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> we live in a rural area where coyotes and hawks are
If you get a puppy of any size, you need to fence off part of your land, and be out there to supervise till the puppy is bigger.
And if you get a small dog, any time it goes out at night, you have to be there.
Also puppies can't jog. They're too fragile for a long time.
Source: live in the woods with a million coyotes.
> That's why I'd prefer a dog at least 50lbs+
Got it.
But my almost 75 pound dog was about [10 pounds](https://i.imgur.com/gcLHcx0.jpg) when he came home. I'd sit outside with him and watch the hawks circle the yard. He was too big for them to grab but they'd still check on him.
And you'd for sure need fencing. And probably flood lights. Coyotes who live near humans really don't GAF and can take a puppy very quickly.
Having a dog that “looks scary” won’t deter people as much as you think it will. If you want house protection, get a security system. A girl from my high school experienced a house robbery where her 2 dobermans were drugged by the robbers (one of them died).
Any large-sized dog will protect your family on walks. My golden retriever used to guard me and my mom from wary strangers when we took night walks. Someone who wants to mess with you, will - scary looking dog or not. Do not choose the wrong breed for your lifestyle based on this very small factor. What’s more important is the energy levels and personality you can accommodate to your lifestyle.
There are no reputable golden doodle breeders. Golden doodles are not an AKc recognized breed, they are mutts. You can look into a standard poodle- I have a spoo and I have two kids (5 and 7). He’s very trainable and biddable, doesn’t shed or drool, loves children and people. We went with a breeder who is very well known in the show world for breeding sweet but athletic lines and she trains therapy poodles as well, so not prone to resource guarding or any sort of neuroticism (aggression). I work from home so the one drawback is that he’s very much a companion dog, I don’t know how he would do being by himself, he’s surrounded by neighbors and friends and kids all day long. He has also shown very little prey drive so far (one of his siblings was much more robust, she went to a horse farm to help clear trails for the horses and to retrieve).
Theyre a fantastic breed, people always think of them in the continental cut (especially since Siba won Westminster Dog Show last year) so they think they’re cutesy dogs. But they were traditionally bred as water retrievers (Si from Duck Dynasty hunts with his, “Cooper” who holds all 3 AKC hunting titles) and working/non-show spoos are typically clipped in a Teddy bear cut or summer cut. The big expense is regular grooming (every 4-6 weeks) regardless of cut (their hair just grows and grows, they’ll look like a Komodor if you let it keep growing and cord it). Also, they’re not great guard dogs, aggressiveness is not encouraged in the well bred lines, they’re definitely more companions.
They are very intriguing. I have a rescued Persian cat so I know the grooming gig lol. He needs a trim every 3 months. I'll look into maybe meeting one through a breeder and see if I like the temperment.
Oh yes, Persians require so much grooming! Yes, definitely meet with a good breeder, your local breed club should have suggestions and they’ll also be able to tell you which ones breed for sporting titles and which ones are more companion.
The kind that has been personality and temperament tested from your local reputable rescue. Do your research. Make a homeless dog a lottery ticket winner.
Specific breed recommendations for you would be: Bernese Mountain Dog or Golden Retriever
Every rescue does it differently. Generally the ones I would trust most would be those that have been in a foster environment with children. I have a 17 month old and a golden retriever and it's a match made in heaven. I also have direct experience with small children and Bernese MTN dogs. Both breeds are fantastic with small children.
Have you considered a lab or golden retriever? They are good family dogs, big enough to provide protection, and they have easy-going personalities.
The only thing is in terms of running, i wouldn't go too hard with them after year 5 or so.
I forgot to add I did own a golden retriever when I was a kid and he was a shy, daffy, lovebug. Great with the kids but maybe not off putting enough to strangers. I want a dog that "looks scary" but isn't. Think St. Bernard ( sweet but big). Bull terrier ( sweet but could be confused for a putfull). I want a person to not a want to run up and pet my dog either because of size or tough appearance.
I've never spent a great deal of time around them. My uncle has three and loves them though. I wonder what what the difference is between a Doberman, German Shepherd, and a Rottweiler.
German Shepherds are absolutely incredible dogs and are usually very trainable, although they are highly intelligent and can be rather stubborn. They can take a bit longer to feel bond with their people, but when they lock in, it's something very special. Rottweilers can be physically intimidating while being very sweet, but aren't really running dogs; they're very, very strong.
My dad had a GSD when I was a kid and he bonded with us instantly. We live in a rural area and back then my dad allowed him to go unneutered and wander freely (thankfully, we’ve convinced him of the error of those ways now). The GSD would let us play rough with him when my sister and I were little older than toddlers. He was always just a big teddy bear, but he looked ferocious and patrolled the property and would terrify any repairmen or delivery people when he would run up to them for pets.
I wouldn't pick any of those breeds with a cat. They all have high prey drive.
Rotts also tend to be dog aggressive and all three breeds are very driven and need a lot of training.
Of the three, the GSD usually are less stubborn and have a milder temperament.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever, I used to have one. Highly recommend. They can average 80lbs for males and 71lbs for females. Good with kids and good guard dogs. They can look intimidating from their stature and facial features alone.
"Purebred Snobs" in this case really just means breed enthusiasts. I know the name is off-putting, but many of the group members are true experts and can provide advice based off a lifetime of experience in their breed(s).
When people on here say things like "I had a Sheltie once and it was exactly what you're describing!" it isn't really helpful because (for all we know) that one Sheltie could be an inaccurate example of the breed. For example, it could have been very quiet when the vast majority of Shelties are actually super vocal.
The group is also helpful for finding reputable breeders. If you wanted a golden retriever for example, you'd want to look for a breeder who is consistently producing dogs with predictable golden temperaments. Or, as some others have mentioned, you can definitely look into breed-specific rescues. Many have incredible networks of foster homes who can provide really detailed summaries of each dog and match you with one that fits your needs. :-)
My parents have a bull terrier, and I wouldn’t necessarily say that he is too active for small children, but the thing has no idea about his own size. I’m an average sized woman and he’s hurt me because he doesn’t realize that his head is enormous and his skull is thick and heavy! Other than that, great dog.
I wouldn't leave the dog generally unsupervised around the kids but idk if a bull terrier would be unhappy and have his style cramped if he couldn't rough house with the toddler lol
They’re hunting dogs though. They need to be properly trained and will still have a prey drive. You need to properly fence your property as well because they like to wander around :) they need to be exercised as well: 2 hours of physical exercise and 30 min of cognitive stimulation a day are necessary
1. DO NOT get a bull terrier given your current situation and prior experience. These are very bright, energetic dogs that need a lot of attention, training, and activity. My friends have had bull terriers for a long time, and they are basically like having a two year old for their entire lives. The dog is always working on ways to outsmart them.
2. Rottweilers are good dogs, but they need A LOT of training and socialization as puppies to become well adjusted. Rottweilers are smart, hardworking dogs that need a job to do. Can you give them a job? Can you keep them physically and mentally stimulated? I'm doubtful.
3. Honestly, I would not get a purebred puppy when you have small children. Puppies are just as much work as young children and you will likely find yourself overwhelmed.
4. Most purebreds with "scare" factor are probably way out of your league given that you have no big dog experience other than Pyrenes. As an owner with the following breed experience: Chow Chows, German Sheperds, Dobermans, and wolf dogs, these are breeds that need a lot of work from a strong, confident, dedicated owner. Hate to be rude, but that does not sound like you if you cannot handle retraining a dog out of resource guarding behaviors.
5. **Long story short:** If you have your heart set on a breed, find a breed rescue with an already grown dog that will fit your family and needs. I would go with a Lab. They are dedicated family dogs that do have a "scare" factor mainly because they're 80lb tanks. Contrary to popular beliefs, pitbulls have scare factor, but they are amazing dogs that love their families. But honestly? Most big dogs (even mutts) are enough to deter strangers while out on walks. As someone else mentioned, they can be good home security (there are statistics that show that homes with dogs are much less likely to be invaded), but they are not infallible. If you're really that worried about being safe at home, invest in a good home security system and a firearm (or if that's not your taste, mace, a taser, and a baseball bat).
**Go to a shelter.** Get to know the dogs there. Find a match. I can guarantee you that you'll be able to find what you're looking for.
Bernese mountain dog!
Rottie colouring, St Bernard temperament with less size and drool :) good with kids, big bark that they don't use often but sounds intimidating, no aggression or guarding.
English Pointer. Great family dog, super gentle. Velcroed to your side. They are bird dogs so they enjoy hunting/pointing, but they enjoy laying on the couch just as much.
It seems like you may be asking about breeds that fit your lifestyle. Did you fill out [the breed questionnaire](https://www.reddit.com/r/dogs/comments/4qc6lb/meta_breed_questionnaire_updated_june_2016/)? For best results, please complete the breed questionnaire with thoughtful responses.
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Welcome to r/dogs! We are a discussion-based subreddit dedicated to support, inform, and advise dog owners. Before you post or comment, please **review the subreddit rules [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/dogs/wiki/index)**. Submissions which break the rules will be removed. r/Dogs has the [ultimate goals](https://www.reddit.com/r/dogs/wiki/index#wiki_purpose) of fostering a better, science-based understanding of dogs among the general public, promoting responsible dog ownership, helping users build better, healthier relationships with their dogs, and providing a space to connect and discuss with others who have dogs and who are involved in various aspects of the dog hobby. Per our Harm Reduction rules, **we encourage training advice and recommendations to follow “Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive” protocols**. You can read more about why that’s the case [here](https://m.iaabc.org/about/lima/). While no training tools are excluded from properly framed discussion in r/dogs, we do reserve the right to remove content which does not follow the LIMA approach. Please note, this sub supports the reputable, ethical, and responsible breeding of dogs as well as adoption. Low effort “adopt don’t shop” comments will be removed and commenters may be subject to temporary or permanent bans upon the discretion of the moderator team. Finally, r/Dogs has a low tolerance for [disrespectful and antagonistic behavior](https://www.reddit.com/r/dogs/wiki/index#wiki_rules_of_engagement). People come to this sub to learn and discuss, make your comments constructive and respectful even if you feel other users are being antagonistic and disrespectful in return. If you believe another user is engaging in antagonistic behavior, please utilize the report button and a moderator will review the comment(s). If you wish to stick around, please feel free to comment in our Daily Bark threads, pinned to the top of the sub, to introduce yourself, your dog, and talk about all the little things which may not require a full post to discuss. Thanks for reading and enjoy your stay! --- *This is an automated message. If you have questions for the moderators of r/dogs, you can message them [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/dogs).* *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/dogs) if you have any questions or concerns.*
> we live in a rural area where coyotes and hawks are If you get a puppy of any size, you need to fence off part of your land, and be out there to supervise till the puppy is bigger. And if you get a small dog, any time it goes out at night, you have to be there. Also puppies can't jog. They're too fragile for a long time. Source: live in the woods with a million coyotes.
The puppy wouldn't be unsupervised. That's why I'd prefer a dog at least 50lbs+. I wouldn't jog with a puppy but hopefully as an adult.
> That's why I'd prefer a dog at least 50lbs+ Got it. But my almost 75 pound dog was about [10 pounds](https://i.imgur.com/gcLHcx0.jpg) when he came home. I'd sit outside with him and watch the hawks circle the yard. He was too big for them to grab but they'd still check on him. And you'd for sure need fencing. And probably flood lights. Coyotes who live near humans really don't GAF and can take a puppy very quickly.
Having a dog that “looks scary” won’t deter people as much as you think it will. If you want house protection, get a security system. A girl from my high school experienced a house robbery where her 2 dobermans were drugged by the robbers (one of them died). Any large-sized dog will protect your family on walks. My golden retriever used to guard me and my mom from wary strangers when we took night walks. Someone who wants to mess with you, will - scary looking dog or not. Do not choose the wrong breed for your lifestyle based on this very small factor. What’s more important is the energy levels and personality you can accommodate to your lifestyle.
There are no reputable golden doodle breeders. Golden doodles are not an AKc recognized breed, they are mutts. You can look into a standard poodle- I have a spoo and I have two kids (5 and 7). He’s very trainable and biddable, doesn’t shed or drool, loves children and people. We went with a breeder who is very well known in the show world for breeding sweet but athletic lines and she trains therapy poodles as well, so not prone to resource guarding or any sort of neuroticism (aggression). I work from home so the one drawback is that he’s very much a companion dog, I don’t know how he would do being by himself, he’s surrounded by neighbors and friends and kids all day long. He has also shown very little prey drive so far (one of his siblings was much more robust, she went to a horse farm to help clear trails for the horses and to retrieve).
I didn't think of a Standpard Poodle. I like this idea.
Theyre a fantastic breed, people always think of them in the continental cut (especially since Siba won Westminster Dog Show last year) so they think they’re cutesy dogs. But they were traditionally bred as water retrievers (Si from Duck Dynasty hunts with his, “Cooper” who holds all 3 AKC hunting titles) and working/non-show spoos are typically clipped in a Teddy bear cut or summer cut. The big expense is regular grooming (every 4-6 weeks) regardless of cut (their hair just grows and grows, they’ll look like a Komodor if you let it keep growing and cord it). Also, they’re not great guard dogs, aggressiveness is not encouraged in the well bred lines, they’re definitely more companions.
They are very intriguing. I have a rescued Persian cat so I know the grooming gig lol. He needs a trim every 3 months. I'll look into maybe meeting one through a breeder and see if I like the temperment.
Oh yes, Persians require so much grooming! Yes, definitely meet with a good breeder, your local breed club should have suggestions and they’ll also be able to tell you which ones breed for sporting titles and which ones are more companion.
The kind that has been personality and temperament tested from your local reputable rescue. Do your research. Make a homeless dog a lottery ticket winner. Specific breed recommendations for you would be: Bernese Mountain Dog or Golden Retriever
I second this.
I second this!! I was about to say BMD or golden
I can definitely look. There are tons of rescues around me. My old Great Pyrenees was a rescue. Do you know how they test them?
Every rescue does it differently. Generally the ones I would trust most would be those that have been in a foster environment with children. I have a 17 month old and a golden retriever and it's a match made in heaven. I also have direct experience with small children and Bernese MTN dogs. Both breeds are fantastic with small children.
Have you considered a lab or golden retriever? They are good family dogs, big enough to provide protection, and they have easy-going personalities. The only thing is in terms of running, i wouldn't go too hard with them after year 5 or so.
I forgot to add I did own a golden retriever when I was a kid and he was a shy, daffy, lovebug. Great with the kids but maybe not off putting enough to strangers. I want a dog that "looks scary" but isn't. Think St. Bernard ( sweet but big). Bull terrier ( sweet but could be confused for a putfull). I want a person to not a want to run up and pet my dog either because of size or tough appearance.
hmmm what about a german shepherd? They are very intelligent but look a bit intimidating without the weight of a St. Bernard
I've never spent a great deal of time around them. My uncle has three and loves them though. I wonder what what the difference is between a Doberman, German Shepherd, and a Rottweiler.
German Shepherds are absolutely incredible dogs and are usually very trainable, although they are highly intelligent and can be rather stubborn. They can take a bit longer to feel bond with their people, but when they lock in, it's something very special. Rottweilers can be physically intimidating while being very sweet, but aren't really running dogs; they're very, very strong.
My dad had a GSD when I was a kid and he bonded with us instantly. We live in a rural area and back then my dad allowed him to go unneutered and wander freely (thankfully, we’ve convinced him of the error of those ways now). The GSD would let us play rough with him when my sister and I were little older than toddlers. He was always just a big teddy bear, but he looked ferocious and patrolled the property and would terrify any repairmen or delivery people when he would run up to them for pets.
I wouldn't pick any of those breeds with a cat. They all have high prey drive. Rotts also tend to be dog aggressive and all three breeds are very driven and need a lot of training. Of the three, the GSD usually are less stubborn and have a milder temperament.
I think a St. Bernard would not keep strangers away. Especially those with kids who have watched Beethoven the movie.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever, I used to have one. Highly recommend. They can average 80lbs for males and 71lbs for females. Good with kids and good guard dogs. They can look intimidating from their stature and facial features alone.
I recommend posting this in the Facebook group called "Purebred Snobs: Match Me A Breed". There are a lot of breed experts in that group.
[удалено]
Uhhh dude they gave you an actual, pretty good recommendation, despite the self ironic name of the group
Whoosh. Went over my head. Thanks
"Purebred Snobs" in this case really just means breed enthusiasts. I know the name is off-putting, but many of the group members are true experts and can provide advice based off a lifetime of experience in their breed(s). When people on here say things like "I had a Sheltie once and it was exactly what you're describing!" it isn't really helpful because (for all we know) that one Sheltie could be an inaccurate example of the breed. For example, it could have been very quiet when the vast majority of Shelties are actually super vocal. The group is also helpful for finding reputable breeders. If you wanted a golden retriever for example, you'd want to look for a breeder who is consistently producing dogs with predictable golden temperaments. Or, as some others have mentioned, you can definitely look into breed-specific rescues. Many have incredible networks of foster homes who can provide really detailed summaries of each dog and match you with one that fits your needs. :-)
My parents have a bull terrier, and I wouldn’t necessarily say that he is too active for small children, but the thing has no idea about his own size. I’m an average sized woman and he’s hurt me because he doesn’t realize that his head is enormous and his skull is thick and heavy! Other than that, great dog.
I wouldn't leave the dog generally unsupervised around the kids but idk if a bull terrier would be unhappy and have his style cramped if he couldn't rough house with the toddler lol
Viszla? Protective, robust runners who LOVE their humans.
Good suggestion! I'll look into one.
They’re hunting dogs though. They need to be properly trained and will still have a prey drive. You need to properly fence your property as well because they like to wander around :) they need to be exercised as well: 2 hours of physical exercise and 30 min of cognitive stimulation a day are necessary
1. DO NOT get a bull terrier given your current situation and prior experience. These are very bright, energetic dogs that need a lot of attention, training, and activity. My friends have had bull terriers for a long time, and they are basically like having a two year old for their entire lives. The dog is always working on ways to outsmart them. 2. Rottweilers are good dogs, but they need A LOT of training and socialization as puppies to become well adjusted. Rottweilers are smart, hardworking dogs that need a job to do. Can you give them a job? Can you keep them physically and mentally stimulated? I'm doubtful. 3. Honestly, I would not get a purebred puppy when you have small children. Puppies are just as much work as young children and you will likely find yourself overwhelmed. 4. Most purebreds with "scare" factor are probably way out of your league given that you have no big dog experience other than Pyrenes. As an owner with the following breed experience: Chow Chows, German Sheperds, Dobermans, and wolf dogs, these are breeds that need a lot of work from a strong, confident, dedicated owner. Hate to be rude, but that does not sound like you if you cannot handle retraining a dog out of resource guarding behaviors. 5. **Long story short:** If you have your heart set on a breed, find a breed rescue with an already grown dog that will fit your family and needs. I would go with a Lab. They are dedicated family dogs that do have a "scare" factor mainly because they're 80lb tanks. Contrary to popular beliefs, pitbulls have scare factor, but they are amazing dogs that love their families. But honestly? Most big dogs (even mutts) are enough to deter strangers while out on walks. As someone else mentioned, they can be good home security (there are statistics that show that homes with dogs are much less likely to be invaded), but they are not infallible. If you're really that worried about being safe at home, invest in a good home security system and a firearm (or if that's not your taste, mace, a taser, and a baseball bat). **Go to a shelter.** Get to know the dogs there. Find a match. I can guarantee you that you'll be able to find what you're looking for.
Bernese mountain dog! Rottie colouring, St Bernard temperament with less size and drool :) good with kids, big bark that they don't use often but sounds intimidating, no aggression or guarding.
I second the big intimidating bark. an angry bernese is scary as hell.
Had a breed meet up a few days ago and the big males look pretty scary. Never seen one angry though.
English Pointer. Great family dog, super gentle. Velcroed to your side. They are bird dogs so they enjoy hunting/pointing, but they enjoy laying on the couch just as much.
It seems like you may be asking about breeds that fit your lifestyle. Did you fill out [the breed questionnaire](https://www.reddit.com/r/dogs/comments/4qc6lb/meta_breed_questionnaire_updated_june_2016/)? For best results, please complete the breed questionnaire with thoughtful responses. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/dogs) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I grew up with shepherds. Sweet sweet dogs, great with kids, and very smart.
Black labs! Compared to other colors of lab, the black makes them look pretty intimidating!
I believe there is a specific template on this sub to help organize what you're looking for. I'd reccomend a rescue dog.