juice Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 My Dal was rock solid with everyone and everything ( unless you were a cat or bunny). Yep, shed like crazy, can go allday, but has an off switch, very easy going . Never destroyed a thing here, great watchdog, he was perfect, but i have met many others that were a bit narky. I was about to say running with a dog with a squished face may not be ideal, most gun dogs would fit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spotted Devil Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Any dog will have a certain level of prey drive - my dogs are great with my own cats and foster kittens (exceptional circumstances with Em's recent litter - incredibly protective) but I would not trust them with the neighbours' cats/rabbits. Gundogs are bred for hunting - depends on the lines of course - so I would want to raise them carefully and have good supervision. Dalmatians similarly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tor Posted May 25, 2015 Author Share Posted May 25, 2015 Thank you so mucht everyone. I hadn't considered Dalmations at all, but from the reading I've been doing today they are now definitely in my top 3, along with Boxers and Viszlas. I know all of those breeds will require a lot of work in the first 3 years and I am prepared for that. I think I will meet some breeders and dogs and take it from there. My 5 year old looooooooves Dalmations. She would be in heaven. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dame Aussie Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Personally I wouldn't chose a short faced breed with all your running. You may find their tolerance drops off dramatically even in mildly warm weather. I agree with this having owned a Boxer. Not ideal for that amount of running IMO. You sound like a great home though and there are loads of other breeds that would be perfect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spotted Devil Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Tor - where are you based? You would be welcome to meet my dogs at an agility trial. I'm also happy to point you in the right direction if you'd like to chat to some breeders. Remember that most of us only breed once or twice a year so it's worth making contact early. Established breeders may have waiting lists too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tor Posted May 25, 2015 Author Share Posted May 25, 2015 Tor - where are you based? You would be welcome to meet my dogs at an agility trial. I'm also happy to point you in the right direction if you'd like to chat to some breeders. Remember that most of us only breed once or twice a year so it's worth making contact early. Established breeders may have waiting lists too. That's very kind of you Spotted Devil. I am down towards the Mornington Peninsular - I used to live in Upwey though, close to where you are in the Ranges! I would love to meet your dogs and see some agility trials, I never have before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spotted Devil Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Tor - where are you based? You would be welcome to meet my dogs at an agility trial. I'm also happy to point you in the right direction if you'd like to chat to some breeders. Remember that most of us only breed once or twice a year so it's worth making contact early. Established breeders may have waiting lists too. That's very kind of you Spotted Devil. I am down towards the Mornington Peninsular - I used to live in Upwey though, close to where you are in the Ranges! I would love to meet your dogs and see some agility trials, I never have before. Ah! Good! Here's a link to Vic Agility trials: http://www.agilitytrials.info/index.htm It's a bit quiet for agility in the next few months - I will be at the Moorabbin trial on Saturday - at least for the morning (have to go home and feed my baby puppies) but might get back for the afternoon. And then I'm flying to QLD next Wed for the Dalmatian Nationals - there will definitely be 101 Dalmatians :laugh: I also have a few contacts for Viz and of course you can meet my ESS and see what a working Gundog is like! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yonjuro Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 (edited) You requirements are almost perfect for a Siberian Husky...almost :) -happy, friendly temperament - Tick -reliable with children- Tick -generally good with other dogs, at least not aggressive or too reactive - Tick -medium to large (not giant) size - Tick -prefer short hair - Cross -ok as an only dog - Tick -can be socialised to be gentle with cats and guinea pigs, possibly chickens at some stage - Possibly a disaster but many people I know do have success with cats -energetic and able to run long distances - Big fat tick, and one of the few breeds that can outrun a marathon runner. But remember that all dogs need to be fully grown before doing 2 + hour runs. And any serious running should be done in temperature < 16 C preferably cooler - especially with arctic breeds Have a look at some canicross webpages, they should have some good info on running breeds :-) Edited May 25, 2015 by Yonjuro Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dididog Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 My best friend growing up had a Boxer and he was such a great dog to grow up with (ridiculous but so much fun) but I'm not sure how much of the year they could keep up that running due to the short muzzle, so I guess if the you really really love the Boxer you need to evaluate if you're willing to lower your expectations on the running side of things. Most of Didi's regular dog playmates are either GSP's, Ridgebacks and a few Vizsla's and I'd say (with very little authority!) the GSP probably seems closer to a Boxer in temperament and seem a bit more 'unflappable' than the Vizsla's. Intense energy levels but obviously that will be taken care of with the running and all the ones I've met had outgoing temperaments, responded well to training and social with other dogs with a play style that doesn't put other dogs off (the Boxer play style on the other hand is quite polarising ). I did really want a Vizsla before I got my current dog but I kept coming back to their predisposition to not liking being left alone which put me off, even though somebody is home most of the time in my family, circumstances change and I didn't want to make a 12-15 year commitment to a breed that is more likely to struggle being left on its own than others. Not smooth coat but Standard Poodle's are the right size, very athletic and versatile dogs, super intelligent. You could keep it in a low maintenance clip, not sure how great they are with very young children but I grew up with a few, know a couple that are therapy dogs. Smaller and longer coats but ESS or Brittany's might be worth considering too? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tor Posted May 25, 2015 Author Share Posted May 25, 2015 Huskies are very beautiful but I'm a bit intimidated by them - there seem to be so many in shelters/rescues. I don't think I'm experienced enough for one of those, gorgeous though they are. I have been doing some more reading about Boxers as running mates and it sounds like they do pretty well over distances of about 8-10k, more occasionally. Plus it needs to be cool weather, which is ok, as I only ever run when it's cool. I also don't go very fast, and when I am doing sprint stuff, my dog would just need to hang out and chill. I think it would be manageable, although I'd need to be careful and if I really wanted a long-distance running partner as my top priority, I think I'd make a different choice. Probably a Dalmation, the GSP just don't appeal somehow, although I can certainly appreciate their beauty. I haven't made a final decision yet and I am excited to go and see some Dalmations doing agility - I see there's an event in August in Hastings, would that be a good one to attend? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlaznHotAussies Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 I know you're wanting a shorter haired breed...but honestly an Aussie Shepherd would love your life!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trinabean Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Hi Tor, your family sounds like an ideal Boxer home to me. Of course, I am biased, as they are my favourite breed. They generally love the hustle and bustle of kids, and being involved in whatever you are doing. More than anything, they love to be with their people. My only concern is the long-distance running. In cool weather I don't imagine it would be an issue, but I'm not sure about hotter times of the year? I guess it depends on the climate you live in, and what temperatures you run in. For us, living in WA, on days when the forecast predicts around 40 degrees, I always exercise my dog early in the morning, before it reaches 25 degrees. If you can, go to some dog shows and meet some breeders and dogs (this applies to Boxers and any other breeds that spark your interest). Ethical, registered breeders who health test are definitely the way to go. Ask questions and be prepared to go on a waiting list for the right pup. Be wary of breeders who are basically puppy-farmers, churning out pups in Victoria. Good luck in your decision-making. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cleo's Corgwyn Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 My parents have Boxers, in Central Queensland and they are very athletic. Other, more unusual Gun dog breeds to check out include the Pointer (one of the lesser known gems) and Lagottos (curly coated, medium sized, happy go lucky). We now have a few Lagotti at Dog club, and coincidentally, a couple live with serious runners, and love it. My big advice would to do your research, come up with a short list of breeds you like, and then go out and meet those breeds, at shows, or at breeders. Look over the dogs you meet with a critical eye, and see what suits you. You may find your final choice is not what you expected! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spotted Devil Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Huskies are very beautiful but I'm a bit intimidated by them - there seem to be so many in shelters/rescues. I don't think I'm experienced enough for one of those, gorgeous though they are. I have been doing some more reading about Boxers as running mates and it sounds like they do pretty well over distances of about 8-10k, more occasionally. Plus it needs to be cool weather, which is ok, as I only ever run when it's cool. I also don't go very fast, and when I am doing sprint stuff, my dog would just need to hang out and chill. I think it would be manageable, although I'd need to be careful and if I really wanted a long-distance running partner as my top priority, I think I'd make a different choice. Probably a Dalmation, the GSP just don't appeal somehow, although I can certainly appreciate their beauty. I haven't made a final decision yet and I am excited to go and see some Dalmations doing agility - I see there's an event in August in Hastings, would that be a good one to attend? I will most likely go to the Hastings trial - was going to suggest that one but I can't think beyond next week at the moment :laugh: My Zig is the only Dally doing agility in Vic at the moment buf if you want to go to a show/meet some breeders do shoot me a PM and I can chat further with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trinabean Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 1432556833[/url]' post='6695647']Huskies are very beautiful but I'm a bit intimidated by them - there seem to be so many in shelters/rescues. I don't think I'm experienced enough for one of those, gorgeous though they are. I have been doing some more reading about Boxers as running mates and it sounds like they do pretty well over distances of about 8-10k, more occasionally. Plus it needs to be cool weather, which is ok, as I only ever run when it's cool. I also don't go very fast, and when I am doing sprint stuff, my dog would just need to hang out and chill. I think it would be manageable, although I'd need to be careful and if I really wanted a long-distance running partner as my top priority, I think I'd make a different choice. Probably a Dalmation, the GSP just don't appeal somehow, although I can certainly appreciate their beauty. I haven't made a final decision yet and I am excited to go and see some Dalmations doing agility - I see there's an event in August in Hastings, would that be a good one to attend? Oh, I just read this now (I must have been typing my reply at the same time). Now that I've read that you only run when it's cool, I think a Boxer could work well for you. They certainly enjoy running! Another DOL member (Boxagirl) does dry land sledding with her boxer in winter here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stressmagnet Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Tor, I can assure you that's there's nothing more beautiful than a fit and muscled Labrador. They don't have to be overweight- it's just people are lazy. They are great with people, patient with kids and aren't dog aggressive. My boy puts up with a crapload from my daughters. He's currently at a friend's who believed all digs should be outside only; but the word is - she's spoiled him rotten and seems in no rush to get him back. He's big enough to intimidate but not too big to handle. I've seen his bark and behaviour when he didn't like something and he scared me - I was very glad those hackles were raised and those long canines were shown in my defence! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarbedWire Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Tor I can understand your devotion to boxers. They are wonderful dogs and athletic (They would make wonderful sprinters). Your husband has owned one so he understands the breed. If you have your heart set on one maybe recognize the limitations and just run with the dog over short distances and early in the morning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tor Posted May 25, 2015 Author Share Posted May 25, 2015 Thanks again everyone. I am still leaning towards Boxers tbh, I just love their faces. And my husband is not really a dog person, but he has a big soft spot for them, so that's a consideration. I have fallen in love with Dalmations now though too, maybe I need both! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spotted Devil Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Thanks again everyone. I am still leaning towards Boxers tbh, I just love their faces. And my husband is not really a dog person, but he has a big soft spot for them, so that's a consideration. I have fallen in love with Dalmations now though too, maybe I need both! :laugh: Dalmatians can be addictive... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corvus Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 I do 10-12km runs at the moment, and have done up to about 17km. Neither of my dogs are runners, so they get left at home, but I run with a running group that does those distances on bush trails. Some of them run with dogs. Mostly working breed mixes, but one member runs with whippets. The older girl only does short runs these days, but the younger dog I have seen do 12km and never slow. I was dog-sitting a kelpie mix once, and with no training at all, he went for an hour and looked like he could easily do another hour. I used to take my mum's kelpie/boxer mix for runs when I visited home. She could go for 6km and then she would start to slow up, but she was 8 years old and that was with no training or conditioning. I would not choose a purebred boxer because of the heat here, but most gundogs and herding breeds do fine. And dalmatians. And JRT. If you have your heart set on a boxer and don't mind dropping it back home mid-run, I would do it, and just be super careful and conservative in the heat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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