of some good breeders you know- I'm taking a LONG time with this, and have all intentions of doing it right!

And one more thing- a GOOD book about ACDs. I've been having a hell of a time trying to find one that isn't just basic information, and a great deal of generic puppy training and basic health info.

Thanks!
 

Red_ACD_for_me

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#29
LOL, Red. Every time I think I decide on a color, I change my mind. I know for sure I want a male, however.

I'm struck with how similar ACDs can seem to Shibas at some times. I've never been fond of "easy" dogs, which is partly why I'm so drawn to Aussies. But I'd also LOVE a breed that I could get really competitive into agility with (as well as conformation), and I feel like an ACD would be quite suitable.

I'm definitely open to learning herding as well. It's going to be awhile before I get my next dog, and at that point I would be in a position to begin some herding.

I've been looking at Reddenblu ACDs in Ontario (I believe). Do you know anything about them?

Or heck- point me in the direction of some good breeders you know- I'm taking a LONG time with this, and have all intentions of doing it right!

And one more thing- a GOOD book about ACDs. I've been having a hell of a time trying to find one that isn't just basic information, and a great deal of generic puppy training and basic health info.

Thanks!
I'll PM you at somepoint later today with the book I got a year before I got my boy. Reddenblu's dogs are great but there are a few other breeders that are well known in the ACD world. My breeder has a Reddenblu dog and two Turella dogs who are out of Australia (if you are willing to import). I'll talk to you later! Take care!
 

RD

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#30
Id like to see a couple of Collies take out a coyote...
They do it all the time. :) Many herding breeds will actually. At some point, these were multi-purpose farm dogs. Sure a LGD could take out a coyote quicker but we're talking about a dog for a novice owner.
 

Julie

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#32
There is a good site that "matches dog breeds" with owners. From what I remember it was pretty accurate....
I can't remember the site address though........
Can someone post it for the OP........Please.

:) :)
 

bubbatd

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#34
I would say Golden Retrievers , but no outdoor kenneling . I too lived on 8 acres and my 5 Goldens did everything you are asking for . We also had hardwood floors in most of the rooms with no problems ( lived there for 40 years ). BUT... our floors were not polyurethane . These do chip and get scratched ( by everything ). Others just need a Bruce waxing once in a while . I've been in this house for over seven years now with old hardwood varnished floors and just use Murphy's Oil soap .
 

bubbatd

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#35
That site BTW is good ... but I doubt if they'll suggest a Golden if you put in outside housing . Goldens are family dogs.
 

iloveprincess

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#36
Hi

I think a german shepered would fit your lives very well, as long as you get one from a puppy and train it well or take to a puppy training class
 
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#37
Most guard dog class or even working class breeds will do what you want regarding your requirements. Some of it will have to entail training like "staying on the property at all times" and will have to be raised as a pup with children if you want your youngins to be safe around them without any worry.

We have profiles of many large dog breeds on our site (*check sig)- You can examine the large dog breed profiles and history pages and see which ones would match your needs a bit more.
 

ToscasMom

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#38
I can also attest that hardwood floors are not a problem if they are real hardwood. I live in a home build in the
1920s with some great hardwood floors. I have 3 cats and a Collie and the only real damage going on with my floors is the damage I do myself.
 
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#39
New to owning dogs man of the breeds that fit your list may not be the best to start with and without proper fencing any breed can be a issue for containment.

Most flock guardian breeds would be out ( fencing liability,new dog owner issues) and would not need a heated dog house.

Best of luck :)
 
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#40
ever thought about a bloodhound or black and tan coon hound? it sounds like they would have plenty of room to run, they bark at evreything that comes on the property and are very freindly. they bark at everyone, but only because they think everyone should have to pet them. also, being failry large hounds they (black and tans especially) can be heard for miles. i know i have been coon hunting and have walked miles to find a dog that i could hear, and thought he was only a few hundred yards away. the black and tans are a less agressive about trying to get out of thier fence, but both can be contained witha little training. they (bloodhound especially) is a pretty big dog, and just the sight of one could ward off anyone you dont want around. both will definatly need a fence, being driven sent hounds means their nose will take them anywhere.

i have a whole lot of experience hunting black and tan coonhounds, and i dont think there is a better hound out there. but bloodhounds are close, which explains alot, b&t's came from bloodhound/foxhound mixes
 

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