what's a good breed?

**daisybee** · 04-15-2005, 06:56 AM

I'm looking for a large breed dog that calms down after the first year or so. I love labs, but I've had two and the one I have now is almost thirteen and shes still hyper. Anybody with any suggestions, let me know. Thanks

**wolfsoul** · 04-15-2005, 09:50 AM

You'll need to be a bit more specific...

How much shedding can you deal with?
How much grooming?
Do you mind dog slobber?
Do you want a good guard dog, or just a watch dog, or a dog that loves everyone?
Do you want to dog as a companion only? Or maybe you would like to do something with it, like agility, flyball, hunting, herding, retrieving...etc?

**Pit Chick** · 04-15-2005, 10:45 AM

I would suggest getting a dog that is already an adult. Some breeds are more high energy than others, but individuals in every breed are different. If you get a puppy the only thing you can do is wait for it to grow up before you know for sure how hyper it is going to be as an adult. But with an adult, there are no surprises with energy level, size, temperament, etc. After answering the questions wolfsoul listed, that will help come up with a more specific list of breeds that are suitable for you and your lifestyle. You'll need to research the breed(s) that interest you most to truly determine which breed is right for you. So think about your answers and we'll help you with the breeds.

Are you wanting a dog smaller, bigger, or about the same size as a Lab?

**lv4dogs** · 04-15-2005, 11:07 AM

I couldn't agree more with the previous replies you have gotten.

**wolfsoul** · 04-22-2005, 11:53 PM

Have you decided what you want yet?

**daisybee** · 04-23-2005, 08:00 AM

I'm still thinking about it, I"m pretty sure I want a big dog. I've always wanted a Alaskan Malumute, but I'm going to have to think on that for a while. I also like newfies, pretty much any big dog is a possibility.

**lv4dogs** · 04-25-2005, 11:08 AM

There are a lot of big dogs out there, and they can all very quite a bit on their overall personality.
If you told us more details it would help us help you a lot better, like how much activity you can provide, grooming, what you want to do with the dog, very friendly or protective?

Malamutes generally are not a dog I reccomend for beginers, they can be quite challenging. They are a very good breed, but they can be difficult at times.

**jcsperson** · 05-03-2005, 08:29 PM

Impeccably bred, their bloodlines can be traced back to the 1700s.

Hip dysplasia is unknown in greyhounds.

They do not have an oily coat. There is no "doggy" smell and minimal shedding.

They are professionally trained and are "kennel broken." They walk easily on a lead and most are crate trained.

They are long-lived for a big dog, living 12-14 years on average.

They are non-aggressive and many are even cat-safe.

They eat comparatively little for their size and sleep a lot.

Most bark seldom and travel well.

They come in nearly every possible color except tri-color (red, black & tan like a Beagle) or Merle.

**Suki Wingy** · 05-03-2005, 09:34 PM

What about a Dane? or a standard poodle?

**Glacier** · 05-03-2005, 09:45 PM

Malamutes are great dogs, but not easy dogs. They are very independant and hard to train. Stubborn is an understatement. They can't be trusted off leash--they will head for Alaska. Their prey drive is extremely high. Cats, squirrels, mice, small dogs are all snacks as far as most mals are concerned. They shed like crazy--don't believe that twice a year stuff. It's worse twice a year, but there is constant shedding. They also tend to be dog aggressive, especially towards same sex dogs. The worst dog fight I've ever had to break up was two female malamutes. The bill to save Kayleigh's life was close to 1000 dollars. Had I not been home, both dogs would be dead. I wouldn't characterize them as calm either. My male malamute knocks me on butt while he plays several times a week!

Mals need a job. Weight pull, sledding, running, skijoring, whatever, they need a job! A good malamute is a tired malamute!

I have three mals here. I love them dearly. They are a great breed. You just need to be prepared for their quirks. If you are used to labs, a malamute is a big jump!

**jesse_3** · 05-03-2005, 10:15 PM

I don't know how much money you want to spend, but, St. Bernards are great dogs! They are usually mellow and dog friendly. They can be trained to be a guard dog, but it can be hard, they love people!
Another dog would be a Bernease Mountain dog, they are a lot like a St. Bernard. I hear that they are good dogs, there is breeder in my town that I could get ahold of to ask questions to if you'd like!
Good Luck!
Steph