Advice on a new dog

[Phishnoob]

So anyway we are thinking about a companion for Blitz the Wonder Dog. We really are thinking a Keeshond and with our daytimes in the 20's a dog with a coat like that won't have to go on Jenny Craig like Blitz will in the spring.

We need a dog that can hang out in front of Pond's and roam a little and be gentle with all manner of tourists and get along with the other dogs.

I sent a letter to the Keeshond adoption place and they said the dog would take off and cannot go outside in the snow, but this was a place in California and Island park is somewhere that you walk your dog without the previously requisite little blue baggie. Dog's are just not leashed up here, but there are not the hazards for them that exist in the city.

The dog we want to adopt is in Kansas so Vince I might need to crash on your back porch or somethin'

Let me know if any of you folks know if this is a good breed or if another hardy type that is loyal might be better. Plan B is an Australian Shepherd. Border collies are popular up here but I do not have the room or a fence or the time to entertain one, and a Blue Healer is a bit too much dog. A neighbor has the gentlest German Shepherd that is sort of an Island Park landmark, but I am not sure if lightning strikes twice.

These are two of the candidates.

[dobejazz]

Kees are great dogs usually do well in obedience do you plan to keep it outside all the time? I would think that in time with bonding/training a kees would be safe off leash. Norwegian elk hounds are another good choice and look somewhat similar. Stay away from Husky or Samoyed types They they tend to be more independent and likely to run off when let outside unleashed.

[ouccmich]

I agree with Kelli. Husky or Samoyed type dogs have been known to have a "mean streak" and (depending on the dog of course) often cannot be trusted with strangers. I have never heard anything negative about Kees. They are pretty healthy dogs too. German Shephards are very smart but are prone to a lot of various health problems.

Let us know what you decide and post a picture! Is the Kees in Kansas a female or male? Fixed, how old? Just curious!

[Phishnoob]

A buddy of mine has us meeting the head of the shelter down in Pocatello, Idaho tomorrow. She was just on TV last week with a plea to adopt. This is only a couple of hours away and between the two of them I think we will be able to get the right dog.

The dog will only go out when it is cold to go potty, but when it is nice and I am working on the car or we are hiking will be with us 24/7. A couple of nice dogs hang out in front of the restaurant and I am hoping this new dog will be in the club to help greet all the folks snowmobiling in.

We are going to bring Blitz and see how everyone does. The shelter is pot luck but if we can rescue one little guy, then it is worth it.

[dobejazz]

Cool Perry I can't wait to see pics!

[Geoff]

have you looked at the Newfoundland? these match your criteria almost exactly. we have never heard of one untill we started looking for a dog. we did all of those "find your breed" sites and these kept coming up on top. so we gave them a try. absolutely wonderfull dogs. great with kids, dogs, anything really. extremely laid back dogs untill needed. they were water rescue dogs so they were bred to be out of the way untill needed.

here is a pic of Fezzik and our two kids, Ryan and Alex. Ryan is the older one. as you can see they are picking and prodding Fezzik just like all kids do. when Fezzik has had enough he will start by licking one of the kids. if this does not work, than he will get up and move. have never heard him bark or growl at any kids.



he will bark at new people, but if they stay for more than 5 minutes than he guesses they are gonna stay and will go back and lay down.

G~

[dobejazz]

Great Picture Geoff! I was luck enough to have a Newfie breeder live across the street from me while growing up! They are great dogs.

[Phishnoob]

We will have to check those out then...see if they have any at the Humane Society.

Our trip is getting postponed though..raining now on top of our six feet snow base and this storm coming in is a doozy.

Thanks for the advice...never knew it was so hard to choose the right breed.

[ouccmich]

Newfies are big loveable dogs. BIG but sweethearts!