May be adding a new dog to the pack!!!! Suggestions appreciated

[Binky]

YAY!!!  My husband actually initiated this bought of dog fever-I knew he'd catch animal craziness eventually.  Here's the deal:
-Breeder told me that I cannot take long walks with Binky, our Great Pyr, EVER.  I knew that too much exercise at an early age would be bad, but was not aware, despite all my research, that Pyrs can't go hiking, etc. so...
-We are looking for a dog that is not hyper but who can go for walks with me.  The dog does not need to be particulary protective, but I am nervous about walking alone (my Papillons don't exactly instill fear in those we encounter- not that Binky does either) so I would like a largish dog that might make someone think twice about bothering me
-We looked into Leonbergers and I have talked to a breeder who may have pups soon.  Leo people- can they walk a lot?My only quam is that I would kind of like to get a shelter dog ( help out a poor dog in need).  BUT, I am nervous about bringing an older dog into our family- we have three dogs and two cats now and may have children at some point.
Sorry for the long winded explanation, but anyone's advice/thoughts/personal experience, etc. will be appreciated!  Thanks.

[doggylover]

I personally think a Lab would be a good idea.  God knows there are PLENTY of them that need homes.  We've all heard how much they LOVE excersise, and they are supposed to be great with kids.  You could get a black lab and paint rott markings on it if you need the 'fear' quality.  A friend of mine has a Rott/lab mix and that is one awesome dog.  Someone on this site has a dog that looks a lot like the dog I'm thinking of, if I can remember who  it is, I'll post their pic!

[Binky]

Haha, a lab with rotti marks for the "fear" factor!!!   I was considering a lab, but they chew everything.  Also, my husband had a lab and she had to be put down very suddenly (she was fine in the morning and two hours later she was howling in pain and couldn't walk-she had spine cancer or something and had to be put down the next day at only 5 years old) so I don't know if he's ready for another lab.  He still doesn't like to talk about it.

[Nicole]

Labs are a pretty huge investment in energy...they're working dogs and were designed to have a job. Many people get them for their sweet dispositions, and think that they will basically train themselves. Yeah, they like walks...but they don't stop there! They like to swim and run and chew and...you get it.

But, it sounds like you're not considering one anyway. So....

Why don't you just go to your local shelter and look around? There's plenty of nice mixes that need good homes and would love to talk walks with you...and don't have delicate hips and frames.

[BabsT]

Pyrs can go for loooong walks, hikes, mountains etc...... Your breeder (sorry to say) doesnt know what they are talking about... 

[Nicole]

Pyrs can go for loooong walks, hikes, mountains etc...... Your breeder (sorry to say) doesnt know what they are talking about... 

I was wondering about that, Babs. I mean, if they can't walk, how can they guard livestock? I don't know much about the breed, so I just kept my mouth shut, but I was curious.

[Binky]

That's what I thought too-I actually did another post to Pyr people to see if that's true!  How could they be LGDs w/o walking long distances?  My breeder is recognized by the GP Club of America and shows a lot and came highly recommended but now I am concerned!

[princessnmi]

I was going to suggest a lab mix. I have a Lab, rotti, german shepherd mix and she is the BEST dog. She is very easy going. Not really hyper unless you take her to dog park, or hiking etc. She LOVES kids. I have pictures of 2 foster kids sitting on her at the same time. She is protective but friendly at the same time if you know what I mean. She LOVES water. But I would also agree that maybe just going to your shelters and looking the right dog for you will find you. Good luck