I wasn't sure where I should place this, so forgive me if I "parked in the wrong parking space."

Our Akita, Amy, is getting on up in years, and we know that she won't be around forever. My husband absolutely loves this dog, and would like a dog with a similar temperment, but not another long-haired breed.

I don't want to sound like we love Amy any less or wish to discard her, but I feel that it is a good idea to research another breed and meet a few dogs of those breeds so that my husband can determine if such a dog would be suitable to his personality.

Amy has really tailored well to my husband. She is protective of the family and home, but obedient. Small children and puppies are instantly hers, as her maternal instincts are rather strong (especially for a dog that never had puppies). She will not tolerate dogs that are not part of her pack, but does learn to accept dogs over time. She was very dominating toward other dogs when we first got her, but as age has caught up with her, she has quietly stepped down and let Tank assume a higher status. My husband and I have changed our method of treating the dogs to suit this. So far, no complaints from Amy. Amy has always had a tendency to become lethargic if left to entertain herself, but she will get up and go when you are ready to play or go for walks or jogs.

Because Tank will be an adult male Rottweiler, I felt it would be best that whatever dog we get be female (fixed of course, don't want puppies), since we do want the dogs to walk together and if possible, sit in the livingroom at the same time --- much like Tank and Amy does now. We are willing to raise up a dog as a puppy if necessary. Taking on full grown dogs with even, predictable temperments is something we are willing to do as well. Adopting dogs from shelters or taking on dogs from reputable breeders is fine --- preferably puppies from breeders so they can offer a guide for possible temperments for the puppies (most animal shelters can only guess as to how a puppy may turn out); and adult dogs from shelters (their personality and temperament would be known).

The breeds that interest my husband are as follows:

American Bulldog, another Rottweiler, and Boxer.

If you know of any reputable breeders for these dogs, especially in the Dallas/Fortworth area, that would be most helpful. I do not wish to take on another dog right now, and possibly not for years. However, these breeders would be able to tell me what to expect in these breeds, how they might get along with our Rottweiler, and offer an opportunity to see adult dogs with good temperaments.

Any advice or information you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Jennifer

Have You think maybe about cane corso(it´s my best with rottweiler molos,little bit heigher but not so weight,very fast....)?

Excuse for my english....

I was just about to ask a similar question!

We are considering adding another dog to our pack. Teagan is a 17mth Dobe, and I'd like to know any good guard breeds/breeds to avoid. Again, it would be a pet, but I'd like to do some Schutzhund stuff too.

We're thinking of rescuing an adult (1yr+) Rottie. Anyone got some advice for compatability?

Many thanks
Rob

Rottweilers, American Bulldogs, Cane Corsos, they are all great breeds if you are not afraid of spending the money to actually get a good dog. All of the above breeds are bred in backyards all over the country. I considered Cane Corsos's before I got into the AB, and I didn't only because I want a true working dog and these days Canies are bred primarily for their looks or with complete disregard. Don't take me wrong there are some fabulous breeders out there but their dogs are going to working homes.

What is your background in training and dogs? What are you really looking for in your next dog? As a lovable obedient family pet that looks imposing to potential bad guys? Or are you looking for a dog that would really protect you, with training?

If what you are looking for is a dog that will get along with Tank (which depends on YOU and Tank just as much as the other dog) that will be easy or moderately easy to train, and "safe" but looks imposing, then I would ultimately recommend the Boxer. They can be stubborn but they are very smart, they are high energy, and great family pets. The only breeders I know of are local to me, though.

American Bulldogs are not for everyone - there are a lot of AB breeders out there right now. This is a touchy subject for me. Basically with an AB you are either going to get a dog that loves everybody and doesn't care if a stranger breaks into your house, (which isn't necessarily a bad thing) or you are going to get an unhealthy dominant, aggressive dog. That is just an "on average" basis that does not include every breeder and definitely not every AB. But the water is muddy right now as the AB increases in popularity. The only breeders I have personal experience with are either no longer breeding or are producing high drive working dogs that only go to working homes.

Rotties are great dogs, too. As you know from having Tank I have had 3 myself, 2 from pups, 1 as an adult, and helped to raise a total of 8 as my family loves Rotties. I currently care for an older (10) female rottie where I live that belongs to my cousin.

So I would say either a Boxer or another Rottie, but unfortunately cannot refer you to any breeders I have experience with that are not local to the Southern Oregon area. Have you tried searching on google, and contacting breeders to see if they will let you come out and see the dogs?

Also edited to comment on the Canie, the comformation of the Canie depends on the breeder you get them from. Some are being bred very heavy like the Rottie, and some are more traditional with a leaner, muscular frame, but they tend to be longer legged and indeed are fast and very agile. I've seen 135-150 pound Canies jump around like a supersized Jack Russel

Do not make a decision on getting a working dog reliant on the location of the breeder being close to you - that's a set up for failure right off the bat.

You may have to travel to get a good dog. It's worth the trip for something that'll be part of your life for possibly the next 15 years.

A good point made by Will - but looking into going to local breeders to see adult dogs of the breeds and get an idea of whether or not the breed is right for you, I still recommend. Keep in mind that one breeders dogs are not every breeders dogs so see if there are breed associations where you can locate members that are not breeders, to see some dogs up close in person.

If you are looking for an unusual dog - allow me to plug my favourite breed, the Louisiana Catahoula. They are common in Texas so you should be able to find a breeder. These dogs are quite the personality but are generally aloof to strangers - they are very much pack dogs. They are definitely a protective breed. They usually do very well with another dog friend. They also have short fur like Boxers/Dobies. Females range from 55-70 lbs.

They come in every imaginable colour. If you wanted a dark coloured dog, the solids come in black/tan, tricolour, black/brindle, and solid black. There are also reds, sables(fawn), solid brindle and the very popular merle pattern too.

With Catahoulas, try to find a good breeder with confident dogs - shyness has started to crop up among backyard-bred dogs.

No matter what you choose, good luck and have fun!

My brother had a pit bull when we were growing up, he was a great dog, loved the family and kids in the neighborhood but when he got older he started getting very possesive and dominant, eventually biting became and issue. So, if you want a bull dog of any kind make sure, sure, sure that you do your research on breeders. Too much backyard breeding these days with this breed. Still, they can make great dogs if raised properly and bred properly.

My husband and I have had one round of three rotties at one time, all neutered males. Best dogs we could ever ask for with one exception they would pack up and kill other dogs/cats. Still, as far as personalities and protection they were awesome dogs.

I have at least three friends that currently own boxers. I have always liked their looks so I have, at any given time, asked each about owning them and if they are happy with the breed. I do not exagerate when I say that all three of them have made comments about them being dumb as a box of rocks. I know nothing about the breed so I wouldn't say one way or the other but because of these three seperate opinions I have steered away from the breed.

Choosing a dog for the long haul can be a difficult thing. After our rotties each died, I decided to rescue two dogs, 1 lab mix, 1 pure lab, both black. Biggest challenges I've ever had. One has OCD, the other is just plain mean (female mixed with cattle dog). I searched for about a year before I decided to get my GSD. I was very specific in what I wanted and spent countless hours on the net researching different breeds. I was surprised at how many existed that I had never even heard of. So, I think it's a great decision for you to start looking around at what is out there. It's always best to be prepared!

Maybe you should show Tank some pictures of some pretty little Rottie females and see what he thinks, lol! Nothing like a handsome pair of rotties walking down the street, one for you and one for hubbie! Either way, good luck with your search!

Here in Texas, I spent quite a bit of my time in Deep East Texas out in the sticks before moving up here to Dallas. The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard dog is a rather common site, or at the very least, mixes of it. I find them to be a rather splendid dog and very confident.

However, I really don't get to pick the dog this time around. My husband has a specific dog in mind and I think the Cane Corso was closest so far. He has always been partial to mastiffs, bulldogs, and most "bully" breeds. Amy was quite an exception for him, since she was what he referred to as a "sled dog."

"What is your background in training and dogs? What are you really looking for in your next dog? As a lovable obedient family pet that looks imposing to potential bad guys? Or are you looking for a dog that would really protect you, with training?"

Tank is the loveable pet that looks imposing. My husband on other hand, wants a dog that can be trained and serve as a legitimate guard dog. I've explained the costs, time, and dedication required. I've also explained the importance of both of us being trained ALONG with the dog. This is something that he really wants and he's willing to do what it takes.

Most of the dogs I've had recently and growing up were backyard bred dogs or rescue dogs. With this dog I would like to put the time and effort into finding a good fit for us, and if I have to pay more for a guarantee of health, temperament, and help, then I consider it money well spent.

Personaility wise, I've lucked out with Tank and Amy. But Tank may have physical problems down the road. Amy is not bred to standard, she has arthritis in her hips, and in the past two years she's had steady flare ups of cancer. These were things to take into consideration when taking in BYB dogs. I don't regret having them, but I've had too many BYB dogs put down for conditions that are routinely bred out by responsible breeders.

Well, now that I know you are considering a serious dog for real work, I would have to show my bias and say go for an American Bulldog. You have experience with an Akita and a Rottie so far which I think would prepare you for a decently hard AB - as a first dog to train and work with yourself (with guidance I would suggest) an AB is a forgiving, very loving, and naturally protective dog.

I can PM or e-mail you links for information on the working AB and recommend some breeders and let you know what to stay far far away from.