...over to the farm house we were previously renting out. Almost four acres, solid brick house, new orchard that we planted last spring. We are expanding the orchard further this coming spring, God willing and the if Mayan calendar ain't right!

Everything will happen after the first of the year, so whatever tax credits we might still () have from it being a rental will apply without any arguments from the IRS. Besides, it is a little late in the year to be trying to get moved in afore Christmas.

We have plenty to do, but would like to get the kids a good dog. It needs to be super kid-friendly, and be a guardian as well, if at all possible. So we are looking for suggestions. Rob Leahy told us a year or so back that a chocolate Labrador would be ideal, and we are leaning that way, but would appreciate hearing other ideas for variety.

A couple of points that might make a difference. We have coyote visitors from time to time. We will be raising chickens. We would like the dog to be outdoors as much as possible, and it can get cold hereabouts. No problem with building a proper doghouse and run, and I would consider a doggy door into the shop if the 'yotes and other critters don't suss that out. Otherwise he/she will be living outside. Finally, the wife is adamant that there will be no boxers, bulldogs, pit bull, bull terriers, or variations of such. Also no long haired critters, as she is not interested in further work. .

Any help?

Otony

I live on 6 acres in the semi sticks. We have had 2 AKC boxers, great dogs, real loyal family types BUT they are tumor factories, run wild if they get off the property, and kill chickens and cats with regularity. I now have a rescue american bulldog with what I suspect is a bit of boxer mixed in. He still runs if given a chance, has killed 3 cats, a coyote, a boar coon, and tag teamed a badger with the other dog, killed it and had to go to the vet for the wounds. Very loyal, friendly, and intelligent. Too smart to be a dog. Weighs about 70 pounds, a bit light for the breed.

The other dog is also a rescue from Joplin's big ol tornado. I met the mother and she appeared to be all staffordshire terrier. Who knows what the father is. She stays at home and does not run unless she follows the big dog. She helped with the badger, both dogs were bloody beyond belief. She has unreal bite strength. I have had tire damage before I realized she was biting them as I pulled out to go to work. She bit a state car and flattened the left front tire. Went right through the sidewall. She weighs 50 pounds. I have since trained her to not do this, but I can tell she wants to pretty bad.

I am of the opinion that a staffy is a pretty neat dog. I like the big guy too, but he will go after small animals, or other dogs. He does not go after farm animals.

nt

dog. Just over 100lbs. Friendly if he knew you, but he did not suffer a small dog to live in his presence. Good guard dog and never bit anyone that didn't need it. Would eat baby back rib bones like Lays potato chips.

The labs I have had were very friendly and gentle. Fred would've helped any burglers, two or four footed. Great if you need waterfowl retrieved, or something to lay on the couch and fart.

While nearly all family dogs will fight to defend "his" people, I've never had much luck combining working dogs and family pets.

Many folks do not realize there are two types of ABDs, the Scott type which is slimmer and more athletic, and the Johnson which is more massive but will loose a longer foot race. Of course the lines become blurred sometimes. Great dogs if you can be boss. If you are not willing to be Alpha they will be glad to take the role.

English Mastiff, loyal to the core, very protective of young'uns they know, tolerant of young'uns they don't, territorial, tolerant of relatively cold weather, not agressive but will not back down from a threat of any kind. Two bloodlines of mastiffs one reaches full size 200+#'s by one year of age life span 6-8 years. The other bloodline not full grown till about two, not quite as heavy 180-200# life span longer at 10-12 years. Over the past 30 years the big dogs I have had the privilage of knowing were a female australian shephard (smartest of the lot but long coat sheared like a sheep in the spring), boxer (high strung is putting it mildly). A rescue Hound (of multiple parentage)but just a dog and a Lassie Collie. Autumn Bear, an apricot (red) mastiff was the best companion of the lot and not replacable. Lost him two years ago 2 weeks shy of 13 years old. Still miss him.

I was going to suggest a border collie. I have seen standard schnauzers do well as such, but mutts as well. You want a dog hard and large enough to deal with one or two coyotes. I'm sure others have better suggestions but some sort of shepherd dog seems to be the thing to me.

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Sincerely,

Hobie

kid friendly, protective and loyal. Get two, they will protect each other.

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Of the Troops & For the Troops

I agree with Rob. Labs are great. Very friendly but will keep track of things around the house etc. I have a chocolate but need to start looking for another. Cooper is 11 and I think this is his last hunting season. Really slowed down.

I couldn't agree more on the English Mastiff suggestion. I lost my little girl 1 year ago to cancer. She was a gentle giant. I always said her seldom heard, deep loud bark was worse than her bite but that was because no one walked on her territory without my help. At 165 pounds she was a small Mastiff but females are like that.
Good luck on your move,
Mark

I have lived with high end Eastern European Dobermans all my life and consider them to the the throughbred of dogs....still sometimes it was like living with timberwolves.....

Our wonderful old mamma dobe passed last summer and as she was getting old and frail we "inherited" a couple of pups from local farmers...free mutt dogs....one a sheapard heeler cross...the other a border collie shelty cross...

I must say that they are the coolest smartest funnest dogs I have ever known....and I have known a lot of dogs....

My vote goes to free mutt dogs.....!!!!

Byron

Get yourself a Winnipeg retriever.

Dunno how it is locally, but recently those places around here [NW Ohio]screen intakes for behavior and health. There's a fair chance that a couple of big mixed breed Retrievers, or something like Byron describes, can be adopted. The 'yote thing really needs two dogs anyway, since a team of yowlers are not averse to fresh dog, either.

While it's interesting to own and use challenging breed dogs, it's not for everyone. We like and own Chessies, so I can empathize with those occasional 'timberwolf' moments, as were mentioned. The males can be pretty Alpha, but females can be downright killers on 'discourteous & improper behavior" issues. Mammalian Rudeness by varmints and other canines just ain't tolerated.

However, having been involved in foster dogging and rescue, I'd think a younger couple [adolescent/young adult] would do just fine. As noted above, farm-wise mixed breeds can be smart and grateful for a home. Mebbe at least one of them being of 'the enforcer' size.

Mentioning that was a good idea, thank You26ts8