Re: Breed of dog suited for a rural area?

On Fri, 21 Oct 2005 14:01:52 -0400, Bob Brock <bbrock@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

>I've not owned a dog for quite a while and then it was city life.
>Now, I live in the sticks, have horses in the back yard and cows
>pastured across the dirt road in front of the house.
>
>I've had a few of the neighbors dogs take up here at different times.
>A collie, a boxer, a blue tick heeler, and a mixed breed. Had some
>problems with them chasing the horses and cows resulting the death of
>one cow. The owners now keep their dogs more controlled.
>
>However, I find myself thinking about getting a dog for the house.
>His purpose would be companionship and protection when we are not
>home. However, I need a breed that won't have wanderlust or a desire
>to join a pack and start hunting livestock. One smart enough to house
>break, able to deal with people and children without being a danger.
>I'm leaning towards a golden retriever with invisible fence. However,
>I'd like to hear experiences with others.
>
>Any suggestions?

Hey Bob. Long time no type!

We have two dogs.

The black lab/beagle cross is good as a house pet/watch dog, but she
*hates* cows and horses, and will bark at them whenever she gets the
opportunity. It is fortunate that you can't actually see cows from our
yard.

She's a very smart dog, and very gentle, and we can let her out
without worrying about her leaving the (unfenced) property. Problem
with labs, though, is that they are puppies until they are about 3
years old. Blackie didn't stop being goofy until she was about 5.

The other dog is a Rottie crossed with something - he looks pretty
much like a purebred Rottie. He is the biggest suck I've ever had the
pleasure of knowing, and also a very gentle dog. He is wonderful with
children - I have a 2-year-old granddaughter, and they play together
like best friends.

He doesn't bother much with the local livestock, and he also doesn't
leave our property, even though the dog across the road barks at him.
Needless to say, his appearance makes him an effective guard dog.

But you should see when the two dogs are both trying to lay on my
husband's lap at the same time. It is to laugh.

I'd recommend any kind of lab cross or any kind of shepherd cross.
Please don't get anything yappy.

Jo Anne










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