• Hello. 

    I live on a small plot of land and I am looking into bringing home a large dog for protection and companionship. I do go on hikes, camping trips, and trips to lakes as often as my work schedule allows. I understand the breeds I'm interested in are all very different with different purposes and every individual dog is different but I'm looking for generalized info. I currently have a Lhasa Apso and a Heeler. I absolutely hate the Lhasas disobedience and the fact that every command is met with a "middle finger". So please tell me if any of these breeds are that stubborn. 

    I do not like having a dog that is overly friendly and willing to go home with anyone, I love Velcro dogs but if they are more independent yet protective of their home/charges that is fine too. I have raised Heelers and Pit Bulls as an adult and as a child I have been around many other breeds. 

    I'm looking for somewhat biddable, won't stray far from me while out together on hikes/walks, tolerate people when out on hikes or within the city, protective but intelligent enough to differentiate friend from foe.  My next dog doesn't have to go into the city with me but will have to go on camping trips/hikes.

     

    I'm not a social person and as such I rarely have people coming over to the house but we will occasionally pass people closely on trails during hikes or at the store as I bring my dogs along for every trip into town as possible. I already have a couple dogs in my home and I would like for my next dog to be accepting of current and future household dog members, as well as leaving other hikers dogs alone as we pass them. Currently I have to step to the side with my Heeler when people/dogs pass as he doesn't appreciate others in his "bubble". I understand a lot of this is based on training but you can't always fight breeds original tendencies/purpose, like my examples given of my Heeler and Lhasa. Thank you!

     

    Here are the breeds that I have been researching: CO, Sarplaninac, Pyr, Newfoundland, St Bernard, Leonberger. I am open to other breed suggestions as well.