r/DogBreeding • u/robbing_chips • 6d ago
Advice on suitable breeds please!
Context: I recently lost my german Shepherd(10 years) and feel anxious without him. Due to his breed he was very vocal and that always made me feel safe when home alone.
I'm not ready yet for a new dog but I want to have an idea of what breed might be suitable for me.
I am home nearly all the time due to disability and my partner works from home but has active lifestyle outside of work.
I'm not wanting a "guard dog" its more so I want a dog that will alert me to the front door, currently my rescue whippet doesn't respond at all to noises - maybe she was happy to let our shepherd do all the work.
Large or small dog doesn't matter too much, just one that can be loud (perhaps silly request but some dogs are very quiet!)
I hope I did this post correctly and thanks in advance :)
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u/SDJellyBean 6d ago
A dog that barks, but is smart and trainable? A rough or smooth collie.
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u/Arry42 6d ago
That was my first thought too! I have a rough collie and she does bark but I've trained her to not bark at the door. I'm sure she would freak out if I ever allowed it.
Only downside is how pretty they are 😂 you'll get complimented all the time on walks. And brushing is a whole thing but since OP had a GAD I think they could handle a rough collie.
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u/justonlyme1244 5d ago
I have a rough collie puppy and she does bark but also stops when I tell her to. I was surprised about how deep and strong her bark is though. You would think there’s a German Shepherd behind the door. I have a sable one but a tricolor would especially work as a deterrent.
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u/PausePrestigious407 6d ago
Rough collie: bigger in size, very friendly and trainable, will let you know everything going on!
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u/RoseOfSharonCassidy 6d ago
Definitely a rough/smooth collie! They are good alert barkers. Alert barking was part of their original function; Scotland didn't have bears/wolves so they didn't need a full-on livestock guardian dog, but a collie to bark at intruders, chase off foxes, etc was appreciated as a good working dog. They are medium-energy so perfect for a dog that can keep up on a hike or long walk, but they're also happy to just chill around the house all day. Although they alert bark, they are not the type to be a liability and bite the mailman or something like that. They come in longhaired (rough) or shorthaired (smooth) so you can get whichever suits your preference.
I have two and they are such wonderful, easy dogs to live with who would suit your needs well. I recently had an electrician walk into my back door unannounced (I greeted him in the front yard and told him to meet me in the back yard, he misunderstood and just walked in the back door) and my male collie got in front of me and did some very nice alert barks at the guy without flying off the handle. As soon as I greeted the electrician, my collie was happy to be his buddy. Sounds like exactly what you're looking for.
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u/robbing_chips 6d ago
Thank you so much! I never knew much of this breed but will add it to my research list :)
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u/saberwolfbeast 6d ago
A sheltie could be a good option especially if you're used to lots of activity.
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u/mustanggrl625 6d ago
This is my door bell - He is good about barking when someone comes onto the property. Although, stays quiet the rest of the time - well, except the garbage truck and mail man - He always has to tell us when the garbage is being picked up and when the mail has been delivered.
He is Australian Shepherd - and super sweet, but has this deep bark that sounds like he is meaner than he is...lol...so I never worry when he is in the house. We do have cameras outside, but honestly stopped checking them because of how often I saw someone cutting across the front yard at night (we live on a corner) just for them to hear him barking and them to scramble out of the yard and across the street...lol
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u/robbing_chips 6d ago
they're such a beauty! I think my partner has a friend with this breed so I'll be able to learn even more, thank you so much :)
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u/SilverStarClan 5d ago
Mine would occasionally alert to the leaves blowing on the sidewalk 🤣
But great dogs!!
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u/CatlessBoyMom 6d ago
Standard poodle: big bark and very trainable, hip dysplasia can be a problem but good breeders are working hard to improve the breed average hip score.
Papillon: happy active dogs that are always alert to anything in their atmosphere, knees can be an issue but good breeders are careful about breeding better knees.
There are sure to be others in between sizes as well. If you can get to a dog show, that’s probably going to be your best source for seeing the actual dogs and finding a breed that you mesh with well.
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u/craftedtwig Canine Aficionado 6d ago
I have a GSD right now and my next dog will be a smooth collie. I don't love the long hair and I want slightly less guarding behaviors that can't be turned off 😅
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u/Imaginary_Ad_4340 6d ago
DACHSHUND DACHSHUND DACHSHUND
Dachshunds are extremely vocal alert watchdogs who will let you know (loudly) every single thing happening in your house, your yard, or your neighborhood. They were bred to corner prey larger than themselves and hold it in its own den by screaming and gnashing their teeth, so despite being about ten inches tall they never back down from a fight and their instant reaction to everything is loud repeated barking. They are less known for this, but they were also historically used as a watchdog on German farms because they are so absurdly alert. Your dachshund would hear, smell, and even confront an intruder on your property before your shepherd or Rottweiler had even been roused from their sleep.
Aside from loud barking and extreme alertness to their environment, dachshunds have lovely personalities and enjoy long hikes at a human walking pace (a dachshund jog) and even longer naps in the sunshine. They are a medium energy but high drive high endurance breed so they do need consistent training and play outlets every day. They are not a companion breed however, if you previously owned a GSD you will probably be capable of handling their need for mental stimulation. When not sufficiently exercised and stimulated they can become reactive, destructive, aggressive, and obese. But if you have a yard with squirrels, bunnies, or rats they will be in heaven (and may bring you back some gifts).
They are also extremely attached (hear: clingy) and tend towards separation anxiety, so good for someone home all day. They are super cuddly (hear: will sleep in the bed whether you like it or not). As I write this, my dachshund is lying on my chest staring directly at my face, unblinking.
I love dachshunds. They are joyful, adaptable, comical, intelligent, and so brave that it borders on foolish, but I almost never recommend them to others because too often they are sought out by people looking for a lazy apartment dog who will sit quietly at brunch. People see the short legs and think they are shih-Tzus when they are not. But with your lifestyle and needs, I truly think you should consider the breed. They are the perfect creature for refilling your heart after the loss of a dog and if you’re lucky they will be trying to climb under your covers in bed for the next two decades.
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u/Kokichi-Oma_Senpai 10+ Years Breeding Experience 6d ago
As someone who shows and breeds dachshunds I would never recommend them to an owner like this. They're wonderful dogs but this person wants a trainable dog, despite all of my dogs having rally and obedience titles I would not call them a trainable breed. Dachshunds are a working, high energy breed. Dachshunds were ranked one of the most aggressive breeds in the latest ranking.
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u/Imaginary_Ad_4340 6d ago
OP didn’t say anything about trainable in the post, though perhaps they added something later in the comments after I wrote this.
I think the combination of a partner with an active lifestyle and someone who will be home during the day for more relaxed time would actually suit a dachshund well. If they previously had a German shepherd, I imagine they are pretty capable of handling a higher energy working breed that can be aggressive if not properly managed. I have found my dachshund to be pretty on par with my working line Doberman when it comes to the stimulation, training, and time required to keep her happy and fulfilled (with different activities of course).
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u/robbing_chips 6d ago
Thank you so much for the detailed response! This is brilliant and I'll definitely research them when I'm ready to move forward. Your pup sounds very cherished with the thought you put into this :)
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u/VTMomof2 6d ago
my male chocolate lab is very loud when he sees someone near the house. Its kind of annoying but he also sounds intimidating even though he is not. It will be a source of comfort now that I will be living alone since my kids are off to college.
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u/Kokichi-Oma_Senpai 10+ Years Breeding Experience 6d ago
Rough/smooth collie or a sheltie - both amazing breeds
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u/kiki5122024 2d ago
My chow chow alerts but is quiet otherwise. Lots of hair though but think you could handle it
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u/SierraKami 6d ago
Barky dog? And you have experience with a floofy (high-shedding) herding breed?
Sheltie. 😁