"gonefishiing" wrote in message ...
apologies for not getting back to your post
swamped with work

I understand the point about labs/retrievers
also understand the need to match the breed with a "lifestyle" so to speak.
akitas seem too demanding a breed and perhaps too agressive.

which brings me to the current possiblities:
sheperd is still on the list.
shetland is one i had not thought of.
and terriers are what my daughter is leaning towards, i don't know enough
yet to say either way.

I had over the years a wolf, pug, ****zu, great dane, kesheen, pit.
Now I have the best dog I've ever had a... Schipperke.

He is the smartest, most loyal dog Ive ever had. He is perfect for
living aboard. He loves to swim(jumps over all the time without
warning on the Dink) hates rats with passion, is very protective of
the boat and who comes aboard. Can hear and notice if anyone steps
aboard or walks on my dock. Pointy ears that do not need cropping and
dry easy to prevent ear infections. When I go to sleep he lays next to
me and I have nothing to worry about someone sneaking aboard. He can
get on and off the boat himself. He is small enough to not get in the
way, yet big and strong enough to climb steps jump on and off the
bunks in and out of the cabins ect.., small enough to fit in the oven
in the worst case situation, loves kids, ect...

From what I hear... and now know.. they bond with one person for life.
He has lived on RedCloud since he was 6 weeks old.

Stories Ive heard.
Sailing ships going down and the dogs found still swimming 6 days
later.
Breed to guard the barges on the canals in europe, often riding on the
backs of the horses that pull the barges. Also use to keep sheep on
the barges, and rats off.
Used in WW 1 by the USCG to listen for submarines.
One save a child from a bear attack, gave his life in the process.


Problems:
Barks alot! Hates tires on cars! Might get him killed if he gets
loose. Hard to catch when they decide to run. Loves to chew holes in
all the pillows.

Still overall he's the best dog by far that Ive ever had. His name is
Skipper and if anyone wants to see a picture I'd be happy to send you
one.

Joe







--starting to get the picture of what to think about.

still the question if i can spare the time is primary and will not pursue
anything until i can answer this
work is in a state of transition and may make the reality of this more
attainable

your knowledge and insight is appreciated
thanks

gf.






"katysails" wrote in message
...

protective
not small, not too big
good temperament around kids / visitors
lab
retriever
shepherd
akita
wolve

None of these, if you get a puppy...labs and retrievers need two years to
wind down and if there is going to be a lack of attention 50% of the time,
then they're out...the other three are not for people with limited dog
experience...they are smart breeds and if left to their own devise, become
assertive and dominant and you'll have problems. Corgis, Shetland
sheepdog,
some of the larger terrier breeds (not a Jack Russell, too labor intense)
would be better. They incorporate protectiveness and watchfulness with
loyalty and enough smarts to get by and be good pets. BTW, Akitas are
generally one-person dogs....and are quite a handful...any type of
domesticated wolf is a major problem...
--
katysails
s/v Chanteuse
Kirie Elite 32
http://katysails.tripod.com

"Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax
and get used to the idea." - Robert A. Heinlein



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