Choosing successor to perfect dog: breed recommendations?

[Saskatoonian]

There are no more fun people to talk with about dogs than horse people, and this is the best therapy ever.

I am very open but have a few deal breakers, so only fair to share them (although someone else reading this may love the suggestions that won’t work for me):

Coat - no thin coats. I live in VT and not only am not keen on dog blankets but like furry dogs. Hair, fur, double, whatever - I like dogs with their own coats. So nix the Viz and Weimaraner.

Size - 40-70 lbs (no cheating by turning a corgi into a blimp)

Barking - my barking tolerance was used up by my mother’s beloved shelties.

Prey drive actually is not a deal breaker in the right dog. The girl I just lost was an amazing and dedicated hunter. Caught an adult rabbit just last November - I was amazed. It must have been stupid. She was still perfect with cats and other dogs. Kids not so much, but neither am I.

[bdj]

When I read your post, OP, I immediately thought Lab - still think it could be a good choice for you, though I’d be careful about finding a good, reputable breeder. No offense to other posters in the thread, but I would absolutely not consider a breeder who breeds “silver” labs. http://www.thelabradorclub.com/subpages/show_contents.php?page=Silver+Labradors

Elkhounds are interesting - I know a few of them, and have liked several of those, but they can be… challenging.

I agree with the idea to visit a dog show - even better, see if you can find a biggish show that has Obedience and Rally at the same time (bonus points if you can find one that has agility, too or just go to an agility trial) - it’s a great way to see a bunch of breeds at one time, and if you can find one with performance events, too, you should get to see a really nice variety across some breeds. This isn’t the case in all breeds, but for some, there’s a world of difference between the conformation-bred ones and working/performance lines. Additionally, if you go to a performance event, you’ll see lots of dogs being handled by their owners, rather than professional handlers, so you can get a different (and probably more relevant to you) perspective on the dogs.

You can use the AKC events calendar to find shows and trials in your area: https://www.apps.akc.org//apps/event_calendar/index.cfm?_ga=2.94510236.1075082993.1515776802-749181467.1424294621

[GoodTimes]

@bdj

When I read your post, OP, I immediately thought Lab - still think it could be a good choice for you, though I’d be careful about finding a good, reputable breeder. No offense to other posters in the thread, but I would absolutely not consider a breeder who breeds “silver” labs. http://www.thelabradorclub.com/subpages/show_contents.php?page=Silver+Labradors

Elkhounds are interesting - I know a few of them, and have liked several of those, but they can be… challenging.

I agree with the idea to visit a dog show - even better, see if you can find a biggish show that has Obedience and Rally at the same time (bonus points if you can find one that has agility, too or just go to an agility trial) - it’s a great way to see a bunch of breeds at one time, and if you can find one with performance events, too, you should get to see a really nice variety across some breeds. This isn’t the case in all breeds, but for some, there’s a world of difference between the conformation-bred ones and working/performance lines. Additionally, if you go to a performance event, you’ll see lots of dogs being handled by their owners, rather than professional handlers, so you can get a different (and probably more relevant to you) perspective on the dogs.

You can use the AKC events calendar to find shows and trials in your area: https://www.apps.akc.org//apps/event_calendar/index.cfm?_ga=2.94510236.1075082993.1515776802-749181467.1424294621

Gahh and no “Fox Red” or “Golden” labs either!!!
My mom is a quiet lady and the only time I’ve seen her correct someone in public was when they started telling her all about their beautiful fox red lab. My mom informed her that until the CKC, AKC, etc recognizes it then all she has is a dark coloured yellow Labrador retriever.

I agree whole heartedly with the posters who warned about the British vs American lines. A hunting lab can be one of the most high energy dogs out there when they’re young. My mom had two when I was younger. Both were field trial champions, hunted with my Dad every fall, etc. My mom worked from home so the dogs got tons of attention, my dad was running marathons at the times and often took the dogs for a run with him.
Both dogs had several litters and my mom was so unbelievably careful in placing those puppies in active homes.
They lived to be 8 and 10, both ended up with very arthritic elbows. Most likely due to the physical stress of running, jumping, spending lots of time in boats, etc.

[rubles]

This probably won’t help much as far as breed recommendations go. I’ve had many pure bred breeds over the years. All have been adaptable to our lifestyle. All have been “good dogs” in their own way. All were dear and two a little dearer. The first, a Tibetan Terrier, small and hairy. We read each other’s mind–she was so intuitive. Aloof until a stranger spoke to her first then as friendly as could be. Always well behaved and welcome everywhere she went. The second, a Rhodesian Ridgeback quite possibly the most difficult and the most intelligent dog I had to deal with. She read me very well, I not her very much. She was over friendly to all.
Dogs are so adaptable to their people when spent time with and treated fairly.
you’ll miss your departed dog for some time, just try and not compare your new companion to it.

[luvmyhackney]

Maybe a Finnish Lapphund if you are in VT. Lovely breed, athletic, I met one at our local PetSmart. They were lovers and well trained. Friendly and very snugly. They didn’t see super high energy but were sensitive and trained off hand signals in agility as per the owner.

The hair though…its a lot.
Yellow, black and chocolate are the only colors a lab should come it. Not a fan of the other ones and breeders trying to bred for them.

[Lazy_Palomino_Hunter]

@allons-y

Well you may all know how I feel about my dog pound Pittie. Of course I vote to 1) adopt from a shelter, and 2) consider a Pitbull. I never, ever, ever would have gone this route (Pitbull) on purpose. I thought he was a hound. Absolutley best mistake I ever made. Give them a chance.

So I will preface what I’m about to say by saying that I do actually like pitties.

The catch is that many of them “grow into” dog aggression at social maturity, regardless of training or socialization.

If being a canine diplomat is a non-negotiable for OP, getting a pit (at least one under the age of 3 or so) is a gamble that has a potential to end in heartbreak.

OP, my suggestion is also a lab. I agree with others that you can find a calmer dog by steering clear of the hunting lines; I actually know two families with exceptional young labs right now. Both dogs are under a year and somehow neither is the over-the-top idiot I often assume a young lab will be.

[khall]

I have always been intrigued by the bouviers.

[saddleup]

I had English Springer Spaniels most of my adult life. They are wonderful dogs. My last one, a female, lived to be 13. She didn’t really think of herself as a dog, which was hilarious. Kind, soulful, and merry. Ready for anything.

When she died it broke my heart and I waited 18 months to get another puppy. I decided not to get another Springer, afraid it wouldn’t be fair to compare my next dog to my dearly departed perfect dog. So I got an Australian Shepherd.

She is the funniest dog I’ve ever known. I laugh every single day at her antics, and marvel at how smart she is. She weighs in at 53 pounds, has boundless energy but definitely has an “off” switch. At home she’s mellow. She loves to come to my trainer’s with me and then sleeps the rest of the day after so much play time.

I love a soft coated dog. There’s a lot of hair to deal with, but it helps that she adores being brushed.

[S1969]

Maybe consider a German WIrehaired Pointer or Wireharied Griffon. They are cold-hardy breeds but can live in the house very easily. Fit your general size criteria as well.

I’m not a lab person; I don’t hate them, but I don’t particularly love them. I don’t like the coat texture and they can tend to be stinky…not sure if it’s the oil in their coats, or the undercoat that needs to be blown out…but a lot of the labs I know smell bad.

I’m not anti-lab…really, I like all dogs. But if I’m splitting hairs I wouldn’t choose a lab over other sporting breeds.

I agree that a Vizsla or Weim might not tolerate the VT climate as well as other heavier coated breeds.

Someone I know with Brittanys also breeds Keeshonds. That’s a beautiful breed with an amazing coat. I really don’t know much about them except got to snuggle with some adorable puppies at our nationals… But might be something else to look into.

[Bartleby]

@Saskatoonian

a diplomat among dogs, sensitive and aloof around people, and as dignified and elegant as they come.

I’d like a dog around the same size - leggy 65 lbs (of course I never sticked her) - and (after the necessary training and time attached with baling twine to my belt loop) she will be off leash, including around horses, dogs and cats.

A standard poodle fits this like a glove. Honestly I’ve loved all the ones I’ve ever met, I just can’t ever do a coat that requires heavy maintenance again. Had a Keeshond and I’ll never go for that level of grooming again! And coming from him I would also highly advise against any spitz breeds for the off leash reliability issues.

[yankeeclipper]

I had English Cocker Spaniels for 20 years. They are GREAT family dogs in a smaller package. Merry, sweet dispositions. Great companions. Blue Roan male was higher energy at 30 lbs. Black Female laid back smaller dog at 23 lbs. Field bred English Cockers tend to be taller and higher energy.

They came everywhere with me: barn days, road trips, walks in the woods, beach, bogs, trail riding with my horse, and etc… in all weather. Trainable: motivated by food, play and praise. We dabbled in conformation, obedience, agility, tracking, and tried some bird work. They may be small but have plenty of personality, spirit and energy. At least 10-12 colors from which to choose. They were bred for hunting on land and water. They are not couch potatoes: they need a balance between exercise and rest.

The only con if you can call it that is they need to be groomed every 6-8 weeks. I groomed my own dogs.

Have you considered a Samoyed or a Bernese Mountain Dog? The Samoyed was a sweet, friendly, dog with a great coat for colder climates. Although white dog at a barn may be hard pressed to keep clean.

The Bernese I knew was at a farm that I worked at. He was sweet and affectionate, Great family dog and good with the horses, cats and other dogs. All around a really nice companion animal.

[Magicboy]

The only dogs we’ve had other than a parade of much loved Corgis over the years have been Gordon setters…so handsome, quiet and trainable , no frenzy or craziness in my experience.

[cbv]

Also not a lab person, though have a very sweet one I inherited (who by the way is a “fox red”…never heard of them before brother bought her…but seriously who cares if dark yellow labs are distinguished from light yellow by a name?). But no desire for another.

I have had BC’s for 30 years and all great farm dogs. Most either uninterested in herding horses or easily trained not too. But are high strung and energetic.

Have also had Great Danes as farm dogs and even a Borzoi. If raised from pups I find most adapt.

But favorite farm dog, that might fit your criteria is Australian Cattle Dog. I am on my second. When I got my first I came on here and heard horror story after horror story. But my experience with mine and others I have known is all positive.

Yes you have to do some training to insure barn cats and horses are off limits. But had to do same with lab, Danes, Borzoi.

Nice coat, Velcro dogs, tolerant and friendly to dogs and people but not lab or border collie-like in displaying grins, giggles, and wags for every stranger they meet. Like to take the measure of a situation and aloof but not at all threatening.

Ours have been great road dogs.

I now want a herd of them.

[S1969]

@cbv

Also not a lab person, though have a very sweet one I inherited (who by the way is a “fox red”…never heard of them before brother bought her…but seriously who cares if dark yellow labs are distinguished from light yellow by a name?).

It’s only because the color doesn’t exist. You can call it whatever you want, but it’s not actually a separate coat color…just like any breed there are some that are darker in pigment than others.

[StGermain]

Think about a standard poodle. A good, smart, loving dog. Can hunt. Can be trained to do anything but talk.

StG

[Saskatoonian]

Thanks, everyone! I’ve narrowed my list to PWD, Barbet (they can be found!) and standard Poodles. I guess I just have a thing for water dogs needing ridiculous amounts of grooming / clipping. Going to meet a pup this weekend. Her breeder ticked all the boxes without even knowing they were boxes as she told me about her program, dogs, and what they like. Cross your fingers. (Turns out I really needed this.)

[StGermain]

@Saskatoonian

Thanks, everyone! I’ve narrowed my list to PWD, Barbet (they can be found!) and standard Poodles. I guess I just have a thing for water dogs needing ridiculous amounts of grooming / clipping. Going to meet a pup this weekend. Her breeder ticked all the boxes without even knowing they were boxes as she told me about her program, dogs, and what they like. Cross your fingers. (Turns out I really needed this.)

Good luck! Take pictures!

StG

[Magicboy]

Yes, pictures please!

[pAin_t_Misbehavin]

Sorry you crossed elkhounds off your list.
I’ve had two and they were terrific dogs with great temperaments. They blew coat twice a year and it was like living in the land of the tumbling tumbleweeds, but that was their only fault.
Smart, affectionate, great with other animals, but not pushovers it is true.
Just stay away from the old hunting lines. The ones bred to hunt bear are, as one might expect, not great pets.
Get one from AKC lines. Those breeders did a great job fixing the temperaments. Old-timey elkhounds acted like chows, but about 25 or 30 years ago the show breeders made a concerted effort to correct this and were largely successful.

[CindyB59]

Standard poodles are great dogs & seem to fit your criteria. Our is 6.5. Our last GSD made it to 13.5.