Thumbs down on some of the more unique breeds mentioned because they are “extremely guardian” thinkers. They need a LOT of training and socializing. Sight hounds can be hard on small animals.
I REALLY wanted a Scottish Deer hound when we hunted for a new puppy. But everything written on the breed said they did not get along with smaller pets. We already had a young Shetland Sheepdog, so that pretty much ruled off the Deerhound. I have liked all the Irish Wolf hounds I ever met, but they are just TOO BIG for our small house. Only have 4ft fences around the yard, so it would need new fences.
We went back to our old favorite, Bouviers. I got the runaround from some kennels, Bouvier people can be plain weird in their attempts to sell to responsible owners or non-show people. Dog here would be a pet, but we do want correctly built dogs to the breed standards, no health issues. Went online to find puppies. Traveled a long distance to visit some nice “backyard breeders” and found some VERY nice puppies. No show records in family history, but dogs lived and worked with their people, excellent movers, quite personable after we were introduced to them. We picked our favorite, or rather she picked us! Puppy just stuck to us like glue while her sisters played and ran about, came to see us then ran off again. She followed us as we moved around, ran behind, had nice movement as did all the puppies. Husband said “I guess she wants to live with us!” Has grown into a really nice dog. Has all the good features of the breed, STILL likes being with us! Ha ha
She is extremely patient with her “small sibling Shelty” who seems to be busy all the time. They play hard, run chasing squirrels or rabbits that come in the yard. Accepts the house cats walking to the back room for drinks, loves going places. Kind of stuck out in puppy training as the ONLY dog not wanting treats for behaving. She refused everything, but was very happy with praise and pets. She “got it” quickly as we went thru heeling, sitting, downs and recalls. Did not bother any of the other dogs, big or small. She has gotten more “guardy” as she matures, now barks at deliveries, but NOT at all the “wrong place, turn-around people” using the driveway. She evidently thought the Shelty was the announcer dog. He got a no-bark collar because he announced EVERYTHING, which got annoying. So she started barking a bit more in her big-dog voice, so we pay attention. Still rather quiet 98% of the time. We are really happy with her.
We have had a number of Bouviers over the years, like their good mind, good judgement in situations. When we traveled on vacations people ALWAYS run up to you, trying to pet the dogs WITHOUT asking, often getting TOO CLOSE, actually intending to hug them!! Have to protect the dog! All because dog is fluffy, different looking. Dogs on leash were accepting of strangers pets in passing (behind my back), not reactive. Thank Goodness! The good judgement in play here.
They adapt as needed, when showed what you want. Husband rode his bike on the beach to exercise the dogs, they went forward and got in some mileage. He had folks asking what he charged to exercise dogs!! Sat in big crowds with other people and dogs, waiting for show classes, then competed with no problem.
Bouviers need good training to be good companions, be obedient. Too big and powerful to grow up as a wild child!
I personally like furry dogs. It gets cold, zero and below, snows, so dog outside needs hair to keep warm. My requirements on dogs start with furry, then no smash-faced breeds that have noisy breathing, difficulty with breathing cold air. I like ears that can be lifted a little or stand up, for air flow to prevent ear infections. Bouviers traditionally have cropped ears, but the current one did not come cropped and I was unwilling to pay for the “Bouviers specialist” to crop them. Regular Vets seem to always leave them looking like Schnauzers. New AKC rules say dogs do not need cropping to show anymore. Floppy ears are not ugly, just different for us. She can lift her ears and we have fun laying them back so she looks “fast” standing still!
We also love our Shelty, despite his two major faults, barking a lot and digging small holes. We knew these were breed charicteristics, but are far outweighed by his loving personality, elegant
appearance and cheerful attitude. Better than a Corgi!
They both need regular grooming with the long hair, but the Shelty only blows coat twice a year and the Bouvier doesn’t shed. She grows hair constantly, so she gets shorn as needed. Both get regular grooming to stay neat.
