Tuesday, August 20, 2013

'Doomsday ' Dog Guide. Top 5 breeds you'd want by your side.

If you were sent running to the woods or a back up location or even evacuating due to a hurricane or such, you would want to take your dog. Personally, I am dogless at the moment (Which is funny because I am a vet assistant) but I have thought long and hard about what breed I would want with me. This list my opinion, I know there is a lot of info on this out there so lets set up some guideline for what makes a good 'doomsday' dog.

What where looking for:
- Intelligence
- Hardiness
- Scavenging
- Protective Instinct
- Agility
- Endurance

So based on those qualities of what makes a good Doomsday Doggie, I compiled a list of breeds. Keep in mind that I am picturing a 'bug out' situation of evacuating on foot or car. You want a trained barker so they will be protective yet not betray you if you order them to be silent. One who could carry their food or scavenge it and attack those who would be threatening. Keep in mind, each dog is different and training makes all the difference.

#5
Coon Hound (Black and tan pictured, but colors very)
A scent hound that can be a cuddle buddy for the kids but packs enough protective instinct to bark if someone comes the the car? AND they are really healthy? Sounds great but these guys have a habbit of getting caught on a scent and cutting loose and running off. Way off. We see so many in shelters due to them getting lost and roaming the woods for days. A contender...if you can keep him close.
#4:
Border Collie. This breed is incredibly quick, agile, intelligent and trainable. They can eat sparingly and are close bonded to families. A herding dog they are more focused on keeping a group together than protecting a car/person but have been known to do so. If you have a desire to keep a family together this is the dog for you! They are high energy and hardy. The cons are, they keep groups together by herding the strays back in by going in a circular motion and... nipping. Yes, they will tend to nip. They are not high on the aggression scale and would not be a wise choice to guard a vehicle.
#3
A Tie. The Rottweiler and the Doberman Pinscher.
Both are, frankly, scary as hell on the wrong end. Yet, both have plenty of success cuddle buddy stories. They have intense protective instinct, high train ability and high intelligence. However, the rottie is very large and takes a large amount of food and on a long hike can suffer some signs of exhaustion. Both are prone to hip issues but the Doberman also can injure its feet from jumping up and over fencing. The Doberman isn't as hardy and the rottie is not as agile and enduring so to me they are tied. However, both make loving pets if raised right. My mother's life was saved by her Rottie, Sampson, who chased away a man who broke into the house. He had no prior training it was pure instinct.
#2
The Rhodesian Ridgeback! This guy almost slipped into the number one spot. They are smart, hardy, brave, loyal and very active. They have been used to kill lions. That's right, that thing that scared the hell out of you in Jumanji. The big super killing machine lion. A favorite breed among avid hikers they are well proportioned and can carry their own supplies. If you want a simple, active mans best friend sidekick who will attack if you get in a scuffle, this is your guy. He is a bit high energy so daily walks are a must.
#1
The German Shepard! I Know, your probably sick of seeing these guys at the top of all the lists but they earned it. They can go low key training and run on their protective instincts or go through intensive training to be half pet, half weapon. But chilling out on the couch is cool. They don't require as much walking as the Rhodie and can be trained to be very self restrained. A dog who knows when to bark, when to sneak and when to attack is key. There is a reason these dogs have been the choice for police and military task forces for years. They can have a near soldier like mentality. Pure obedience can be achieved. They are hardy, not prone to be brash in jumping or running off, and can at the same time cuddle by the fireplace.

So there you have it. My top five list of Doomsday Doggies. I wish I could justify sticking my favorite breed, the Irish Wolfhound, up there but sadly they didn't break the top. Remember, mutts and mixes are always a good choice and please adopt. Check your shelters and save a life, who knows maybe they will return the favor!!!

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