What is your favorite non-sporting dog breed?

GSP 4 me · Post by **GSP 4 me** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 5:27 pm

My wife and I visited a local dog show last weekend and with such a large variety of breeds, I couldn't help but wonder what breed of dog I would choose if I wasn't into GSP's or any of the sporting dogs for that matter.

My wife fell in love with the Parson Russell Terrier. Cute, but not my cup of tea. I thought the Swiss Mountain Dog was a good looking breed, and I'm always a sucker for a beautiful German Shepherd. The Great Danes were gentle giants and the Irish Wolfhounds were much larger than I expected.

Well, it was tough, but my ultimate pick would be the German Shepherd. I had a German Shepherd mix growing up as a kid so that helped sway my decision.

So, what would you choose?

dirtdiver · Post by **dirtdiver** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 5:36 pm

I've always thought about getting a Border Collie some day.

Some day I get tired of Brittany's, can't see that happening though, maybe have to have both one day.

Post by **Ayres** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 5:43 pm

If I had to choose a dog strictly from the "Non-Sporting" group, it would be a Dalmatian. I've hunted quail behind a Dalmatian before. It's tough, but possible.

I think you meant a dog not from the "Sporting" group, though, and not just from the "Non-Sporting." In that case, I'd probably cheat a little bit and select either an Irish Red and White Setter, or a Boykin Spaniel.

Without those technically still in the "Miscellaneous Class," I think I'd have to select a Beagle or an English Foxhound or some other similar tri-colored hound (Harrier, American Foxhound). I've just liked the looks and temperament, and they're still hunting dogs (albeit mostly fur).

rkelly · Post by **rkelly** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 5:47 pm

I would go with a pug, believe it or not. A roomate of mine in Oregon had one and it was a smart little guy. Plus much more laid back in the house than my GSP. Couldn't swim to save its life though!

nj gsp · Post by **nj gsp** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 6:09 pm

I like sighthounds. I have three Lurchers at the moment, but also have a soft spot for Scottish Deerhounds and Irish Wolfhounds.

Big dogs are pretty cool.

Post by **topher40** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 6:19 pm

I dont know its a toss up between shorthairs and britts!

My third pick would have to be blue heelers.

littleking · Post by **littleking** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 6:42 pm

i have a whippet.. shes wonderful

natetnc · Post by **natetnc** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 6:43 pm

Cavalier King Charles seems like it would be a cool dog to have. if i went with a larger dog it would have to be a mut

ohiohuntinweim · Post by **ohiohuntinweim** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 7:07 pm

Alaskan Malamute

Power, beauty, grace

powderski14 · Post by **powderski14** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 7:44 pm

probably a bernese mountain dog

RoundRiver Setters · Post by **RoundRiver Setters** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 8:20 pm

German shepherds are a big fave, I also love the collies, shelties. It wouldnt be a problem for me to name a fave from each one of the groups

I also like greyhounds, and I think the salukis are so beautiful, always wanted one.

CherrystoneWeims · Post by **CherrystoneWeims** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 8:59 pm

Hmmm I had a Whippet in the past. I really liked that dog! LOL He thought he was a Weim. From hanging out with them so much he would dive into the pond and retrieve bumpers right to hand! First time he dove in he sank. I thought I was going to have to dive in to save him then he finally popped up to the top.

The other breed would be a Corgi. They are kind of like large dogs in a small package.

AZ Brittany Guy · Post by **AZ Brittany Guy** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 9:04 pm

Gotta go with the Boxers. I was raised in a family that bred and showed Boxers. Happy-go-lucky dogs that loved to play.

hubweims · Post by **hubweims** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 9:21 pm

i was reading the thread and couldn't wait to get to the bottom to post my next breed of choice. then i read the last one and there it was. i would agree with a boxer. i like rotties too though. alaskan malmout are so gorgeous but i live in MS. boxer would probably be it for me.

gwgdog66 · Post by **gwgdog66** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 10:31 pm

English Bulldog.

NA · Post by NA » Thu Jan 31, 2008 10:32 pm

I would chose a English Bulldog. I never thought I would until my brother got one and man it is a fun little dog.

midwestfisherman · Post by **midwestfisherman** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 10:37 pm

Swedish Vallhund or Pembroke Welsh Corgi

prairiefire · Post by **prairiefire** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 10:44 pm

I've recently fallen in love with the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog--beautiful dogs.

I also have a soft spot for just about every hound breed. I knew some people growing up that had an Irish Wolfhound, Katie. She was a gentle giant--practically a pony. It was always hard to be upset when she gazed at you with those soulful eyes, quietly rested her head on the kitchen island--and helped herself to a piece of pizza.

Loke · Post by **Loke** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 10:58 pm

One of the smartest dogs I've ever seen was my American Eskimo. He was probably the most athletic dog i've had the pleasure of owning. My other choice is an Alaskan Malamute.

AT2 · Post by **AT2** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 12:01 am

natetnc wrote:Cavalier King Charles seems like it would be a cool dog to have. if i went with a larger dog it would have to be a mut

I have a Cav they are neat. Big dog attitude in a little package.

Smart and she loves to fetch.

BarkRidge · Post by **BarkRidge** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 4:58 am

I have two German Shepherds. Both were imported from Germany. Love that breed, especially the imported lines.

earlthepearl · Post by **earlthepearl** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 7:08 am

I cant think of any Non-sporting breed I would want. But besides GSP's and Weims, I love my dachshunds. We have 2 and they are the best. I will always have a doxie (or 2 or 3

)

Firstarrow · Post by **Firstarrow** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 8:05 am

Corgies or wirehared doxie.

Love the look of the little ugly dogs.

nj gsp · Post by **nj gsp** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 8:09 am

prairiefire wrote:I've recently fallen in love with the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog--beautiful dogs.

I also have a soft spot for just about every hound breed. I knew some people growing up that had an Irish Wolfhound, Katie. She was a gentle giant--practically a pony. It was always hard to be upset when she gazed at you with those soulful eyes, quietly rested her head on the kitchen island--and helped herself to a piece of pizza.

Counter tops are open territory to a big dog. We keep the bread on top of the refrigerator.

My sister-in-law called me Monday because she heard of two Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppies (M&F) that had been abandoned. She wanted to know if I wanted them (and I don't). If you are interested send me a PM & I'll see if they are still looking for a home for them.

MOOSE · Post by **MOOSE** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 8:50 am

American Pit Bull Terrier all the way!

prairiefire · Post by **prairiefire** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 8:57 am

My sister-in-law called me Monday because she heard of two Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppies (M&F) that had been abandoned. She wanted to know if I wanted them (and I don't). If you are interested send me a PM & I'll see if they are still looking for a home for them.

I am so, so tempted--but to take on a puppy probably means losing a husband.

I think I need to wait until our present knucklehead matures a bit. Thank you so, so much for the heads-up though. I have a friend in RI that's looking for a rescue dog (not sure if she'd be interested in such a large dog, but I'll check and let you know). Regardless, I hope they find wonderful homes!

ACooper · Post by **ACooper** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 9:12 am

Man there are alot of other breeds I like some I have owned some I have not, Irish Terrier, Jagd Terrier, Rotts, German Shepherd, American Bull Dog, Stag Hound, Mini Bull Terrier.

gsp-fan · Post by **gsp-fan** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 9:34 am

Since I also own coonhounds I will have to go with them - there not as dumb as people think.

Mav&Lizzy · Post by **Mav&Lizzy** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 9:38 am

I had a Siberian Husky when I was younger, I would love to have one again. My grandpa raises Australian Shepards an they are cool. He doesn't paper them but they are pure bred. Its pretty neat to see him go out to the sheep or hog lots with 3 adult dogs and a litter of puppies. At about 6-7 weeks grandpa and the adult dogs will stand around and watch the litter work the animals in. It sure makes it easy to decide the pick of the litter, kinda like letting puppies chase some clipped wing birds around. You can see which ones are bold, which ones are smart and the occassional one that just won't cut it. Grandpa has 3 females and the sire belongs to a huge dairy operation and he gets used A LOT!! They throw some beatiful colors and both of these breeds have some beatiful blue eyes!

As a matter of fact he had a litter of AS born just this week, anyone interested?

TheShadow · Post by **TheShadow** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 10:51 am

i kinda think the giant schnauzer is interesting but I heard are difficult to handle.

Austrailian Shep is another one I'd like to have but they nip a lot and not sure about how tough it is to train one.

bwjohn · Post by **bwjohn** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 12:36 pm

i am with powderski, I would choose a Bernese Mountain Dog. My wife and I were visiting breeders for them when we lived in Wyoming, climate was perfect for them there. Not quite the same in Va. Everyone that I have met has be unbelievable friendly, I love large dogs and their faces are so expressive.

Brandon

midwestfisherman · Post by **midwestfisherman** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 1:36 pm

Loke wrote:One of the smartest dogs I've ever seen was my American Eskimo. He was probably the most athletic dog i've had the pleasure of owning. My other choice is an Alaskan Malamute.

Besides all of my crazy setters, I currently own an American Eskimo dog. She a very smart dog indeed. Very attentive to my wife. Routinely helps my wife herd the goats when needed. Pretty cool little dog.

Mav&Lizzy · Post by **Mav&Lizzy** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 1:46 pm

TheShadow wrote:Austrailian Shep is another one I'd like to have but they nip a lot and not sure about how tough it is to train one.

They do nip at everything that moves when they are pups!! As far as training its like bird dogs. They are bred to herd and will round up about anything. Training is similar to training FT labs. Teach them when to look at you and hand signals for which direction to drive the herd. Thats about the hardest task. Most things are simpler such as moving in the same milk cows to the same barn at the same day every day. The dog learns form repatition or when moving a herd to a catch pen and one strays, they learn real quick to round up the stray and get it moving back to the herd. They are really impressive to watch.

Funny story. I knew an old farmer that used to make money off of his dog and and old stubborn cow. This one cow was always getting out or straying away when moving them to a catch pen to take out of a pasture or whatever. Her ear tag was #244. The old rancher used to always say "come on bud lets go get #244". This dog was good, even saw it grab cows by the tail to get the going. This rancher and his dog dealt with #244 enough that the dog got to know which one was #244. We could just be sitting on the fence watching the herd and the rancher could say "Bud, go get #244" and Bud would take off into the herd and come out chasing #244. Whenever he had anyone new around the conversation would always get to his dog. Eventually he'd say "that dog is so smart I can call out an ear tag number and he'll go get that cow". Well he'd always call out #244 and Bud would always get #244. The rancher sold out when he got to old and several people came to the auction to buy the cows and equipment. One guy bought something like 10 cows and when the cowboys sorted those 10 out #244 was one of them on the list and of course once in the catch pen #244 broke loose and went back to the main herd. They finished loading the ther 9 and inventoried them to figure out which cow went back. The rancher was leaning against the pen aways back from everyone else and old bud was further back in the truck. He heard them say "#244" so he hollers out to hold on and tells the cowboys and the buyer. "My old shepard will go get that cow". They all started saying that there was no way that a dog could go get just one cow out of a herd and it be the right cow. The rancher say's he'd bet them $50 a piece. They all agreed. He calls Bud who was a sleep in the cab of the truck. Ole Bud comes trottin up to the rancher and he says "Bud go get cow number two four four". Ole Bud took off on a dead run into the herd. All the cows take off and clear out and Bud has the tail of one lone cow in his mouth. This cow is running in circles trying to get Bud off her tail. When the others clear out Bud lets go and starts herding this one cow toward the catch pen. She tried to out manuver him several times and eventually gave in and went in the catch pen. The cowboys moved in before she could break out of the catch pen again and got her loaded in the trailer. Everyone of them was in awe. They all paid up and the buyer offered to but the dog, said he'd pay the same price for Bud as he did for all 10 guys. The rancher ended up telling the buyer that it would only work for cow #244 because she was always getting away and that dog had learned which one she was over the years!

prairiefire · Post by **prairiefire** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 2:38 pm

i am with powderski, I would choose a Bernese Mountain Dog. My wife and I were visiting breeders for them when we lived in Wyoming, climate was perfect for them there. Not quite the same in Va. Everyone that I have met has be unbelievable friendly, I love large dogs and their faces are so expressive.

Have you ever considered a Swissy? If you don't know them, they look exactly like a Bernese, but with a shorter coat. Maybe they could tolerate the VA summers? If so, maybe you'd want to connect with NJ GSP about those Swissy puppies that are looking for homes. I'd give my right arm for one. You couldn't ask for a sweeter temperament.

ACooper · Post by **ACooper** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 2:48 pm

Mav that is a great story

Post by **ezzy333** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 4:36 pm

How about a Doberman or a Bensenji or Welch Terrier.

Breton13 · Post by **Breton13** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 8:57 pm

Where do I start? German Shepard, Mini Schnauzer, longhaired Dachs, Scottish Deerhound, Border Collie, love the look of a Dobie, American Foxhound, Tervueren..... of course, I'd probalby take any cute puppy that showed up at my doorstep

Just wish I had a bigger house and property!

bean1031 · Post by **bean1031** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 9:05 pm

I would have to say either an Austrailian Shepard, samoyed, or a swiss mountain dog.

zodiakgsps · Post by **zodiakgsps** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 9:07 pm

I'm partial to Shephards & Danes, grew up with them, my mother bred/showed them, I prefer the danes to the Shephards. Also really have a soft spot for Bull Mastiffs.
Small breeds....Norfolk & Border terriers.

Post by **Kiki's Mom** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 10:32 am

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Terry · Post by **Terry** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 12:10 pm

I would have to say a ridgeback or blue heeler...

Idaho Outlaw · Post by **Idaho Outlaw** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 12:38 pm

Mav, way cool story.

My favorite non-sporting dog is the Australian Sheppard "Aussie"! I am kind of partial, as my Aunts, Uncles, Grandparent all ranch and breed them. I have yet to own a breed that has so much desire to please it's master, natural cowy instincts, and protectiveness over it's family.

I lost him last year at the age of 10 (got smacked, not old age). Red Dog's obediance was awesome, I never had to repeat a command (as it should be). When he was a pup I still lived on the ranch and with training I had him working cows off of whistle command's. Later I moved in to town and he adapted fine to becoming a "towny". When I got married and starting having kids, I notived a change in him. I wasn't all that he cared about anymore. Matter of fact, he took to my wife/kid's better than me. My two oldest kid's learned how to walk by hangin on to him. No matter how much pain they inflicted on him, he would take it. If anyone (including myself) acted the wrong way toward my children, he would be in right their protecting them. Our memories of him will live on forever, my kids tell stories about him for fun, and tear up everytime. It's amazing what impact an animal canl have on a family.

Trekmoor · Post by **Trekmoor** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 2:02 pm

I'm so much into gundogs that if I couldn't have one I'd want a dog I could train as one. Having already had a couple of them my answer would have to be the border collie. They are just so willing to please and so quick to learn. They are natural hunters and many point pretty naturally too.

Bill T.

Vizsla Vince · Post by **Vizsla Vince** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 3:53 pm

Red dobie, or pit bull terrier or similar. I'd like a dog that will protect the kids! My wife grew up with a red dobe, & that dog made it a point to put herself in between my wife & any stranger she came across. Pretty good thing, as her parents were pretty much non present for her

g huns · Post by **g huns** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 8:22 pm

Got the wife a Jack Russell a couple years ago. She wanted a small dog and I wouldn't go for a any of the miniature mop looking mutts. Been a great dog in the house, but hard to keep in the yard. Always gotta go huntin. At 12 pounds I'd say he could kill anything up to twice his size. Very protective too. More energy than any other dog I've ever seen. He's a killer on mice, ground moles, coon, groundhogs, oh and um cats. But I swear I tried to call him off.

nj gsp · Post by **nj gsp** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 9:08 pm

A lot of people who have Jack Russells don't know that they were bred for "ratting", or rodent control.

A friend of ours got a Jack Russell from his wife for his birthday a few years ago. So one day his new pup followed him down to the lower barn to "help" feed the horses. He lifted up the lid to the feed bin, and there was a mouse inside.

Well, he knew full well what Jack's are for, having owned and "ratted" with them back home in the UK So he picked his dog up, dropped it in the feed bin with the mouse and closed the lid, thinking this was a great chance for his dog to learn the ropes.

As he puts is, a mighty battle ensued for about 10 minutes, when he took the Jack Russell out of the feed bin because "it looked like the mouse might be winning."

In the years since then, the little dog has figured it out...

Richard *UT* · Post by Richard *UT* » Sun Feb 03, 2008 12:02 am

Boxer, Bull Mastiff, Rat terrier, Airedale Terrier, I like the Argentine Doggo but I would have to find a VERY calm dog, American Bulldog, Shiba Inu, and I love the French Mastiff.

Reech · Post by **Reech** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 8:15 am

A hybrid (mutt) from a rescue shelter that someone didnt want!

Me

bruns333 · Post by **bruns333** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 1:39 pm

For me it would be a standard schnauzer first and followed by a portugese water dog. I like the standard for its medium size and doesn't shed.

corytch · Post by **corytch** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 9:29 pm

AUSTRALIAN SHEPARD