Need feedback for a new dog!

[benjamin-benjamin]

Something you may want to consider when making your decision:

The Intelligence of Dogs

Fellow dog owners, be sure to read the "Methodology" section before getting all huffy that your uber-smart dog isn't listed in the top 10

Obey First Command: 95% of the time or better.
1.Border Collie
2.Poodle
3.German Shepherd
4.Golden Retriever
5.Doberman Pinscher
6.Shetland Sheepdog
7.Labrador Retriever
8.Papillon
9.Rottweiler
10.Australian Cattle Dog

 

[Soulman]

Obey First Command: 95% of the time or better.
1.Border Collie
2.Poodle
3.German Shepherd
4.Golden Retriever
5.Doberman Pinscher
6.Shetland Sheepdog
7.Labrador Retriever
8.Papillon
9.Rottweiler
10.Australian Cattle Dog

That's a good list and right in line with what I've seen myself.

 

[Old Fart]

The little border collie is tough to beat for smartness.

 

[Danny Tanner]

+1 for labs, a Bad lab isnt a bad lab at all its a bad owner. I haven't ever met a lab who wouldn't be your best friend in the world after 30 seconds of showing them attention.

My parent's had a black lab that had all the attention a dog could ever want. He went through 2-3 obedience classes, was never chained up, neglected, abused, etc, and after working with him in classes and through their vet, they had to get rid of him. He was like someone on page 1 mentioned some labs being, bat sh*t crazy.

They had him from a pup and if you knew my parents, you knew this dog was raised like one of their children (we were fed dog food and swatted with rolled up newspaper ). Can't remember what was wrong with him, not sure if I ever knew, but he had some moderate aggression issues.

Not to say that rule applies to all labs. I've only really known 3 labs, including my parents, and the other 2 were perfectly happy, obedient dogs, all black. My aunt's black lab wouldn't hurt a fly. If you were to rob their house, as long as you scratched his belly on the way out he was happy.


I was going to suggest a boxer, staffordshire terrier, or an english bulldog.

 

[blckthree]

Exceeds your 100 pound limit, but I would highly recommend a Bullmastiff. A nice female will be about 120 pounds and be a loyal companion to you and the family. I have had two, the first one I got years ago, just after my second son was born. The two grew up together and were great companions. My oldest at that time was 6 years old and he could take the dog on a leash and walk it and the dog would never pull him along or anything. Quite a sight, a 6 year old walking a 120 pound dog.

They are very protective, they don’t bark a lot, they don’t shed a lot don’t require a lot of exercise and are great with kids. They also make a very intimidating companion to answer the door with you when strangers call.

Good luck in your search.
Mike

 

[blckthree]

I see Danny suggested an English Bulldog.. Not a bad choice, have one of those now. But do your research on them before you commit to one, they are high maintenance and slobber and drool and snore and fart and stink and are prone to skin infections. Ours will soon be 9 years old and is slowing down considerably. I wouldn't trade him for anything, but I would never get another either!

Mike

 

[jstaylor62]

When selecting your breed, you also have to consider the impact on your homeowners or renter's insurance. Some breeds have gotten an agressive label that makes it impossible to get insurance.

I had a 10yr old Doberman that was gentle as a lamb. I tried to get insurance, but they turned me down. I called another company and told them my dog was a mutt. I got the insurance. So now I have bird dogs. They are never on the bad dog list.

 

[donner]

The little border collie is tough to beat for smartness.

Yep, but they are considered 'ultra high energy' for a reason. When our BC mix was a pup, we would go on two to three walks a day at 1-2 miles each walk. Just so she'd calm down at night. She'd want to be good, but just have soo much energy...

When selecting your breed, you also have to consider the impact on your homeowners or renter's insurance. Some breeds have gotten an agressive label that makes it impossible to get insurance.

I had a 10yr old Doberman that was gentle as a lamb. I tried to get insurance, but they turned me down. I called another company and told them my dog was a mutt. I got the insurance. So now I have bird dogs. They are never on the bad dog list.

I know the OP said no mutts, but i think that is too bad. I know you can't 'verify' what breed the dog will be, but mutts are usually healthier than pure and often the 'quarks' of a breed will be lessened by the mixing.

Our BC mix got the energy and intelligence of the BC, but none of the herding instincts, which is nice around kids. I bet if you looked around, you'd be able to find some mutt puppies from two pure bred dogs pretty easily.

As others have hinted at, just because it's a pure bred dog, doesn't mean it will get all the traits of the breed. Both in good ways and bad.

 

[dieseltech09]

I have a 2 year old Australian Shepherd and she is by far the best dog I have ever had. Mine is a Miniature and weighs around 28lbs
http://www.australianshepherds.org/about.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miniature_Australian_Shepherd

 

[Jon3830]

I really like the vizsla I hope to get another one in the near future they are great dogs.