less known dog breeds

[asofel]

So I'm thinking about getting a dog in the next year or so. I've done a decent amount of research, but was hoping others might have some thoughts on the lesser known breeds of dogs.

For instance, I just found out about Cane Corso's today, and they're definitely interesting. I also only learned about Tosa's a few weeks back, and like what I hear.

I'm looking for a breed thats intelligent, athletic, mid to large size, and can play with others nicely...so many of the bigger dogs that are strong minded don't seem to want to play fair with smaller dogs in the dog park, and I have enough time making sure my girlfriends rottweiler doesn't eat an overzealous puffball.

So, for those who DON'T have a golden retriever, lab, german shepherd, etc, tell me something about your dog!

[firstyearclay]

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So I'm thinking about getting a dog in the next year or so. I've done a decent amount of research, but was hoping others might have some thoughts on the lesser known breeds of dogs.

For instance, I just found out about Cane Corso's today, and they're definitely interesting. I also only learned about Tosa's a few weeks back, and like what I hear.

I'm looking for a breed thats intelligent, athletic, mid to large size, and can play with others nicely...so many of the bigger dogs that are strong minded don't seem to want to play fair with smaller dogs in the dog park, and I have enough time making sure my girlfriends rottweiler doesn't eat an overzealous puffball.

So, for those who DON'T have a golden retriever, lab, german shepherd, etc, tell me something about your dog!

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I was actually thinking about getting another dog. Upon doing some research I found this:

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

They seem smart, good looking, protective, and loveable. I would probably get a female as they are slightly smaller.


Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

They also have lateral breeds (similar to this one) that are smaller in size, serve the same purpose, and are relatively the same looking.

FYC

[runnerunner]

I have a Greater Swiss Mountain dog and she is awesome. She is smart, VERY friendly, and just an all around great dog. She is about a year and a half old and weighs 100 pounds, she will get to about 120 when she is full grown. They have a LOT of energy, so you need to get them exercise.

PM me if you want any more info.

[Patrick del Poker Grande]

Boxers > all, of course, but they're not really all that rare. Rhodesian ridgebacks are pretty badass and, while not extremely rare, are not all that common. Similarly, I also like weimaraners quite a bit. I've also got a bit of a thing for german shorthaired pointers, but I'm not sure they're the best pets (although Wikipedia claims they're good family dogs, so maybe they are good pets).

[octopi]

I'm embarassed to admit this, but I was watching Martha for a few moments today while channel surfing because she had this weird looking thing on her show that reminded me of Barkley from Sesame Street:

The Puli


They also talked about a few other strange dog breeds, like the Leonburger which is a huge dog that was apparently bred to look like a lion.

More info

There is also a thread in El Diablo's forum that is pretty dog centric and there are some nice breeds in there, but I don't know how unusual they are.

[thirstyforwater]

If you want a dog that is a great retriever, easily trained, medium sized and not too common (outside of Canada), you might be interested in the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. My dog is 1/2 of this breed and she was easy to train in very complicated tasks.

http://www.gov.ns.ca/legislature/HOU...ymbols/dog.htm

[AngusThermopyle]

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...this medium size dog tolls, or lures, the game, rather than retrieving it. It entices waterfowl to get within range of the hunter in his blind.

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At first I thought the dog's bark sounded like "arf-quack, arf-quack", but then Wiki:

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The hunter stays hidden in a blind and sends the dog out to romp and play near the water, usually by tossing a ball or stick to be retrieved. The dog's crazy antics and white markings pique the curiosity of waterfowl, who swim over to investigate. The act of enticing or luring game to approach is known as tolling. When the birds are close, the hunter calls the dog back to the blind, then rises, putting the birds to flight, and shoots them. The Toller then retrieves any downed birds.

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[yvesaint]

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Does anyone have a fox as a pet? I probably got the idea from OOT but the more I think about it, the more awesome it seems. Anyone know enough about foxes to comment as to their petworthiness?

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dont get a fox, get this (my dog)







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Shiba Inu, japanese dog

[firstyearclay]

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Does anyone have a fox as a pet? I probably got the idea from OOT but the more I think about it, the more awesome it seems. Anyone know enough about foxes to comment as to their petworthiness?

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dont get a fox, get this (my dog)



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Shiba Inu, japanese dog

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My new desktop background. Great pic sir.

FYC

[The4Aces]

Newfoundlands are very good dogs. They are very big. Here is a picture of one of mine (1/2 nefoundland 1/2 lab) at 6 months old. They are also very friendly.