Dogs

[handyman]

The wife and children want to get a dog. My children are 4 and 5 years old, so the dog needs to be good (safe) with kids as well as a good guard dog.

Any breed suggestions?

Maybe adopt one?

[Openside]

The wife and children want to get a dog. My children are 4 and 5 years old, so the dog needs to be good (safe) with kids as well as a good guard dog.

Any breed suggestions?

Maybe adopt one?

Those two requirements are often mutually exclusive. For instance Rhodesian Ridgebacks are ferocious guard dogs and very good with children but can't differentiate between burglars and the normal rough and tumble kids have with their friends. I know two families who have had to regime their ridgebacks because they bit other kids ...

[sorCrer]

The wife and children want to get a dog. My children are 4 and 5 years old, so the dog needs to be good (safe) with kids as well as a good guard dog.

Any breed suggestions?

Maybe adopt one?

English Bull Terriers

[OomStruisbaai]

The wife and children want to get a dog. My children are 4 and 5 years old, so the dog needs to be good (safe) with kids as well as a good guard dog.

Any breed suggestions?

Maybe adopt one?

Handy suppose you have space. No better dog then a Border Collie for kids. Bitches is always the best for guard. I had two and wont never want another breed.

[handyman]

The wife and children want to get a dog. My children are 4 and 5 years old, so the dog needs to be good (safe) with kids as well as a good guard dog.

Any breed suggestions?

Maybe adopt one?

Handy suppose you have space. No better dog then a Border Collie for kids. Bitches is always the best for guard. I had two and wont never want another breed.

Size of the yard is 1 182 square meters, so should be enough.

[handyman]

The wife and children want to get a dog. My children are 4 and 5 years old, so the dog needs to be good (safe) with kids as well as a good guard dog.

Any breed suggestions?

Maybe adopt one?

Those two requirements are often mutually exclusive. For instance Rhodesian Ridgebacks are ferocious guard dogs and very good with children but can't differentiate between burglars and the normal rough and tumble kids have with their friends. I know two families who have had to regime their ridgebacks because they bit other kids ...

Grew up with one and can remember that you did not mess with the dog.

[OomStruisbaai]

The wife and children want to get a dog. My children are 4 and 5 years old, so the dog needs to be good (safe) with kids as well as a good guard dog.

Any breed suggestions?

Maybe adopt one?

Handy suppose you have space. No better dog then a Border Collie for kids. Bitches is always the best for guard. I had two and wont never want another breed.

Size of the yard is 1 182 square meters, so should be enough.

Try to get a puppy. They will play ball with your kids (they are the best veld werkers), the busier the kids the better for them. A good guard dog needs to be closed in your yard. If they run in the street , they will be the streets dog and wont care.

[Openside]

The wife and children want to get a dog. My children are 4 and 5 years old, so the dog needs to be good (safe) with kids as well as a good guard dog.

Any breed suggestions?

Maybe adopt one?

Handy suppose you have space. No better dog then a Border Collie for kids. Bitches is always the best for guard. I had two and wont never want another breed.

Border Collies can be a bit nippy…

[assfly]

Get yourself a pavement special.

Unquestioning loyalty. Great personalities. Good immune systems. Good with kids. Not necessarily a good guard dog but will wake up the neighbourhood if something happens.

[ScarfaceClaw]

I’ve got a Labrador. Brilliant with kids. Rubbish guard dog most of the time. Exception being the door bell. Goes ballistic when someone comes to the door. Makes people think we have a pack of wolves behind the door.

[Tichtheid]

By "Guard Dog" I assume guarding property is the goal?

I have an Irish Terrier, they are brilliant with children and don't mix up kids playing with each other as a threat. She barks when people come to the door, that should be enough to put off intruders.

My mate had a Staffie until very recently, he was the most intelligent dog I've ever come across, unfortunately his teenage children couldn't walk it at night as his protection instincts kicked in and he wouldn't allow anyone else on the same pavement as the kids. With a bit of patience I'm sure that could be trained out of them as they are so clever - my mate wasn't inclined to do so as his kids never wanted to walk the dog anyway

[handyman]

I’ve got a Labrador. Brilliant with kids. Rubbish guard dog most of the time. Exception being the door bell. Goes ballistic when someone comes to the door. Makes people think we have a pack of wolves behind the door.

The family prefers a labrador, but I'm weary of the first 2 years, I've heard they can be quite troublesome.

[handyman]

By "Guard Dog" I assume guarding property is the goal?

I have an Irish Terrier, they are brilliant with children and don't mix up kids playing with each other as a threat. She barks when people come to the door, that should be enough to put off intruders.

My mate had a Staffie until very recently, he was the most intelligent dog I've ever come across, unfortunately his teenage children couldn't walk it at night as his protection instincts kicked in and he wouldn't allow anyone else on the same pavement as the kids. With a bit of patience I'm sure that could be trained out of them as they are so clever - my mate wasn't inclined to do so as his kids never wanted to walk the dog anyway

Yes, I live in South Africa, having a dog for safety and protection of property is the norm.

Thanks for the Irish Terrier tip

[Globus]

I've a mini Schnauzer. Hattie. Small enough to cart around. Brilliant guard dog. (Put your fingers in your ears when she barks).

Fantastic with children.

She's now old enough to have puppies of her own.

[Tichtheid]

By "Guard Dog" I assume guarding property is the goal?

I have an Irish Terrier, they are brilliant with children and don't mix up kids playing with each other as a threat. She barks when people come to the door, that should be enough to put off intruders.

My mate had a Staffie until very recently, he was the most intelligent dog I've ever come across, unfortunately his teenage children couldn't walk it at night as his protection instincts kicked in and he wouldn't allow anyone else on the same pavement as the kids. With a bit of patience I'm sure that could be trained out of them as they are so clever - my mate wasn't inclined to do so as his kids never wanted to walk the dog anyway

Yes, I live in South Africa, having a dog for safety and protection of property is the norm.

Thanks for the Irish Terrier tip

In that case, Airedales are practically the same dog as the Irish, only bigger.

[ASMO]

Springer Spaniel, fantastic with kids, but have loads of energy

[Globus]

Springer Spaniel, fantastic with kids, but have loads of energy

My DIL and husband have a "Sprocker". Blooming loony!

[sorCrer]

The answer in Saffaland is:



...all day long.

[Tichtheid]

The answer in Saffaland is:



...all day long.

Those are magnificent animals, but like all terriers need a heck of a lot of training as pups, and especially so given their power.

Another mate had two, gorgeous, very playful, always trying to get one up on each other and the owner, so a lot of work

[sorCrer]

The answer in Saffaland is:



...all day long.

Those are magnificent animals, but like all terriers need a heck of a lot of training as pups, and especially so given their power.

Another mate had two, gorgeous, very playful, always trying to get one up on each other and the owner, so a lot of work

Yeah you have to get them when young and they are fantastic with children and protective. Here in Saffa, criminals do not chance an encounter.

[Tichtheid]

Do you see many Boerboels in SA?

They are quite something, but I've never seen one in the flesh, we have similar in size over here, but not quite the same thing, the English Mastiff is taller and not as heavily set

[Jock42]

I’ve got a Labrador. Brilliant with kids. Rubbish guard dog most of the time. Exception being the door bell. Goes ballistic when someone comes to the door. Makes people think we have a pack of wolves behind the door.

The family prefers a labrador, but I'm weary of the first 2 years, I've heard they can be quite troublesome.

I've got a 4 month old black lab, whilst he's a little more work than we were expecting he's very intelligent and picks things up really quickly. Gets a little excitable when my mates have their 4 year old over but that's as much them as it is Hackle. I suspect it would be much more manageable if the kids were here more often. My partners nieces and nephews who are 10+ don't get him as excited as they're better at interacting with him.

Obviously completely bias but I can't see past labs.

[handyman]

The answer in Saffaland is:



...all day long.

Those are magnificent animals, but like all terriers need a heck of a lot of training as pups, and especially so given their power.

Another mate had two, gorgeous, very playful, always trying to get one up on each other and the owner, so a lot of work

Yeah you have to get them when young and they are fantastic with children and protective. Here in Saffa, criminals do not chance an encounter.

I always thought they were dangerous around kids. Will have a look, thanks.

[ScarfaceClaw]

I’ve got a Labrador. Brilliant with kids. Rubbish guard dog most of the time. Exception being the door bell. Goes ballistic when someone comes to the door. Makes people think we have a pack of wolves behind the door.

The family prefers a labrador, but I'm weary of the first 2 years, I've heard they can be quite troublesome.

It wasn’t too bad for us. The hound did eat one tv remote. And a computer mouse. Oh and my wife’s boots. That aside, make it clear that you’re not chasing it when it grabs a sock or a shoe, do a round of dog training for basic commands. Then buy a shed load of tennis balls and get over to the park. Great times.

[handyman]

Do you see many Boerboels in SA?

They are quite something, but I've never seen one in the flesh, we have similar in size over here, but not quite the same thing, the English Mastiff is taller and not as heavily set

There are actually registered Boerboel breeders about 15km from my home. Just thought they are too big for my needs. As the kids grow older, a Boerboel would be awesome though.

[handyman]

I’ve got a Labrador. Brilliant with kids. Rubbish guard dog most of the time. Exception being the door bell. Goes ballistic when someone comes to the door. Makes people think we have a pack of wolves behind the door.

The family prefers a labrador, but I'm weary of the first 2 years, I've heard they can be quite troublesome.

I've got a 4 month old black lab, whilst he's a little more work than we were expecting he's very intelligent and picks things up really quickly. Gets a little excitable when my mates have their 4 year old over but that's as much them as it is Hackle. I suspect it would be much more manageable if the kids were here more often. My partners nieces and nephews who are 10+ don't get him as excited as they're better at interacting with him.

Obviously completely bias but I can't see past labs.

I'm doing a bit of research, but in the end I suspect that this is what we'll end up getting.

[handyman]

I’ve got a Labrador. Brilliant with kids. Rubbish guard dog most of the time. Exception being the door bell. Goes ballistic when someone comes to the door. Makes people think we have a pack of wolves behind the door.

The family prefers a labrador, but I'm weary of the first 2 years, I've heard they can be quite troublesome.

It wasn’t too bad for us. The hound did eat one tv remote. And a computer mouse. Oh and my wife’s boots. That aside, make it clear that you’re not chasing it when it grabs a sock or a shoe, do a round of dog training for basic commands. Then buy a shed load of tennis balls and get over to the park. Great times.

[robmatic]

The wife and children want to get a dog. My children are 4 and 5 years old, so the dog needs to be good (safe) with kids as well as a good guard dog.

Any breed suggestions?

Maybe adopt one?

Handy suppose you have space. No better dog then a Border Collie for kids. Bitches is always the best for guard. I had two and wont never want another breed.

I grew up with Border Collies as my dad had a few as working sheepdogs and couldn't imagine having another breed, they are clearly more intelligent than the average dog and loyal as well. Need plenty of exercise though.

[Tichtheid]

Do you see many Boerboels in SA?

They are quite something, but I've never seen one in the flesh, we have similar in size over here, but not quite the same thing, the English Mastiff is taller and not as heavily set

There are actually registered Boerboel breeders about 15km from my home. Just thought they are too big for my needs. As the kids grow older, a Boerboel would be awesome though.

When we got our Irish 13 years ago I became obsessed with dogs, I watched hundreds of breed info videos online, the Boerboels stuck with me.
I don't think I'll ever be in a position to get one, but they are beautiful animals.

We had three German Shepherds as guard dogs on one of farms I worked on, they were excellent in that capacity, great with us, bastards to intruders.
A horse trainer I knew had two Rottweilers - those were the first dogs to make me realise that I would not stand a chance if they wanted to rip me apart

[Jock42]

I’ve got a Labrador. Brilliant with kids. Rubbish guard dog most of the time. Exception being the door bell. Goes ballistic when someone comes to the door. Makes people think we have a pack of wolves behind the door.

The family prefers a labrador, but I'm weary of the first 2 years, I've heard they can be quite troublesome.

It wasn’t too bad for us. The hound did eat one tv remote. And a computer mouse. Oh and my wife’s boots. That aside, make it clear that you’re not chasing it when it grabs a sock or a shoe, do a round of dog training for basic commands. Then buy a shed load of tennis balls and get over to the park. Great times.

Without jinxing things, we've not had much of an issue with him chewing things he's not meant to so far. He's teething now as well, plenty of ice cubes, frozen carrots and rotating toys seems to be helping.

[Tichtheid]

btw, I would recommend against German Shepherds around children - we got the third one on the farm from a someone whose GSD had bitten one of his kids.

[handyman]

Do you see many Boerboels in SA?

They are quite something, but I've never seen one in the flesh, we have similar in size over here, but not quite the same thing, the English Mastiff is taller and not as heavily set

There are actually registered Boerboel breeders about 15km from my home. Just thought they are too big for my needs. As the kids grow older, a Boerboel would be awesome though.

When we got our Irish 13 years ago I became obsessed with dogs, I watched hundreds of breed info videos online, the Boerboels stuck with me.
I don't think I'll ever be in a position to get one, but they are beautiful animals.

We had three German Shepherds as guard dogs on one of farms I worked on, they were excellent in that capacity, great with us, bastards to intruders.
A horse trainer I knew had two Rottweilers - those were the first dogs to make me realise that I would not stand a chance if they wanted to rip me apart

Boerboels, I just think it would be cool to have such a massive dog, have no experience with them though.

A few of the farms around here have Rottweilers, as safety can be a concern. I've seen some massive ones, the size of their heads and jaws Beautiful animals, but yeah not for me.

[ScarfaceClaw]

Do you see many Boerboels in SA?

They are quite something, but I've never seen one in the flesh, we have similar in size over here, but not quite the same thing, the English Mastiff is taller and not as heavily set

There are actually registered Boerboel breeders about 15km from my home. Just thought they are too big for my needs. As the kids grow older, a Boerboel would be awesome though.

When we got our Irish 13 years ago I became obsessed with dogs, I watched hundreds of breed info videos online, the Boerboels stuck with me.
I don't think I'll ever be in a position to get one, but they are beautiful animals.

We had three German Shepherds as guard dogs on one of farms I worked on, they were excellent in that capacity, great with us, bastards to intruders.
A horse trainer I knew had two Rottweilers - those were the first dogs to make me realise that I would not stand a chance if they wanted to rip me apart

I was at dog training one weekend and the police plus their dogs were there as well. As one of the few men there that day I was volunteered to be the padded up criminal that they set the dogs on. Christ on a bike. Running away and getting clobbered by a fully trained police dog is an eye opener. Flattened me. As for the power in their jaws, even though I had the arm padding on it still punctured my arm and left it bleeding. Not too bad but enough for everyone else to take a big step back when they asked if anyone else wanted to do it.

Phenomenally powerful animals. Makes you realise how little chance you’d stand if one went a bit cujo on you.

[Openside]

I’ve got a Labrador. Brilliant with kids. Rubbish guard dog most of the time. Exception being the door bell. Goes ballistic when someone comes to the door. Makes people think we have a pack of wolves behind the door.

The family prefers a labrador, but I'm weary of the first 2 years, I've heard they can be quite troublesome.

I've got a 4 month old black lab, whilst he's a little more work than we were expecting he's very intelligent and picks things up really quickly. Gets a little excitable when my mates have their 4 year old over but that's as much them as it is Hackle. I suspect it would be much more manageable if the kids were here more often. My partners nieces and nephews who are 10+ don't get him as excited as they're better at interacting with him.

Obviously completely bias but I can't see past labs.

Hackle - great name
I suspect there are ‘fu-sillier’ than your lab

[Jock42]

The family prefers a labrador, but I'm weary of the first 2 years, I've heard they can be quite troublesome.

I've got a 4 month old black lab, whilst he's a little more work than we were expecting he's very intelligent and picks things up really quickly. Gets a little excitable when my mates have their 4 year old over but that's as much them as it is Hackle. I suspect it would be much more manageable if the kids were here more often. My partners nieces and nephews who are 10+ don't get him as excited as they're better at interacting with him.

Obviously completely bias but I can't see past labs.

Hackle - great name
I suspect there are ‘fu-sillier’ than your lab

[assfly]

Dogs are awesome.

[sockwithaticket]

How about a Viszla? They can be quite high energy, but definitely not more so than a Collie as suggested further up the thread.

Can't really speak to how well they'd fare as guard dogs, but I'd say the ones I've known have been on a par with Labs for being family friendly dogs.

[Openside]

How about a Viszla? They can be quite high energy, but definitely not more so than a Collie as suggested further up the thread.

Can't really speak to how well they'd fare as guard dogs, but I'd say the ones I've known have been on a par with Labs for being family friendly dogs.

Vizlas can be pretty neurotic and anxious.

[Monk]

The wife and children want to get a dog. My children are 4 and 5 years old, so the dog needs to be good (safe) with kids as well as a good guard dog.

Any breed suggestions?

Maybe adopt one?

Those two requirements are often mutually exclusive. For instance Rhodesian Ridgebacks are ferocious guard dogs and very good with children but can't differentiate between burglars and the normal rough and tumble kids have with their friends. I know two families who have had to regime their ridgebacks because they bit other kids ...

maybe it's your friends that should be "regimed". We have had 6 ridgebacks now over many years and with plenty of kids about and all that - we have never had an incident.

[BnM]

Another option is re-homing, plenty of idiots apparently got dogs for lockdown, you may find something there plus you should get more info. When I got mine from the rescue place I got very little info. I would never get off a breeder. I saw a Frenchie on Sunday, no tail, massive under bite, couldn't breath properly, very friendly though.