Q&A: Suggestions for a good breed of dog?
Question by Beth G: Suggestions for a good breed of dog?
My husband and I have two border collies and a Rottweiler/catahoula cross. Both of the border collies are best friends with the rotty, but not with each other. Unfortunately, the rotty is only 2 and has hip dysplasia to the point that we’ll have to put him down before this winter. It breaks our hearts, but the vet said he’ll really suffer when winter sets in (we’re moving to NE Cali, and winters are pretty bad).
We’re not looking to replace him, as that would be impossible. But we’re looking for a dog that might take the place of buffer between the two border collies. We need something good with kids, loyal, medium to large size, and that will be able and willing to keep up with our lifestyle. My husband cowboys in the winter and hays in the summer. Probably the most important criteria is that it be fairly “cuddly.” Our rotty thinks he’s a lapdog, and loves to snuggle, and neither of the border collies are like that. We’re looking for something that will sleep on the bed all night with us.
Serious suggestions would be appreciated, please, no jackasses. 
Best answer:
Answer by DOG LOVER
do not get a german shepherd they get diarrhea every two weeks they have very sensetive stomachs
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Filed under: hip dysplasia in dogs treatment
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You could try a golden or a boxer. they are both vary love-able lab mixes are really good dogs to. the best thing you could do is go to the AKC sight and do the test to see what dog is the best for you. =)
i asked a similar question awhile back and someone gave me this great link to animal planet’s dog breed selector. it asks you a series of questions about what kind of dog you want. the questions include size, affection level, ability to get along with other dogs, activity level, and more.
this was a great start for me. i must have gone through the survey a hundred times before i settled on a greyhound. they’re couch potatoes like me but like to get out and burn rubber every now and then. plus there’s a foundation near me that rescues greyhound racers so it seems like a perfect match!
anyway, go through the survey a few times til you find something that suits your needs/personality. it’s a great jumping off point.
i have had the best luck with Australian Shepherds. they are all ways so loving, obedient, and beautiful. if you dont choose that breed i would look into getting some kind of mixed breed. mutts tend to be better dogs than purebreds. i would stay away from breeds mixed with boxer, pit bull, bulldogs, and labs. they are hard to train because they are just not as smart as other breeds.
husky, we have 2 of them and they love to sleep on the bed they are loyal and get along with other dogs,, they are good with kids and think they are lap dogs,,,best of luck to bad you could get you rottie one of those wheelie dog carts so it would take pressure of his hips and you wouldnt have to put him down thats what my friend from work did for there dog
best wishes
tabby
u should research Finnish Spitz.
Good luck
and i do hope ur dog gets well
hopefully a miracle will happen. =)
Just a question – but have you thought of a second opinion for the Rottie? I had a German Shepherd that his hip dysplasia manifested at a fairly early age (4) and was told the same thing you were. Because in the Midwest we have bad winters and he would suffer and that vet suggested we put him down. I took him to another vet that said not to put him down and prescribed Rimadyl and told us to get either a dog food with Glucosamine in it or supplement the food he was on – we did and he lived until he was 10.
Unless – his is just a severe case and your vet is a trusted vet………… I don’t know but I just wanted to let you know what happened with mine
just in case.
Also – maybe a Coonhound (Bluetick or Redbone) if you don’t mind occasional baying and howling – mine (Bluetick coonhounds) were awful cuddly (I just lost one to an unexpected aliment) and they get along with any dog they meet. A golden retreiver or retriever cross would probably be good as well to get along with the other 2 dogs – those are some of my suggestions.
Get another Rotti but make sure the parents both are certified through either Penn Hip or OFA, if you are going to buy a puppy/ That way you will avoid the same heart break again. Standard Poodles are extremely affectionate, Pitbulls are very very snuggly, Golden Retrievers are cuddle bugs and Greyhounds are docile loyal companions. I am assuming you want something big. You can also go on Petfinder.com and look for some local rescues in your area. They will be able to give you a summary of the pet’s personality and you can take your whole family (husband and border collies) to conduct interviews with potential canidates. Don’t shop, adopt! You will be surprised the treasure people throw away and that includes pure breeds.
Also there are specialty veterinary hospitals that can do total hip replacements. I actually work at one in Florida if you are willing to travel to save your dog, send me a message.
there are a lot of good rottweilers out there . you shoud
be able to find by you . or go to amrottclub.org for more
info