breed advice please!

[charlie116]

Ask me all about Corgi and German Shepherds.

Let me know anything you're willing to share

[MoonandBean]

that's quite a variety I admire your passion.

[Karen]

Great Danes are big lovable goofballs - you have to be careful about when they eat, and when they get exercise as they are susceptible to bloat, which can be fatal. So no playtime or running around right after they eat. Things to watch for are hip dysplasia - if you are getting a puppy, ask if the parents' hips have been checked. Be willing to spend time training them when they are still small, or you will have an unruly teenager who can out run you and is stronger than you, and less willing to take direction. They can be a tad stubborn, and are usually quite sure they are "lap dogs," so just be aware of that! They can be alternately sensitive and oblivious, just be persistent and consistent in training.

Saint Bernards - if you can't stand drool, don't get a Saint Bernard, it's that simple. Sweet, sensitive and real "people dogs," you'll hurt them more with yelling than if you actually hit them. There is no sigh deeper than a sulking Saint's sigh. Again, training should begin right away, leash training and not jumping up and crucial for these dogs. Great swimmers - with webbed paws that also are good snowshoes, they tend to like cooler rather than hotter temperatures, and can get heat rash in summer, so be careful, and attentive. Wonderful dogs - IF you can tolerate drool.

[charlie116]

Great Danes are big lovable goofballs - you have to be careful about when they eat, and when they get exercise as they are susceptible to bloat, which can be fatal. So no playtime or running around right after they eat. Things to watch for are hip dysplasia - if you are getting a puppy, ask if the parents' hips have been checked. Be willing to spend time training them when they are still small, or you will have an unruly teenager who can out run you and is stronger than you, and less willing to take direction. They can be a tad stubborn, and are usually quite sure they are "lap dogs," so just be aware of that! They can be alternately sensitive and oblivious, just be persistent and consistent in training.

Saint Bernards - if you can't stand drool, don't get a Saint Bernard, it's that simple. Sweet, sensitive and real "people dogs," you'll hurt them more with yelling than if you actually hit them. There is no sigh deeper than a sulking Saint's sigh. Again, training should begin right away, leash training and not jumping up and crucial for these dogs. Great swimmers - with webbed paws that also are good snowshoes, they tend to like cooler rather than hotter temperatures, and can get heat rash in summer, so be careful, and attentive. Wonderful dogs - IF you can tolerate drool.

Question: How long should I wait to let my Great Dane run around after they eat? Do I have to restrain them or anything? Or just not exercise them (like take on a walk or let them outside)?
& I had no idea that St. Bernards could swim!!!

[Karen]

Question: How long should I wait to let my Great Dane run around after they eat? Do I have to restrain them or anything? Or just not exercise them (like take on a walk or let them outside)?
& I had no idea that St. Bernards could swim!!!

They should be kept calm for an hour after eating - if you are potting training, take them out on a leash, and then back inside for relaxing time, to give their food time to digest. You don't need to restrain them, just keep it calm after they eat. Make it into a habit, and it will service them well for life. This is true of many breeds that are large dogs with deep chests.

Oh, goodness, most Saints I have met or known LOVE the water - unless it is b-a-t-h-t-i-m-e.

[charlie116]

They should be kept calm for an hour after eating - if you are potting training, take them out on a leash, and then back inside for relaxing time, to give their food time to digest. You don't need to restrain them, just keep it calm after they eat. Make it into a habit, and it will service them well for life. This is true of many breeds that are large dogs with deep chests.

Oh, goodness, most Saints I have met or known LOVE the water - unless it is b-a-t-h-t-i-m-e.

Are there any other breeds on my list that are prone to bloating, or should be calm after eating?

[Karen]

Are there any other breeds on my list that are prone to bloating, or should be calm after eating?

Any of the large breeds, but especially Mastiffs and Rottweilers when they are growing pups, and the Saints and Newf just keep an eye out and be aware.

[Husky_mom]

also Dobermans... for the bloating.. they have dep chests..

and yes.. huskies are awesome pets

[charlie116]

Any of the large breeds, but especially Mastiffs and Rottweilers when they are growing pups, and the Saints and Newf just keep an eye out and be aware.

I also read that big dogs shouldn't be exercised too much before their limbs are fully developed or they may form abnormalities. Is that true?

[Husky_mom]

you´ve got quite a selection there.. mnay many different traits, sizes, etc..

unless you get like 3-4 at a time I see it hard to own every one of them.. lol..

working breeds
hound breeds
toy breeds
terrier breeds
sporting breeds

wow.. very nice ones though..

my input would be huskies and poms.. but since you´ve already had poms.. here´s my say on huskies:

if you can handle the hair (which is like a pom only like zillion times more..lol).. the howling, digging.. you don´t mind an independent dog, very smart for their own good, incredible rubber-body escapists.. they are awesome.. they can be very stubborn but yet incredibly loyal and lovable.. but beware.. never EVER EVER trust one off-leash.. these dogs are made to run and WILL run until the end of the world if allowed to.. no matter how trained they are.. even if you trust them enough there´s always one time they didn´t listen and ran off... they are high prey drive dogs too.. so introduction with small pets is very very important thing.. if you don´t want to end having your lil pet as food..

[Freedom]

You can learn quite a bit about each breed from their AKC Club.

For instance, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a lot of genetic defects due to improper breeding (my groomer shows them, she owns 5). Plan on a separate bank account for your vet!

Some are going to need a lot of attention to the coat. Most are going to need obedience classes, although as you go through life and own first one and then another, you will become a good alpha leader. Border Collies need a job, or they will be in trouble constantly, and will try to herd cars.

[charlie116]

you´ve got quite a selection there.. mnay many different traits, sizes, etc..

unless you get like 3-4 at a time I see it hard to own every one of them.. lol..

working breeds
hound breeds
toy breeds
terrier breeds
sporting breeds

wow.. very nice ones though..

my input would be huskies and poms.. but since you´ve already had poms.. here´s my say on huskies:

if you can handle the hair (which is like a pom only like zillion times more..lol).. the howling, digging.. you don´t mind an independent dog, very smart for their own good, incredible rubber-body escapists.. they are awesome.. they can be very stubborn but yet incredibly loyal and lovable.. but beware.. never EVER EVER trust one off-leash.. these dogs are made to run and WILL run until the end of the world if allowed to.. no matter how trained they are.. even if you trust them enough there´s always one time they didn´t listen and ran off... they are high prey drive dogs too.. so introduction with small pets is very very important thing.. if you don´t want to end having your lil pet as food..

yea, my boyfriend has 2 huskies & boy are they hyper! but, I love their personalities. once they calm down, they're so friendly & cuddly. I love how vocal they are too. I believe that with the proper training & a good exercise regiment, they can be great pets!