NWR: PUPPY UPDATED WITH CHOICE!

oh wow! you really meant large, didn't you??
i've heard good things about both of those dogs though!
have you thought about a bernese moutain dog, too? they are very similar to a st. bernard... my friend had one that was absolutely adorable!

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Posted by ML110

oh wow! you really meant large, didn't you??
i've heard good things about both of those dogs though!
have you thought about a bernese moutain dog, too? they are very similar to a st. bernard... my friend had one that was absolutely adorable!

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I was going to mention Bernese mountain dogs also. There are a few people I know who have them and they are supposed to be EXTREMELY good with kids. One person called them the 'gentle giant'. So friendly and sweet, if I had the room, I would be getting one of them!

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Posted by KandR419

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Posted by ML110

oh wow! you really meant large, didn't you??
i've heard good things about both of those dogs though!
have you thought about a bernese moutain dog, too? they are very similar to a st. bernard... my friend had one that was absolutely adorable!

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I was going to mention Bernese mountain dogs also. There are a few people I know who have them and they are supposed to be EXTREMELY good with kids. One person called them the 'gentle giant'. So friendly and sweet, if I had the room, I would be getting one of them!

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I LOVE the Bernese... but the average life span is only 6 years! They tend to die of cancer at a young age!

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Posted by wendyz06

Def look at boxers. I got one and I love him. Great with kids!

There are many boxer rescue places too!

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Boxer's definitely!

just wanted to let you know that newfies shed, in clumps, but a lot, not to mention drool. They have a very calm personallity and are great with children. There aren't very many rescue organizations though...

if you're looking for a dog that will be active and play with your kids, not to mention loyal...then hands down I would adopt a lab....

labs are amazing. i have 2 back at my parent's. i'm also all for mixed breeds (mutts). they live longer too.

the only thing i would be careful with is getting a puppy-puppy (like a baby) if it's gonna be alone for 3-4 hrs per day. it may be ok if it's a little older (a few months as opposed to a few weeks), but just make sure you have all the things it needs - toys to entertain it (peanut butter in a hollow toy is great) and leave the tv/radio on. also, if you leave a tshirt or something that smells like you with it in the cage, it helps.

and i feel your pain. i want a dog SO bad, but we don't have the time or the money. =0( good luck!

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Posted by rojerono

We were talking about an Old English Sheepdog yesterday... but determined that they are just TOO stubborn in their puppyhood and have been warned thta they have a tendency to nip 'their' children in an attempt to 'herd' them!

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I'm sorry but LMAO!!!!

and I'm glad to hear that you have come to a decision on a dog-- good luck!! it's going to be hard, i'm not gonna lie-- st. bernards and newfoundlands are very large dogs that shed a lot and tend to drool a lot too. i used to dogsit for st. bernards as well as english mastiffs-- but they are very loving and sweet so it's worth it.

i'm still cracking up about the herding over here!

best of luck

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Posted by ant n tilde

i love my boston terrier

he isnt that big but he isnt tiny either

and he is PERFECT with children. . .he knows he cant jump on the bed when my niece is sleeping on it and he just lays on the floor and guards her i love it!

FM if you have any specific questions I am like National Advocate for Boston Terriers LOL

ETA: miminal shedding!

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yes! ive heard boston terriers are so smart and great with kids! getting a boston terrier is one of fh's requirements for marriage lol

What about a golden doodle?? they don't shed, they are super loveable.. not too large, but definitely not small.. great with children..

FH's uncle has a Great Pyrenese Newfoundland mix and he's GINORMOUS and very territorial around the family... but when he goes to the god run, he's very playful with other dogs.. he's just to big for my taste.. JMO on that breed..

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Posted by STBMrsDaniRella

Well, I think Goldens and Labs are adorable BUT you said low shedding-- and they are FAR from low shedding. We have a dog that is obediant, cute and cuddly yet playful when you want her to be, very owner pleasing, completely non shedding and hypo-allergenic... she is all-around a GREAT dog. Especially for people with a lot going on, kids, etc.

Buying her was the best thing we ever did... She is a miniature schnauzer-- now, if you want larger than that all the same traits are in the larger version of her breed-- the standard schnauzer and then there is also a giant schnauzer.

Most mini females are about 12-15 pounds.
Male mini schnauzers are about 16-18 pounds.

The standards are in the middle of that and the Giant is about 80-100 pounds. I highly recommend them. She understands hand signal commands (when I snap my fingers she sits, when i wave my hand she lays down). She was very easy to house train... she rings a bell we have by the back door when she is ready to go out. We have her trained to a small spot in the yard and when we say 'piddle' (the code word) she goes... I know I'm biased but she really is an excellent dog-- so well behaved, I can't believe it. The breed is known for being that way-- calm when you are calm, excited and playful (will fetch) when you are-- they feed off of you. My parents had one 15 years ago and loved it...

When we first got her

HTH!!!! GOOD LUCK

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I have a mini schnauzer too.....they are the best..

St Bernards and Newfs are very loving easy going dogs. I have one word to add though...DROOL!!! You will have to walk around with a towel...to me that would be worse than the hair.

You were looking at Newfies and Bernards. Just letting you know that you won't be picking up hair but you will be wiping drool off of everything. Great dogs though.

My suggestion was going to be a great dane. My neighbor had one and the puppy grew up with her son. That dog was well behaved, playful, didn't shed much. It was extremely big but very friendly. His name is Monte. I was a vet tech for 13 years before I became a therapist. You want to do some research on the breed to find out what types of hereditary defects they have. For example, the shepherd. You had one growing up and i'm sure he had rear hip problems to the point where you may have had to carry him outside to go to the bathroom. Labs have hip displasia, and chronic ear infections. Ears apply to goldens, cockers, and any floppy earred dog.

Go to the pound. Check out the size of the puppys paws. If they are large then he will most likely be a large breed. If you get to take him out flip him onto his back. If he lies there with his tummy exposed then he is submissive. If he tries to keep flipping over so you can't pet him then most likely he will be more stuborn and a little harder to train.

Any dog you get will need constant training and socialization. That is the key to a successful dog. I used to own my own pet sitting/ dog training business in NC when I lived there for 2 years. If you need any help training please do not hesitate to FM me and I will give you as many tips as I can. Also, it would be my pleasure to come and show you training techniques.

Good Luck! Any pet is a perfect pet if given the right amount of love and dicipline!