What did your pet(s) do today?

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Chad

Requesting suggestions.
I want to add a dog to my family within the next 5 years. The breed must be gentle but fierce when needed. It must be good with kids and cats, useful around the ranch, and not afraid to take on predators like coyotes and wild cats.

I like bird dogs like pointers and setters but I am not sure that they are the best choice. The Newfoundland seems like a good fit but I am not sure if it can handle the Texas heat. I also considered the Great Pyrenees but since I don't plan on adding live stock that may be more dog than I need.

Any suggestions?

You might want to go with that Great Pyreness.

"The most common LGDs in Texas are Great Pyre- nees, Anatolian Shepherds, Maremma, or Akbash. These or similar guardian dog breeds are highly suggested. Breeds that do not have strong protective instincts are less likely to be effective. Breeds whose instinct is to hunt or herd have behaviors that are counterproductive to guarding small ruminants and rarely become effective LGDs. Survey data indicates that the Great Pyrenees is the most common guardian dog, primarily because it is a good guardian breed and is the least aggressive towards people and livestock."

https://www.quora.com/Can-a-dog-kill-a-coyote

I know you are probably looking for personal experience, since you posted here, but I was curious enough to google the question. I like the look of the Anatolian Shepherd, personally.

Why are you thinking that a Newfoundland would be a good choice?