What is the best breed of dog for me?

[patricky]

My first reason for having a dog is company, but i also need a dog that is capable of defending my house, and me.
Ive never owned a dog before, but i have been around my sisters dog twitch, a dingo-cross rodhesian ridgeback, he wouldnt hurt noone and is really intelligent. Got run over by a car going at 60 kilometer and hour, luckily he lived, but it broke his hip.
Ive got enough time to make sure there is heaps of walks.
Im thinking a rottie, but are they too dangerous to own if its your first dog?
BTW im a man and 6 foot tall and 200 pounds.

 

[jess2416]

Try http://www.k9country.com/perl/dogBreed.pl they are pretty good it is a breed selection tool.

 

[patricky]

The doberman, perfect match for me just reading the information, wants to share my bed and take over, hehe.

 

[casablanca1]

My first reason for having a dog is company, but i also need a dog that is capable of defending my house, and me... Im thinking a rottie, but are they too dangerous to own if its your first dog?
BTW im a man and 6 foot tall and 200 pounds.

I don't think a Rottie is automatically too dangerous for a first-time owner, but you need to be more dedicated to selecting, training and maintaining the dog if you choose a Rottweiler or a similar breed. A bad-tempered, badly trained or carelessly handled protection/guard breed is a real physical threat for the owner and everyone the dog encounters.

Since it's your first dog and you want a 'serious' sort of breed, I'd reccomend seeking out reputable breeders and look into getting a pet-quality puppy. A sane, obedience-trained Rottweiler who's clearly under control and amiable with children, other dogs and strangers is what you want - that sort of dog can accompany you almost anywhere (which means he/she's available to come to your defense in case of an attack) and the dog's obvious partnership with you as the owner/trainer is going to discourage potential problems because who wants to bother someone who has a nice big dog at their command?

All that takes time and effort (and I fall short in both with my own dog, so I know) and while it's preferable with all dogs, it's an obligation with breeds like the Rottie, who can do serious damage quickly if they're out of control. So be honest with yourself about how much time you have, and maybe go look at some obedience classes in action to see how it looks.

Good luck!

 

[bubbatd]

Really depends on what you want... a loving quiet companion or a " challenge" dog. I agree with going to an obedience class and watching.

 

[Bella's Mom]

If you do your home work on rottie's they would be the perfect pet for you. Yes they are head strong and VERY smart. I have one and I'm a pretty small person, with alot of training they are so easy to control. You must be the boss and as I said do alot of reseach on the breed or any breed you decide on. Have you thought of rescue???? I think they make the best pets...

 

[Dobiegurl]

I think any breed of dog can be a challenge because all dogs are individuals and have different characters. Rotties aren't that difficult to handle. You just have to establish your status (which is pack leader) with your dog. Just because you are a first time owner doesn't mean you can't handle a dominant dog. In my opinion, there are no practice breeds and not one breed is perfect. You have to find a breed that fits your lifestyle not just one because its easy. There are obedience classes and trainers willing to guide you in the right direction. If you want a rott then get a rott just make sure you want it for its personality and lifestyle and not for their looks.

 

[Fuzz Puppy]

I wouldn't reccomend a rottie for a first time owner. It could get too dangerous for you to handle really fast. The rotti could protect your house form you or any of your friends and not even know that isn't what you wanted. Think a long time and do a lot of reserch on rottweilers and dobermans, along with any other breed, for that matter. Good luck to you

 

[Dobiegurl]

Chico is MY first dog and he has a very dominant personality. It really isn't that difficult. Talk to trainers and people used to dominant breeds to see what kinds of problems you might face. Then make a plan on how to correct those behavior once/if they arise. It is always easier to teach from the beginning than having to go back and fix a problem. Just do your Home Work and you should be fine.

 

[FoxyWench]

a dobe does sound good, tend to be protective but not agressive (from what ive seen they tend to have to be provoked before attacking) and are usually good in the house, very smart and loving dogs.

a rotty would probably also work, they too realy are big lovers to their people.

either one are larger and more dominant breeds so youd have to be willing to work obedience and socilize from an early age, with breeds like these the training has to continue throughout their entire life...and a nothing in life is free aproach (make them earn everything) is a good way to keep them in the knowledge that your in charge.
if you can contact a breeder locally fo the breeds your interested in and pay them a visit, right now your in the just reaserching phase and most respecatble breeders will be more than happy to have you come down and hang out and see the dogs play and how they interact. for now only interact with adults and older puppies (puppies NOT for sale) (cause if you play with the babies your gonna come home with one lol)
go to local shows watch these dogs in the ring, go to your local dog park and meet and greet some...

with ANY breed socilization and early and ongoing training are the keys...
you sound like a big strong man, and so long as you start out well and continue strong it shoudl be fine.
just rember, you WANT a frinedly dog, you want a well socilized dog and a well trained dog...a dog that knows the difference between a situation you can take care of and a situation it shoudl step into...unfortunatly there are so many people out there getting these protective breeds and ONLY nerturing their agressive side (or breedin so they will be super agressive) and thats not what you want, you want a well rounded dog who loves you and those you are fine with but will protect you ONLY if the need arises.

 

[rottiegirl]

Edit...

 

[Muttlies3]

Go to your local shelter. Look around weekly, if not more than twice a week. They get new dogs in all the time. There WILL be one you bond with. There will be one perfect for your home.

Check petfinder.com for your area regularly as well.

All dogs are described by what you posted.. protection and a companion.