Companion/Hunting dog breeds

[Wolfman]

Hey all.

I noticed in the dogs pix section that there were quite a few of you who had Rotties. I've never had one but the ones I have met have been awesome dogs!

Thinking about several breeds but maybe looking into a Rottie pup to add to my family - was wondering what would be a good route to go - and what kind of dollars one might expect to put down on a pup?

Any thoughts?


Thanks.

Wolfman

[Bow Walker]

I/we got our rottie/Lab/Shepherd cross from an adoption agency (Victoria Adoptables.com) when she was just 12 weeks old. "Rescued Dog" from an abusive, negelectful situation.

The deak was that we had to agree to have her neutered. Other than that, the cost was $300 which included adopting, neutering, all first year shots, and a clean bill of health from the vet.

Best $300 I/we ever spent.

[Barracuda]

how about a bird dog of some sort?

[Brambles]

Sure get a rottie if you want it to go psycho when it gets older and kill your kids. I had a friend with rotties and they weren't nice dogs to be around, so that combined with all the press about them, personally I'm going to steer clear of them.

Some guys love them and will defend them till the end, same with pitbull owners. "My dog wouldn't do that" until kujo snaps and gets into the news.

Just my opinion.

[Wolfman]

Well, we have been looking at other breeds too...

[Brambles]

Can't go wrong with a Labrador retriever, if you don't mind bathing them, they have an oily coat because they are water dogs and it tends to get a little stinkey when you pet them and sniff you hand.

But they make a fantastic family dog, outdoor dog and they will clean off the coffee table for you to.

[gameslayer]

I have had several breeds of dogs and currently own 2 young Labs male & Female. Like Brambles said great with kids I have 3 young kids and my dogs never growl at the kids/people ever, they are pretty much game for anything especially hunting like activities, swimming, hiking playing. Mine do not have that real smelly coat yet, could be because they seem to have a real short coat (field dogs) and we bath them regularly they love it and the coat is nice and shiny. They will bark if they hear strange noise during the night but would not make an aggressive guard dog if that what you want.
For a high Pedigree dog you could be looking at $800-$1000 or more bucks average but that usually includes a lot of insurances on health hips,eyes, shots, dew claw removed.
There are some good contacts on this sight if one should decide to PM you. I was lucky enough to meet one and he has been helping me with field training. Pretty much get out of it what you put into it.

[Wolfman]

Hey guys.

Thanks for the input.

My dog right now is a 12 year old Briard. She's always been an awesome member of the family and has been a good companion out in the bush too. Sadly, age has caught up with her and the old girl's arthritis keeps her in retirement and in comfort at home these days.

We figure we'd like to add a second dog to the family, not only to go out in the bush with, but also as a companion to our 'old girl'.

So yeah, a Lab might be it too. I've always liked the water dogs ;-)

Wolfman

[Elkhound]

Norwegian elkhound. . Best dog I ever owned

http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/8950/lokiandkeira2mb4.jpg


http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/8579/lokiandbone2no.jpg

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/1160/loki2smaller8md.jpg

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/5766/lokismaller21sl.jpg

[Wolfman]

Now THAT is one handsome dog!

Do they shed a fair bit?



Wolfman

[Elkhound]

not that much. less than other northern breeds by far.

[Elkhound]

Now THAT is one handsome dog!


and thanks. They are great with kids too

[Brambles]

There are online breed selectors that ask you a bunch of questions and then spit out a list of dogs that fit your criteria. Works good but you might not like the dog you end up getting paired with ie: poodle. Sounds funny but poodles are fantastic dogs, they just look stupid.

I have a blue heeler, not a poodle, but I always said if they made a poodle that didn't look like a gay dog then I'd buy one, real nice dogs otherwise.

[Paulyman]

I personaly am a huge fan of the Portuguese Water Dog they are hypoallergenic,great with children,obedient,intelligent and most importantly..............a retriever.

This pic is of Diego when he was only 9 weeks old, he will grow to be about 60lbs,a very sturdy size for a hunting dog.

http://s217.photobucket.com/albums/cc105/Paulyman_ca/?action=view&current=DSCN2005.jpg