The dog debate.

[BlueStarLizzard]

In general terms I want a dog who is going to be protective of his family in and out of the house, but knows the difference between house guests and intruders.  Must warn me if something is Not Right. Must be good with babies and children, and that includes getting pulled on, climbed on, chased etc.  We live in a kind of sub-urban area.  We have a back yard but not acres to run around in.  There are plenty of places to walk though, and large parks close by.  Wilderness is close enough.  Also must be obedient and trainable; I tend to expect more of dogs than most people I guess.  For example, my brother-in-law's Chocolate Lab is lazy and spoiled.  He pulls when being taken out for a walk, unless I am walking him, he knows not to do that.  Back to my future dog: must be a good companion on outdoorsy-type stuff; hikes and whatnot.  Should be able to carry his own stuff if we go on a long hike. I prefer larger dogs.  Must always be loving to my family, growl at creepers, oh and never die.

Well, other then the never die part,

Yeah, anatolian will do most of that.

[AmbulanceDriver]

didn't read the whole 5 pages, but if no one has suggested it, I love Doberman's.    :)

[thumbody]

Someone posted a pic of a dobie, I think there an insurance no no. I have to dig ours out and look, I know pits and rotties are on the list.

We have a cat that is more apt to bite than that Dobie whose picture I posted. He goes to the insurance agents with me to pay our premiums and there have been no raises in our rates.
The funny part is he has never bit another animal but has been bitten by 4 different chihuahuas and a couple of ferrets he was trying to make friends with.
When we go to dog parks he gets to go out and play while our Miniature Eskimo sits in the van as the little one tries to start fights, and the Dobie goes off and plays with everything from Chihuahuas to Danes.
The best thing you can do no matter what breed you chose is to socialize them, both with other animals and humans of all ages. We take Max (our Dobe) to childrens soccer matches Litttle League games etc. as well as visiting the senior home where our daughter worked.

[gunsmith]

didn't read the whole 5 pages, but if no one has suggested it, I love Doberman's.    :)

its a dog thread! all APS people are required to read the whole thing.