Dog opinions wanted.

[buck]

It's time to get a dog for the family. I have two daughters that are gonna freak if we don't do something. I've listened to it for about 5 years now and decided to finally give in.

If it were up to me we would get a German Shepherd. That's all I had growing up as a kid on the farm. I don't think sweetie would go for it though. I'm wanting something with short hair, and something that doesn't **** like a whale. Don't want too small as we are in the country. It needs to be able to be able to roam around without the risk of getting injured.

We are NOT looking for a house dog.

I am leaning towards a Basset Hound. Having done a lot of research on them it looks like they rank very high for a good kid dog. Good disposition and they like to play and run. Look to be a fairly medium to low maintenance dog.

I need to know one thing that I haven't found from my research. Do they handle the cold very well? Our winter weather isn't extreme by any means, but we do see some temps in the teens or occasionally lower. For the most part I would bring it in the garage on extreme nights, just don't want to keep it there every night or all day for that matter.

Please give any and all opinions on this breed. I would consider suggestions for other breeds.

As always, thanks in advance.

Buck

[Ratickle]

I'd go with the SMall to Medium Spaniels. Cocker, English setter, Springer, etc. Big enough to run with you, small enough to sit on your daughters lap, and very smart. Also good for hunting if you are so inclined.

[Tony]

I considered a Bassett Hound for a while. They do have a few downsides, they can get mean, real mean, its rare but when they do look out. They also have a strong hound stench. How many acres will it have to run? I looked at Blue Heelers but they are territiorial to beat hell and can be pretty vicious when they feel their property (your kids) are threatened. With two daughters, your dog wont be sleeping outside when its cold out.

[phragle]

cant go wrong with a golden retriever

[Wrinkleface]

lab

[Dude! Sweet!]

I've had a few different breeds (English Setter, Wire hair tarrier, shelty, couple of old english sheep dogs and a black lab). Although they're excessively popular, labs are so for a reason. It was by a mile the best dog I ever had. Great personality, playful, loyal, friendly... I could go on and on... Can't wait until the kids are old enough for me to get another one.

[cuda]

I would say a lab or other retriever, but for the long hair.

Maybe an Austrailian Cattle Dog (Blue or Red Heeler). My American Bullog weighs about 65. Not so big he's in the way, but defintely to be a deterent. Hardly sheds either. Bulldogs are the most lovable and loyal dogs I'v ever had. Bar none.

[catastrophe]

I wouldn't get a dog if I wasn't going to let it in the house.

[cuda]

I wouldn't get a dog if I wasn't going to let it in the house.

Mine never come in. I've had all three for ten years.

[phragle]

lab

does george know you justvsaid that???

[Wrinkleface]

does george know you justvsaid that???

he's secure!!! just B'n reasonable w/ Buck w/ his requirements!!!

[Perlmudder]

lab

yep! have 3, but they are all house dogs.

[Warlock28SXT]

lab

I wouldn't get a dog if I wasn't going to let it in the house.

I have to agree with both. I have a chocolate lab. He just turned 6 this month. Great dog, great with kids, not mine, friends kids, I don't have any.

As far as not letting it inside, hell mine sleeps in bed. He's one of the family.

[catastrophe]

I might consider more than one dog being outside dogs like CUDA said, to keep one another company.

Gets real cold here in winter and I could never leave a pet stay in garage alone.

Best outside dog I had was a rotweiller. Great with visiting kids.

Iv'e had friends with all the dogs suggested and they were all great pets. Its all in how they are treated.

[Dude! Sweet!]

Cuda's dogs live under the porch and in one of the old refidgerators in his front yard. Ha ha ha!

[Wrinkleface]

I wouldn't get a dog if I wasn't going to let it in the house.

I grew up w/ outside dogs but would only have an inside dog now! I am single, have no kids from previous marriages. My dog is my kid!! The company/friendship my Buddy gives me, well, no words can describe!! good luck Buck w/ your search!!

[LotoSteve]

Border Collie or Austrailian shepard. Had a Border Collie for 15 years. Great with kids and smart as hell. They do have long hair but mine didnt really shed.

[catastrophe]

"The company/friendship my Buddy gives me, well, no words can describe!! "

You are right....no words can describe

[TomZ]

A lot of folks might freak at this (needlessly), but my vote would be a American Pit Bull Terrier. Get a good "game" bloodline dog from a real breeder (stay away from the show stuff... the APBT is a working/sporting dog), and you'll have a great friend for life! Great with kids, can take a real beating (built like little tanks with the energy to go all day long), will instinctively protect you and your family/property without needing to be trained (they just know when to turn it on), and will truly be a lap dog if wanted. They do not tolerate cold very well without help... a dog house is sufficient (and a responsibility). If you pair them up, make sure it's a male and female.

I've been around these dogs for over 25 years. They get a bad rap... needlessly.

[catmando]

I wouldn't get a dog if I wasn't going to let it in the house.

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