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True, that is indeed the downside with them. As with a lot of the larger breeds.Quote:
Originally Posted by Grizzley1
My two Danes lived for 7 and 9 respectively.
Way to short, but what lovely years they were:)
There's nothing quite like the greetings those two big goofs would dish out when I entered the front door after work:)
I have a dis-like of those hybrid dogs too, as well as the stupid names that go with them. People who buy those generally (not always) are buying a fashion statement rather than a pet (Or guard dog, companion etc)
I have had working dogs most of my life, Black and White Kelpies and German Shepherds, along with a few mongrels (Mutts). The reason hy mongrels or pound dogs are so healthy is because of the fact that they don't have the inherited problems caused by so much inter-breeding seen in pedigree dogs. The only real problem with mongrels, and a big problem, is that you just don't know what you are going to end up getting. You might have the best damn dog in the world, or something from the deepest darkest reaches of hell living in your house with you.
If I had the space and the need for one I would go back to having Kelpies (Red ones this time), but that would not be a good breed choice given my current lifestyle. It would be unfair on the dog. I have (obviously) moved to Jack Russells. These are a dog that suits me as an individual as I like their fun loving and mischievous attitude and there ability to take a simple command like 'Sit' etc, and personalise it to suit themselves. I like the way they are so independent, their high levels of intelligence and their eagerness to please.
Griz, you say you wouldn't want to give your heart to a short lived dog, well mate I got to say, if you really love a breed, don't worry about giving it your heart. You will always end up with it broken in the end. My last Jack (Harley) never made it past his third birthday. He was one of the funniest, best damn dogs I have ever owned (One of two best damn dogs I've owned, the other was a B&W Kelpie named Loppy) an escape artist and inventor of tricks. He only ever escaped to come and find me, so it was never an issue. He used to come most every where with me on the tank of my bike. It was nothing to go for a two or three hour ride with that dog sitting on the tank and harnessed to my waist. He lived for it. My wife came home one evening and found him lying dead outside the back door. We don't know for sure what happed to him, but we have serious suspicion that he took on a Cane Toad (Marinus Bufus) as was his habit, only this time the toad won. That was nearly seven years ago now, and I still miss the bugger.
My current bloke is a good dog in his own right, but he is definitely a one man and three daughter dog. He has no time for my wife, and she, none for him. She has never been much of a dog person, but at the loss of Harley she was the one who said, 'For god sakes get another dog! It's too damn quiet around here without one!' So I did. This was before our girls came along, now that they're here they are my wifes (and mine too of course) life. It's just that I also have a hairy little son, who will never be able to hold a razor in his paw, as well as three girls.
My next dog will more than likely be a Rhodesian Ridgeback for a family pet and protector. They bond well with their family and make good family protectors without being overly aggressive. They need to be trained gently so as not to break their spirit. They also have potential hip problems and only live about ten years same as many breeds of that size.
The sad thing about dogs is that none of them live as long as their human counterparts and so we will always have our hearts broken when their time is up. Just be proud and humbled that you have been given the opportunity to have shared the life of such a fine and noble a companion as a good dog.
Mick
My 8 pound Yorkie would tear y'alls dogs to ribbons. I'd have to wake him up first though.
I still remember the two of these we encountered a few summers ago at a campground in Montana. Two of the most beautiful dogs I've ever seen.Quote:
Originally Posted by gssixgun
I'd love to have to room to have Bouviers again. What great dogs. Big, loyal, gentle, smart and just a great all around work dog. Just a great breed.
Mick,
I couldn't agree with you more, any time with a good dog is a blessing,its just that Great Danes really only have a short lifespan at best,and 8 years is the norm,and I cry for weeks when I have to say goodbye,so the expected 12 from the Doberman is about all I can take.But when it comes down to it any well trained dog will be your best friend,but since were talking pedigrees here,one of the most important things is to know WHAT your dog of choice is for,and how much exercise they need. You cant imagine how many people ask if I will help train there dogs,until they here that-the answer is always the same "I have a very big yard" Well that's not exercise,taking them to a lot and making them RUN is exercise. I still have my girl (11 in Dec) run at least five miles a day chasing this thing called an "Arobie" its amazing, a circle designed by a professor at MIT that's an airplane wing in a circle (google it,I buy them by the case,lasted two dogs) the record was someone threw one across Niagara falls.
I roll it like an old record and it can hit about 30mph,and that keeps your dog fit and out of mischief at home. But knowing what your breed was bred for is the best way to avoid headaches,IMHO. That's why I stick to my dog of choice,I know what I'm getting. Last thing- first do we have any Dobie people here,and I have always heard of "smiling Dobies" a left over gene from their wolf ancestry,as when wolves greet each other,any way my last one was one and not only was it cool ,but it helped communicate with her-knowing how to speak dog is a very important skill
Also IMHO
Griz
It's all about reading body language and those small changes of expression ain't it :). I know what you mean by saying smiling dobies. The Red Kelpie is reputed to have Dingo (Wild dog native to Australia) in it's breeding, and if ever there is a dog that can smile, it would have to be just about every Red Kelpie you ever see has just that ability. An old work mate had a Doberman that would smile just like them. I've had similar experiences as Grizzly1, with people wanting me to train their dogs. They don't like to have it said, that it is the owner that needs most of the training, as the dog already knows what to do, he just needs to learn the signals and who to watch for them. And to figure out his position in his new pack. As such I tell them to spend just 10 minutes every morning on training with the dogs breakfast as an ultimate reward. I'm always surprised when I hear that the owner, "just doesn't have time!" to do that. Why the hell get a dog then?! If you can't even spend 10 minutes a day with it, they should have got a cat or a parrot instead. Makes me mad just recalling some of the people I've dealt with with that sort of attitude.
Mick
A picture of me and my first Jack Russell, named Harley, just before taking off on a two hour ride to visit friends...
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s...nHarleydog.jpg
And another of Harley, followed by a young Chance.
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s...001_edited.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s...ntotrouble.jpg
Mick
Speaking of dingos, here's a pic of my Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler), Cooper. Who is probably the most affectionate and loyal dog I've ever owned. They are reputed to be part dingo as well. My wife and I got him from a wonderful breeder in PA who became a good friend and cares very much about the dogs she breeds. We send her pictures often and she also helped us get in touch with owners of his litter mates, some of which we've became friends with as well. He's a solidly bred dog, but wasn't up to par to being shown because he has a slight underbite. Someday I'd love to get him out around some sheep and see how strong his herding instinct is.
They are not a dog for the inexperienced owner, that's for sure, but once you have been loved by one, there's really nothing else like it. We have two and I can't see myself ever not having an ACD.
Attachment 71548
Yep, I got a soft spot for the 'Blueys' too. Loyal and very protective. Hard working. A one family dog. I think you'd find Coopers herding instincts would be just fine and dandy. You might find that he tries to lengthen that underbite by going for the herded animal though. They might be bred for the task, but they still need to learn the finer points of handling a herd or individual animal. Put him in with an already trained dog and he might just pick it up quickly enough though.
Mick
