I invite advice on what kind of dog breed, if any, will suit my family's particulars.
I grew up on my parent's ranch in northern British Columbia. Besides the cattle dogs, we had a Great Pyrenees. I will always respectfully remember her ongoing blood battles with the coyotes and how she snoozed on the icy drive in the winters.
Anyway, I live in northern Alberta now - where it is just as cold - and I have a family: three boys, 6+, a big yard, and a father-in-law who consistently goes for long walks and could use a companion. We are considering bringing a dog into the household and I seek advice.
Assuming any dog of ours will have an insulated, heated doghouse, I would like to ask what kind of dog readers think I should consider, taking into account the following information:
1. Up here, a solid five months of the year can be considered winter conditions: temperatures to as low as -35°C on some days, and -20°C for weeks at a time can be assumed each winter. The dog will not be routinely permitted into the home. I remember this was no problem for that beautiful white dog of ours.
2. Our property is long and narrow against a river, so it is fairly large, but we are still close to neighbours. There is a walking path between the edge of our property and the river. I cannot have a dog that will bark at everyone who walks along the path. I still remember our Great Pyreenes who never let a single person or creature cross her line-of-sight without challenge. That type of behavior was fine on the ranch, but not in the city. There is no expectation of the dog as a property guard.
3. The three boys and father-in-law will offer the dog plenty of attention all year.
So, to summarize in my own layman's terms, I think I need a true cold-weather dog who does not tend to bark at those walking by the property.
Any comments?
