Which Breed?

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sam72431

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I'm looking into getting a dog, there are a couple of breeds I'm considering, and just wanted your opinion on which one would suit me best, Siberian Husky or German Shepherd? the dog would have lots of exercise I have three horses so it would be down at the yard with me alot of the time, the horses are kept right near the beach so I would be able to take it for walks a couple of times a day and would be able to come to work with me. Can you give me pros and cons of both breeds please? Or any other breed suggestions.
 
german shepard deffinately (just form the two that you have mentioned) they are good guard dogs, generally good with other dogs.

i would also suggest a greyhound. very loving, dont actually require much exercise
 
The other one I was thinking of was a rough collie, my nan used to have one and she was absolutely lovely although they dont seem to be so popular now, does anyone own one?
 
I'll not lie to you, my GSDs would like my cats for breakfast lunch and dinner, but they did not come to us until they were 6 and 8 months old.

Our old girl actually let the cats climb all over her. It's all about the socialisation. I live in hope that one day our lot will all get on!
 
GSD's are lovely dogs but they do have more genetic issues than most I'm afraid (not all so dont get offended, but as a breed a high proportion have issues) collies must be kept entertained, they are super bright and if you dont give them something to occupy their minds they will find something and you may not like what they choose. lol. Saying that if they get enough exercise and entertainment they can be lovely dogs, they're great for agility and obedience.

I have to say I'd go to a rescue center and see if I could get a 3/4 year old medium sized mutt with no major issues mental or physical.
 
I would defo not go for the husky. Now, they are good dogs howvere I see them as a dog that require a lot of mental stimulation and hence should be used for the sled pulling competitions etc that you see them doing. (I believe Cyrus may have some and takes part in those?
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Or perhaps I made that up
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Are there any other breeds you would consider? Or how about a rescue?
 
Don't know if Siberian Husky owners will agree with me on this, but though it might sound as if you could provide enough exercise for a Siberian Husky, I doubt it would work in real life.

Most Siberians Huskys can't be let of the lead unless in a very well fenced in area, they are likely to try if they can escape both by going over a fence and by digging below it. They're intelligent and they do as they're taught when they "feel" for it.

Personally I don't believe there's many that is suitable to own a sled dog breed without being interested in letting them do some sort of sled-pulling alike activity, there's owners that's exceptions and there might be breeders that breeds dogs more suitable to live as companion dogs even of such breeds, but in general sled dogs are sled dogs in heart and soul.
If they pull a bike, a skier, a sled or somebody with inline skates, doesn't really matter to them, it's the activity as such that is most likely to satisfy them.




A GSD sounds suitable http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/germanshepherd.htm and to stick to breeds of in about the same size as the two you've mentioned, I think the late Collie Smooth I owned would have suited your life perfectly http://www.smoothcollieclub.com/Welcome.htm , two other breeds that comes to my mind is Hovawart http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/hovawart.htm and Dalmatian http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/dalmatian.htm .




Of course if you would consider something just a little bit smaller, both Norwegian Buhund http://www.norwegian-buhund.org.uk/page.php?page_ID=3 and a Finnish Lapphund http://www.sfls.org.uk/faq.htm would enjoy the life you describe.


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[ QUOTE ]
I would defo not go for the husky. Now, they are good dogs howvere I see them as a dog that require a lot of mental stimulation and hence should be used for the sled pulling competitions etc that you see them doing. (I believe Cyrus may have some and takes part in those?
confused.gif
Or perhaps I made that up
tongue.gif
grin.gif
)

Are there any other breeds you would consider? Or how about a rescue?

[/ QUOTE ]

Nope your remembered right
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I have two sibes and a malamute and to be honest they aren`t the greatest pet dogs, the are born to pull and run and need a lot of exercise unfortunately not off lead

If you want a dog that can wander around the yard or beach etc go for the GSD if you seriously are interested in the Sibe then send me a PM with any questions and I`ll give you all the info I can
 
My GSD is now 12 years old and has been the most fantastic loyal, obedient, easygoing and illness free dog I could have wished for. Four years ago I bought two cats and he lets them wash his face, sleep curled up next to him and even pound his belly with their paws/claws when they are seeking a bit of comfort before going to sleep. He is the most tolerant and amazingly good natured dog BUT that is not down to luck!
Be very selective about who/where you buy from - do your homework and avoid buying from a 'one off' breeder who is just doing it to make a bit of cash - go to an experienced professional breeder who can advise you properly if their pups are likely to be what you want as some GSD's are bred for trials, some for showing, some as guard dogs etc.
Then - invest as much time as possible into its early education. Do not fall into the trap of thinking how cute it is and not taking training seriously. A big strong GSD with no manners is not a pleasure to deal with..
I can take my dog anywhere and do anything with him pretty much but that is partly because he was bred for temperament (and dog trials) and partly because I trained him thoroughly from day one because I didn't want him to tun into a nightmare that I couldn't take out and about with me.
Choose a good one and train it well then you will have the best and most loyal pal you could wish for. Enjoy!
 
Of course I agree with all those saying GSD
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Yes the breed has some problems, but so do lots of other breeds, and with research into breeders you can reduce the risks of these, although obviously not rule them out. Ditto everyone about training, you have to be the one in charge with a Shepherd, plus they are such an intelligent breed they need the stimulation of training. I have 2 cats, and although the eldest dog is not good with them, the other 2 dogs are fine, the cats share Buffys bed and although Evie the pup can be a bit boiserous the cats actually seek her out to play so it would seem are not bothered by her. As Lulup says a good breeder will advise you if their pups are suitable for you, e.g. I wouldn't recommend a puppy from strong working stock for a first time owner. Good luck with whatever you decide, if you need any help finding GSD breeders let me know and I might be able to help, although I am a bit out of touch now.
 
Huskys can be naughty off lead app i know loads of people who race them and they looooove digging holes to curl up in, most dogs have habits which they were bred forand some people find them annoyimg look at what most yard , horsey people have and they seem to have terriers never had one, my springer is a bit naughty off lead but i have a border collie who i could take anywhere shes fab and loves pretending to round up the horses, good luck if you decide on a husky pm me i can give you a rehoming persons no
 
GSD are lovely but just remember breed defaults! hips, backs etc so just take these into consideration!
Huskies, just take alot of time and effort and do need to try pulling!!!
Collie I think sounds a great idea (ok I have a border so slightly biased!) but they are great! Mine loves my horses! thinks he is big enough to play with them, but still..
Dalmation also sounds like a good suggestion!
Also maybe a staffie cross would be good?! My friend has a staffie x lab and she is beautiful has loads of energy but is controlable, and is very loyal and loving!

Also mutts work great as well!!! and some are REALLY pretty!
 
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