Big Paws Only Dog Forums
BPO General Forum => General Board for Big Dogs with Big Paws => : keziahamber April 11, 2006, 05:29:41 AM
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I'll tell you what I'm looking for in a dog. I'd like a velcro teddy bear type dog. The Newf sounds perfect for me, except I'm not sure about the slinging drool business. Also, If I did decided on a giant breed I'd probably have to purchase an SUV to go with it. I'm thinking a used honda element type. This sounds like the If you give a mouse a cookie children's book... If you give a mouse a cookie, he'll probably ask for a glass of milk... anyways...
I have a 7 year old child. Active but responsible and wonderful with animals. We have a cat.
I'm a golden retreiver, german shepard kind of gal. I've always admired the larger breeds.
I've thought of the purse type dogs as well, thinking it would be wonderful to bring my little one along to the mall, and share a burger in the food court of the mall. But could a purse pooch handle a bit of burger or would that be too much to handle for the little one's tummy.
I love the large breed temperment, laid back, loving, huggable, children can lay on the while watching tv... and they like to be in the outdoors as well, not being total couch potatoes... but will calm in the house. See, I really don't like the high pitched bark of little dogs.
Also, I know I'd go out alone more often with a large dog escorting me. Living in Windsor Ontario, I do worry about walking alone in the park, but wouldn't with a large dog escort.
Can you recommend a breed? Velcro, Snuggly, Huggable, Easy to Train like a golden, takes pride in being with humans like a shepard....
Also my sister says Newfies smell and are big & dumb. I disagree having read the breed standard. She says get an old english sheep dog, she has on old english sheepie.
Talk to you all soon.
Anyone have instant messengers send me a tell to:
swontariodiva for yahoo
swontariodiva@yahoo.ca for msn
Jody from Windsor Ontario
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How about a Golden Retriever then? They are affectionate, love kids, are big and snuggly, easy to train, eager to please... and not hard to find! :)
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I KNOW! I totally disagree with my sister. I don't know what her problem is. Newfs are definately not like she says.
About getting a golden, my dog passed away on halloween, she was a golden. A real sweetie. I'm looking for a more mellow kind of dog than a golden. Although I've met larger goldens that were extreamly mellow.
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I am not one to have kids lay on dogs... every now and then my 8 yr old does, but I dont encourage it... It is a lot of responsibility to put on a dog... great with kids is something that a dog doesnt come with, I think it is a trust that is built through proper breeding, socialization and training
My opinion would be a mild great pyr.. but newfs are great too
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everyone is biased, but i would recommend a Aussie, but only if you have the time/energy to excercise it. they are very high-drive dogs.
Leah
P.S. for info on breeders send me a personal message.
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I KNOW! I totally disagree with my sister. I don't know what her problem is. Newfs are definately not like she says.Â
About getting a golden, my dog passed away on halloween, she was a golden. A real sweetie. I'm looking for a more mellow kind of dog than a golden. Although I've met larger goldens that were extreamly mellow.
I grew up with Goldens and mine were always very mellow. I think maybe as they got more popular less attention was paid to temperament when breeding them. But there are lots of great, mellow Goldens out there, you just have to be careful about selecting a breeder, which is true of any breed.
I'd also have to disagree with your sister about her Newfie comments. Well, half disagree. Sadie is TOO smart, sometimes I think she's half human. But she does kind of stink sometimes ;)
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I've met quite a few newfies and we even owned a Newfie/Shpherd mix and I have never known them to be "stupid". Dopey (in a good goofy sort of way), but definitely not stupid. Now the stinky part, well you'd stink too if you had a thick coat that was a pain in the butt to keep clean. Heck Tater gets stinky and he's a short haired dog. I guess what I'm saying is that all dog "stink" at some point. ;D
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I love Newfies too! What about a dane or an American Mastiff? I would make a list of each of the dogs that are possibilities and then research each of them. BPO is a great place to get tons of personal stories and information on the different breeds as well as the "good, bad and ugly". Good luck!
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I'd definitely reccommend a newf. They aren't stupid just slow to respond especially in puppyhood...Ka li you could see her think about something but I think it's because they take a little longer to mature...but she is a smart girl she learned how to manipulate everyone in the family into doing what she wants. The one thing against them is they can be expensive and have problems if poorly bred. As with any breed you want to check into certifications for OFA and other breed specific testing. Kali doesn't smell bad at all but she does require almost daily brushing to prevent mats and such. I've heard them described as mellow labs which I think is a good description (They live to please you). I suggest you go to area breeders of each dog you think may work and see which would fit best.
And I think aussies would be way too high energy for you and they require a ton of socialization and we still can't take ours anywhere with us where we don't hesitate to take our newf.
Also have you considered Saints too? You could get a shorthair or long hair depending on how much grooming you want to do.
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Rottie
Greater Swiss Mountain dog
Great dane.....
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I missed the velcro part... no lgds would be good LOL they are the opposite of velcro
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How 'bout a Saint?
Seems to fit what your looking for (and you would eventually get used to the drool ;)!)
I picked a Saint for most of those reasons - good with kids being a priority. I do agree that a dog must be trained to be gentle with children but, I also believe most are certainly not naturally aggressive in any way.
And, he's a huge snuggle bug!!
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My last Pyr was very affectionate. Not velcro, but a love bug nonetheless. The Pyr before that could fling drool with the best of the Newfies, I'd say. Anything with long hair will be more work, possibly smell a bit. From what I'm reading here on this board, Newfies are similar in temperament to Labs, just a lot bigger, droolier and more huggable! Labs are great dogs but like any breed, you need to be very careful with breeders. There are probably more poorly bred Labs out there than good ones. I suspect the same is true with the Goldens - you really need to carefully research each line. We spent 10 yrs looking for the right Lab before picking our most recent Lab but we also wanted hunting lines that were not wired out the wazoo which was really tough to find. If you just want a pet, I do have some ideas for good Lab sources. Labs can be stinky too. If you don't like stink, make sure you have a good place for bathing before you get any large dog. 20 yrs down the road into large dogs we are finally in the process of building a really good dog bathing facility. Then again, when I was younger I didn't mind lifting them into the tub.
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Dogs are dogs, and they smell like dogs no matter what breed they may be. Now my doberman does not smell as strongly as my dane, but I think that is because there is more dane to smell, LOL.
Just a thought, dobermans make great family dogs, are relatively calm if socialized and out of the puppy stages, and don't drool. Although personalities differ, obedience training will bond a dobie to you like gorilla glue, and they are a great deterent to interference on late night walks.
Stella
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I adore my Newfs and wish that I'd had them my whole life!! The drool thing is much overrated....i f you have a choice between a stable, loveable dog who drools vs. one who doesn't drool and you can't trust him....there is no choice, to me. I've never lived with a pyr, but from everything I've heard, they seem wonderful as well; but so do Saints!!! Also I've heard great things about Bernese Mt. dogs. The ones I know are sweet and loveable and don't drool.
The smell thing too sort of depends on the person taking care of them. My Newfs don't smell unless they haven't been bathed or brushed in a while :P. Since they don't know how to turn the shower on and refuse to use soap unless I'm with them, it's sort of up to me ;D ;D ;D to have them be sweet smelling!!!
Everybody is right about doing your homework...try the book "Paws to Consider" or "The Right Dog for You" (they are both available in paperback through Amazon.com). They are both wonderful resource books that can give you the pros and cons of many breeds. Then do MORE homework on breeders!!
Good luck and get back to us and let us know what you decide!! We'll all cheer you on and will want lots of pics!!
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LOL about Since they don't know how to turn the shower on and refuse to use soap unless I'm with them, it's sort of up to me Grin Grin Grin to have them be sweet smelling!!! that's pretty funny!
Thanks for all the advice! I appreciate it. What dog is the most loveable and easiest to train out of all those breeds?
Jody
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I say go for a Dobie! You want mine? ;) hehehehehe
Seriously, mine is stinky no matter how many times we wash her but I think it's caused by her skin issues since no other dobie owner I talk to has the same problems. ???
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welcome!!
Hmm... what about a bernese mountain dog or great pyrenees?
Labs are great dogs too ;D
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A Bernese mountain dog would be a good choice also.. To me they are kinda Golden like in personality. My hubby's boss has 2 males. When I first met them they both barreled up to me in the dark and scared the crap out of me. LOL But they are very loving and sweet. They were all over me and I had no drool on my clothes (for a change LOL) just some hair. As for ease of training I have no idea.
My Saint wasn't the easiest to train.. but he wasn't overly difficult. Just stubborn.
I think your best bet would be to visit and talk with some breeders of Newfs or Saints and just see how you would tolerate the drool. It's honestly not horrificly bad. Some days are worse than others. But they drool mainly when food is involved, they are hot, or they just had a drink.
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What dog is the most loveable and easiest to train out of all those breeds?
;D ;D ;D NEWFOUNDLANDS!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
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ok well the dogs in my house are
A dobie RAven: very sweet loving and calm but she is 10 and was a rescue
BELL my wiem: Crazy dog but in a good way. She has tons of energy and never sits still. She is though my best trained dog becasue of her willingness to please.
Brooklynn my boxer: i was very lucky to find a show boxer who wouldrather lay on the couch then do anything else the only time i even have seen her really get riled up is playing with winston.
Winston my giant schnauzer: Sweetest boy he is really sweet but does need alot of grooming and is higher energy.
Baxter my english springer spaniel: all he does is sleep. he loves to play with the other dogs for about 30 minutes and the n sleeps but does love to swim.
but if you can tell i am kind of biased
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If you want a velcro dog, then an English Mastiff is hands down the best choice. Ozzy sits outside the bathroom when i go in and if i happen to not get the door all the way closed he comes and sits in the bathtub and stares at me. If is sit down for longer than 30 seconds, he is up on the couch and lays his head on my lap. then when i try to get up he pushes his chin down hard on my lap to try to hold me down. My hubby has learned to "call his spot" when he gets up off the couch.
One downside is they tend to be a bit gassey. Ozzy has cleared many rooms in his days.
Hope this helps.
Stacie
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I am partial to Newfoundlands! The one we had was so smart, it was almost scary. :o They are also so sweet, and good natured. :)
Whatever you do choose, I wish you the best, and hope to see TONS of pictures!
Blessings!
Amy Lynn
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I think I've found a group of people just as dog crazy as me :) I will for sure put up lots of pics! One of the reason's I'm being so particular was because my Roxy, that I lost this halloween was such a wonderful dog, golden retriever. I would like a different breed this time, mostly because I don't think I could ever have another golden that would be like her. But I haven't ruled out getting another golden either. I'm sure she'll be over looking my new puppy from heaven, and mothering it.
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I KNOW! I totally disagree with my sister. I don't know what her problem is. Newfs are definately not like she says.Â
About getting a golden, my dog passed away on halloween, she was a golden. A real sweetie. I'm looking for a more mellow kind of dog than a golden. Although I've met larger goldens that were extreamly mellow.
I grew up with Goldens and mine were always very mellow. I think maybe as they got more popular less attention was paid to temperament when breeding them. But there are lots of great, mellow Goldens out there, you just have to be careful about selecting a breeder, which is true of any breed.
I'd also have to disagree with your sister about her Newfie comments. Well, half disagree. Sadie is TOO smart, sometimes I think she's half human. But she does kind of stink sometimes ;)
i agree with ALMOST everything you said. ;) Goldens are active, sometimes hyper dogs because they are meant to be. they were bred so that they could retreive ducks all day long, and not tire. the breeders that are breeding for "mellow" dogs aren't breeding true goldens. they are trying to please the people who heard great things about goldens (because they are great dogs) but want a house dog, that will lay at their feet and watch TV. that is simply not the GR nature. they want to play, run, and romp with other dogs, and people, and if you cannot give them that, then a golden is not the dog for you. the goldens idea of "winding down" is a rowsing game of fetch in the backyard! sorry to bust your bubble, but the dog you are describing is not a true golden. feel free to learn more about goldens, and you might find that a "mellow golden" is the right dog for you, but find a breeder that is not breeding for sport work, or even for show...find a breeder that is breeding PETS.
Leah
P.S. i hate to sound like a "Know-It-All", so tell me to shut up if i do!
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My advice would be don't follow a golden with a golden, especially if she was one of the greats. I am partial to newfs. My Kali is by no means stupid, quite the opposite. All of the larger breeds fit your general requirements if the drool could be a deal breaker but you don't mind the grooming the Bernese Mtn dog may be the alternative.
Most important is the advice to visit local breeders. We actually spent one day at our local newf breeder's house and then were invited to the winter Newf Club get together. By no means did we need to be invited but as her guest we got use of her 165# male for the day, he sort of sealed the deal for us, we new our next dog was going to be a newf.
Tim
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Well, I'm going to throw my two cents in. ;) Have you thought about a great dane? Minimal grooming, they are the epitomy of velcro dogs. My dane Gunther was extremely easy to train. I was very surprised actually to find that out.
They do need alot of socialization, probably more than the average dog b/c they tend to be more timid/shy/spooked than other dogs, plus the fact that some can tend towards protection.
One thing to keep in mind if you are looking at a giant breed dog like a newf, pyr or bernie, vet bills will be higher, so will food bills. So you will need to know how much you will be able to spend on these kinds of things.
Whatever you choose, talk to breeders and find out everything you can on the breed. Go to dog shows. Visit the national breed club.
Good luck with your search.
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Rottys are wonderful for a few reasons. They are loyal to a fault, they are so smart they will make you feel like a professional dog trainer, and contrary to their reputation for being aloof, our rotty crys at the window if we go to the store, and follows us with a dopey loving look on his face everywhere we go. The only drawback is that he smells something fierce. Smells include but are not limited to: various levels of gas ranging from tolerable to coma inducing, breath that smells like dead animal, and something fishy coming out his hind end.
Yeah, I would totally vote for a Rott!
;)
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Well my pyr is great and loves to lay around. He is great with the kids but he hates my house. Most of the people here that I can tell that have pyrs have them in the house. Mine was breed on a farm as a protector and had never seen the inside of a house.
An Irish setter is a good dog but high maintance . They are very active but are smart and loving. My pup already loves to cuddle when he isn't trying to chew , run, play, or get my attention. Beyond that I have always had hunting dogs. Boxers are sweet I did have one of those when I was a kid.
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I'm going to have to recommend a Labrador Retriever. They're big, but not giant. Don't drool (anymore than a regular dog of course!), don't shed a lot, are excellent family dogs, and protective, are clean, affordable since they usually don't eat a whole lot, and somewhat mild-mannered from what I know about them.
Saints are great, if money is no object. My mom and split the cost, but altogether spent about $70 to buy dog food for our Saint for 1 month. Take that times 12 for a whole year's cost of just food. Of course, mine's still a pup. They do drool, but each one is different in the amount. Mine drools only when she drinks. Easy to groom. Great with people and kids! They are very sensitive though. Dolly, if you look at her wrong, she hangs her head. They are prone to several major diseases too. But I wouldn't trade mine for anything in the world! :)
My other recommendation is a mutt. ;) A large, friendly mutt! Usually cheaper to adopt, most have already been spayed or neutered and given shots, and they aren't as prone to genetic diseases as purebreds are. Our first dog was a mixed breed and he was very loyal. petfinder.com. Excellent site for finding shelter dogs in your area. Some are even purebreds! Hope you find the dog you want and your family will love, no matter what breed!