need help picking right breed

I do not like the idea of a German Shepherd being asked to live outdoors away from its people.  A Cattle Dog might be more happy to do that so long as it gets sufficient training and exercise.  But, any herding breed can be a nightmare if you can't socialize and train it properly.  The bully breeds don't have enough coat to withstand being an all weather dog outdoors.  In the South, hunters use Black Mouth Curs to hunt deer, so maybe...

However, I sense in your original post a real lack of understanding of the real work involved in socializing and training a working dog.  It's not as though you can just park it in the yard, and it will automatically do its job.  And, if you are unsuccessful, what do you do with the dog?  I'd be inclined to say that others are right in suggesting a fence to keep out the deer, and a dog only if you have the knowledge and commitment to do things right.  I am not particularly fond of working dogs having to live outdoors unless they are livestock guardians with all weather coats and no other job.  If you want a dog that interacts with kids, and is friendly to your guests, you have a lot of work to do raising a pup.  It's not cheap either.

I understand where you all are coming from.  But, I see farm dogs living a completely different life than my dog.  A lot less coddled but still a good life.  Or maybe I'm just imagining his set up wrong.  When I think of "outside dog" on a farm, I'm thinking plenty of places with hay to hang in if needed.  And, from what I've seen (in my limited time on farms) farmers spend lots of time outside.  The life of a farm dog is quite different than a city dog.

So, just thought I'd throw that out there.  It seems everyone is coming from their perspective which I'm thinking is "city" dog thinking. 

Not taking sides, just saying. . .

 Have you ever thought about a mini donkey or a mini mule? They are EXCELLENT when it comes to keeping unwanted critters off of property. Yes, you'd need to fence in the general area but they're so good it's worth it. As for Cattle Dogs, while they're good with cattle I do not think they would be good with unfamiliar critters. I know mine and the ones that I know certainly wouldn't be good with any strange animals if I wasn't around to guide them around them.

 I think a Gret Pry or mix of one might be worth looking into. They are bred to be outdoor dogs and I know quite a few who seem happy enough living in the sort of environment you describe. Chances are if you are willing to wait and look you can find one being rehomed through classifieds such as Craigslist. Also if you have a local county run pound, let them know you are looking (don't bother with private shelters, you'll be turned down) and check with them often.

willowchow

I understand where you all are coming from.  But, I see farm dogs living a completely different life than my dog.  A lot less coddled but still a good life.  Or maybe I'm just imagining his set up wrong.  When I think of "outside dog" on a farm, I'm thinking plenty of places with hay to hang in if needed.  And, from what I've seen (in my limited time on farms) farmers spend lots of time outside.  The life of a farm dog is quite different than a city dog.

So, just thought I'd throw that out there.  It seems everyone is coming from their perspective which I'm thinking is "city" dog thinking. 

Not taking sides, just saying. . .

Lori, I know what you are saying but often the reality of farm life for dogs isn't very bucolic for the dog.  Many dogs die from injuries, disease, disappear without a trace or get shot for running livestock on neighboring properties.  I've visited dozens of ranches and farms and can tell you that many people have their "pet" dog and then they have the "outside" dogs.  I call the outside dogs "spare" dogs because they don't usually last long but there are often several to fill the gap when one dies or takes off.  I can't tell you how many times I've been told "that was a dumb dog, he ran off".   It seems that when people don't share their space with a dog, they don't connect emotionally and therefore it's no great loss when the dog doesn't survive.  I am NOT saying that all farmers/ranchers have this attitude but it's common enough that I have a different opinion on how great living the outside life is for some dogs. 

It's not that long ago that almost all large dogs lived outside and had jobs to earn their keep.  My grandparents lived in the country and their dogs were never allowed inside.  If the weather was severe the dogs might get to sleep in the shed.  Our way of interacting with our dogs has changed tremendously as we have moved into towns and cities and brought our dogs with us.  It's hard to think of a dog as expendable because it failed to do it's job but that is how most dogs were treated up until fairly recently in human history.  In many parts of the world they still are. 

willowchow

I understand where you all are coming from.  But, I see farm dogs living a completely different life than my dog.  A lot less coddled but still a good life.  Or maybe I'm just imagining his set up wrong.  When I think of "outside dog" on a farm, I'm thinking plenty of places with hay to hang in if needed.  And, from what I've seen (in my limited time on farms) farmers spend lots of time outside.  The life of a farm dog is quite different than a city dog.

So, just thought I'd throw that out there.  It seems everyone is coming from their perspective which I'm thinking is "city" dog thinking. 

Not taking sides, just saying. . .

I understand fully what you are saying, however, a warm barn with hay and other animals producing body heat is not the same as "living outside," and the other thing about farm dogs in many parts of the country is how "disposable" people still think they are.  I work to dispel that myth - dogs are not disposable.  The onus should be on the farmer, rancher, or pet owner, to be responsible about how his or her dogs end up.  That's why I wanted to know what the OP planned to do if the dog wouldn't chase deer off his property.  In many areas, if the hunting dog doesn't hunt, or the herder doesn't herd, they are simply driven somewhere and dumped.  I have no problem with working dogs, and many of my own dog's relatives live in situations like you mention - in warm or safe barns during their off time, dealing with stubborn cattle during the day.  But, the difference lies in how well they are trained (some cattlemen and sheep farmers are awfully good at it) and cared for.  Ignorance is ignorance in the country as well as the city, and, I don't know about others, but that was the point I was trying to make.

 BTW, the idea about the donkeys is a good one, so long as you have a fence that can keep them in.  They do a great job around here keeping coyotes away from foals on the breeding farms;-)

Farm dogs definitely can have great lives living outside, when they are owned by dog-savvy owners.  This OP has already stated he knows very little about dogs, and the thought that a Bull Terrier or Staffordshire Terrier might meet his needs is pretty obvious proof that he's right.  It's going to take the right dog and the right upbringing and training to make this situation work.  Good for the OP for asking questions and doing research first before getting a dog.  Finding someone in his area to help teach him how to raise this type of dog (if he gets one) is the next step.... again, BEFORE getting any dog.

Meanwhile, I thought of another reason a Bull Terrier is the wrong dog for you - incessant vocalization.  You cannot shut them up when they're bored and/or want your attention; they have an obnoxious whine and a piercing bark that will drive you insane.  Great for running off animals, I suppose, (although I surely do not see the dog stopping at the property line, they're pretty tenacious) but not good for every day hanging out on the property.  Good thing you don't have neighbors, or you'd drive them insane, too. 

 My dog would be so sad, not to mention destructive if she was an "outdoor only" dog.

sgettin

"by the way, the individual who comitted on my spelling- spelling has nothing to do with picking a breed of dog. you are a shallow person and should think before you type. i bought a farm because i grew up on one (and always had a dog). farming is a part time hobby because i enjoy it. don't get the idea i'm a dumb country bumkin setting on the poarch suckin brewski's. i drink beer and can't spell but i ain't stupid.

   

That would be me....I don't care what you think of me but here is what I think of you....you state that you are not a dog person, yet you also state that you have been around dogs all of your life. So what did you learn?  Sounds like not much. I have to say that I don't care if you drink beer or not...many folks who drink beer still manage to give dogs the best lives ever. 

" you state that you are not a dog person, yet you also state that you have been around dogs all of your life. So what did you learn? "

so what have you learned about dogs? list your accomplishments.

Deep breaths, folks.  Let's all take a step back so this doesn't escalate, ok?  No one wants to get red-inked.

Serenity now!

OP, I don't have much advice for you, other than to keep researching, and possibly talk to other seasoned farmers in your area as to what they do to counteract the deer issue.

Good luck to you.

sgettin

6. i'm not a dog person

Why again do you want a dog?

spiritdogs

I understand fully what you are saying, however, a warm barn with hay and other animals producing body heat is not the same as "living outside,"

I can understand what you are saying. But, I think a lot of people say that they are "outside" whenever they don't live in the house.  For example, we always call the cats that live in our greenhouse the "outside" cats. 

Again, I'm not trying to take sides just put a different view out there. 

He's a new poster and obviously he cared enough to find a forum and post about this.  It just seems like everyone is coming down very hard on him.  At least we could ask some questions, give him a chance to explain, etc. 

I'm not trying to come across like an angel or anything, I've had my moments, but just saying. I switched to decaf and I'm trying to be more open minded, LOL. 

Lori