Alaskan Malamutes and Bernese Mountain Dogs

[IRescue452]

Even though I've been pointing out some of the flaws in certain breeds, like the short short lifespan of berners, I have to say you should get whatever breed your heart is set on. You're an experienced dog owner and obviously dedicated to owning a dog since you're on this site whereas most dog owners aren't actively involved in the world of pets, they just own one. I think you could get past the hurdles of any breed and make it work. Also remember that while generalizations of each breed are based in truth, like malamutes being bad off leash, they aren't set in stone. My friend owns a greyhound who's off-leash trained pretty well. I think most greyhound owners would faint at the thought.

[CountryWolf07]

Oh absolutely! I just think that the Labrador Retriever may be the right breed for us, since he/she would fit our lifestyle. I'm just looking for a companion to hang out with during the day and keep me company at home. I'm just more concerned about how if my boyfriend and I end up getting this house, that has a 3 acres yard, but unfenced. However, if it was fenced in, I would not hesitate on owning another Siberian Husky. It just wouldn't' be right of me to tie up a dog that isn't meant to be tied up.

[Cataholic]

It just wouldn't' be right of me to tie up a dog that isn't meant to be tied up.

What do you mean by this statement? IMO, no dog is meant to be tied up. I suppose putting them out on a leash for 30 minutes is appropriate...but I don't think any dog deserves life on the end of a chain. I can't think you meant that, either...

There are other options then fencing in one's entire yard. Many people fence off a section for their dog(s), and really, it means there isn't poop all over the yard.

[Sowa]

There is the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. If you have time for lots of exercise and training. A family friend had 2, very good guard dogs. Someone broke into their house and one of them had the guy pinned to a wall until the owner told him to stop.

http://www.pets.ca/dogs/breed-profil...bay-retriever/

[CountryWolf07]

There is the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. If you have time for lots of exercise and training. A family friend had 2, very good guard dogs. Someone broke into their house and one of them had the guy pinned to a wall until the owner told him to stop.

http://www.pets.ca/dogs/breed-profil...bay-retriever/

I was actually looking into that breed. Very interesting. Mike is hoping I'll end up wanting a Black Labrador. He's always had Black Labs growing up so we'll see. I have nothing against the breed, anyway. They are great.

[Sowa]

I was actually looking into that breed. Very interesting. Mike is hoping I'll end up wanting a Black Labrador. He's always had Black Labs growing up so we'll see. I have nothing against the breed, anyway. They are great.

I think either way you'll end up with a great dog. My last dog was a Black Lab and Clover is a Yellow. They're great dogs. Easy to train, loyal, smart. Just be prepared to have your house chewed apart! Clover wasn't too bad but I had a lot of bones and things for her to chew on and keep her busy!

[CountryWolf07]

What do you mean by this statement? IMO, no dog is meant to be tied up. I suppose putting them out on a leash for 30 minutes is appropriate...but I don't think any dog deserves life on the end of a chain. I can't think you meant that, either...

There are other options then fencing in one's entire yard. Many people fence off a section for their dog(s), and really, it means there isn't poop all over the yard.

Of course, I didn't mean that. Why would I? That's ridiculous. I'm not that kind of person. Mike and I do not have a fenced in yard. Are we planning on fencing in our backyard? No. Not right now. It's 3 acres. We just bought a house and we want to start off slow by moving in together, etc. then get a dog. I was hoping to find a fenced in yard, but wasn't able to. I wanted to get another Siberian Husky but because of that, I won't. I don't want a tie up a dog. My first dog was tied up, never had a issue. He was happy. He just had the desire to run off or wander off just for the fun of it. Plus he was part hound.