Owners of Bernese mountain dogs, giant schnauzers, great danes, and chows?

Question

I'm considering these breeds, and would like to know your experience with them. How are they with strangers? Other dogs? Kids? How much exercise do they need to be happy? Could they live happily in a 2 bedroom apartment? What about a townhouse? Thanks, trying to do all the homework to make the right decision. I'm also curious about mixes of these breeds, doesn't have to be purebred!

Answer 1

Great Dane would be your best bet for the size of housing you have, plus they are stellar with children (although no dog of any breed should be left alone with small children, ever!).

If you do decide to get a dog would you consider rescuing one? There are plenty of purebred dogs that need good homes in rescues and shelters, and contrary to belief you can usually learn more about a rescued dog then one you buy from say a breeder. And not all dogs in rescue or shelters were abused or given up for being "bad dogs". Most of the time the owners were the reason for the dog finding themselves homeless.

Plus you can always get puppies in rescues too!

Answer 2

I would do internet searches for sites related to the specific breeds you have in mind, and that should bring up breeders and owners, who can give you specific information. Of your list, Chows are probably best for apartment/townhome living, because they are not a particularly active breed, but they are NOT the best dogs for families with children. Your list consists mostly of large working dogs. Large dogs need space and exercise, and, well, work--a job. They can be perfectly happy in an apartment given sufficient exercise. No exercise, no work--you are going to create a problem. Do you have the time and energy to be able to take the dog for an hour or more of exercise daily, rain or shine? Fit the breed to your lifestyle, available time, and energy level. If your favorite thing to do is read, get a couch potato type dog. If you run triathalons in all weather, then a large active dog may be fine.

Answer 3

I am not trying to be rude but being honest. I don't think you have done your research. I can't imagine any of these breeds being happy living in an apartment. Yes, some breeds do very well with under those conditions. I would go back and google each and everyone of one of them again . You don't want you or your dog to be miserable . You sure don't want to be paying for the damages done to someone Else's property. Some apartment owners may allow dogs but have restrictions on which breeds are allowed and which are not . They do this for a reason, not all breeds are suitable for apartment living. Even though I have never owned a Great Dane , it would be hard for me to believe it would be happy having such a small area to run around in , with no backyard - good luck

Answer 4

Great Danes can live very well in a small home.They don't require a lot of exercise. If properly socialized they love peopel. The do need to be well bred and well socialized and like all dogs they need obedience training. They are usually very good with kids.

Danes are happiest with theri peopel and they are couch potatoes.
They are a giant breed and aren't for everyone.
Danes that come from irresponsible breeders can be prone to hip dysplaia, thyroid and heart problems. This is why it is important ot buy from a responsible breeder, one who does health tests on their dogs BEFORE breeding and who researches pedigrees carefully for health, longevity, temperament and breed standard.

It is highly recommended to spay/neuter any pet because they will live a longer,healthier life, BUT Great Danes do NOT become aggressive or dominant (unless they are to begin with and if they came from a good breeder they won't be) if left intact!!!!!

Answer 5

I mentored with a top quality Great Dane breeder who taught me a lot about breeding for health. I know for a fact that if you do not get one from a top quality breeder they can have serious health problems. Also, if you do not fix your Dane they are VERY dominant and aggressive.

Other dogs? It goes back to whether or not you plan to fix your dog. If you do, yes.

Apartment? HELL NO. Even a town house could be too small.

Mix? I would say HELL NO again because Danes can have such bad health problems that the $1000 cost of the dog is well worth the $3000 cost at the vet and the pain your dog goes through.

Do I love Great Danes? Yes, but I love Shiba's more :)

Answer 6

I had a great dane/chow mix and he was great. He was kind of lazy but did fight off a couple of coyotes one night. He was great with kids and other pets. The only problem though is that he would have never done any good in the house except in the summertime when it was really hot outside. A chow has too much fur. He would lay outside when there was snow on the ground and pant like he was hot. So he never would have made in it our house. Other than that he was a wonderful pet. Of course the great dane in him could have been what made him so good with kids I don't know.

Answer 7

All of the breeds you listed should have a yard to play in. You would be better off with a cat, or a small breed dog. Before you take on this responsibility, make sure you can afford the medial care, feeding and upkeep for an animal.

Answer 8

I have a great dane. They don't eat alot and the don't need a whole lot of excersise. We live in a small house and he likes it just fine, as long as he has a bed or a couch. They do well with other dogs though our dane is afraid of small dogs.Our 2yr. old son climbs all over him and he just lays there.They also make very good guard dogs. They have a loud bark.

Answer 9

Ihave only had giant schnauzers. they are smart, friendly, lovable and they will protect the ones they love. this is a good "all around" dog. he will protect ou but he likes to "goof off as well

smart.

get one of these

but all the dog s you mention are large breeds. remember to exercise them A LOT!!

great danes dont live very long

Answer 10

I know you like the mastiff type breeds, but a Greyhound is lovely, tall, non aggressive, and would be happy in an apartment or townhouse..
Just put in your own zip code to find the ones nearest you> http://search.petfinder.com/search/search.cgi

Isn't Winnie lovely! > http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=7740011

There are Greyhound rescues in nearly every area, and these ex-track hounds make wonderful pets. My friend has 3, and wants one more!! Just put in a search for 'greyhound rescue' and your state..