Question:
Though I have no means of getting a dog any time soon, I do want one in the near future (like within a year or two).
So, I'm asking for suggestions on breeds.
First of all, my preferences
I don't trust dogs that are small enough (when full grown) that I can throw.... There's nothing wrong with them, really, I can stand to be around them, but not to own a "rat-on-a-string" as they are so *affectionately* known at my house.
My friend has a beautiful Golden Retriever x Great Pyranese ( from a really nice breeder) and he is gorgeous! He's actually black (due to a possibility of a black lab somewhere in the retriever's line) and he's absolutely massive!
My neighbours have a black lab x dalmation and he is tall, but a string bean, and very active .
Some other friends have a purebred retriever and she's a blast to play with, though she has a tendency to fetch things that are better left alone (I believe it was a pair of underwear when the owner was standing at the door talking to a door-2-door salesperson).
My bf's family has a keeshound. She's annoying. She's so dumb (and that may be because of her history, I think she was abused before they got her), and she is suspected of attacking the chickens when they get out.... And possibly the ducklings that were on the farm last spring.
I would like loyality, fun/activeness, and personality (though I know that last one will depend on the individual dog) in a dog. And like I said, no rats on a string
So post your breed suggestions here


Answer:
I believe it was a pair of underwear when the owner was standing at the door talking to a door-2-door salesperson
My dog has done that more than once.
Breed is not always an indicator of temperment...but it can be a useful tool. We have a golden retriever...the best dog in the world. He is loyal, affectionate, gentle and just a well-behaved dog. On the other hand, I have known some goldens to be aggressive and loud. As you probably know, some breeds are generally more active than others...would you like something that is about as active as a typical retriever? I love border collies but they require a lot of time and energy in most cases.
If it were me, I would probably get a mutt from the Humane Society. When I worked there, we had TONS of nice dogs. Some of the dogs that come in had issues after being neglected but for the most part, they reasonably "normal". If you choose to buy from a breeder, make sure that they are reputable.


Answer:
Thanks Candice. As far as adopting, I have thought of that, but really really want a puppy at some point, so I'm still up in the air about it


Answer:
We have puppies too! They are usually adopted out quite quickly though...for obvious reasons.


Answer:
My friend's got a Jack Russel - he's not too small, not too large; very active and has a personality and a half! This is a description of the breed from one of the Jack Russel sites:
The Jack Russell is a happy, bold, energetic dog; they are extremely
loyal, intelligent, and assertive. Their greatest attribute is their
working ability, closely followed by their excellent qualities as a
companion. Unlike some modern breeds, Jack Russells have one type,
hunting. Hunting ability is bred into them. It is their nature. The
unique personality of this feisty terrier is rapidly gaining
popularity, but they are not a dog for everyone, especially first time
dog owners. While adaptable to to a variety of environments, they are
first and foremost bred to hunt.

These dogs come in three different coat types; smooth (recessive),
broken (intermediate), and rough (coarse, longer straight hair,
dominant over smooth). All coats shed, smooth coats shed the most.
They are adaptable to most climates, and usually handle the cold fine,
although some dogs will need a dog blanket or sweater if under 40 deg.
Fahrenheit.


Answer:
Candice: Of course!
Thanks for the Jack Russel Info... though how would they do with cats?
And if he had to stay on the farm for any length of time, I'd be worried about him hunting the chickens/geese/ducks/ or llamas even! And llamas kick. Hard.


Answer:
The previous family who adopted my girls told me that Keesha & Ally were 'untrainable' because they are adults and they are part Jack Russells and someone told them that if Jack Russells aren't taught young, they won't be able to learn when they get older. And I'm sorry to say this but that is ALL BS! I got these girls when they were already full grown from an unknown background (except for how they were treated at my friend's home) and I spent a good TWO months at least to train these girls to be reliably potty trained in my home and once they gained confidence and realised that I wasn't going to smack them around or hit them for every little mistake they made, they learned VERY well. And they've remembered their training with me even when they went to their new home and were returned to me a month later. I thought they had forgotten all their training with me but when they came back, they were perfect, no accidents at all. I really doubt that any dog is just plain ole' stupid, some just take longer to train.
If you want an easily trainable dog without possible issues from the past then I'd say get a puppy from a reputable breeder or from your local humane society. Some dogs have higher prey drive than others, I know that my Jack Russell in Singapore has killed a couple chicks when my neighbour had their chicken running around in the main compound. Keesha & Ally will chase small animals and possibly kill them as well.
I have no experience with bigger breeds but there's a magazine that's pretty good at describing each breed and listing reputable kennels for each one. It's called Dogs in Canada and they have a monthly magazine as well as a yearly annual that comes out in January. You should be able to find it in your local bookstore or vet's office.


Answer:
Thanks, Diana (i've seen it in our library, nice looking, glossy pages and all, and looked through it, but still would like other recommendations, as personal experience is often as reliable as "scientific examination")


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I've got a JR mix, and she's pretty cool. She was abused before we got her, but she's gotten better with time, and is even able to learn. Terriers are good in general (to me). The people who say adult JR's can't be trained...well they are idiots to put it bluntly. Terriers are smart, WILLFUL dogs. They have attitude and a mind of their own
As for me, both of my hounds came from the pound. I'm all about rescue and all about mutts...so it's the best place for me. When I went they had a ton of puppies though. And while the no kill shelters are great, you could always try a kill shelter, and save a life That's what I did, twice


Answer:
Yeah, my friend's Jack Russel does attempt to hunt squirrels in her backyard. However, he is extremely disciplined, so - if she says "no" it means "no" and he listens. But, he doesn't really run around loose, so - I don't know how he would do on a farm full of chickens and stuff