Good Choices, Bad Choices for Sentinel Dogs

[woodman]

Old thread here. My last dog, Ruby, has been gone since last summer. Sad day when she went. My wife is allergic to dogs and I think it is the hair mainly. Without a good guard dog I feel exposed. I have convinced my wife that we need another dog but it must have short hair because we don't want to keep it outside all the time; I just don't feel that it is fair to a family member, which my dogs inevitably become and should be.

I have never paid for a dog in my life so it is a little shocking to see what they are being sold for. I came across an American Bull Terrier/Boxer mix, but the lady wanted $300 for it. I don't know. I guess if one knew how the dog would turn out then it might be a very small price to pay.

Anyone have any input here? I want a dog that is vigilant and brave, but mostly will just alert me when anything is amiss, prowlers about, but will have common sense and I suppose put up an excellent front to keep jerks at bay. Must have short hair. I know a lot of this will be up to how I raise the puppy. I have thought about a shelter animal but that is a bit of a gamble too.

[hoarder]

I will gladly pay $300 or even $600 for the right dog that will be my loyal companion and watchdog for many years. I prefer the herding breeds myself.