View Full Version : Please help me pick the right breed!
matagi
04-04-2007, 07:54 AM
Hi, I love all dogs and this doesn't help when trying to choose a breed. I have been looking in particular at the molosser type dogs, particularly the st bernard, newfoundland, leonberger and mastiff. This is where I get stuck as, though my head says the leonberger is the most suitable my heart keeps throwing me towards the st bernard and then i'm sure to start considering the newfoundland. I just keep going in circle!
I would really love a quite lively and playful dog, which i know these are not reknowned for being so, but is the st bernard as lazy as some say and how does its energy levels compare to the others? I also really want a very affectionate dog. I'm sure that all of them are very huggable wannabe lap dogs, but which is the most so?
Maggie
04-04-2007, 08:07 AM
Hi matagi, Welcome to the Forum. :D
Reading your post reminded me of myself only a few weeks back, I joined this site as I was looking for a breed of puppy. The people her helped me loads. In the end we went with a Labrador.
I hope you find the puppy you want and I'm sure you'll get loads of help here.
KatzNK9
04-04-2007, 08:07 AM
Hello and welcome to the forum! Great to have you with us.
Of the 4 breeds you've mentioned, I'd have to say the Newfoundland is likely the most playful, most lively, and most lapable/huggable.
I'd only get a Newfy if I was living in a colder climate and had plenty of access to water as they are true water dogs. In fact, if I lived in such an area, I'd be breeding Newfys & having my own large pack of them as they are magnificent dogs & overall, my favorite, but I live in the wrong climate to have them.
golden&hovawart
04-04-2007, 09:42 AM
I would go,for the leonberger or the Great Pyrenes.They are more active than any of the other breeds mentioned and the leoonberger doesn't drool.They are pretty good watchdogs.I know the leonberger from personal experience,I had 3.They love to swim and are good with kids.
PS: if you want some pictures of leos and any answers on the breed,please ask
skunkstripe
04-04-2007, 10:05 AM
Hi Matagi and http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q108/2dogmom_album/crittergraphics/welcomepawprints.gif
If you love all dogs youa rein the right place! I wish I could help with your selection but I know very little about the big breeds. Someone will be along I'm sure to give you advice.
MyDogShelby
04-04-2007, 10:47 AM
Well, first I wanted to say Welcome to the Forum!
Second...the best breed for you? that is a tough one!
Sounds like you are stuck on a large breed, and the ones you have mentioned are some of the largest I know of...you said you wanted something that's active and affectionate...would a German Shepherd or Great Dane be something you would consider? Great Danes are large and gentle giants ;)
matagi
04-04-2007, 10:52 AM
yes i have, in the past looked at the great dane. but i like broadness and massiveness, rather than height. so while the great dane has the most gorgeous character, i dislike the rather lanky, almost spindly shape of it.
thank you though!!
MyDogShelby
04-04-2007, 11:01 AM
yes i have, in the past looked at the great dane. but i like broadness and massiveness, rather than height. so while the great dane has the most gorgeous character, i dislike the rather lanky, almost spindly shape of it.
thank you though!!
Your welcome ;) So I guess the German Shepherd would be out too :D
If I think of anything else, I'll post some more :)
How about the suggestion by one of the members of a Great Pyrenes? They are so beautiful!
Newfs are an awesome dog to own. Quite athletic considering thier size, great with kids and good watch dogs....
The coat requires more grooming than the Mastiff or The St Bernard, I'd imagine... But no more than the Leonberger or the Pyrenese I don't suppose...
Lotsa different breeds of Mastiff to choose from... have you looked them all over?
matagi
04-07-2007, 08:26 AM
Yes, I have looked at pretty much every breed in detail over the last, well it must be about, 8 years. I remember the first breed i was interested in was the glen of imaal terrier and have slowly moved up to these giant breed. Roght now I am kind of leaning towards the st bernard for, despite being the least lively and least playful they are just so lovely, but I am still open to advice on anothe breed. I suppose it should really be the leonberger but i would really like to breed in the future and I really dislike the slight loooks of the leonberger bitches.
GitSol
04-09-2007, 12:23 PM
I don't know much about Leonbergers but I love both Newfs and Saints...though I lean towards, and have experience with Newfs...
Saints do *tend* to drool more than Newfs, but of course there are always St's that don't drool and lot and Newfs that drool a lot! lol! Newfs need loads of grooming and you will find Newf hair EVERYWHERE (including in your food and drink). I think that all Newfoundlands have an inner Chihuahua - they just want to be on your lap and have loads of cuddles (though again, some are more cuddly than others). Wherever you live, unless it is cold all year round, be prepared to take Newfs out early morning and late at night in the warm weather and expect them to want to lie outside when it is pouring with rain and want to sit in their water bowls as pups - they ADORE water! If you don't have any access to safe water (safe lakes or the sea) then please don't get a Newf - I know one or two who don't live near water but they truly love the stuff and I think it's only fair to them that they get to have time in it! :D
Best of luck with your search.
Ooh! Good point on the Newfs and water. I hadn't even considered it. It's not a factor to worry about in my neck of the woods by the sea. good one!
Looks like St.B will be the dog to be!
blackrose
07-21-2007, 07:14 PM
They are all great dogs, The st. Bernards drewl all over you, very affectionate though, MASTIVES ARE LOVING BUT VERY INTIMIDATING, Newfondlands are awsom, very loyal, playful, lots of hair, if kept outside not much shedding, very nice dogs. If you prefer a smaller dog, the border collie is great and so are siberian HUSkies. Hope this helps.
xcolbi
07-21-2007, 07:32 PM
I am not sure if you have seen this site before, but www.dogbreedinfo.com (http://www.dogbreedinfo.com) is a very good site for information. Here are the pages for the specific breeds you mentioned:
Leonberger: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/leonberger.htm
Mastiff: http://www3.dogbreedinfo.com/mastiff.htm
Newfoundland: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/newfoundland.htm
Saint Bernard: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/saintbernard.htm
And if you are interested, here is their breed selector quiz (maybe you can narrow it down this way):
http://www3.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm