My husband and I want to get a new dog (puppy actually). We know and understand what goes into having a larger dog, this will be my 4th dog and I think his 10th (his parents had like 6 dogs while he was growing up), so we're not novice owners and intend on training the dog and what not. We have a 2 year old and one of the reasons we selected these breeds was because they are both supposed to be really good with children. Any insight would be very helpful, or share your own experiences with the breeds. Also I live in Maine, if any one knows of breeders of either breed in the New England area, I would love for your to let me know! Thank you!
2007-11-13 03:37:09 · 10 answers · asked by ? 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I guess I cannot attest to the Saint Bernard. That is the one breed that I have beeen seriously bitten by as a child, and have been wary of since. I have klnown some that were great though. The benefit with that breed is you can select the "smooth" or short coat to lessen your grooming. And I have NEVER seen one that was close to 300 lbs!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have Newfs and have had them since 1991. I love the breed. I have raised three kids with Newfs. They are pretty good with kids, especially near the water. They will not let my kids IN the water. They herd them away from it, or try and pull them out of it. It is pretty funny.
HOWEVER, Newfs will take food from little kids. They will flatten a toddler to get a cracker. They are big enough to do the same to an 8 year old. You will find hair in all the kids food. You will find a drool film covering the kids, the walls, and the ceiling.
Newfs are "teenagers" for a LONG time. They are pretty sedate as adults, but can be VERY active as youths. They knock over kids. They can knock them into a corner of a cabinet and cause the child to need stitches.
The need a LOT of grooming. They NEED obedience class. They can have health problems. They can be a very costly breed.
Those are the downsides. They are wonderful dogs. If they are obtained from a good breeder, or a rescue that screens for health problems, they can be really great. Beware a cheap Newf!!!!!!!!!! Beware of some rescues. Many of what they call Newfs are not Newfs at all. Some are Chow mixes, which is a whole other can of worms. Beware of resuces that will not x-ray for hip dysplasia. Most of the Newfs in resuces come from pet stores or backyard breeders and would be more likely to have health problems.
With a LOT of thought, time, money, and care a Newf and a family are wonderful together!!!!!!!!
http://www.ncanewfs.org/index.shtml
http://www.newfclubne.org/NCNE/index.php
2007-11-13 07:07:09 · answer #1 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd go with the Newf.. Though that may just be because I have more experience with them. Saints weigh a lot more than Newfs when full grown. Puppies being the rambunctious things that they are, it might be best to go for the 'smaller' dog just so your kiddo doesn't accidentally get trampled by a 100 pound puppy. The only Saints I've known weren't the most tolerant of dogs around little kids (toddlers) but were awesome with the 5 and 6 year old crowd.
2007-11-13 03:55:00 · answer #2 · answered by fluffy_aliens 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you live in Maine, your best bet would be to check out www.petfinder.com. There are loads of rescues that adopt out to New Englanders and a lot of them have St. Bernards. Newfs are a little harder to find (especially purebred) in a rescue, but they do exist.
Good Dog Rescue has a few St. Bernards at the moment I believe, and I am sure there are quite a few puppies around here. Please consider adopting over a breeder. Unless you intend to show the dog, saving a life is much more important than having papers!
2007-11-13 03:42:14 · answer #3 · answered by Fur and Fiction 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is just because they are suppose to be good with children, there are many more breeds for that then just those two.
Also, being good with children isn't strictly a breed thing, it depends on the individual dog.
Many shelters assess how good dogs are with children. If you stop getting hooked up on breeds you can really make a positive difference in a dogs life and get one from a shelter. This way you save a dog and allow the shelter to have more room to house another dog in need of shelter.
When you buy from a breeder they will only breed more dogs and there are already 8 to 10 million homeless ones in the US.
2007-11-13 03:44:06 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Which do I personally like best? I generally prefer short-haired dogs, so I suppose the Saint Bernard, as they are available in a short-haired variety whereas the Newfoundland is not.
2016-05-22 23:13:07 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
St. Bernards can grow to over 300lbs and Newfoundlands get to maybe 150lbs. With a small child and a puppy that will quickly grow to the kids size in less than 1 year, I would recommend the NF mainly because puppies are energetic, yippy and love to nibble on little fingers and toes. A St. Bernard will be able to easily run right over your little tike in approx 6 months, : ). I love St. Bernard's myself, but they just get too big and I've known several who have not been good with kids until they grow up to be taller than the dog.
2007-11-13 03:49:05 · answer #6 · answered by mommyndd 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have always wanted a Saint Bernard, but I Iive in Texas and I don't think the weather would good for one, but if you live in Maine, that would be perfect.
2007-11-13 03:59:14 · answer #7 · answered by tinymite 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest the Newfoundland. With little ones in your household, I wouldn't recommend the St. Bernard since they require lots and lots of grooming (I know how much work little ones require).
2007-11-13 03:43:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You mayhave problems with having the child. Most large breed rescues have age stipulations.
2007-11-13 03:50:40 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
hmmmmm, check out www.akc.org, for more information, but i would go with the newfoundland, they are cuter.
2007-11-13 03:42:36 · answer #10 · answered by Renee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋