Dogs

[helicopterking]

A Samoyed. Very Hypoallergenic. A fair bit work in regards to grooming, but a very family orientated dog and kids absolutely love them. As do I.

I have an Akita and like the samoyed is a lot of work grooming wise but is super loyal and intelligent. Great with the 2 littlies and is very protective. Only time he barks is when someone comes to the door, is otherwise silent. Doesn't need much attention and they arent super active like a collie or the like. Yogi weighs in at about 50-55kgs which is apparently about average, you can get some monsters which grow up atound the 80kg mark but i haven't seen any that big. Watch 'hachiko' to see a great story on this breed.

Unbelievably loyal, my little man doesn't bark a lot. Only loud trucks and loud cars or yelling, or the odd cat that jumps in the yard. Would rather be around humans then other dogs. Mine is around the 23-25kg mark. Obviously being so fluffy, kids love hugging them, and Samoyeds love getting them.

[bennymacca]

They have wonderful temperaments, are fiercely protective of family, and brilliantly natured. Probably require a bit of exercise though.

to me this doesnt make a wonderful temprament, it makes an accident waiting to happen

[gadj1976]

Pug. Thankyou.....

[therisingblues]

On the hunt for a family dog. Ideally mid-large sized, placid, great with kids and able to entertain itself for 8 hours a day until I get home.

Missus wants a Ridgeback, but they seem too big and strong. I was thinking Lab but have been told they hate being outside by themselves during the day.

Any suggestions?

I think a Shiba-ken might be your dog.
Like a Ridgeback they are hunting dogs but aren't that big. They are also very loyal, love people and can get on by themselves for hours. I saw hundreds in Japan kept in those small gardens, sometimes chained to a stake, and they always seemed to just be patiently waiting for mum or dad or whoever to get home. They don't bark much either.

[therisingblues]

A Samoyed. Very Hypoallergenic. A fair bit work in regards to grooming, but a very family orientated dog and kids absolutely love them. As do I.

I have an Akita and like the samoyed is a lot of work grooming wise but is super loyal and intelligent. Great with the 2 littlies and is very protective. Only time he barks is when someone comes to the door, is otherwise silent. Doesn't need much attention and they arent super active like a collie or the like. Yogi weighs in at about 50-55kgs which is apparently about average, you can get some monsters which grow up atound the 80kg mark but i haven't seen any that big. Watch 'hachiko' to see a great story on this breed.

Yep. "Hachi-ko" true story of a dog that just couldn't stop being loyal. The Hollywood adaptation of the original Japanese story was very good. Only real life dog I can think of that had a statue cast and displayed in a prominent public area.

[JK]

They have wonderful temperaments, are fiercely protective of family, and brilliantly natured. Probably require a bit of exercise though.

to me this doesnt make a wonderful temprament, it makes an accident waiting to happen

Not a fierce dog, just staunchly loyal .. Most dogs are I would have thought.

I've had a Ridgeback as a pet, and I can guarantee this "accident waiting to happen" couldn't have been further from the truth with her.

We had our Mastiff when our each of our children were born, and given he was 80kgs and devoted to me and the missus we were very wary about him around the kids initially. Didn't take long to prove how devoted he was to them too, best dog I've ever had! In fact so good I haven't been able to bring myself to have another dog because I still miss the bugger. But I digress lol, couldn't speak more highly of Ridgebacks,

[bennymacca]

Fair enough. Personally would never have something bigger or potentially more aggressive than a lab but each to their own.

[saintal]

A Samoyed. Very Hypoallergenic. A fair bit work in regards to grooming, but a very family orientated dog and kids absolutely love them. As do I.

I have an Akita and like the samoyed is a lot of work grooming wise but is super loyal and intelligent. Great with the 2 littlies and is very protective. Only time he barks is when someone comes to the door, is otherwise silent. Doesn't need much attention and they arent super active like a collie or the like. Yogi weighs in at about 50-55kgs which is apparently about average, you can get some monsters which grow up atound the 80kg mark but i haven't seen any that big. Watch 'hachiko' to see a great story on this breed.

Yep. "Hachi-ko" true story of a dog that just couldn't stop being loyal. The Hollywood adaptation of the original Japanese story was very good. Only real life dog I can think of that had a statue cast and displayed in a prominent public area.

Went and saw the Hachiko statue when in Shibuya recently. A great/sad story.

Given our dog is small (corgi x cavalier) I cant add too much else to this thread

[JK]

Fair enough. Personally would never have something bigger or potentially more aggressive than a lab but each to their own.

Whilst some breeds are more prone than others, all dogs can be good or bad. In my experience you just gotta raise em right.

[bennymacca]

Yeah I would agree with the training aspect - particularly with a lab!

[Psyber]

I've had a series of Irish Wolfhounds, which though very large are fairly placid.
A dog of more moderate size that appeals to me is the Curly Coated Retriever.
Weimeraners and Visla are nice breeds somewhat similar in nature.

A free greyhound from retired racing stock could be good.

The Royal Show starts soon and many breeds will be on display.
You could fall for something exotic like the Russian Terrier, which is moderately large for a terrier, or the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.

[carey]

I have a purebred border collie mate and his the best dog I've ever seen. Smarter than most of my mates and his absolutely awesome around my daughters, Even when they pull his tail, Grab his ears and try to ride him.

Highly recommend. Although youll need to walk him at least 4-5 times a week.

[JK]

I have a purebred border collie mate and his the best dog I've ever seen. Smarter than most of my mates.

Haha brilliant!!

[Psyber]

I have a purebred border collie mate and his the best dog I've ever seen. Smarter than most of my mates and his absolutely awesome around my daughters, Even when they pull his tail, Grab his ears and try to ride him.

Highly recommend. Although youll need to walk him at least 4-5 times a week.

Yes I've had a couple of working breeds, and they are great dogs, smart and eager to please, but they do need exercise!
One was a Border Collie cross and the other a Kelpie., and neither ever kept still and both went beserk if their activity was ever restricted.

When we moved off the farm into a suburban environment I had to sell the Kelpie, who was a well trained working dog, to another farmer who needed a working dog, and give the Border Collie to someone who had more land for him to roam around.

[MW]

Thanks for all the suggestions.
Ridgeys are just going to be too big for my liking.
I have had a Border Collie in the past and had to give him up as he constantly dug his way out while I was at work, even after walking him daily.
A mate has a Visla and that might be leading at the moment. Love the way they want to be around you always. Very hyper though but they say no problems leaving it while they go to work. Perfect size for us and as a bonus, I run trails so perfect running companion!
Any other thoughts on Vislas?

[Alaska]

I am a collie person and recommend them but friends with Visla’s have had terrific animals. You will need to provide a warm spot in our winters if outside all day.

[Psyber]

Another worth a look at is the German Short-haired Pointer or the less common wire haired version which looks rather good.

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Things to avoid:
1. Loose lips which leave slobber everywhere including on you. (Newfoundlands and related breeds, some Danes, some Rotties.)
2. Coats long enough to tangle - I has a Briard once and in the end gave him to friends who were used to Collies which need regular grooming too.
3. Breeds with short wiry hair stiff enough to work its way into fabrics, and give you a major task picking it out - this includes the Doberman, Boxers, most Pointers. Worst of all here is the Dalmatian because the white hairs stand out like beacons. (Dallies are a nice dog otherwise but also very active.)

[BenchedEagle]

I have 2x Australian Shepherds. The smartest most beautiful loyal dogs you could ask for. But you want one that you can leave happily for 8 hours a day? Dont get them or Border Collies. They get bored very easy and in 1st year they will completely re-landscape your backyard and destroy all that isnt nailed downif not given enough attention, exercise and brain training.

[Booney]

I've got two Beagles. One is a wise old chap and great around people and other dogs, the other one is a younger female we rescued from Animal Welfare and she's as dumb as the what comes out the back end of her, but she wouldn't hurt a fly and nearly 4 years on she's still learning to trust us.

Not sure what happened to her as a pup, but she's got major trust issues with men especially.

[shoe boy]

I HAVE 2 BULL MASTIFFS WHO ARE DEVINE BUT VERY LARGE 5 YEAR OLD 85 KG 9 MONTH 45 KG .