Getting some pressure to get a pup for the wife and kids. Looking for an outdoor dog- 99.9% of the time anyway. I’ve had a malamute as a kid and loved the dog. Looking at Siberian Husky’s now.
Looking for dog advice- Good with kids, solid outdoor dog for MN winters. PS- NO barkers- the only time I want a dog to bark is if someone is wearing a mask and holding a crow-bar!
Jeff
It is pretty darn hard to beat a Labrador Retriever from a good line. There are high end lines and some not so much. Labs are great all around dogs. They are good house dogs, great dogs that will do anything you want outside, they can be good flushing dogs for upland bird hunting or retrievers for ducks, geese etc.
Labs are great family dogs, and typically most get along with other dogs. Probably can't tell I like them or raise them?
They do need exercise like most working dogs.
German Shepard is a interesting breed. I have owned them my entire adult life. I would never buy a German Shepard from the typical American Kennel. The dog I currently own came directly from Germany. He is as handsome and perfectly structured dog as one could find. Take a look at most American Shepard dogs. Look at the back or spine. You will note a real drop from the animals shoulders to the hips. Horrible breeding for show dogs has been the cause of this. I had nothing but troubles medically with any American German Shepard I owned.
If you want a healthy dog you might as well pay the long dollar and find one from Germany or an American breeder that has German stock. There are a few that do.
They need a LOT of exercise to drain their energy. Very high energy dog. My gets to train and run with the sled dogs each weekend and loves it. They do tend to be quite vocal when someone comes to visit, and they are rather intimidating to most. As for being dog friendly, it depends on training and personality. My male is not the friendliest with other male dogs. But I bought him for a breeder, and his pups could have a different personality. His personality is fine with me considering he is from a long line of personal protection dogs. He is actually a typical Shepard. They need a owner that really understands dogs.
Golden Retrievers are a great all around dog and the Lab description pretty much fits. The only draw back I can think of is there would be a lot more grooming.
I also really like English Setters. I have a Bench Setter that was a show dog, and a Field Setter, which is much smaller. They typically are of good temperament. They both They also need quite a lot of exercise.
A Newfoundland is a great family dog that loves to be outside, especially in the winter. Have one of those as well. Most are good natured with other dogs and people. Mine does not happen to be wicked friendly. I got him for beaver trapping to pull a sled. He needs too much coaxing to actually work but will pull one. They are working dogs and can be trained for water rescue.
The very last dogs I would ever suggest are either a Malamute or a Siberian Husky. Sorry, but those are not great choices.
Siberians are not to be taken off leash unless you want a long chase. They are awful for running away. Both dogs have a very high prey drive and are tough on small animals such as cats, chickens, actually you name it they are tough on them. Sibs typically are fighters and most do not take a liking to other dogs.
Malamutes do not tend to have good attitudes toward other people or dogs.
Good luck in your search.
mac
