Large Scale Central

NTOT! Dogs...?

General Discussion
#1

So we’re moving, to a farm of about 32 acres, and the pledge I’ve made to Luke for years (one day when we get to a farm I’ll get you a dog) is coming due!

So I’m looking…we’ve four kids (6yrs-19mo) and wanted to start with a pup to get the daughter acclimated to a dog.

I’m considering the following breeds

Border Collie
Lab (yeller/white/choc)
Beagle

I’ve spent the time “Googling” the above and a few more, what I’m looking for is real-world experience with an actual pet, pros and cons.

There is a barn on property and may consider some stock later (sheep, beef, llama, horse), but haven’t decided yet.

I grew up with dogs around the house and usually 30+ head of Blue-tick/Beagles for Deer Hunting, so I understand the owning or them owning you thing.

thanks
cale

#2

Owner of two Labs over the years and you can’t find a better pet for young ones. Soft mouth and child protective. Both black and easy to train

#3

Cale,
The best dogs I’ve had over the years were Irish Setters and Golden Retrievers.
Females will not wander off as much as males.
Also, in the country you want a dog big enough to take care of itself with the wild animals.
I would highly suggest getting 2 dogs. Saftey in numbers. In the country you may find Coyotes, Wolves and even packs of ferrel dogs.
As for your list, I’ve had Yellow Labs and they are good dogs.
Good luck with the new home and country life!
Ralph

#4

I’ve had two Border Collies. They are great dogs, but require a lot of time and effort to keep their minds and bodies occupied. They also might want to try herding your children, maybe even nipping them to make the boys go where the dog wants them to.

As long as your children are introduced to the collie as pack leaders a la the Dog Whisperer, there should be no problem. Also, I would suggest getting a puppy from a reputable breeder, one who breeds them as pets, not working dogs. Rescue dogs take a lot of work to overcome the baggage they bring with them from their previous human.

Good luck.

I think that the Beagle might be the best choice for such young children

#5

Cale,

You might also consider a Siberian Husky. They are a mild mannered breed, excellent around children (why I chose the breed when my 4 kids were small) and are quite loyal. The only caveat I have is to make sure you get one from a highly reputable breeder. The puppy mills don’t do the animals justice.

Bob C.

#6

but do stay away from Rottweilers.
we had rottweilers for years, when the first child came.
we found out, either the dogs or the child had to go.
well, we still got children.

#7

Thanks Guys!

Bob, one of my first as a child was a Husky-“Hobo” was killed by the neighbors “friendly” boxers one afternoon as we played in the backyard of our then new home :frowning:

Korm, no sweat those things scare me even when I’m armed :slight_smile:

Steve, you must be referencing Cesar Millan? A friend (and rabid dog person)-bad pun- loaned us the Book on CD of Be the Pack Leader, just started it and I don’t think I will make it through 4 full CD’s of his reading argh…we’ll see…

Ralph, neighbor as a kid had a Setter-what an amazingly great dog…one day it stood in the road as my little brother (5 at the time) came barreling down the hill on his new 16" Huffy–crash! Marc went over the handlebars and Red just stood there, finally going over to lick his wounds (Marc)

Now back to the laundry room and Cesar-oh joy!

#8

Border Collies are working dogs, they are not good “pets” as they need something to keep them busy Beagles can be veeeeeery barky, friend had one…constant barker, at the least little things. Lab are wonderful dogs. Couple other breeds to consider avoiding based on friends experiences, Dalmations and Wienermiers, have tons of energy and are in constant motion, need alot of outdoor activity. We have a Chow Chow but this Oompa Loompa he is different from the “typical” Chow’s bad reputaion, as he is very good around people and loves kids.

(http://gold.mylargescale.com/vsmith/Simba2.jpg)

#9

Cale, You shaved your beard :lol:

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/cabby/_forumfiles/r1497178361.jpg)

#10

And looks a helluva lot better too!

#11

thought it was fitting with the subject at hand…

#12

Nah, I like beards. I’ve had mine for years.
I’ll vote for the lab. I’ve never seen an onry one.

#13

Cale I have now and have had in the past New Foundlands and found them to be great with kids, very kind and easy to train. the only bad thing is the hair. You might wont to google the breed. Good luck with the hunt.

#14

DON’T GET A SCHIPPERKE …I WARNED YOU!!!

#15

Cale, Labs are IMHO the best for kids, very gentle and after a while mine did get protective of our kids which I liked. My daughter used pull its ears and mouth and the dog never did a thing, when my daughter would sleep, the dog layed right by her. Now your kids are at the perfect age to get a dog so they can grow up with it, then the dog will be used to kids also.

Good Luck.

I had a chocolate lab, best dog I ever had.

tom h

#16

Go with the lab. Or a mixed breed.

#17

Her is a pic of Runt my New foundland at 6 months old. She is a great Railroad dog.

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/geogeorge/_forumfiles/06.jpg)

#18

Had a black lab, and end up getting a yellow as a buddy!
Can’t go wrong with the breed!
You a looking better with age!!
Sean

#19

Labs can be TOO friendly (or is it just dumb?). A friend of mine was out playing fetch with his yalla lab. This strange guy pulls up at the road, throws open the car door and hollers, “Hey boy! Go for a ride?”… Idiot dog hopped in this guy’s car and was GONE that fast… My experience with them as house dogs is put everything breakable - or chewable, up at least 5 feet above the floor… like baby proofing just twice as high.

Beagles are VERY social pack animals. You can’t just chain them out and expect them not to bark. If they are inside with you, they’re generally fine… Except they DO tend to bounce when excited. lol. At least when they are young, older dogs get lazy and start acting like Uncle Joe (always sleeping in the sun on the rocking chair).

Most Borders are bright, bright dogs get bored easily and end up getting into a lot of trouble. As for the herding instinct, maybe. Except we had one that just liked to chase… not herd, chase and scatter - even would try to chase the bull. She was also dumb enough to roll in a yella jacket nest – picking about 100 bees out of her coat was NOT fun.

Honestly? Of your choices, the beagle has size in it’s favor. They have a big voice when needed, but also small size (20lbs) so they won’t always be knocking the littles over and scare them.

If it were me, I’d also consider a terrier mix. Play your cards right and somebody might even throw in 25# of dog food and a collar with a free puppy, :smiley: The best dog I ever owned (Cairn Terrier/Spaniel mix) we got that way…

#20

A problem I unexpectedly ran into was my homeowner’s insurance carrier. They now have a list of “High Risk” dogs, which… yeah, you guessed it… more $$$$$ And Rotty’s and pitbulls void the whole mess. We have a chow mix that looks eerily like Victor’s pic, which we are calling a “Eurasier”(google it), in order to avoid a premium- premium.
We just euthanized our old Border Collie who was a major pain in the butt, although we loved her dearly. The smartest and most opinionated creature God ever put on earth. She controlled our lives like an S/M Mistress…
Have had Beagles in past years-- a nice dog but eager to eat every ugly thing he could scrounge up,especially cat poop, which he particularly relished warm from the source…He once ate a box of Brillo pads, and had tubes in all orifices for about a week, crapped rust for awhile. and then tried to eat another one----gluttons to the max.
Jesus! What dismal advice!
john