We have recently lost our chocolate doberman/sheperd cross who had mouth cancer.
We had to put him to sleep.
We will never get over it but want another dog.
Its amazing really what a massive part of our family he was.
When we got him we were inexperienced and now after 12 years know what mistakes we made in his training and know what we want next time round.

We found this site by mistake when searching for Presa Canario on google after seeing a picture of one on Exchange and Marts website.
We are not agressive egotistical people looking for a hard looking dog we just saw the picture and think they are handsome dogs.
They look similar to French Mastiffs which we also considered after seeing one at a dogs home.
That one was a bitch and was not too big but we felt her stamina was not suitable for our active lifestyle.
We do however want a dog with natural guarding instincts that is not as big as a Doberman or German Sheperd.
We were initially looking at Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
We are going to be living on a narrowboat so a large dog is not really a sensible option.
If we could get a Staffy that would grow into a chunky dog then this would be good.

We also saw Chocolate Dobermans and were very tempted but it just wouldnt be fair considering the space on a boat..

What dog would be a good dog for a life onboard a boat and out and about on the canal?
Thank you.

Border Terrier-feisty little dog with good temperaments & trainable

How about a dog breed that loves water- Portugese spanish water dog, labradors,Poodles, Newfoundlands, Chesepeake Bay Retrievers, German Shorthair Pointers,Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever and Brittany Spaniels ect :)

Ok someone's going to say it, so it may as well be me........what about a Belgian Barge Dog (Schipperke) or a Dutch Barge Dog (Keeshond) ?  :-D :-D

If you want a Staffy I'd say go for it, there are thousands of them in rescue and you could really make a difference to one of them. Plus if you get an older rescue you'll already know what size and build it has!

As already suggested, how about looking in rescues?  From what you describe that you want, there are many dogs like this in rescue centres of all ages.  Maybe you could have a look round afew and see if there is anything there?  That way you can have an ideal dog and also help out a dog by gving it another home? 

As I said they areof all ages, so if you wanted a young puppy, or one who was slighty older.

oh yes please go and rescue a staffi they are the most loving dog we have ever had and yes there are so many unwanted ones about, they are so easy to train and will give unconditional love always as will any dog really. let us know what you decide.

A Schnauzer maybe an idea (the middle size), lovely dog with guarding attitude and is a size that is compatible with living in a barge.
I do love a rescue though!

The Spanish are wonderful but they do have a guarding instinct and it would have to be controlled in the correct manner.  Also they need to be socialised with people as soon as they reach their new home as much as possible.  At least on a barge and with all the pubs that are children and dog friendly it wouldn't be to hard as Anton went to a local pub as a pub and he has the best temperament ever in the breed!

I'm with Moonmaiden - border terriers are fantastic although they can be very stubborn so do have to be very strictly trained (well mine is anyway :)).  Feisty, intelligent, masters of getting their own way, a great companion.  I wouldn't be without mine.  Need a lot of exercise and attention though.

CG

If you are not sure what breed to get, i too would recommend going to the local rehoming centre. Readu up about the dogs backgrounds and tell staff what size/temperment you require and they will be able to match you up with something.

>>>>>We do however want a dog with natural guarding instincts <<<<<<<<<

Staffys are out then as they will lick the intruder to death lol

What about an Australian Cattle dog, sounds like the kind of dog yoru looking for, thickset and solid without being too big and a determined character, would make a good watch dog, but would need a fai amount of exercise which would be easy to provide on river walks.

very Bright dogs and popular in the US for Agility.

Here is teh KC breed standard: http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/122

and the breed club here: http://www.acdsocietyofgb.com/

a border terrier of course but im biased as i have 5 of the lovley things

I like the idea of one of the water dogs - spanish or portuguese - or if you prefer a bull breed type what about a boxer ?   A Staffy is a poor guard, aren't they the most stolen dog so you might find it actually attracts thieves!

The suggestions of a water dog might be thought of a good thing for a narrow boat owner perhaps, but I would suggest a breed that doesn't like to swim and perhaps has a water phobia instead. Has anyone noticed the colour of our canals????

frenchies are quite guarding. tough but little so handy for the limited space.

Spanish don't dive in the water like other breeds and there are people with boats etc. that have the breed here in the UK.