I had a little dog, all 7 pounds of her. She thought she ran the place. I would let her out only with the big dogs. my fear was she would be eaten. She lived to be 17. same age as our old cat was when he went out one night never to return. There are just too many wild critter here now. More than there ever were before. I like have a lap dog, but I'll take a big stinky dog any day. They protect the property and keep me aware of what is going on around me. I never feel alone when I have my dogs with me.
After we bought Giz I learned a little about the breed. American Eskimo dogs were bred and favored, way up north, for their ability to sound the alarm when there was a polar bear nearby. Giz wouldn't do too well against a coyote, I don't think, but she doesn't miss much when she's outside. Eyesight might be her weakest sense… hearing and smell are really good, it's fun to watch and she shrieks when anything shows up. I can see where they'd be great for polar bear sentry. Great as polar bear snacks too… bet they keep their distance. And, you're right Larry, there are a lot of "critters" out there. Coyotes mostly, in Maine. Don't like em much.
