Ask DS dog breed selection

[DUCKAHOLIC]

One word...........Basengi.........if you can find it.......I have had two, does not shed, does not bark, good inside and out and it is a hunting breed......mine died two weeks ago she was 16 years old..

just read up on these, sounds like a cool dog, how stubburn and social was she? Do they like riding in front of truck or would they be a bed of the truck dog?

Sorry to hear about loosing her.

She was not stubborn but her brother was....but not in a bad way, when he had to go to the bathroom you had to walk him he would not would not go tro the bathroom in my yard and when he wanted out he could climb a six foot cylone fence......ha.......they would be a front truck dog.

[JaMak84]

A golden retreiver may be a little larger than what he's looking for, but they make great companions. Easy-going temperment, intelligent, well-mannered. On the downside they do shed and there is some coat maintainace invovled, but you'd be hard pressed to find a more "people friendly" breed.

[arduckslayer]

I think Jack russell are a little on the "high strung side" I've owned one in the past. Even at nine years old it was still go, go, go. Great dogs but maybe too enerjetic for an older man. I'd vote for the beagle.

The man's in his mid 50's, not in his 80's. My buddy's 65 year old grandfather has a 6 year old Jack Russell and they are inseperable.

[mudsucker]

I think Jack russell are a little on the "high strung side" I've owned one in the past. Even at nine years old it was still go, go, go. Great dogs but maybe too enerjetic for an older man. I'd vote for the beagle.

OLDER MAN? He is 54 for christ sakes!

[munyoz70]

yeah thats pretty old, nah but he acts old, has two bad knees and hobbles around not to mention hes a dumb booty thats smoked since he was 17.

[BAY KINGFISHER]

dachshund, my grand paw had one that was loyal to the bone, highly protective but family oriented. Dachsand can be great blood dogs as well.

[brandonvet]

Any of the breeds mentioned would be good. Personally, if I were lookin for a "smaller but manly/woodsy dog" I'd go with the Jack Russell as well. They are tough as nails, hate a d@m squirrell with a passion and are great companions as they have lots of personality. My brother's had a Jack for about 5 years now, last year he ran off for about 5 days...when my brother finally found him, he was laid up with a German Shepard female and there were about 5 other big dogs he had fought off to get to her ...talk about a man. We neutered him after that 'cause he just wouldn't stay home otherwise...anyway, cool dog. Oh yeah, you shoulda seen the puppies..... they wuz Fugly!!!

[jacksbuddy]

Any of the breeds mentioned would be good. Personally, if I were lookin for a "smaller but manly/woodsy dog" I'd go with the Jack Russell as well. They are tough as nails, hate a d@m squirrell with a passion and are great companions as they have lots of personality. My brother's had a Jack for about 5 years now, last year he ran off for about 5 days...when my brother finally found him, he was laid up with a German Shepard female and there were about 5 other big dogs he had fought off to get to her ...talk about a man. We neutered him after that 'cause he just wouldn't stay home otherwise...anyway, cool dog. Oh yeah, you shoulda seen the puppies..... they wuz Fugly!!!

My coworkers are wondering just why in the world I'm laughing so d@m hard.

Back on subject - you say that you don't want a high strung dog. That eliminates the Jack Russell and the Rat Terrier (one of my personal favorites).

From what you've otherwise mentioned, I'd suggest a boykin. They'll do everything he wants, plus it'd be good with any grandchildren.

[GLH]

We had a house beagle for 13 years-she went everywhere we did - deer camp, duck camp, grandmas house and fishing. She got treated better than I did. They do bark and when young can be pretty high energy( when young - but aren't we all) but should be a great choice. She was easily house broken and did basic obedience commands - sit - stay - heel - lie down - load up. she did however - like to sing along with the fire truck sirens ! It was funny to see her perk up and start howling and then hear the fir truck going through town. Also - she liked to ride in the boat - ears flapping in the wind !

[JCA]

I'm going to put one out there to you that I haven't seen any one else mention. A mini schnauzer. We got the kids one about a year ago and and he has been a great inside outside dog. Absolutely hates squirrels and can swim like a fish. I promise you that no one will ever come in your yard again that you don't know they are there, little jokers are a 4 legged alarm system.

[cheeko]

I'm going to put one out there to you that I haven't seen any one else mention. A mini schnauzer. We got the kids one about a year ago and and he has been a great inside outside dog. Absolutely hates squirrels and can swim like a fish. I promise you that no one will ever come in your yard again that you don't know they are there, little jokers are a 4 legged alarm system.

+ 1 on the mini schnauzer. I have one that is a in and out. Very smart dogs. We keep his hair short. He does not shed. He hates squirrels, rabbits and anything that comes in the yard. He is fast a hell. My wifes uncles little jack russell can not out run him. He will also retreive anything you throw. Great dogs

[Chesapeake9487]

I had a mini schnauzer when I was growing up that died when he was 16. He was something, herded us around the yard always protected us, only barked at strangers, and would bring rats and squirrels to the back door step pretty frequently. They are actually pretty healthy dogs and very hardy. Bigger than a Jack so I'd think they handle the cold weather better. My dad loved him and now that he has a empty house he is wanting a Giant Schnauzer...I like the solid black more than the gray..

[Blackduck]

I've got at rat terrier. Dog has no self control and a bit hard to train. He is always wants to sleep all up on you and sheds like a mother. Won't have another one.

Blue heeled/ austrailian cattle dog will be my next dog for the family. Short hair. Really bright and not too big.

[CBrown]

Take a look at the Tennessee Mountain Hybrid Squirrel dogs, sounds to me just what you are looking for. These dogs get between 20 and 30 pounds and are game crazy little dogs. They were developed by Mr Robert Kemmer by crossing full size Kemmer Curs with Mullens Stock Feist. You will also hear them called Cajun Squirrel Dogs after Mr Calvin Boutte who was one of the original promoters of this breed. You can check out his website at http://www.tnmtnhybrids.com/

Nothing against the Jack Russells but to me alot of them seem to be coming out of the Puppy Mills these days. And while yes some can be trained to tree squirrels, they are not what I would call "tree dogs". Kemmer Hybrids will tree squirrel, coon and possum with little training and only exposure to the woods. Also they are not near as hyper as JRT's and will keep everything out of your yard. Good all around dogs to have around the house.

Here is two pics of my 6 month old Hybrid: Tennesse Black Max. I got this puppy strait from Mr Kemmer and so far he is doing great. Will not be a finished squirrel dog by the end of this season but he will be well on his way. I am starting him on Coon as soon as I get some duck and deer hunting out of the way. These pics are a little old, I weighed him last week and he weighed 21 pounds.

[Redhead]

English Springer Spaniel... Bought my son one a few months ago and they are smart dogs. Already looking for another one.