Lemon

No, as i said before, it's really only a small consideration. I would make no attempt at guard or protection training. I would just consider it a bonus, if the breed is likely to bark at intruders, rather than lick them to death. But as it is the least important factor, it is why I am still considering breeds such as golden retriever and labrador. I currently have expressions out for GSD, Malinois and Golden Retriever. Unfortunately, rescue groups are not responding, and no breeders I have contacted are having litters any time soon. Covid border closures pretty much rules out NSW sources at this point in time. I'm also seeing a lot of breeders selling dogs upwards of $5000. I mean, I've been out of the game for a while. But when we had litters for the show ring, we typically priced them in the order of $1.5 - $2.5k. Like... Is $5k normal now or something? I feel like anyone selling a dog for $5k is doing it to make a hefty profit, and I am certainly not about that. Money, is all the wrong reason to be having a litter. Correct me if I'm just outdated on this pricing, but it seems absurd to me.

These rescue agencies are all very slow to respond, or i just get absolutely nothing. (And social media comments from others seem to show that this is standard across the board). I'm really starting to understand why puppy farms are (unfortunately) so successful.

That brings me to my current gripe. I have actually been trying to adopt/rescue several dogs over the course of the last few weeks. And whilst I most certainly meet the standard rescue criteria (large yard, always home, active lifestyle, lots of experience), none of these rescue agencies have made any effort to contact me after submitting applications. Except for one... They have a young Rotty (looks like cross with labrador) puppy up for adoption. But the rescue agency has a strict policy, that they will not give a puppy under 6 months old, to someone who doesn't currently have a dog. I asked for clarification on why they have that rule, but they wont respond. Seems absurd to me. The only reason i can think of, is they dont want someone picking up a puppy, and then dumping it 2 years later. But i did explain that i had my last dog for ~13 years. Beats me

Yes, I absolutely considered the bernese. But i consulted the wife and she ruled it out for being too big, and too hairy The malinois vs GSD is a real toss up for me. I think it might just come down to availability between the 2. Also, malinois are quite energetic, and can be a real handful at the best of times

Hi all. I'm just after a bit of advice and some breed suggestions. I'll start with my own background. I'm not new to DOL, I just haven't used this forum for about 10 years, and thus, a new account. I used to show Siberian Huskies, and as a kid, I excelled quite well with junior handling. Over my life I have had a lot of experience with many breeds, I have owned a few, and most recently I have been fostering military working dogs (malinois) on and off. I do not currently own a dog, and haven't for a few years. I live in Southeast QLD, I have a cat and 2 children aged 4 and 5 (who desperately want a dog), but I have been putting it off for a while, and keeping to fostering in the meantime to abate their nagging :P My breed preferences are typically centred around medium sized with mid to long hair. (I do not like small dogs usually). I like Sibes obviously, but the list would include breeds like Golden Retriever, Labs, Samoyed, Belgian Malinois, GSD, Duck Tolling Retriever, Collie, Border Collie... You get the idea. Another thing to consider... We have had a few attempted house break-ins. And we have also had a successful house break-in, late at night whilst sleeping. The offenders broke into the house, stole our keys from the kitchen, and then fled in our car. I awoke just as they were leaving the house. Now this is a small factor in my consideration, as I'm not specifically after a guard dog at all, and I'm not considering any guard or protection training. But it would be a bonus, if the dog is likely to at least warn me of intruders, rather than inviting them in. The most important thing to me, is that the dog is likely to mix well with my children. I have a large house, and a large yard (as far as suburban homes go) on 1000 square meters. Whilst I work full time, my wife and kids are home every day. My children are very much the outdoor type, playing in the backyard. They also take walks to the local parks and wildlife areas for regular adventures. TL:DR So... My ideal, perfect world dog, would be one that is happy to be both inside and outside, is an affectionate and loving family member, loyal, protective, loves children, plays well with children and has the patience and tolerance required to deal with young children, energetic and willing to participate in walks and park adventures. At this time I am considering a German Shepherd. However I have not had much to do with this breed specifically, so any insight into that would be great. The closest thing I think would be my experience fostering a few Belgian Malinois. Any advice or suggestions would be very much appreciated. Thanks!