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Need help finding a good dog breed?

My wife and I are wanting to get a dog in the next few months (waiting to move into a house), but we don’t know what breed will be best for us. Background on us: we’ve both had dogs growing up but didn’t play a major part in training, we’re wanting to have kids in the next 2-3 years, we’re college students who work, but my job allows dogs (probably not every day but most of the time), and we’re very active. My wife is a runner who can easily run 4-5 miles per day, we both love the outdoors, hiking, camping, and I’m an avid fisherman. Here are the traits we want: medium to large, loyal, protective (enough to where I feel comfortable when my wife goes for a run), low to moderate shedding (I don’t want our home and clothes to look like we’ve been shearing sheep), likes affection because it’ll get a lot, would be good off leash when hiking or camping, would be fine leaving at home alone for 5ish hours per day. My job is flexible and would allow me to bring it to work fairly often, as well as having an hour lunch break and my wife’s job also give her an hour lunch break. We’re wanting to get some breeds in mind so we can find one at the shelter or a breeder (shelter first, breeder second). So overall, I want a medium to large dog that I know will protect my wife while on a run, be okay at home alone for a few hours per day, low shedding, and will eventually be good with kids. We have the means to socialize and have ample time to train as we’re taking a gap year from school to work.

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Black chocolate or blonde labs.super smart extremely active great swimmers and lovers the only downside shedding.as far as a protector Rottweilers are a very protective breed loyal smart and very active they don’t shed all that much and they as labs are a working breed so give them tasks .

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I have a boxer pitbull mix who fits all of your desires. I mean she isn't the best with kids but I think that's cuz I was in college when she was a puppy and none of my friends had kids so she wasn't used to them and they made her nervous when they would run up to her being loud and chaotic. But over the years she's gotten much better and more tolerant when she is around them. Anyway pits are good with children, look intimidating but are really loveable and protective, easily trainable, low shedders, have tons of energy and could run for miles. And there are plenty in the shelter! Boxers are pretty similar but are a little more hard headed and therefore harder to train. That being said, every dog has its own personality so even though there are breed generalities, every dog is different. Some may have separation anxiety, others are hyperactive, others are super lazy, super talkative, very shy, or guarded and even stubborn. There are other dog breeds I could recommend too but may not fill all your requests. I have groomed dogs for 7 years and know all sorts of breeds but like I said, it still comes down to personality. So let me know if you're interested in other breeds I think could work for you and why!

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We have a mostly Doberman mix that fits all of those qualifications! He always makes me feel safe on runs, is great with our little kids, and learns obedience commands very quickly. I would just make sure to check with your insurance company to make sure they cover Dobermans!

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Akita may look like cute and cuddly giants, but they are also great guard dogs. This large breed is known for being extremely loyal and loves human companionship. According to the American Kennel Club, they also have a deep desire to protect those they love, and they can be incredibly courageous in doing so.

Akitas can show aggression and hesitation around strangers, which makes them great for protecting your family. But, they rarely show the same kind of aggression around people they know and love. In fact, they’re one of the best family dogs because they are so protective and loyal. They’ll happily play with kids and show affection to people they know and care about. These giants offer the best of both worlds when it comes to a protective, yet gentle dog breed. https://www.petcarrierverdict.com/loyal-and-protective-dog-breeds/ (https://www.petcarrierverdict.com/loy...) I used to have an akita... they are great with kids...but are very loyal and protective, with minimal shedding

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Perhaps spend some time in some shelters or with friends dogs of different breeds to experience their various temperaments and see what suits your family best

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Pitbull lab mixes fit your list.they are sooo sweet.

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I'll say German shepherd if it's well bred but go to a dog show they have different breeds or go to you local kennel club meeting they might be able to youwrite your normal schedule from when you wake up to when you go to sleep including the time your wife goes running and where as detailed as possible write exactly what you want and don't want temperament wise about what height are looking for and other descriptions you want in the dog before deciding on breed because multiple breeds possibly could be from what you said ask your boss if there is any restrictions on breeds or anything

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You're asking a great question! Every person considering getting a dog should do thorough research, less surprises that way. I suggest you go to the AKC (American Kennel Club) website and read the breed standards for dogs you are considering. That will give you an idea of what a breed is known for. Keep in mind at dogs often don't typify the standard due to poor quality breeders. The dog may vary in physical characteristics, and it's temperament may differ. Since you are looking at rescue, be sure that no matter which breed, you've spent time with the dog to gauge it's personality. If you decide to buy, a show breeder is a definite best choice! I wrote a post a few years back on how to choose a breeder. It's on a Great Dane forum but you can apply the info to any breed:. http://www.danesonline.com/forums/for...

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Also, it's good to get ideas of what you want, but take them with a grain of salt. The dogs we own aren't always typical of what to expect. I'd never go with a breed based on what others say. RESEARCH thoroughly-you'll get far better results. (my link above is very informative).

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I am a fan of the Sharpei dog breed. Average size, territorial, protective and docile. Like any pet if you intend to do long walks or even races, it is important to train from a baby. Regarding the use of leash I recommend, but if you send it to a good dog trainer it may be possible not to use it. As for falling hair, look for Sharpei with horse hair, a lineage with low coat

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I would recommend looking into shelters, they have great puppies fostered by families. The puppies are vaccined and neutered/spayed and cost way less then a pure breed. Plus you'll be doing such a beautiful thing. As a rescue mom I could only recommend you looking into it! My dog is my kids best friend!

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It sounds to me like good Rottweiler would be an excellent choice! They do not shed much and are most loyal and protective dog breed I have met! They are also active and fairly high energy ( but not excessively so), so I am sure they would love running and playing with your kids. They are also fairly docile in the home. They are also relatively easy to train because of their higher-than-average intelligence

There is also the fact that Rottweilers have a reputation for being excellent guard dogs, so it will also act as a deterrent for any would-be attackers.

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A doberman! doesn't have the long hair and they are so sweet so loyal protective but not typically aggressive (any dog can be if not socialized properly) athletic. You would love a doberman.

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