Hey Johnny or anyone else with a dog who wants to chime in

cadman

I know a little bit about dogs, owned several and trained a few. I am looking for another dog. I want a couch potato dog that won't run a 60 year old man to death. Looking at a few breeds that I like and you guys are welcome to make suggestions. 

But my main question is regarding females dogs. I have never owned a female. I have always had male dogs, The dog will be neutered. Is there anything different to deal with with female dogs as compared to male dogs. I can do the internet search, but wanted to hear from people who owned female dogs. I few rescue dogs I looked at were all females is the reason I am asking. 

Interested in medium to large breed, tolerate this climate, will have a large backyard to play in. Will train and take on daily walks will be in house with me and travel with me most days I don't have to run a register. 

I am in no hurry, eventually I will find the dog that wants me. 

mplspug

Female dogs seem smarter, more confident and a little more self reliant.  Male dogs tend to be more playful, loving and somewhat needy.  

I'd stay away from hyper breeds.  I think one of the biggest mistakes people is not researching breeds.  Some are very active and require a lot of exercise or they will be naughty.

Your mileage may vary.

Florida Bullfrog

When fixed, the only major difference I’ve consistently seen between males and females is that females are often smarter in terms of problem solving skills and mischievousness. They’re also more sensitive to correction. 

How do you feel about bulldogs? An old English bulldog will fit your bill. It has to be a true old English though and not a regular English. My old English bulldogs take the heat fine so long as they have a water, shade, and preferably a fan, in the yard. You’re not likely to find one as a rescue though. They definately do best when raised from a puppy so you can mold it into what you want it to be. 

frank

We've had males and females, it's really about their personality and training

Good luck finding a good one, Gainesville Pet Rescue and Hailes Angels always have puppies that need a home

DropTheHammer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_nclUG-0SQ

mindyabiness

Consider a small short haired dog 10 -30 lbs. Easier to give a bath and get in and out of the house and or vehicle. Also easier to crate if that's in the cards.

Terriers can be a good choice but I would avoid JRT and I think a female would most likely be better choice but not necessarily..

Consider that two dogs can be easier to care for than one. Two dogs will exercise each other and keep each other occupied when you are unable too, siblings work well and are less likely to have problems getting along and the competition can help in the training.

4WARD

I have always found that male dogs tend to be more protective of their owner.(to people and dogs)
Female dogs tend to be more aggressive to mostly other dogs and somewhat more territorial.
Certainly not the overall rule but just my experience.
My girls have always ended up being the smartest and best behaved.

Finfinder

try to find a smaller female German Shepherd     IMO female dogs male owner 

King_Me

We acquired a female lab and a male lab recently(brother and sister), the female puppy is full of **** and vinegar where as the male is very docile.  

cadman

Florida Bullfrog said:

When fixed, the only major difference I’ve consistently seen between males and females is that females are often smarter in terms of problem solving skills and mischievousness. They’re also more sensitive to correction. 

How do you feel about bulldogs? An old English bulldog will fit your bill. It has to be a true old English though and not a regular English. My old English bulldogs take the heat fine so long as they have a water, shade, and preferably a fan, in the yard. You’re not likely to find one as a rescue though. They definately do best when raised from a puppy so you can mold it into what you want it to be. 

I am considering Old English and American Buildogs. Both seem to fit my bill. 

cadman

frank said:

We've had males and females, it's really about their personality and training

Good luck finding a good one, Gainesville Pet Rescue and Hailes Angels always have puppies that need a home

Looking at both sites. 

cadman

Finfinder said:

try to find a smaller female German Shepherd     IMO female dogs male owner 

I originally wanted to get a German Shepard, but everything says they are very active dogs and need a lot of activity to keep them busy, 

cadman

mindyabiness said:

Consider a small short haired dog 10 -30 lbs. Easier to give a bath and get in and out of the house and or vehicle. Also easier to crate if that's in the cards.

Terriers can be a good choice but I would avoid JRT and I think a female would most likely be better choice but not necessarily..

Consider that two dogs can be easier to care for than one. Two dogs will exercise each other and keep each other occupied when you are unable too, siblings work well and are less likely to have problems getting along and the competition can help in the training.

I would never own a JRT, way too hyperactive, I saw one tear a porch rail to bits when it got bored. I will be living with my brother when I get moved in the next few weeks. Two dogs is out of the question. He likes dogs, but isn't a dog person. 

Finfinder

cadman said:

Finfinder said:

try to find a smaller female German Shepherd     IMO female dogs male owner 

I originally wanted to get a German Shepard, but everything says they are very active dogs and need a lot of activity to keep them busy, 

normal walking and playing....  get a rescue so you already have some idea of the temperament.  IMO puppies are overrated LOL

Mine is a couch potato loves car rides and won't run away.   

mplspug

My brother had a JRT that was relatively calm.  He was a good dog, but he wasn't the norm when it comes to jack Russel's.  

4WARD

We are currently down to one dog.
a female boxer that is the most layed back , sweet and dumb as a rock girl as you will ever meet.
We rescued her at 5 and she is 11 now.
Something about her has always been different. She knows we set her up good and she shows that love in a different way somehow? You can just tell. Rescue is worth a look for sure.

treemanjohn

In my experience everyone's Dead on. I've had German Shepherds for a long time and females are very protective over the yard and male dogs are very protective over the house and adults. Females are typically satisfied being by themselves male dogs want attention. Males are goofy until there for 5 years old

I know that you mentioned spaying a female. I always wait until they're fully grown two or two and a half years before spaying

Gardawg

AC Man

treemanjohn said:

In my experience everyone's Dead on. I've had German Shepherds for a long time and females are very protective over the yard and male dogs are very protective over the house and adults. Females are typically satisfied being by themselves male dogs want attention. Males are goofy until there for 5 years old

I know that you mentioned spaying a female. I always wait until they're fully grown two or two and a half years before spaying

My son got a GS rescue one year old. Very hyper male. He loves everyone. You could break in his house now 7 years old and the dog would lick you to death.

On the other hand as JB knows it  is rough on his girlfriend's dog. Not biting , just rough play. Sad they are now crated to keep them apart.

I say let them at it and they will figure it out.

Florida Bullfrog

cadman said:

Florida Bullfrog said:

When fixed, the only major difference I’ve consistently seen between males and females is that females are often smarter in terms of problem solving skills and mischievousness. They’re also more sensitive to correction. 

How do you feel about bulldogs? An old English bulldog will fit your bill. It has to be a true old English though and not a regular English. My old English bulldogs take the heat fine so long as they have a water, shade, and preferably a fan, in the yard. You’re not likely to find one as a rescue though. They definately do best when raised from a puppy so you can mold it into what you want it to be. 

I am considering Old English and American Buildogs. Both seem to fit my bill. 

A word of warning on American bulldogs. There's two main varieties, Scott type and Johnson type. I've never raised a Johnson but I've raised a Scott, my brother raised a Scott, and one of my secretaries raised a Scott. All three from different bloodlines. All three dogs were monsters. Absolutely the most serial-killer like dogs I've ever been around. The only time I've ever been bit by a dog (that wasn't an accident) was by my brother's Scott. Their personalities were far beyond a pitt's. A pitt can be a fine dog, unless something triggers a catch instinct like a crying child. The Scotts didn't seem to act on instinct. They seemed to be driven by a cold, calculating, pleasure in catching animals and people. In a nutshell, they're the dog version of the Jurassic Park velociraptors. My brother's Scott would very knowingly stalk me whenever I would turn my back to him and would attempt to catch me by the neck from behind. Only a muzzle stopped him from ever ripping my throat out. My Scott made multiple attempts to catch my deaf neighbor as she'd walk her dogs in the evening. His name was Otto, but he earned the moniker "the Terrible" as he matured and his murderous personality became clear. I finally put him down when he bit my elderly grandpa for trying to take a rabbit away from him. My secretary's Scott ripped her Jack Russle's guts out. Finally, I met a lady with a Scott at a bulldog show she was hosting north of Ocala, two weeks afterward her Scott killed her toddler when the child got tangled in its leash at the kennel. 

I am of the opinion that a Scott is meant to be a blood sport and war dog, and nothing more. I don't believe the violence can be bred or reared out of them. I'd trust a pitt way more than I'd ever trust a Scott. 

I can't vouch for a Johnson, but I've heard enough good about them that I plan on getting one when my male Old English Bulldog passes. I want a dog that's big enough to tangle with a bear if needbe out in the woods around my house. I'm told that Johnsons have good personalities much like Old English Bulldogs and take well to socialization with lots of people and other animals. 

There's a very rare third type of American bulldog that I've raised that was a good dog. Its called a "White English." Its the progenitor of the modern American Bulldogs. They were the last bulldogs left in the south before Scott and Johnson began their breeding programs to preserve the breed. They're only found in north Florida, south Georgia, and Alabama. They should be almost pure white with blue eyes. Mine was gifted to me from someone in the panhandle. She was a big, beautiful, dog although I never left her unattended around children as she seemed to get too excited when a child was around as if she wasn't sure what to do with one. She died at 6 of cancer. 

Old English bulldogs of good breeding are awesome. They're very much a dog you want to see the parents of before you buy to observe their physical condition. The good bloodlines are athletic and will look like smaller Johnson American bulldogs. Poor bloodlines will look too much like traditional English bulldogs and will have joint problems.

If socialized they're very friendly and yet also have a good protective sixth sense. Very good at knowing who to bow up at and who to give sugar to. Its very important to socialize them to other dogs and animals at a young age or else you'll never get one to get used to cats, varmints, or strange dogs. 

Turner River Terror

Geeze , Might as well adopt a Rattlesnake..
My dog bites me he won't see the sun rise..

Bimini Twisted

I’m on my third female Golden Retriever, if you can live with the fur shedding you will never feel more goofy loved and connected.

MelbourneMark

My experience and opinion: get a female lab-mix-rescue...  

Ive grown up with & owned 5 dogs..  2females and 3 males.  All the males were dumb, but cute...  The females were smarter and could learn more commands. The lab-mix breeds wanted to please us more than the other breeds.  

Current dog dog is a male Great Dane.  Very cute and goofy dog... But, is not that smart... Kinda hard to train as he is not food motivated..  

A female Great Dane might be a good one for you, as you have a big back yard.. And might help you with security at your work?? ( gas station right?) 

tag

Best bet is to get a dog that is known. Safe animal shelters tend to know more about the animal than the pound will. Of course a good private breeder should know their animals.

There are high energy and low energy dogs in every breed.

I have a high drive German Shepard dog that requires a lot of attention. He always wants to please and never gets into trouble but can't be ignored.

I also have a very high drive German Shorthair pointer. Not a couch potato by any means. She is always on the hunt. Not a breed I'd recommend unless you plan on giving a lot of attention.

That said they complement each other. They play well together and wear each other out. They still get their daily ball throwing sessions when I get home.

mplspug

Growing up I had a male Sheppard /Lab cross.  Great dog who lived 17 years.  He was smart and loved giving and receiving affection.  

He had tons of energy though.  On hot days I had to take the ball away from him or he'd fetch himself to death.  He was definitely a lover boy.

Florida Bullfrog

Turner River Terror said:

Geeze , Might as well adopt a Rattlesnake..
My dog bites me he won't see the sun rise..

I think the issue with Scott type American bulldogs is that genetically they’re probably the closest dog alive to  the original English bulldogs of centuries ago, which were renowned for their viciousness. There’s no getting a 1,000 years of artificial selection for violence out of them. 

I’m no apologist for pitts. They can be dangerous if they come from bad bloodlines or from poor raising. But I suspect many reported pitt bull killings are actually done by Scott type Americans. To the untrained eye the two dogs look similar. 

Back when pitt fighting was a gentlemen’s sport, any pitt that bit a handler was removed from the gene pool. Its not pratical to doctor a biter during and after a fight. Pitts didn’t get vicious until pitt fighting became an underground activity and the dregs started selecting the dogs for viciousness alone. 

surfman

My neighbor in Steinhatchee has a JRT and my BIL across the street has one too, darn things bark constantly and for such a small dog they are LOUD. 

I like the Bulldog idea.

cadman

Bimini Twisted said:

I’m on my third female Golden Retriever, if you can live with the fur shedding you will never feel more goofy loved and connected.

My last dog was a Golden Retriever, best dog I ever owned. But they need a lot of exercise to keep from getting bored. I also had a black Lab at the same time. Another great dog. 

Griz

I've had great Goldens.  My only issue is they all succumbed to cancer or other ailments.

Although our red ones;last until ten,it was the blond ones with the early issues.

Great around kids and they do mellow out early on.

cadman

Griz said:

I've had great Goldens.  My only issue is they all succumbed to cancer or other ailments.

Although our red ones;last until ten,it was the blond ones with the early issues.

Great around kids and they do mellow out early on.

My Golden  was blond and lived to 15 years old. ]

tankard

I've always had males, now I'm well into my first female. 7 year old Catahoula \ walker hound mix.

She is loyal to a fault, doesn't like to let me out of her sight if we're out and about. If I'm on a dog -friendly patio at an establishment, I pretty much have to have someone she knows really well with me so I can go in and take a leak, or she WILL find a way in and hunt me down. She does run around a bit but always comes home and is pretty street smart. Never destroyed anything.