Large Breed Dogs?

Question

I love the breeds I have- Papillon and Siberian Husky. However, I'm always toying with the question of what breed the next dog I get will be.

I know this is going to sound silly... (I always scoff at those who don't want a dog who sheds, as I have a Husky)...but I can't really get over some superficial misgivings I have about some large breeds- the drool, the amount of food necessary and the size of the poop. I'm sure I could get over these things after a little while though.

To those of you who have, have had or have worked with giant breeds, what are the "pros" and "cons" of the breed you've experienced?

I'm very interested in Saints, but will consider other breeds- not so interested in Bernese Mountain dogs.

Look! How perfect!

http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=8794356

Answer 1

I take care of some Great Danes.

These dogs are great, I love them, they are hilarious.

Pros~ great companion,
Dignified
Kind
Playful
Patient with children
Loves everyone and needs to be with their people

Cons~ sloppy when eating,
can be too big for some people,
can be aggressive if not trained right,
Hip displace,
prone to bloat
Tumors
Heart Disease
and Tail injuries
Must not jog with this breed until he or she is at least a year old.
Grows quickly
Does not live long, Akc and dog breed info state 10 -12yrs

The feeding of these dogs are just like our large to medium breeds, since this breed is prone to bloat, you must feed in small amounts and the food dishes must be level to the dog back so.

Answer 2

Wow, what a cool looking dog that Samson is, poor thing....I wish I had 5 acres and a bigger house! I have a weimeramer, who is bigger than she should be at 87 lbs, she was a 2 time loser rescue dog, and came with a lot of baggage, but she's definitely not stupid, doesn't smell, doesn't shed a lot. I also now have my 3rd dogue de bordeaux- I love them, but they are messy. We keep the water bowl outside on the patio, and a basket of spit rags by the door, but I still find spit all over the place. Most of the mastiffs are pretty low energy, my boys have been easy to train with early start, and real lovers. The new boy is a little tighter in the mouth so far, and has not started drooling too much yet, but I figure that will change when his head finishes growing. He does seem to have a higher prey drive than the last two- he is the bomb at fetch! He is good with other dogs, and my last 2 loved tiny dogs. I have yet to see a "dry mouth" St....I also really like borzois---seem to have the same regal demeanor and appearance of an afghan hound but with a little more brain (sorry to any afghan lovers!) and there is something about an Irish Wolfhound....maybe its just that they have the same hair style I have most days! As for poop....it is an issue around here, the dogs have in and out access to our smaller back yard, front isn't fenced. I have to clean up out there 2-3 times a week. My boys have not been big eaters, I don't know how they get as big as they do, Cain will eat a few bites of kibble, then wander off, but he has somehow gone from 38 to almost 50 lbs in 2 1/2 weeks. They are prone to bloat like all large breeds, joint problems, etc.

Answer 3

I do not won a large breed but I help my friend who fosters for a rescue with ehr Danes all the time and let me tell you....

THEY ARE GREAT!

They are mellow dogs, and are average shedders (less then a husky!) and the 2 she has do not drool. I mean eveyr now and then when they are nervous but I don't get grossed out. I know some danes do drool but I think it varies dog to dog because I have met drooley danes and then not so drooley danes. You will have to look into which breeds do or do not drool...I jsut cannot remember them all. Danes are couch potatos. A good walk every day is all they need adn other than that they love to lounge around, and unfortunately lay all 120 lbs on you. They think they are lap dogs....they don't realize they are as big as you are lol

A big con is the poop....for me because I jsut hate that job lol Another con is that most danes eat about 10-12 cups fo food a day. That is a lot of food! I haev nto had any experience with any other breeds but Saints are one of the breeds that drool and shed a lot. SO just b eprepared for that.

Answer 4

I currently have a shepherd and a husky. You know about the husky, but the shepherd is a larger breed dog. Less shedding then the husky but still quite a bit!! I find the GSD to be very docile (even as a puppy). She does what I do. They are known to watch over you and even watch everything you do (to make sure you're okay)!! Loyal and agile. She will lay down when I'm tired, she will run or walk when I want to, etc.
I have NEVER had a problem with her as far as training (extremely smart, in fact, one of the smartest breeds out there). I have all NEW furniture and of high value including glass tables and not once has she ever tried chewing or gnawing at the furniture. She also is very careful as to not run into the furniture while playing with the husky. Where as the husky is careless, stubborn, very energetic, high maintenance and so forth. I love the husky, but if you are looking for a more tippy toe kind of dog, shepherd is your best bet! The only problem is, training a shepherd to stop barking is difficult. They tend to only bark when someone enters their property or upsets them (so it's not a constant bark) but it does happen and if you don't mind the protection, they are your best friend!!

Other breeds I have had growing up were: doberman pincher, labrador retriever, cocker spaniel, miniature daschund (hot dog!!) and pomeranian. My favourites...the shepherd and the doberman. The two largest!

Answer 5

I've owned & shown Great Danes for over 25 years..I've never owned a Dane that drooled..ever...sure there are some that do but there are many that do not. As for food..if feeding a good quality food like Wellness, Canide, Chicken Soup, etc they don't eat all that much...My Danes ( I currently have 3) eat 4 cups of dry per day & plus they also get wet food.I divide a can of wet between the 3 in the morning & again at night.
As for poop..1 firm poop per dog per day. Size very similar to that of a Lab.
Cons..many irresponsible breeders breeding them so need to be aware that a bad bred Dane can have health and/or temperament issues.
A giant breed isn't for everyone..they are big, they do take up space, they do need obedience training (all dogs do regardless of size).

Answer 6

I have a Great Dane, Chihuahua, and a Pom./Maltese mix... Our Great Dane has been the smartest loving dog I've ever owned. At first I didn't think I'd want one for the same reasons you listed, but now that I own one, I can't imagine not having her. The drool isn't that bad the only time ours does this is when she gets a drink, I sometimes take a washcloth when I see her get a drink and wipe the drool off. The poop, I don't really see... She is fully housebroke, and has only had one accident in the house since she was 8wks old she is now almost 8months old. The food, we have three dogs and go through a bag every two weeks giving them the right amount for their weights. To be honest with you she can be a little hyper at times, but every puppy/dog is hyper at times. With owning two small dogs and one giant breed, if I was to get another dog I'd get a giant breed, they are just much more friendly than small dogs, and to me that learn a lot quicker than small breeds, but that is just my personal oppinion. Well I hope I helped!!

Answer 7

I have had two Saints; a male and a female.

I gave the male to my sister's family. He drooled a lot and was an alpha male. Alpha males are harder to control, espcially if they weigh over 150 lbs.

That being said, I still have the female. Brandy is the best dog I have ever had. She does not drool. Drool in giant breed dogs in from the shape of their flews (lips). If their flews are too droopy, then the saliva just runs out of their mouths. Brandys flews do not droop so her saliva does not run out. Also, she is very very mellow. Likes to take naps, eat and be petted. She is a dream with my kids and all of the neighbor kids who like to lay all over her. She can be difficult to travel with because she weights 180 lbs; but I can still fit her in the back of my Jeep, so it's no problem. I will definitely get another Saint (female with small flews) for my next dog.

Answer 8

I have a Great Dane and have worked with several large breed rescues.

The drool is really not that bad- I had the same reservation before I got my big dog. Drool mainly happens after drinking water, and you just get used to it. Many large breed owners keep "drool rags" around the house to wipe up. And I wouldn't suggest white couches :)

My Dane eats about one 40 lb bag of food every three weeks. The general rule for giant breeds is about 8+ cups of dry food daily for an adult dog. Giant breeds should always be fed food with a protein content of 22% of less, even as puppies. Never feed a giant breed dog puppy food- it can make them to grow too fast, causing numerous health problems.

The poop, well, it is definately big. But on the upside, it's not hard to find! You're unlikely to not see it and step in it! :)

St Bernards are a great choice is you want a dog with a low energy level and low prey drive (unlikely to chase things). If you want a similar breed that is EXCELLENT with children, you might also look at a Newfoundland.

Best of luck!

Answer 9

What about a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?!! I have never owned a giant breed, so I can not help much in that aspect. My Shepherds are big enough for me! LOL I will tell you though, I have seriously been considering a Papillon!! I just love the temperment of that breed!

Answer 10

One of the reasons I chose Berners is the lack of drool! Surprisingly, as adults they don't eat all that much.

I did a seriously long hard look at Newfs (the drool got me as did the inability to fit it in front of my seat on an airplane)... and Dobes (yes, I'm a coward and decided against Dobes because I didn't want to deal with the public's perception of them since it would be a Service Dog).

If I could get ANY large breed dog (ie: one that wouldn't make me itch) I would get a Scottish Deerhound and I'd take up lure coursing as a new hobby!! Sadly, they do make me itch.