Lab or GSD or Doberman - Hot Climate

[Prasham]

Planning to buy a dog basically for safeguarding my house (its a 500 Sq. yard plot with construction in about half of the plot). I want a medium sized dog that barks but doesn't bite. With two kids & two senior citizens in the family I want it to be easygoing with the family, no licking etc. Above all in Gujarat where I live, summer lasts for almost 8-10 months. Temperature reaches mid 40's very easily.

Considering the above conditions which dog would suit the most? A Labrador, German Shepherd, Doberman or some other breed?

Also I've heard that after 7-8 years these dogs develop various physical & genetic disorders. I would like to know that which of the above mentioned dogs have least amount of physical & genetic problems.

Lab:
+Ve: Loving dog that can adapt to the above mentioned conditions.
-Ve: Its not very good for safeguarding as its very friendly with strangers too.

GSD:
+Ve: Good medium sized dog with ferocious looks and better adaptability to hot climate.
-Ve: Good care needs to be taken care of. Especially for its ears and hair.

Doberman:
+Ve: Excellent watch dog with ferocious looks and good adaptability to hot climate.
-Ve: Looks a bit too ferocious, considering the kids are 1 year and 3.5 years only

 

[akshay4384]

If buying a GSD,get a short coat breed.
I have one of long coat,and its really difficult for them to bear the heat.

 

[anupmathur]

....I want it to be easygoing with the family, no licking etc. ....

I wonder if this condition can be fulfilled!

 

[akshay4384]

I wonder if this condition can be fulfilled!

May be he should look at another animal then.
prasham,its just that,its a dog's way to show its affection.
its a nature's rule,you cant go against it.

 

[anupmathur]

Also, please give due consideration to what diet you are going to serve the poor thing!
Dogs ideally must have non-veg diet.

 

[Vikas the Shokeen biker]

Voted for Doberman. I agree that Labs are a bit too friendly, even with strangers. GSDs are very prone to diseases and infection and aren't suitable for hot and humid climate, no matter how much people love them.

Boxers can be a good option too. Stay away from St. Bernard and Great Dane.

 

[lifeisjourney]

Lab is the best choice.

I wonder if this condition can be fulfilled!

+1, thats every dogs habit, licking and moving tail

Also, please give due consideration to what diet you are going to serve the poor thing!
Dogs ideally must have non-veg diet.

Can give other dites too, but less spices, salt and sugar.
One of my dog ate All vegetables uncooked, fruits, almost Everything which we ate, unfortunately Killed by tiger(Tigers are common at my places, and Dog is their fev. Dite ).

 

[akshay4384]

Lab is the best choice.




+1, thats every dogs habit, licking and moving tail



Can give other dites too, but less spices, salt and sugar.
One of my dog ate All vegetables uncooked, fruits, almost Everything which we ate, unfortunately Killed by tiger(Tigers are common at my places, and Dog is their fev. Dite ).

Talk about it,my GSD has been spoilt to the core,due to dad's extreme care and love for him.
Last night he was eating macaroni in white sauce and then butterscotch ice cream with me.
Its just like if i have to pay him tax in form of bites,to eat my meals

 

[Sheel]

Have heard Doberman to be a very un-friendly pet, infact have been asked specifically not to have this as a pet.

@akshay-- in the same boat as you, my parents have spoilt her silly.

 

[Nitu]

Only GSD can fulfill your requirements.

a few suggestions from my side...

if adapting a GSD little pup, feed 5-6 times a day in little quantity.

make him habitual to accept different type of foods including daal & subjis from start(6mth)

allow the kids to play with them right from the beginning.

at their young age GSDs should actually kept on two times feeds a day to keep them alert, more time feeds means more lazy watch dog.

if you want your dog to only bark at visitors keep him un-tied & do the reverse if you want you dog to bite visitors tie him in the corner of the yard.

& please dont use Buy a dog, but use Adopt a dog, the most faithful companion of man on the earth.