The best large breed dog?

Question

I know there's no specific "Best" breed of large dogs, as all have their pro's and con's.. But I'm looking for a good working-type large breed dog. Austrailian Cattle Dogs are too small for me - I was thinking about a 'Red' Golden Retriever, or possibly a Weimarainer, but I'm not sure. Any other breeds you guys would like to throw at me, and maybe why I should go with them? - By the way, Mastiff's are not for me. :) Too lazy. Thanks!

Answer 1

I have a weimaraner, I love her dearly but am glad she wasn't my first dog or I would've stopped right there =) While they are very loving and very loyal dogs they are also very high strung -of course this is a generalization. She is very stubborn and determined. If you have the time to spend with the dog, not crating them or leaving them alone all day...then I would say go for the weim. They are beautiful, as long as you know what you're up against. Sift through the information available to you online about whatever breed you decide.
My personal recommendation is a german short haired pointer. Or a rescue pup, even if it's a mix. I have a gsp/black lab rescue dog and he is the most loving and loyal dog you could find. Best $150 I could spend, and he was already neutered when he came home - one less hassle. Very docile, with us. Very protective of our yard and his family, great with kids of all ages. He is my oldest dog of 3. Then there is my weim who is 8 months old. Then I have a gsp puppy that is 3 months old.
While I've always been told that as a whole weims are the smartest, it's my newest pup that is already opening doors to let himself outside. The other two won't even push open a cracked door =)
Irish setters also make good companions, but have the longer, higher maintenance hair to contend with. I prefer dogs with less grooming maintenance - because it leaves me with a little less cleaning to do.
If it's a good running dog you're looking for, a very active dog...then I would say a gsp or weim would suit your needs. Please just be sure to look into the breed thoroughly. Join a message board on the breed, ask some questions. Most dog owners are very willing to tell you both the pros and cons of their dogs. Myspace has a message board for weims and various others. Happy hunting and let us know what you decide!
Happy holidays!!

Answer 2

Have you looked at a Siberian Husky? I have had my boy for four years now and he is the best dog I have ever owned. They are NOT for everyone, so do lots of research before you commit. Talk to some breeders etc. Sibes are very active, they need a lots of exercise and mental stimulation. They are highly intelligent and need a firm hand from the first day you get them - you need to establish yourself as their leader right away! This is the biggest mistake people make with Sibes but if you do this they will honestly be the best dog you could own. There is no better feeling then having your Sibe look you in the eyes, waiting for you to give them a command (as though they are asking, what do I do next?).

Edited to add: in regards to the post saying mutts are healthier than purebreeds, if you go to a good breeder this should not be a problem. Crosses can be lovely dogs but they can also have unpredictable temperments, as you won't know for sure what you are getting (not dissing them, just letting you know). Although this problem can be solved by getting an adult dog from the pound, which I also reccommend.

Melanie T, huskies are great in any climate. It is a myth that they are only good in cold weather, their coats work like insulation and they are very adjustable to their climate. I live in Australia, and there are more than 100 registered breeders of Sibes here! I guarentee you they do great here, they are a hugely popular breed.

Answer 3

Maybe Berner Sennehund???
The Bernese Mountain Dog or "Berner Sennehund" is one of many Swiss breeds. Previously a cattle-driver, tracking dog, and watchdog among other uses, now a watchdog and family pet. Bernese can be very friendly as adults, but they also can be a little more descriminating about strangers than Golden Retrievers. They certainly do bark and warn you that there is somebody strange at your back door or that a strange dog is on your property. Women, children and small animals are rarely perceived as a threat but the odd strange man will get barked at.

They are not an attack dog but they were used to warn the sheperd in the Swiss Alps that there was something strange around the herd of cattle or flock of sheep. They were also used to pull carts of milk cans and supplies to market before there were roads in the alps. Bernese Mountain Dogs have no wander in them at all. Furthermore, they do not have to follow a scent like beagles or huskies.
Please photo : http://askedweb.com/askedweb/Berner_Sennehund/

Jason Homan

Answer 4

It really depends, do you wanta working class dog? I'd suggest a doberman if that's the case. They are very intelligent, easy to train, have loads of endurance without being hyper or having anxiety issues. If you want a herding breed, I'd suggest a german shepard, same reasons as I'd suggest the doberman. If you want a sporting breed, I'd go with a vizla, if you had experience with them I might suggest a weim or a gsh, however these 2 HAVE to get out and run along with some having anxiety issues. The vizla is a little smaller, but has the short coat, easy to take care of and intelligent as well. None of these dogs are lazy, these all have to be taken out often for more than your average walk. They need to run. Along with that, be sure you are getting the dog from a reputable breeder or rescue. Many of these dogs have been bred poorly, leading to anxiety issues(weim, vizla, gsh) or health issues (gsd and dobie). Hope you find something you like!

Answer 5

It makes a differance what type of work your talking about. I hunting is what you want most of the sporting breeds. And by the way there is no such a type of golden that is called a red golden retriever. Try the herding breeds if you want a dog to do agility or obedience or that type of work. I hope that you find what you want. What that other person ment was greyhounds not great danes. It also depends on where you live?

Answer 6

We had 2 "red" male golden retreivers. They are wonderful, affectionate dogs. Our youngest child was 9 months old when we go them and she pulled and poked those dogs mercilessly, and they never said a word or tried to hurt her.

They can be a lot of work- training, setting limits, etc. They LOVE water and swimming. Try a good obedience school.

Be sure NOT to get a golden with a long snout. Speaking from experience, they a very stubborn dogs. Also, buy from a breeder not a pet store.

We got lots of love from our dogs.

Answer 7

I`m assuming you have the room for a large breed and are willing to give the dog proper exercise.The dog that come to mind is a Chesapeake bay lab. This breed averages 100 to 125 pounds thick boned and thick coat and a great swimmer. loyal and loving.

Answer 8

I would totally allow my dog to donate blood. One of my dogs had to have an emergency transfusion to save her life and if one of the vet techs at the vet hadn't offered up her dog that was already there, mine may have died because we didn't have time to go home and get our other dog. It's a great thing to do, it doesn't hurt the donor and it could very well save another dog's life. As long as care is taken to keep the donor comfortable, then why not? I wouldn't do it excessively, but here and there to help out, absolutely. Edit: To Sunny, you mentioned that it could bother your dog. I watched them take the blood from the donor before putting it in my dog and he was fine. They gave him a mild sedative and he just laid there calmly. They all stroked him and comforted him and afterward he just sat up like nothing had happened. He wasn't traumatized at all. If it were distressing for the individual dog, then that dog obviously isn't a candidate, but I think most dogs would do just fine.

Answer 9

Try a Stafford shire terrier (pit Bull) They have received a bad rap but are excellent companions and are excellent family pets not to mention the protection factor for your home. They also are one of the breeds that need the most help I have owned Pitts all my life and quite frankly dont know what all the hubbub is about they have a strong prey drive but are also what you make them into very loving or aggressive. The short hair is also a benefit.

Answer 10

I had a German Shepard collie mix once that was such a great dog I really wish I;D LET her have puppies. ,When we lived in the country ;she saw a coyote took off after it ,it ran.,I was scared it would hurt her,so called her, she started running to me ,but the coyote turned and started chasing her,guess it thought she was chicken,then she stopped and started chasing the coyote again;I stood their watching them worried she,d get hurt, the silly things kept chasing each other ,finally the coyote went back in the woods;we put her in her pen with are spaniel later when we moved , It would try an climb out but she,d make it get down. her mom was full bloodied collie the father German Shepard, she was a smart wonderful dog,I sure miss her.so don't forget about the mixed breeds,like a box of chocolates never know what you will get,ha ha