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Question on large dogs ....Old topic, but still of interest
Trying to choose between a few breeds
Found [18] Posts :: Page 1 of 1
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Posted: 9:36:32 AM 2/28/2004
Hiya folks, I'm new here today, and trying to decide between a few large breeds. Here are the choices so far: 1. Great Pyrenees 2. German Shepherd 3. Newfoundland I REALLY love the Newfoundland, but am concerned about the 'drooling'. I've been reading that it can be allot, and I'm not sure I'm fond of that. Hmmm? Don't want to have to give him/her LOTS of exercise, but don't mind an average amount. I need a good protector, and a dog who can 'work' for me if it ever comes to that. I have Lupus, and many other health issues and someday may need to train the dog to assist me. I HOPE not ... but it would be nice to know he/she could if need be. Don't want a dog who barks allot ... only when neccessary. A companion who will enjoy riding in the car with me, and want to come with me wherever I go. Easily trainable and loyal. Sweet and affectionate. If you can think of any other breeds than the ones I've mentioned, please go ahead and list them. Thanks so much! Hugs, Dee
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Posted: 9:52:58 AM 2/28/2004
Out of the three it looks like the german shepherd is the best choice for you. It says here on this site that they are very good in training as opposed to the pyrennes which gets relatively bad marks. Also, german shepherds bond strongly with their owners and may suffer seperation anxiety. So, given your criteria and the information here, I think the german shepherd is your dog.
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Posted: 10:25:57 AM 2/28/2004
I just wanted to add: I also need a 'strong' dog, a dog who is capable of being there for me if and when I become weaker with this disease. I'm fine now to raise the dog and train him/her, but one never knows what the future holds. I'd like to be able to depend on his/her strength, protection and love. I believe I read that the newfoundland loves to 'touch' you and lean on you .. being very close to you .. I like that! Just a little bit more information. :-) Hugs, Dee
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Posted: 11:17:15 AM 2/28/2004
Personally, I don't feel that any of the above breeds would fit your lifestyle. Try the Great Dane. They aren't so good with other dogs or children though. You may also want to try the Labrador Retriever. The Akita may also fit. They can be agressive, and are bad with dogs, cats, and children. Given your criteria, from the ones above, I would say the German Shepherd Dog. Well, if you need an assistance dog, go with the Doberman Pinscher. Labrador Retrievers are easy to train. Irish Wolfhounds are strong, protective, and loving. The Rhodesian Ridgeback loves affection and loves to learn. Well, I think you may be best with a Mastiff.
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Posted: 1:42:38 PM 2/28/2004
Newfs vary in how much they drool. Some will only drool after they drink, some more. A newf can be 130 to 150 lbs though if you get a male, thats a LOT of dog. They are very sensitive to their owners needs though. Perhaps you migth contacting some Great pyrenese, newfondland and german shepherd dog breeders, and seeing what they think of your situation, which dog would be best.
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Posted: 3:11:56 PM 2/28/2004
i think the pyrenees can bark a lot. and they may be more of a guard than a working dog. but, i've never owned any of these breeds. i think talking to breeders is a good idea. and trainers.
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Posted: 4:22:46 PM 2/28/2004
I don't think the newfie wold be a great choice, its quite large . Really your choices are obviously working dogs. Service dogs are usually Labs, goldens and even poodles(standard) Shephards could be used for guarding and a good companion, but their hips are a concern as they age. A large male Golden would be very stable and able to handle some weight. You could teach him to pick up things for you and open doors, pull wheelchair etc....they are known to be easily trained, and great personnalities.Also are very social, more social than Shepherds towards strangers. But I guess it depends on what you base your decisions on.
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Posted: 6:10:59 PM 2/28/2004
dd50 i have extensive experience with both german shepherds and pyrenees. here's my thoughts on both shepherds= family dogs, very intelligent, very obedient they need alot of mental stimulation. they need a job to do. they will not be happy just being a pet. they were bred for various types of jobs and they thrive best when they have something to do. whether its obedience,agility, tracking, shutzhund work. be careful which lines you choose because they can be aggressive. aggression and protection are two different things. great pyrenees = also great family dogs, highly intelligent but not always obedient. they are very easy to teach things but they will not always take your command. they were bred to be independent thinkers and make decisions on their own. they are very calm in the house = their nicknames are mat dogs. because they are generally not active in the house and resemble a big furry doormat. they require some exercise and mental stimulation though are very happy being pets also. they are protective without aggression. their general approach to a threat whether real or imagined is to survey the situation, use their size to intimidate first, then bark, then growl will only really attack if all else fails. both can be dominant and need a consistent owner. if you tell them to do something you better be prepared to make them folow thru if they decide not to or they will quickly take over. both are my favorites. i have grown up with shepherds and i have a great pyrenees and an anatolian shepherd which is similiar to a pyr. either choice would fit your needs but a shepherd may be too active.
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Posted: 8:49:33 AM 2/29/2004
Thank you to all the responses and information! As I've been doing more research and reading ... this is where I'm at: 1. German Shepherd 2. Golden Retriever 3. Newfoundland Not necessarily in the order of preference. German Shepherd: Love shepherds, love their look, and the fact that they're great protection. A little concerned about the fact that they like to keep busy and work .... sometimes my energy level is ok, but many times it's not. ... so slightly worried about not being able to keep him happy and exercised enough. Golden Retriever: I've been reading about their high level of energy and need for 'space', not suited for apartment living, which I most likely will be ... unless I find a house for the rent I can afford. Goldens are so soft and loving .. that's a big plus. They're also used allot for guide dogs, and if I get worse as I go along .. that's a real good thing. Newfoundland: Obviously the concern with the 'size' ... drooling isn't something I like, but may be something I would accept if the dog is right for me. I love the large size however, and the fluffiness of his fur ... I like that he is good at 'rescue' also. Lots of shedding though and probably NOT good for apartments. UGH! Will I ever decide? Sometimes I think I might go with a very tiny dog ... Hugs, Dee
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Posted: 9:03:55 AM 2/29/2004
rarelamb, Yes, I see that shepherds are very loyal and get excellent marks for training ... but I'm concerned about keeping him/her happy and content ... since they love to 'work' and many days I have very little energy ... Featherwood, You have me confused! LOL .. first you say none of the dogs I mentioned seem a good fit, then you say the German shepherd is ... that's one that I listed .. ??? Not interested in the Akita or Great Dane ... or the other breeds you mentioned, but thank you for your response. Minniyar, Actually .. I've ruled out the Pyrenees ... am planning on visiting a few shepherd breeders, but I also added the Golden in my list .. and want to take a closer look at these also. Pearl, Yup.. you're right the pyrenees do bark allot, I've ruled them out .. not just for the barking, but for other reasons too. Sue, I believe you're right .. I think any dog used for 'service' is a good choice for me ... but that also has a sense of 'protection' within him/her. I LOVE the Goldens .. and you're right .. a large male would be a good idea. I do have one concern on them though .. been reading that they're not suited for apartment livng ... do you know if they would adjust to that if need be? Scout, Question on the shepherd: Would one of those 'jobs' that they need to be doing be a 'service' job as a therapy dog? I'm very concerned that he/she will need more exercise and stimulation than I might be able to give them, otherwise ... a shepherd, along with a golden, would be my highest choice. I absolutely know about finding a 'sound' shepherd ... and have done allot of research on good temperments, etc. I've ruled out the pyrenees for now. It seems my choices are down to this as of now: 1. German Shepherd 2. Golden Retriever Thanks all! Hugs, Dee
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Posted: 10:11:02 AM 2/29/2004
dd50 out of the last two breeds you have i definitely think that a german shepherd would fit your needs better than a golden. yes shepherds can make wonderful therapy dogs. they are one of the most versatile breeds out there and can be taught to do anything. can you take the dog to obedience classes? if you can devote at least a half hour a day working with a shepherd = like taking for a walk and incorporating sits and stay and down on that walk so their mind is active, or even teaching him to do stuff for you like tricks or opening a door. anything that gives their brain a workout will ensure you a happy thriving dog. i am sorry you ruled out a pyrenees. out of all your choices i would think they would be ideal. and they are not big barkers. they sound the alarm when neccessary. they don't bark for the sheer enjoyment of it like some breeds.please tell me why you didn't choose the pyr. just for my own curiosity.
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Posted: 11:21:37 AM 2/29/2004
Hi again Scout, I decided against the Pyrenees for these reasons: "It has an independent, somewhat stubborn nature, and may try to dominate a less secure owner. Some are not good off leash and may wonder away. The Great Pyrenees tends to bark a lot." And: They need lots of space. The Great Pyrenees will not do well with apartment dwellers." Being that some days I tend to be weak and my joints hurt ... I'm concerned about a dominate dog, and I know that some shepherds can be ... but if I choose carefully, I should find a gentle one. Also, I guess you could say I just LOVE the look of a shepherd and their faces melt my heart. ;-) Glad to hear that a shepherd will be happy with any type of work ... cause as I said .. I have many good days and right now am doing pretty good, so I'm sure I can spend time daily with him, even as you say .. teaching him to open doors, etc. Thanks for following this. :-) Dee
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Posted: 11:41:21 AM 2/29/2004
i am glad you decided on a shepherd. i LOVE their look also. they have always been my die hard favorites having grown up and been around them for 37 years. when my son is grown more and i have time i am going to get another one for obedience showing. right now i will stick with my pyrenees and anatolian. i love their independent nature and their stubborness. my dogs and i are alot alike in our personalities. i wish you the best of luck. you will be very happy with your choice.
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Posted: 10:35:35 AM 4/5/2004
You may already have a dog by now, but I would highly recommend a newfoundland. I absolutely love mine... she is 3 years old (she does drool a little) but not terribly bad.... These dogs are excellent family protectors. I have 2 smal kids and she is very protective of them and I love that. She is just a gentle giant but sounds very scary if she thinks her family needs protection. They're very smart dogs and would recommend one to anybodywho has time to give to the dog.
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Posted: 10:47:22 AM 4/5/2004
i WAS READING MY DOG BOOOK AND IT SAID THAT NEWFIES drool the most when they are hot and not too much at their normal temperature so they might not drool as much as you think they would. [this is just my opinion] I think a Gp. would make a good pet But Both my grandmas,3of my friends &2of my moms and my mom. friends have been attacked by german shepards they have known for years. They never thought the dogs would turn their back on them Virginia
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Posted: 10:48:44 AM 4/5/2004
I have had friends with GP's they were great pets!
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Posted: 12:13:08 PM 4/5/2004
dd, I would consider either a lab or a golden retriever. Both breeds are highly trainable, and are VERY people oriented, and rate high on the scale of desire to please the owner as opposed to some breeds that are more self-serving. They are very strong dogs, and loyal. Some folks have a misconception that these 2 breeds are "too gentle" to be good at protecting their owner in a situation. I can tell you that both of these breeds bond very closely and they WILL demonstrate that loyalty if their owner is threatened. You don't need a "killing machine" to protect you....the size of the dog alone will be daunting to anyone with bad intentions. When our Garrick (3 year old male Golden) is in working mode, he's all business. And with his puppies (he's daddy to 10 baby Goldens that just turned 6 weeks old), he's a marshmallow. Added to that, he's a very talented pet therapist (has been for a year now). He works 4 mornings a week doing physical therapy, both in the mats and sometimes in the pool. He can effortlessly break a stick in half with his teeth if he wants to, but has such a gentle mouth for working. He can pick up a water balloon and hand it to you intact (but that took ALOT of training....and lots of water). Whatever breed you choose, I hope you get a dog that will meet your needs.
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Posted: 12:16:34 PM 4/5/2004
Try saint bernard. They are large dogs and need little excercise. They just usually just lay down all day. You should consider that breed, since you seem like you don't have time to exercise your dog.
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Found [18] Posts :: Page 1 of 1
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