I would like a big dog, which one?

Hi,
I just lost my dog of 13 1/2 years. I would like to get another dog. The dog I lost was a labrador. I love labs, but I don't know if I have the energy for one anymore. The last one I swear didn't calm down until she was ten years old. Anyway, does anyone have any suggestions. I have been thinking about a newfie, I know they are huge I'm sure they shed and I know about the drooling, anything else I should know? What are some other large breeds. I have three little dogs already, but I just don't feel right without a big dog around the house. :)
My daughter does have allergies and from what I've heard the designer breeds aren't a good idea.

Doesn't your daughter have allergies?

I thought you were looking for a designer breed for your allergic daughter.

Whatever breed that you finally decide on - you really need to do your research it.

If you want check out this site Big Paws Only

There are a lot of Newfie, Dane, Mastiff, ect.. owners there so I'm sure they can help you out!

If you are interested in danes, feel free to check out my site.
www.leansnslobbers.net

Great danes are good dogs and so are great pyrenees.

So sorry about you losing your old Lab :(

My favorite large, mastiff breed is probably the Leonberger. Also really like the look of Tibetan Mastiffs, finally got to meet some in-person earlier this year :) Let's see....Shiloh Shepherds are nice dogs; Saint Bernards come in either short or long-haired varities; and well-bred, well-socialized Rottweilers & American Bulldogs are very nice dogs! Great Pyrenees are also sweet dogs, but be prepared for *massive* shedding! There are so many great, giant breeds that it's really a lot up to your own preferences....

A word of warning in case you aren't aware, many giant breeds have very short lifespans (8 years average). Commonly short-lived large breeds include: Irish Wolfhound, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

Let us know what kind of dog you get, how exciting!!

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Originally Posted by daisybee

I just don't feel right without a big dog around the house. :)

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Yes, my husband and I know that feeling quite well. We had a rottie and things were just not right without a "BIG boy" around the house.
Our answer was an English Mastiff (baby boy Bon), although if your daughter has allergies I'm not sure this would be the right breed for you because he does shed quite a bit.

I don't really have any suggestions, but I do wish you good luck in your search.

A bouvier des flandres might be a good choice. They are very light shedders and many owners say that they're good with people with allergies.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by theterrierman

A bouvier des flandres might be a good choice. They are very light shedders and many owners say that they're good with people with allergies.

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They also need a owner that is willing to do alot of training, and socializing, put the dog in obedience classes, and knowledge of an intellegent- but strong willed breed...

I vote for the great dane. Whatever you decide upon, do lots of research. Larger dogs are high-maintenance and cost more at the vet. You probably already know that. I could not live without my big boy though. I've had danes for 30 years and will always have one until I'm too old. :D

I have raised and shown a number of breeds of dogs...have had 16 Afghan Hounds in my life, 34 Great Pyrenees, Border Collies, etc. The one real love of my life as a guardian dog was one who passed away this past summer at age 12 and she was an Anatolian Shepherd.

She was not only easy to maintain but had a superb temperament, very intelligent (have to spell lots of words out around this breed), always had the best of instincts intact as a guardian and like the Great Pyrenees is not an up-front attack dog but threatens first.

The Anatolian Shepherd is a tougher dog in that it does not matter if it is a neighbor's dog who is doing what it should not to your animals or on your property, the Anatolian will put a stop to it. Reminded me a lot in behavior of my beloved Afghan Hounds (not recommended unless you enjoy grooming).

So if you want a large dog and one you can trust with your life and that of your entire family (very loving towards small animals and children) and that is not a high maintenance dog, I would suggest this breed. They are very sensitive to drugs (caution here as take a small dose of anaesthetic) as is an "old" breed and they also do not do well with very high protein foods as it hypes them (raised on brown bread in Turkey, the country of their origin).

Best of luck. Oh, I replaced my Anatolian with a very sweet Grt. Pryenees (I don't mind the grooming) but don't feel AS safe as when I knew my Anatolian was watching out for me. :) But....he's a real sweetie and I love him.

Hi
While a Newfie is a great choice, just wanted to tell you a little bit of what to expect - I have 2, one purebred and one Newf/Pyr and while I love them both and wouldn't trade them for the world they are indeed a lot of work, but to me its all worth it! They shed a LOT especially when they blow their coats, I live in a warmer climate (East TN) and my 2 seem to shed year round! I pretty much vacuum every day, Taylor drools and Splash well not so much. Taylor requires a lot of grooming yet Splash's coat seems easier to manage. Of course vet bills are more costly due to their size. But oh boy do they steal your heart, those soulful eyes and that loyalty - well I just can't imagine life without a newf! I run a newf board and you'd be interested in checking us out message me and I'll send you an invite (hope I didn't just break a rule by mentioning my board, if I did sorry, oh and by the way I'm a newbie, just joined today - looking forward to 'meeting' all of you

My sympathies on the loss of your long-time companion. I have to say, I'm prejudiced towards Great Danes. I had two. They both died of old age (12 and 9). The only reason I don't have one now is because I live with and take care of my grandparents. Great Dane puppies aren't a good idea around balance-challenged octigenarians :) . When I get to move back to my own house, though, one of the first things I'm doing is getting another Great Dane :D .

Sorry to hear about your loss!

I'll throw my two cents in for a Bordeaux. If you can get past the drool, they're the greatest! I don't think I could've ever asked for more out of my Bordeaux, Belle (may she rest in peace). Just absolutely amazing family member all around! She even went up through advanced obedience in a local dog obedience club, received her CGC (AKC's Canine Good Citizen), and was a wanted dog by a local therapy dog group.

Anyhow, good luck with your decision!

My favorite breed is the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog! I have a GSMD/Shepard mix and he loves everyone and everything!