Breed of Dog for Alaska living? (Anchorage, Eagle: co-op, subdivision, pit bull)

[RayinAK]

Perhaps I was not clear in my previous post. By "bear dog," I was referring to dogs that can protect you from bears by scaring it away from you. We have such breeds in Alaska, and I have heard of dog trainers training Karelian dogs, as well as Mckenzie River Huskies.

Now, our dog would probably harass a bear, and then run between my legs trying to get away from it. However, she eats her dog food, plus the following: white tuna, lots of salmon, canned herring, a boiled egg every now and then, chicken, etc. (never raw). She loves lettuce, a little grass form the backyard, wild raspberry, wild strawberry, wild blueberries, carrots, celery, string beans, corn, peas, pinto beans, and doesn't mind a little garlic in her food. I have been thinking of letting her have a taste of beer every now and then, since I am a wine drinker (which is poisonous to them).

[tidelines]

It's been a while since I stopped by, and this is the post that caught my eye. I've a dog by my side, a yeller one at that, who snores in the night and sits in my lap. She's a chaser of sticks, of balls, and minds well; just ask her to fetch and she'd run clear to hell if she thought I'd keep throwin', but you niver kin tell just when she'll grow tired and feel like a rest; it's tough on the arm when she acts like a pest. Crazy Annie is happy and loyal and true, polite and demure when acting on cue; just give her a biscuit, a rub and a pat, and her heart's yours forever wherever she's at.

[Grannysroost]

Agree on the food, treats, and the eyes!! We went from malemute/wolf mixes to cockers they are the early warning detection system...Not good on their own because so protective had two almost get killed my moose up here Years ago had an Am eskimo - and she was the sweetest little girl, but still her own dog...You bring whatever dog you want, judging the weather where you will be...Mine are sissies and like to be in the house, but fine with me, and they get lots of salmon leftovers, bones,skin, what is left from filets, have frozen in baggies, and have salmon broth frozen for them too, add to rice, vegies, egg, whatever is okay for them and get a treat about twice a week, and then their homemade treats... So pick what works for you, and make it your buddy

[Wanderer818]

Originally Posted by RayinAK

Perhaps I was not clear in my previous post. By "bear dog," I was referring to dogs that can protect you from bears by scaring it away from you. We have such breeds in Alaska, and I have heard of dog trainers training Karelian dogs, as well as Mckenzie River Huskies.

Now, our dog would probably harass a bear, and then run between my legs trying to get away from it. However, she eats her dog food, plus the following: white tuna, lots of salmon, canned herring, a boiled egg every now and then, chicken, etc. (never raw). She loves lettuce, a little grass form the backyard, wild raspberry, wild strawberry, wild blueberries, carrots, celery, string beans, corn, peas, pinto beans, and doesn't mind a little garlic in her food. I have been thinking of letting her have a taste of beer every now and then, since I am a wine drinker (which is poisonous to them).

Sorry to steal yer post.

The worst thing you're dog could do is bolt out after a larger animal and then bring it back towards you all pissed off and snarly. Training, training, training, and love. Down south they've hunted bear with some special breeds, blue ticks, heelers? Not sure which anymore. google it. They chase, harrass em and put em up a tree. They hunt in packs. Always in packs. Then the hunters come in and, well, do what hunters do.

Having you're dog trained by another is an option. Training you're dog on you're own can be done. Depending on where you're going to be, or are living, I would make sure the breed of choice can handle the climate you're in and go from there.

Apologies again.

[HighlandLady]

Wanderer - all my dogs are fed Pedigree, only kind I ever will purchase.

Ray - Roxie, the Black Lab, is my vegetable eater as well...tomatoes are her favourite and carrots.

The Bug eats only Pedigree, he has a sensitive constitution Absolutely nothing else or his stomach and my carpet suffers.

[warptman]

I want another black lab. I miss Rowdy. I had him for about 9 years, he was a great dog. One time we went camping and it was a long day. I forgot I brought him along in the morning, I went out to take care of business in the woods and I thought a bear was running for me! Of course the gun was in the tent and out of the trees pops out Rowdy! I was glad to see him after the bear scare.

[DreamChasers8]

OK you're moving to Alaska...get an Alaskan dog. Maybe an Alaskan Malamute? They are so smart, large (at least the true M'Loot Mals are), protective, and very loyal companions. They were actually used by the Inuit people in the Arctic for taking down and protection from polar bears. Not that I'm biased (even tho I am) but I happen to raise Mals and will have some litters available this Fall/Winter. If you are looking for one now, contact Wakon kennels in WA, she will ship them to you. She has the best and is where we got ours from. She has been raising Mals for 50 years. Whatever you do get an Alaskan dog, their coats are designed for this climate. Good Luck!

[akck]

I've had several German Shepherds here. Several years ago, on a overnight hike to a cabin, we knew there were brown bears around that night and morning. On the hike out, he was on alert the whole time and stuck close to us. He could smell them, but we didn't see anything.

We currently have a GSD we rescued a couple of months ago and he's keeping the bears out of the fenced backyard. I wouldn't trust him on a trail though as he likely chase after a bear and then run back with the bear in tow.

[DreamChasers8]

I like shepards, very smart dogs. My Dad is a cop and used them in the force, they are very good dogs!!

[Glitch]

Akitas and Mastiffs are good bear dogs. Not just because of their size, but because they don't bark or harass the wildlife like most other dogs. They insert themselves between their master and the threat, they don't growl or bark and they will not chase wildlife. The Japanese Akita is probably more suited to Alaskan winters, and was originally bred to hunt bear (among other things).

Can any domesticated dog take out a bear? Not a chance. But a well trained dog could make the bear think twice about attacking, or at the very least distract the bear long enough for you to get your camp gun.