Update! Possibly found!....What dog breed or mix would meet most of this criteria?

[S1969]

[QUOTE=Sooner or Later;8743187]
I have a German Wirehaired Pointer who fits your criteria down to the “wire”

She’s not for sale at any price, but this breed has much of what you’re looking for, IMO, if you get one from the right breeder. I’ve known one or two who were amped up but the rest have been quite mellow, low shed, people-loving, and protective.[/QUOTE]

I’ve never heard of GWPs being described as “mellow” as a breed trait. Then again, they are fairly rare here except bred for hunting. The ones I know require abundant physical and mental exercise. I know a breeder who has two puppies left from a very large litter only because he has homes but doesn’t think they are capable of handling and channeling their energy properly.

I’ve give you low-shed, but that’s about it.

To the OP, I am assuming that this young dog is still very young if it’s coming from the home in which it was born? If I were you, I’d be looking for a dog coming out of a foster care situation where its temperament, shedding, energy levels, etc. have been evaluated, since your list of wants is pretty demanding. I imagine a collie/bulldog mix is cute…not sure I’d assume it meets any of your other criteria though.

I definitely would NOT be picking up an unseen puppy that has not been in foster care and lives 8 hours away. I’m amazed a “rescue” would actually allow you to do that, so I’d be vetting rescue as well.

[DogIsMyCopilot]

Agreed. In Germany, GSP and GWP are 100% purpose bred for hunting. A registered breeder would not even sell you a puppy if you are not a hunter.

Also agree that it is not a good idea to pick up a puppy sight unseen. If you are considering a rescue, I would look for an older dog. You will have a much better idea about the character of the dog, since many things can change during puberty. If all you are looking for is a mellow dog to hang out with you, you might even want to consider giving a senior a new home. Many of them are nice, very low maintenance and still have a hard time finding a home.

[vxf111]

I always find these stories odd. There’s an element of whisper down the lane.

Who has a CHAMPION stud dog that they just let wander freely to impregnate someone’s working farm dog. Who has a bitch as a working dog and lets her freedly wanter to be bred to whatever comes along. Probably a closer story is that the AB “has a granddaddy on his papers way back there who was a champion” and the other dog is a collie-type farm dog but I don’t know that it matters. A nice mixed breed dog could be JUST the TICKET.

I find the “we’re placing them one at a time as they come off the farm” kind of a weird story too. They’re puppies. Why are they coming off the farm one at a time? Why aren’t they all getting placed at once? Why does this rescue want to drive 4 hours to deposit a puppy with a random person that they can’t really vet in person? Sounds… odd to me.

And most importantly…

OP, given your requirements for behavior-- I would not choose a young dog/puppy. They are going to chew, and dig, and make messes, and behave badly sometimes. I would go for an older dog that is a known commodity. At least around my area there are LOTS of rescues with older total Heinz 57 types (most with some pit bull in there) that are known commodities and you would know you’re getting the requirements that tick the boxes.

[vxf111]

And apparently there is kom rescue, though I can’t imagine they get many dogs and they’re probably extra picky about homes…

https://komondorrescue.com/

I have to admit, I do love them. They do not fit my lifestyle at all, there is NOTHING about a LGD that would work for me-- but OP seems to want some of the LGD qualities and they are awfully neat dogs.

The combination of “guarding from intruders but kind to the pack” and “non-shedding” made me think of them right away. Most of the larger hair dogs are HIGH energy (porties, poodles, etc.)

[beowulf]

I know you mentioned you may have found a possible candidate, but I just want to point out that a ‘pitbull’ type (staffies, mixes, etc) fit your criteria perfectly. I have two pitbulls and both are exactly what you are looking for… including the “WHODDAT” stancing at coyotes. They do not approach strange people and are not aggressive but are always alert and do let me know when there is a stranger on the premises.

One of them (the PBx) is a little more vocal and less discriminate on who a ‘stranger’ entails. The other only barks when someone she has not seen before is right on the porch.

They are great dogs now, but that being said – they were horrible puppies :winkgrin: Many of the behaviors you want are learned/trained, so I’d look at an adult dog IMHO.

[S1969]

@vxf111;8743540

I always find these stories odd. There’s an element of whisper down the lane.

Who has a CHAMPION stud dog that they just let wander freely to impregnate someone’s working farm dog. Who has a bitch as a working dog and lets her freedly wanter to be bred to whatever comes along. [/QUOTE]

I can believe this part is possible; dogs are dogs, and it is possible for them to get out. I know of a Brittany that bred a Cocker Spaniel while on a chain gang tie-out at a hunting test. The owners, both breeders, thought that the Cocker was out of season but it must have been a silent, split heat or something. They were horrified. (But adorable puppies. LOL.) My Champion stud dog is a little bastard about squeezing under tiny gaps in the fence to go hunting…he got through a 4" gap under a gate that was set on a hill. And another time he squeezed into the 3-4" gap of an inset basement window near a fence post to get out. We’ve blocked any opening wider than 2" just in case. :eek: So…that part I can believe.

[QUOTE=vxf111;8743540]I find the “we’re placing them one at a time as they come off the farm” kind of a weird story too. They’re puppies. Why are they coming off the farm one at a time? Why aren’t they all getting placed at once? Why does this rescue want to drive 4 hours to deposit a puppy with a random person that they can’t really vet in person? Sounds… odd to me.

But I agree with you on this 100%. This is not a “rescue”. Maybe a rescue is helping an owner place an “oops” litter, but the idea that they would place a puppy in a sight-unseen home is sketchy in my book for a legitimate rescue. Most would have taken the pups a 8 weeks and placed separately into foster homes before matching with adoptive families.

[vxf111]

I suppose it’s possible… I just think the whole story sounds a little fishy. That’s all. How does a farm dog with siblings not know how to play with other dogs? Unless someone SAW the breeding, how do they know for sure this is what happened? If they saw the breeding, why didn’t they take the bitch in to terminate? Most everyone I’ve known with quality dogs would highly consider terminating a pregnancy under similar circumstances (that’s a really odd cross)-- and very few would have allowed the mating to happen anyway. The only accidents I’ve ever seen be allowed to come to term is where it wasn’t EXACTLY an oops to start with (wife did not want dog bred because she wanted to compete her that year, husband did. Wife went to the grocery store. “By accident” just that bitch and dog got out together and, lo and behold-- your “oops” litter happens). Or dogs in close proximity with a stealth heat. Doesn’t really sound like that’s what happened here? The whole thing just seems odd. I would venture a guess they’re total mutt puppies but the “bitch is a smooth collie” and “sire is an American bulldog” sounds nicer than “unknown mutt farm puppy but we think there’s some pit bull in there.” Ultimately for the OP it may not MATTER what the cross is (and collie is the opposite of a lot of what she wants anyway). Just strikes me as odd…

[Sooner_or_Later]

[QUOTE=S1969;8743418]
I’ve never heard of GWPs being described as “mellow” as a breed trait. Then again, they are fairly rare here except bred for hunting. The ones I know require abundant physical and mental exercise. I know a breeder who has two puppies left from a very large litter only because he has homes but doesn’t think they are capable of handling and channeling their energy properly.

I’ve give you low-shed, but that’s about it.

To the OP, I am assuming that this young dog is still very young if it’s coming from the home in which it was born? If I were you, I’d be looking for a dog coming out of a foster care situation where its temperament, shedding, energy levels, etc. have been evaluated, since your list of wants is pretty demanding. I imagine a collie/bulldog mix is cute…not sure I’d assume it meets any of your other criteria though.

I definitely would NOT be picking up an unseen puppy that has not been in foster care and lives 8 hours away. I’m amazed a “rescue” would actually allow you to do that, so I’d be vetting rescue as well.[/QUOTE]

Only speaking for the ones I have owned, or know the dog through breeders or met at field trials, and for the most part they have been fairly laid back.

[S1969]

[QUOTE=vxf111;8743590]
I suppose it’s possible… I just think the whole story sounds a little fishy. That’s all.

Ultimately for the OP it may not MATTER what the cross is (and collie is the opposite of a lot of what she wants anyway). Just strikes me as odd…[/QUOTE]

I agree on both counts.

[S1969]

[QUOTE=Sooner or Later;8744731]
Only speaking for the ones I have owned, or know the dog through breeders or met at field trials, and for the most part they have been fairly laid back.[/QUOTE]

It’s also possible that our experiences are relative. The GWPs I know personally (a handful) seem far more mellow than many of the GSPs I know personally. But compared to couch potato labs I know they are still pretty wired for action.

And how they present in one situation may be entirely different than how they are “at home” etc. My dog is a perfect example of that – if you see him at home or at a dog show…

Dog show
https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/10609617_10204255040194750_7828806013750232603_n.jpg?oh=9b40e4641553c1d921c0e5787e85adc1&oe=57EB98B8

Hunt test
https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12004696_1012225852132060_8625626058018169365_n.jpg?oh=ec4138a047911ef603d7ddf66346011b&oe=57F6278C

People that only know him in one situation are always surprised at the “other side” of him. I’ve probably only seen one side of a lot of dogs in training situations.

[Sswor]

[QUOTE=Color of Light;8742579]
I am looking a medium to large sized dog that fits most of the following criteria:

A companion who is loyal and protective enough to bark a warning at approaching coyotes, as well as stand up to strangers if necessary

Happy to hang out with my little dog snoozing inside my house while I am working from home or while I am at the office, or hanging out at the barn

Doesn’t pace around the house (for above reasons)

Low maintenance, won’t run off too far, doesn’t destroy things, not inclined to get into trouble

The less shedding, the better

Not a crazy barker or digger

I’m wondering about…Heelers? German Short Hair mix? Poodle mix? Giant Schnauzer?[/QUOTE]

@Color of Light;8743115

Thank you everyone for all of your suggestions. I may have found a dog! I’ve been on the phone with rescues today. I just called a rescue about another dog, but they told me she wouldn’t be a good match to my timid little rescue dog’s personality. The lady at the rescue recommended another young dog who is coming out of a farm situation, just got neutered, and will soon be listed for adoption. He’s an oops. Parentage is verified…mother is a smooth collie working dog, father is the neighbor’s champion bloodlined American Bulldog. The rescue has been placing other siblings from this litter, one at a time. So nice that they are familiar with the family as well as the rest of the litter!

OP, I’m curious why you ended up getting a dog that meets only one of your criteria?

Regardless of how “mellow” this puppy has been described to you, it’s a puppy, of two really not very mellow at all breeds. Puppies are never, ever “mellow”, maybe mellow for their breed type but the last word I would use to describe any healthy puppy of any breed is “mellow”. Puppies need lots and lots and lots of attention and time and patience. And they are really “puppies” for 3 full years. They will chew on things, they will have potty accidents in your house, and they will be rambunctious. They will bark and howl and cry and scream and tear up your carpet and chew the legs of your furniture and pee on your bed. That’s part of owning a puppy.

Maybe you know this and you just decided you were up for it after giving it some thought, and that’s great. I love raising puppies but not everyone agrees. You did ask for advice based on very strict list of criteria and ended up with an animal that is pretty much the exact opposite and I just hope you know what you are in for. Best of luck with the cutie.

[Sunsets]

I realize that your “little to no shedding” criteria puts them way down the list, but my GSD is everything you are looking for.

He’s definitely a “low drive” guy who is content to hang with me in the house all day or roam the pastures when I ride out at the barn. I can take him anywhere, he gets along with almost any dog he’s ever met (and he will ignore them if he doesn’t) and he will chill in mixed dog and human company no problem.

He’s a fantastic “I SEE YOU AND I AM WATCHING” type of guard dog who will very quickly add local kids to his patrol area. Only barks to warn of someone at the door, or vermin in the yard.

But the shedding. Good god, the shedding! And his loyalty to me can be a bit extreme. Like if I’m in a closed stall with a horse and he’s outside. YOU ARE IN THE BOX WITH THE DANGER BEAST AND I CANNOT PROTECT YOU!!! WHY???

I’ve have heard similar things about Dobermans, BTW, and I have met a few lovely ones I would take home in a heartbeat.

[LadyBug]

I would agree that a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog would be a good fit. I grew up with them and they are wonderful dogs, although I’m now pro-rescue! With that said, I have a rescue mutt, foster fail, that I believe has a lot of German Shorthaired Pointer in him and he would fit your description exactly. He’s about 60lbs and is the best barn dog I could possibly ask for. Protective but friendly, although unsure about new people --> that could very well be due to his start in life. Explores around the barn without taking off, comes when he’s called, and lounges around the house when we’re home. Doesn’t get into things or chew anything except his toys. Cuddly, affectionate, great with our other dog, and so far has done well with fosters.

I will say I can’t possibly imagine this dog in a normal home situation without the outlet of the barn for exercise. I think he would be a busy-body that bounces off the walls. In our situation I don’t need to specifically exercise him as he entertains himself or plays with our other dog, but when he’s at the barn he’s always on the go (not in a bad way, but he’s always meandering around sniffing/exploring near to where I am). Here’s a picture, just because

Best of luck in your search, but I think the moral of the story is that all dogs are individuals. I personally think your best bet is a rescue dog that’s beyond the tiny puppy stage. A dog that is in a foster situation would be great because the foster can share their experiences and thoughts on whether they think the dog would fit in at your home.

[kbrethauer]

[QUOTE=Hannahsmom;8742865]
Greater Swiss Mountain dog?[/QUOTE]

These shed quite a lot. They have a double coat…

[smoofox]

[QUOTE=S1969;8743570]
But I agree with you on this 100%. This is not a “rescue”. Maybe a rescue is helping an owner place an “oops” litter, but the idea that they would place a puppy in a sight-unseen home is sketchy in my book for a legitimate rescue. Most would have taken the pups a 8 weeks and placed separately into foster homes before matching with adoptive families.[/QUOTE]

I agree - RED FLAGS here… this is not something a conscientious “rescue” would seem to want to do. Soothing seems a bit fishy there…

OP - from your description of what you want - it is not a puppy. Any puppy is going to be far more active than what you describe. An adult dog will be house-trained and perhaps be more suited to your situation… maybe look into that?