Comment to 'Am I Asking For Too Much...?'
  • If you want a dog that will stay close to you no matter the situation that can be achieved through training.  If you want a protection dog you get that through temperament and training. . Short hair dog are generally low maintenance as far as grooming and bathing.  Long hair do better in cold weather.  Short hair dogs typically do better in the heat. Short or snub nose breeds have difficulty in heat. 

     

    Getting a cross breed such as a Ridgeback X Boerboel  will no guarantee that you will a dog that is not too big that will stay close.  The pup might take on the size of the Boerboel instead of the size of the Ridgeback.  Thee pup ca take on the Ridgeback characteristics of being a hunter with a high prey drive.   It might take on the spine problems or other health issues common  of the Ridgeback. There are too many variables to predict the size, temperament, health,, etc. 

    You need to choose a dog that you will be happy to raise.  Maybe you need to get an adult dog. As stated previously you are asking for too much. No ethical breeders should tell you that they can provide what you are asking for in a pup. We can do our best to match the right pups with the right owners, but we should be willing to not sale a pup to potential buyers too. Even if we believe the buyer might provide a good home and has proven to be an experienced pet owner the breeder should want the buyer to be satisfied with the pup. I want my pups to go to places that will be their forever homes and I'm willing to take every pup back and raise them. If I think the the buyer has too lofty expectations or desires I have to turn down that purchase. All dogs are individuals. They have their own personality so to speak.  Just like a breeder can't guarantee that a pup will one day become a great breeder or that a pup from a strong IPO line will be a great IPO dog as an adult no breeder can truthfully day their pup will meet your standards.

     

    Also, I want to add you have finally said you can live with 80% bur you did not say which 80%. That makes a difference.