Need objective opinions--any groomers, vets, trainers, owners out there?

	Need objective opinions--any groomers, vets, trainers, owners out there? I will be getting a dog in a few weeks and, while I have narrowed it down to a few breeds, I am simply stuck as to which one would really suit my family best. We want a large to giant breed (it's a firm preference--I love bigger dogs), known for its stable and sweet disposition. I have three children (ages 6-12), own a home, and have no restrictions on breed by the HOA (other than number of dogs owned). Through years of research and some limited experience with big dogs, I recognize that certain breeds are out due to my personality and circumstance. I am divorced so I will be the pack leader; I do not want a naturally more dominant breed. I know some breeds (doberman, rottie, etc.) usually require a more confident, experienced leader than I am. While I am fully capable of being clear who the boss is (me), I'm not sure I will be honestly able to handle a particularly intelligent/strong-willed breed. Furthermore, it will be just me and the kids and I will not be able to give certain breeds the high level excercise they need (I don't jog or hike). I am, however, fortunate enough to work out of my home so I will be home most of the day. I plan on daily walks and play sessions in the back yard (fenced so the dog will have free romping time back there). Dog parks for free running/playing are a given, at least a couple of times a week. We would like a dog that will be on the friendlier side with anything and everything. Some dogs are more aloof, less playful, some are more wary of anyone outside the family, some are just big "i love everyone" goofballs. We are leaning toward the goofball. I absolutely do want a protective dog but one that will perhaps let its size be the deterrent, rather than a scary growl :) I do not want a serious watchdog/guardog. I prefer a dog that will only get serious and physically protective if it's absolutely and obviously needed. On the other hand, and please forgive my rambling, I do want a dog that will have a natural affinity towards children and one who would prefer to calmly "watch" over the kids (or join in the play!). Now, I have searched and searched the shelters but where I live, almost every single dog I have come across (of the size I am looking for) is mixed with a breed that either is very energetic (i.e. lab x border collie) or one I know I am not experienced enough to properly train and be leader to (pit bull, ridgeback, chow chow, etc. with pit being in 90?f the dogs--great, loving dogs but require a more experienced owner, in my opinion). I don't want to look into Goldens or Labs (much experience with them within family/friendship circles and, while they are really wonderful, they just arent the right dog for us). I know ANY dog can be the perfect dog because it's the humans who shape the dog, but genetics and breed do play a role. There are breeds who have it in their genes to hunt, herd, etc. This is why I am making my list and narrowing it down. I need to make sure I am not going to end up with a dog who needs more of a "job" than I can give it (ex: a border collie would HATE living with me). I'm still open to adopting/rescue, and here are the breeds I LOVE and am looking at. Perhaps there is a trait about a certain dog on the list (such as being a bit willful, too aloof, etc.), and I just don't know about it yet? If anybody has any experience/information that could help me narrow it down even further, I would greatly appreciate it. Newfoundland Saint Bernard Bernese Mountain Dog Great Dane English Mastiff Swiss Mountain Dog Irish Wolfhound Great Pyr Now, my dream dog is a Newfoundland but I am not dead-set on that breed due to the fact that I live in Florida and don't have a swimming pool ;) Perhaps there is a breed I missed; maybe there's a dog not on my list that would work well? I looked into Collie's too, but just not sure yet. I welcome suggestions! Thank You Asked By: coffeecat - 2/23/2010

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I saw another post that talked about shaving a Saint Bernard - NEVER EVER shave a long-haired dog. Only if it's medical related or due to mats! The coat does not just keep them warm - it is a level of insulation meaning that it protects from both heat and cold. It is WORSE to shave the dog than leave it with it's hair because shaving leaves it without insulation so the dogs feel all that heat and can also get sunburnt. With any dog you'll be looking at exercise and grooming requirements, and also large/giant breeds are at risk of LOTS of health issues. Be prepared for that... and drooling. Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Great Pyrenees, Irish Wolfhounds and Saint Bernards all have very LOW heat tolerance. In Florida they would have to be indoors almost constantly in summer and when they were out, or even indoors depending on temperature, you'd have to /constantly/ monitor for symptoms of heat stroke. A Great Dane I think would suite you well.. They are known couch potatoes(but most would still like a daily walk) and are generally very easy to get along with. They're goofy and easygoing, make great family pets. A Swiss Mountain Dog would also be a good match if you can get a hold of one. They live longer than most and make great family pets while also being somewhat protective. It'd also need a bit more exercise that the other breeds, a long walk, maybe a good ball game, or a nice run. But it's not a crazy energetic breed. English Mastiffs are good and would probably be okay but you'd have to be firm and consistent otherwise they pretty quickly learn that their size can get them whatever they want. They have a lot of bulk compared to a Dane and are also intolerant of much heat. Another breed that would need to be indoors almost constantly and monitored for heatstroke when out. If it wasn't for climate I'd totally say go for a Newfie, they are fabulous dogs, but they can't tolerate that much heat very well and I simply don't think it'd be good or comfortable for the dog. As far as other breeds people mentioned: -Pointers are very high energy dogs, would not be good for your situation. -German Shepherds are both high energy and extremely intelligent, would develop behavior issues in your home if you didn't want to completely change your lifestyle(i know, I own them!). -Belgian Malinois are like German Shepherds on crack - they are dogs that NEED a job with very very few exceptions. Answered By: Steffanie - 2/26/2010

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Bottom line is all dogs need grooming and exercise. You should get the one based on your personality and lifestyle. This thing called "find your match" really works. Try it out! Here's the site, http://alturl.com/rhfj Answered By: Stephen A - 2/25/2010

I would go with a Great Dane - because I currently own one and have owned danes for 30 + years. They are marvelous wonderful dogs that grow into gentle giants who are loving and affectionate. I live in a warm climate and these dogs seem suited for it more so than most of the long haired breeds you have on your list. As with any dog danes need to be trained young (because an adult will weigh 120 to 140 lbs) and most of the time are eager to please you and respond well to training. They are not overly dominant dogs but because of their size you must be the pack leader. My only caveat is that as puppies they can be quite rambunctious and even at 6 months many will weigh close to 100 lbs. They need to be closely supervised with children as their chewing and play biting (all dogs will do this but need to be trained not to) may get out of hand. They need exercise but as puppies no jogging just quiet walking starting slow and gradually increasing amount of time you walk). Also under caveats they have health issues but so do all dogs. Do your research - understand what your getting into - go on line AKC may have a list of breeders close to your area - contact them and work with them perhaps you can find an older dog to take or you may prefer to raise a puppy. Great Danes may not work out for you and you should talk to breeders of other dogs on your list. Try to find someone you are comfortable with and may have dogs/puppies available that you can go visit and get familiar with before purchasing. Answered By: dogowner - 2/24/2010

Not a Malinois! Too much dog! You can consider a Collie (rough or smooth) Of the breeds you have listed, do consider massive amounts of "drool" from some, as well as carefully screening for Hip dysplasia..... Someone mentioned a Bouvier....I would also check into that breed. Answered By: Marna O - 2/24/2010

Maybe a short haired breed would be better since you live where it is so warm. My bf had a st bernard and in the summertime shaving him was a huge mess. Answered By: Ruby - 2/23/2010

Honestly, all those dogs require massive amounts of exercise! Great Danes seem to fit your family best out of all of those- they are gentle giants, goofballs, but do require a good hour or two of play, interaction, walks, runs.... they are big, big dogs! Another thing, you placed the "no pit bulls" at the end, and while I was reading this, I swear, Pit bull just came into my head! They are such misunderstood. Pitbulls are the most people-friendly dog out there. They are such goofballs, from rolling around to falling over their own feet. These dogs protect and pay attention to their pack, and are very, very devoted. Perhaps giving them another shot? They are medium-sized dog, and are great for families. Shelters always have pit mixes or puppies. Another breed is the Staffie. They are closely related to Pit Bulls, just bigger. These animals do take a lot of work, but are so willing! Look into the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, German Short-haired Pointer, Belgian Malinois, Leonberger, and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog. Found at: http://www.akc.org/breeds/index.cfm?nav_area=breeds Answered By: K Cali22 - 2/23/2010

I think the Irish Wolfhound sounds perfect for you.. The big "fluffy" dogs, are not going to be easy to keep in florida.. great dane's and english mastiff both have dominant personalities.. and while still trainable, since you already mentioned it.. be weary of that.. I'd avoid them.. IW's are my favorite (so I am biased).. They are more goofball then anything else.. They do need to run, but if you have a fenced in yard, and a dog park.. you should be good there.. just get them out there.. if they don't run by themselves play "fetch".. in the house they tend to be giant couch potatoes.. their size does make people do a double take.. so they do help with security a bit.. they are sight hounds, so make sure they are being monitored. (and even if they are trained to come when called, don't ever let them run loose in an unsafe area.. as their brains essentially turn off when the prey drive kicks on) Other Possiblilities: Anatolian Sheperds Giant Schnauzers Bouvier Des Flandes (spelling?) Saluki Afghan Hound Scottish Deerhound Answered By: kaijawitch - 2/23/2010

An adult, 2 yrs or more, female American German Shepherd with obedience training. They are empathetic, wonderful with children, more watchful than most parents, subtly protective (they body block), if needed they issue warning barks. Very obedient, don't need the exercise German Working or Show Line, GSDs do. Very intuitive , extremely smart and willing to please. Mine have learned with 3-5xs of telling them. They get embarrassed if they screw up which isn't often. Rarely ever repeating the mistake. And very proud when praised. They like other dogs, children, animals and strangers if you do. They alert you of strangers before you know someone is in your vicinity such as woods or walking unfamiliar territory. People will avoid a GSD owner and their dog when out walking, They just aren't sure what a GSD will do to protect. Inside, GSDs know if anyone is on any property adjoining yours. They know without being outside who's approaching your home, who's walking down the sidewalk, the sound of your car as opposed to strangers. They recognize danger before you do and protect your child by body blocking them from the danger or any stranger in your home, They subtly lie down between you and them, keeping quietly alert for unusual behavior. Just having a GSD deters those with criminal intent. My GSD is in the front yard every yard sale that my neighbor has. GSDs eat much less than I expected, they're drip/dry, wash and go dogs. They can be taught anything and love doing it when asked. They take on your behavior in the home environment. If you're quiet, they'll lie down by your chair never bothering you. If your family wants to play, they're ready to join in. They are very gentle in the house of furniture and other belongs. They are inside dogs needing to be in close vicinity to their people. They love to learn, to go places with you, to meet your friends and neighbors. They will go up to a person, get their scent, file it away forever and never bother them again. That was the quality, unfriendliness, that I didn't like in GSDs. After having one, I understand what they're doing and appreciate it. They bond to their family and will put their life on the line from them. They mourn if they lose their family, their puppies, their home. If you decide on a GSD, they shed extensively twice a year but what they do for your family is worth every hair. You will feel safe. That alone is worth their care and feeding. GSDs always keep you within sight when off leash. They'll come back and check to see if you're still coming too. They aren't stubborn but owner pleasers. They learn fast and retain it. They don't repeat a bad behavior if told not to. They aren't pushy or demanding or dominate you. Females easily accept you as their Pack Leader. Soon they will understand you and you them. They talk to you with their body language, watch it and you'll soon notice it. Check out German Shepherd Rescues or Shelters. If you don't find the Shepherd you're looking for tell the people your needs for a GSD. They will find one for you. Whatever dog you choose, I'm sure you'll fall in love with it. Dogs have a way of doing that to people. Answered By: martii43214 - 2/23/2010

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