Hey all.
After months of research & years of want (now there’s blooming COVID stopping me attending shows) as a family we are finally ready to commit to a new family member.
Now we have narrowed our search to a couple of the big hairy breeds. We live close to the beach (where I swim) & a country park so muddy & wet footprints are already the norm.

So you lucky owners of the fabulous Newfoundland’s, Landseer & Bernese Mountain Dog, tell me why your chosen breed is the best & what’s the low points?

You have forgotten Leonbergers.

Better longevity than the Bernets I love, and surprisingly good hip status.

Not nearly as drooly as Newfies.

Lovely natures.

Similar in looks is the Estrella, but this is a flock guard, with a temperament to match, in that they are more protective, lrss trusting of strangers.

Hi Brainless,
thank you for the response & yes I absolutely should have included Leonbergers, good shout.
I do have Leo’s in my watch list also.
My husband works away a lot which affords me to be a full time housewife now, I have two long haired teenage girls & yes we would love to introduce even more hair into the family, my washing machine already produces hairballs. The nature of all these big dogs is exactly what draws me to them, a feeling of security & love. I’ve heard nothing but how wonderful the big breads are.

A friend of mine has a Leo x Pyrenean Mountain dog( not that I approve of breeding x breeds) He has taken very much after the Leo & has quite a nice coat, but it's his wonderful temperament that impresses me. Very calm & loving, ignores dogs that are reactive to him, he looks bemused if this happens.

No drooling either which is good. One of my favourite dogs.

Hi Ann,

Thank you, the Leonberger sure seems the gentle giant of breeds.

Looks at all the health issues known in all 3 breeds Newf, Bernese and Leo's and wherever you go in your decision then please make sure the breeder has tested for these things.
The longevity of the Bernese is a worry I must admit, some of course do make double figures. I knew this about the breed before I started in them but didn't expect it to be so hard when they pass too young. Until they sort the longevity out in the main rather than the minor which some breeders are working on then I won't have another.
All 3 breeds should be good tempered with people and other dogs.
Newfs the grooming required is not an easy task I will say and those I know who own them and breed them can spend hours washing and grooming them, they do knot quickly. The other 2 breeds the coats are much easier to maintain. Drool you will get with the Newf and it does end up everywhere, the other 2 breeds should not be loose lipped.

I would say when lockdown has eased I would at least find some local breeders of all 3 to spend time with to try and work out which is the best option for you and your family.

Thank you Suejaw,

I appreciate the honesty in this response, exactly what I’m looking for. I must admit I was surprised when I read up on the lifespan of a Bernese. Having not experienced the loss myself it’s been heartbreaking to observe friends go through it.
I’d also like to learn how the breeds fair in elder years, I’ve looked at many websites but it would be good to hear from experienced owners of what I’ve got to prepare for. There seems to be plenty of literature of getting a puppy,  not so much on the elder years.
My plan over lockdown is to contact breeders & try to arrange visits if possible for when we able.

Agree about Bernese....they are a lovely breed. But have had 3 and not one lived past 6 so made the decision not to have them again although they are still my favourite breed!

Oh my goodness, that’s heartbreaking, that’s no age at all.

A friend of mine has 2 Bernese currently. One just turned 5 and the other is 6. They have both recently been diagnosed with cancer (one has Lymphoma, the other has tumours on both lungs). Both will be dead in the next 6-12 weeks.  Their last Bernese made it to 10 with no major health concerns so they were not expecting this.

I had a Newfie. She died of cancer at 8. I’m very much in 2 minds about having another as the health is such a lottery, even with well bred, health tested dogs. Also, while I adore the breed, I have to say that I don’t miss the coating of fur and drool on everything. And I mean EVERYTHING.

Very tempted towards a Leo or a Tibetan Mastiff next time.