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5 Mar ’12
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We are looking for our first dog for our family and the homestead. We are trying to decide between a 20lb smaller terrier or a larger shepherd (50lbs+). Very different dogs, very different pros and cons for both. Knowing what you know now which one would you get?
About us:
We have little kids (5, 3, 1) and have never had a dog... trying to decide. We live out on 20 acres in the middle of a national forest that is not presently fenced -- so wild animals are abundant but we haven't had any problems with anything attacking or the like. Our place is mostly wooded but our home is on 3+ acre meadow. Will get chickens and possibly goats in the future (will have fencing by then). Wife is concerned with a large dog in our smaller 1200sqft house and would prefer a smaller dog if possible.
I am leaning towards smaller dog because it would be a good companion for the kids and alert enough for our needs. I figure if the dog starts going crazy with a coyote near by I will just shoot it.
Open to advice/opinions. I am a dog newb.
P.S. We went and met a ~80lb collie mix at a shelter. Nice dog but wayyyy too big. That put us off from big dogs. It was hard to control on a leash.
15 Feb ’12
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I would go with a small, but from my understanding terriers take a lot of work, they are very high energy. But with 3 small children they should keep the dog preoccupied pretty good
4 Mar ’12
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maybe one of each?
5 Mar ’12
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Thanks KVR. Yeah, a mid-level to lower energy terrier would probably be the way to go.
gw99 -- Great video. Very compelling to see a coyote attack happen on video -- I never have. I think if we got chickens and goats we would probably get a bigger and purely outside dog to be a livestock guardian dog. Unfortunately we can't go LGD right off the bat because they would be bored without any livestock, would be too big for the house, and need fencing.
We found a good candidate for a shepherd dog off of Craigslist but he weighs 75lbs -- my wife just think that is too big to have running around with the kids and in the house at any moment. I tend to agree.
17 Feb ’12
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Why not go in between? You can get an Aussie Shepherd thats on the small side. Consider a Cocker Spaniel as well. Great gun dog and family dog and they're only about 30lbs.
15 Feb ’12
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actually spaniels are a great choice, one of the smartest dogs I ever knew was a springer
5 Mar ’12
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We had a cocker spaniel growing up. He had no discipline, training, etc. and was just an indoor dog. Good dog, though.
I am having a hard time finding dogs, period. We live near a big city in Grand Rapids but the good dogs either get adopted too quick or a shelter is asking $300+ for a mutt. I just won't pay that. I am finding some good ones on Craigslist under the Community/Pets section. We are going to try and pick one up this weekend.
That 'yote video still gets me. I think any dog we would be comfortable having right now would not be able to take on a 'yote or a pack of them.
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