Help me decide on my next breed..

mattbone · Member Joined: 03 Apr 2004 Posts: 40 Location: mobile,al

this is for sara.
you have perfectly explained exactly what i was trying to tell you. you speak of the exception not the rule. the natural inclination of the cc is what i'm referring to...not the well trained version. and no, weak nerves are not a factor in a retreat from an oncoming assailant. as detestable as it is to use fighting as a source of info it still is legitimate info...certain breeds will mount a ferocious attack for a few minutes then when the other combatant recedes they continue to press the issue if not then they in turn will waiver and often times submit...this does not mean they are fearful or weak nerved it is just a part of their natural temperament( remember the old adage about not running from a dog but walking slowly away?). the UNTRAINED cane corso will put on a very formidable display but will not follow it up if pressed which is why they are not as easily trained into protection work. their prey drive is also considerable left unchecked as i have noticed it in SEVERAL well bred champion corsos from different stock.i also am aware of their maturation rate and geerally speaking the males are full grown at two years and begin to become fairly aloof and territorial around that time. anyhow i like cc's i just don't think that they are as suitable as you think they are for farm duty.

Sara · Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 3:05 pm Post subject:

I see what you are saying when you say "submit" however retreating and submitting to me express two different behaviors... and this clarifies your meaning.

I've not heard about CC's reputations as far as Prey drive and true if they are as prey driven as you beleive they are then they may not be the best suited for farm work, in that case...the Boerboel is better suited... HOWEVER as far as working Mastiff's are concerned the two breeds IMO are at the top as far as ability, temperment and health go. Herding dogs do have high prey drives and can be a liability as most herding dog owners who work their stock know... A Herding dog who takes a bite and connects and SHAKES is one who has become usless in that type of work because of that prey drive being so strong... Anyway...the AB and Rott also have pretty high prey drives in that sense and might not be the best... the AB especially because they are a catch dog particularly and not really meant to be a farm dog...as is the Rott.

BUT you still haven't addressed the most pressing question I and Someday had for you in terms of "ticking time" bomb and I'd appreciate it if you would ablige us with an explanation about why you feel this way OTHER than size and weight being the main pull on that issue.

DeLaUK · Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 3:22 pm Post subject:

Actually Sara, the ticking time bomb comment was not made by mattbone, it was made by me which is the only reason I am posting this. Its been 'taken care of' and I dont feel it necessary to be involved in this debate any longer.

Sara · Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 4:49 pm Post subject:

Sorry Mattbone...I get so confused at times...

DeLaUk as for your ticking time bomb comment...it wasn't cleared up as you made the comment in reference to my breed of dog and NOT just to Someday's comments or desire to find a breed suitable for what she desires... You made the comment in public on this thread and I'd appreciate it if you could clarify with Me either on the forum or in private WHAT you meant by the comment and would appreciate it if you would be so kind as to give me at LEAST that much respect. I was the one offended and I have not yet heard from you WHY you feel this way etc...

Thanks again for the courtesy either private or public...but do hope you choose to address my concerns as well... I apologize as it may be SOMEWHAT off topic but again trust that you'd be courteous and respectfull enough to at least address my concerns...after all it does concern my second breed of choice.

PiTlOvErWITHcHiLd · Member Joined: 15 Mar 2005 Posts: 20

Well the Greater Swiss mountain Dog is a large breed but, It might get alittle hot in Texas but i beleive when i was looking for breeders of the dog there were some in Texas. My fiancee wants to get a cane carso..but we are going to have to wait because we are waiting for our litter of puppies to be born (pitbulls). Good luck with your descision (sp?) making.