Hi i need some advice for a friend. for the past twenty five years my friends has always had german shepherd dogs who she doted on. well as time as gone by each one of her beautiful  dogs have had to be put to sleep because of old age and hip dysplasia, and spinal problems. Its been three years since she lost her last boy and she feels ready to have another dog. The problem being is she does not want to go for another geramn shepherd but would like a large type dog.  She wants one that is loyal loveable and short haired, one to two walks a day and will be social with other dogs and people and children when out. one that is easy to train. unfortunately my newfys need regular grooming,boisterious are very social though, needs two walks a day, andwe hope to walk our dogs together.
any suggestions please. oh by the way she works part-time but there is always someone in the house at all times.
Any suggestions.
i suggested a dog de bordeux, she mentioned a dane in passing.

Hi the Bullmastiff is very loving, loyal, affectionate without being pushy, very laid back happy to sleep for hours but always ready for a walk but only up to 1 hr.

they are not droolers as some people think and are very friendly if socialized well until at least three years old with both children and other dogs.  i find the dogs easier than bitched and dogs are more tentative.

i had a GSD a few years ago and the Bullmastiff is much calmer and easier to live with.

Benson do you let your bullmastiffs off lead in places like a country park? Just curious as I have a few friends that breed them and although all their dogs have fabulous temperaments, and are good with every dog they meet onlead they would never let them off lead in a place where they will meet other off lead dogs. I think because they can't control the situation as easily should another dog challenge them? I don't know if they are just overly careful or if all bully owners do this? I've never met one off lead.

To the OP, a dane may be a great choice - I meet 3 on our daily walks and they're all lovely. One a goofy, leggy youngster and two older serene ones. No problems at all with them meeting even the tiniest dogs and people.

Or what about a rottie, from a good breeder of course.

A dalmation?

What about a Rhodesian Ridgeback?  I would think their exercise requirements would be similar to a German Shepherd.  They are extremely loyal and affectionate.  They love their exercise, but will happily settle into a routine and relax in the house.  They are not always the easiest to train, being hounds, but I've never had real problems.  If brought up properly, bitches and some males will be sociable.  But beware - there are lots and lots of people just churning them out, rather than "breeding" them.

hi thanks folks she has just read the messages, she likes the thought of the dane and mastiff, she knows nothing about ridge backs but its one to look at. I have just seen the most adorable harlequinn dane puppy she is gorgous. we are going through every breed and making a neg and postive list on each and then will decied what dog suits her needs and lifestyle.

I know it isn't a shortcoated breed but I know a Hovawart bitch & she's lovely so I'd recommend them.  Ridgies aren't for the faint hearted, I have a friend who's had them for 20+ years and she has to have eyes in the back of her head whilst out exercising them.

What about a Doberman?  They are active, loyal, easy to train (but sometimes to smart for the owners good), good with children, most times good with other dogs (have only met one that wasnt).  They are short coated, with little grooming requirements.

They are a peoples dog, and attach quite fast to their home people. 

Tigger2

i have 4 Bullmastiffs
1 male 4yrs goes off lead in local park meets lots of dogs never a problem big or small would trust him with anything.
1 bitch 4yrs also does go off lead but recall can be a bit hit and miss but i did not have her from puppy so training has not been the best although she is safe but will run upto people friendly as anything but can be scary people think she is huge cant see it myslef lol. but safe and loving.
1 bitch came to me as 2yr old and has been dog fear aggressive but after a year i have now sorted this out and she is now ok but i do have to watch the body language.
1 dog puppy i bred 15weeks is very good when meeting other dogs as he is used to pack order meets very respectfully.

i think bitched can be harder but if you do not socialize early and like i said until at least 3 yrs you will have trouble they go through a difficult stage a 2yr and you must work with them to keep that lovely dog going.

If she's used to GSDs, what about a Malinois? (Show bred, the working ones are TOO hyper unless the owner is seriously interested in working their dog.) You have the similar look, but none of the health problems.(Average hip score 9, eyes should be tested, no other known problems in the UK. Their health is one reason for why so many police forces are now turning to them instead of the GSD.) They are still a bit more energetic than a GSD though I'd say, and need a lot of socialising to be friendly with people and dogs when growing up -but it can certainly be done.

> hi thanks folks she has just read the messages, she likes the thought of the dane and mastiff

I am biased, but Mastiffs are rather lovely :) :)
When researching you will find out all the good points of a Mastiff with no problem - it's very easy to miss the 'bad' points.
I think a major down-side to them is the slobber and shedding (they shed a lot). I haven't a problem with this, but the slobber definately isn't something some people are willing to live with. As for training, it is very easy as long as you are willing to be patient and also not be a doormat, they are very strong-willed.

A recent example of being strong willed - dog needs to go to the vets, he decides he doesn't want to get in the car - how do you get an 11 stone dog into a car when he doesn't want to get in???? - patience, determination, encouragement with treats = 25 mins later & half a pack of ham spat back out all over the floor & the Mastiff is now in the car - easy *rollyeyes*!!

or, mastiff is enjoying his walk, when you turn to go home he doesn't want to go - he sits down - you tell him to cary on walking - he then lays down - you can push, pull, shove, entice, do anything you can think of, but you will not get that dog to walk untill he is ready.

Good luck to your friends on researching the breeds :)

Dogues are quite stubborn and can be difficult to train, re-call again is hit and miss even if from a pup and day one! . They are very loving but do require alot of reward based training, they dont respond to punishment at all and back to square one if you even raise your voice. They are not independant and hate to be left alone for very long, these have one walk a day around 40 mins and mason gets a 20 min trot at nightime. slobber is an issue for the house proud yet i dont care about it really. One good brush a week and they are fine. Lots of socialisation makes a very good ddb.

Hope she has a lovely time with her new doggy, plenty of DDBs and other breeds in rescue ;-)

What about a Boxer, will fit all the requirements she is asking for.... lovable, energetic,fun loving. love their people,and loyal to the end.  get on well with other dogs, easy to train( honestly) will enjoy as many walks as you wish to give,, but are just as happy to lay around on a sofa all day.

Dobe, Boxer, Bull Terrier, Weimeramar (apologies for spelling)

Rottweiler :) :)
Ok Not easy trained, but if she has had GS then she could cope wth a Rottie :) :)
My rescue Rottie is great around other dogs, children etc. And a GREAT personality :) :)
Lea :)

rotties for sure, i have 10 and all are VERY well mannered and i found them easy to train as they are very smart!

Dogue de bordeaux too - i have 4 and have found them extremely intelligent, only thing is one of my bitches is very dominant and can not mix with any of my adults girls, but thats just her my other 2 girls are very sweet and thoroughly enjoy the other dogs company, of course i am not bias at all :) :)

Hi, I have been owned by german shepherds for over forty years and loved every minute of it, however due to health problems I decided to look for a different breed that was a little less demanding and more socially accepted. After much consideration we decided on a Golden Retriever and now we are absolutely hooked. We have found Jade to be every bit as loyal and loveable as the shepherds, she had been extremely easy to train and absolutely loves meeting and greeting all the people and dogs we come across on our walks. I have to say that it is a totally different kind of dog ownership. With the shepherds we always had to be aware that a lot of people don't like them, and at times felt like lepers, however with Jade (GR), everyone loves her, they all say hello and stop to admire her and give her a pat. Walks are just so relaxing and such a pleasure. I know your friend is looking for something short haired, but I find that Jade only sheds twice a year, just prior to seasons, and the rest of the time she just needs a quick comb/brush each day. I can honestly say that Jade is a total delight to own and as disloyal as it makes me feel, I can't help wishing we had met the breed many years ago. Oh and with regard to health issues, touch wood, Jade is the healthiest dog we have ever owned.

I used to have Flattie although not shorthaird .energetic loyal lovable and great to train, few health problems (cancers can be a problem but that seems to be on the increase generally.
Having had 2 gsd one currently I agree with all the things that goldiemad said, just prefered the slighly more unusual retriever,and would / will have another.  No offense, to goldie owners we also have goldies in the family.

Weimeraner, Vizla, Doberman, RidgeBack, Cane Corso, Pharoah Hound (although not to sure on size)
Good luck! 

Oh what about a Lab or a Pointer?

Hi there everyone ..Im new to this forum ...And i have two danes both males and they seem to fit the bill for your friend

I love the Leonberger i had a friend who had one. They seem to be very laid back, good with other dogs, very trainable, up for a reasonable walk and very happy on the sofa afterwards.
I had a friend with a Ridgeback and he ate the kitchen wall. They do take some training lol!
A friend has a Dane and he is very laid back, friendly, was easy enough to train, is good with other dogs and is very loyal and loving.
I have met some very friendly Rottweilers over the years, given the right training they're easy to live with.
Many members of my family have retrievers, they're wonderful all round and a good brush every day keeps the coat in check, not too taxing for a longer coated breed.
Unfortunately i cant recommend my own breed as regardless of what training i've given them they can't be trusted off lead, everything is far too exciting and must be explored. Plus the coat is hard work when shedding.

I shouldn't have posted.. i admire far too many breeds and i'm not helping am i? lol

> she mentioned a dane in passing.

As I was reading your post I was thinking Great Dane :-)
Very loving and loyal, doesn't need a huge amount of exercise, short haired (although they weave themselves into your clothes), good with everyone and great fun. I'd love a Dane again one day.

Yeah but the slobber on some has to be seen to be believed.  It is what I like about the Leos they don't slobber the way some similar breeds do.

It really is one mans meat is another mans poison.

A good few people go from GSD to Elkhound, I did myself, no health problems but training is a totaly different matter. GSD's live to please, Elkhounds live to please themseves.

Lots of recommendations here for the Dane, but if your friend is changing breeds because she wants something with a better chance of a long healthy life, then unfortunately the Dane is not likely to be for her. Yes, there are healthier lines, but as a breed they have more than their fair share of problems too.

M.

> Yeah but the slobber on some has to be seen to be believed.  It is what I like about the Leos they don't slobber the way some similar breeds do.
>
> It really is one mans meat is another mans poison.

Slobber should be a really big consideration.
My sister looked after my Mastiff while I was on holiday, allthough she has no problem with the general slobber, ie, face needs wiping after eating/drinking, after walks as sniffing around will cause some slobber etc.. she really found his water bowl a major problem. When he drinks slobber collects in the bottom of the bowl to such an extent the bowl will need cleaning half way through a drink (as well as after a drink), as you tip the water out to change it, a film of slime is left in the bottom which will slide out after the water, it's alomst like a pool of clear snot and will often be found hanging off the water bowl mid drink, or swinging from his mouth - most defiantely not for the queezy, my sister heaved every time she had to change the bowl (severel times per day) and even heaved while she told me about it.

I love my mastiff to bits and have no probs dealing with his slobber and slingers (stringy slobber hanging down) and having slobber smeared on my trousers every now & then or rushing for a cloth becaues he's shaken his head and sent slingers in all directions, or wiping the other dog (or cat) clean as the Mastiff has slimed them, it doesn't bother me in the slightest, in fact I find it quite endearing, but even I can see that it is not something that everybody will want to have to put up with and many people will be totally grossed-out by it.

> Slobber should be a really big consideration.

I've found a video of Mastiff slobber

Admin - I hope it's OK to post this link to the video as it's not mine and it is relevent to the 'slobber factor' when researching dog breeds.

I also favour the Dobermann, having had them for nearly 25 years.  Very people orientated, although  do require lots of socialization in the early days and training.  Nice short coats.

Once your friend has decided what breed, why not find a Breed Show and go along so you can get first hand experience.

Good Luck in the hunt.

Marianne

If she wants a laid back type of dog what about a greyhound?
A friend of mine has had five retired greyhounds over the years and without exception they have been an absolute pleasure.
They are quite happy with a decent walk love a good cuddle and get on with other dogs well the one thing she has had to watch them with is small furry animals which is quite understandable as they were bred for the chase.
I,d certainly consider one (or two) when I feel I can,t manage GSDs anymore.

> What about a Rhodesian Ridgeback?  I would think their exercise requirements would be similar to a German Shepherd.  They are extremely loyal and affectionate.  They love their exercise, but will happily settle into a routine and relax in the house.  They are not always the easiest to train, being hounds, but I've never had real problems.  If brought up properly, bitches and some males will be sociable.  But beware - there are lots and lots of people just churning them out, rather than "breeding" them.

Yes, i would have a ridgeback again and again! fantastic with other dogs, cats, kids, animals. Don't care if they only have a short walk on that really rainy day and likewise are quite happy to spend the afternoon following a mountain bike in the woods. ( after they are old enough - got to look after those big dog legs/ hips/ etc.) Nice easy going dog. As above - make sure you do your homework really really well regarding temperament, breeder motives and hip scores etc.

hi thanks everyone for your suggestions, we havebeen to several breeders today, one weimariner, one spaniel, one mastiff, one dane, one rottwieller. my friend is going to see some lab puppies and a schauser tomorrow.
She said she would not consider boxers to hyper active all the ones she has known, she loved the springer spaniels, the mastiff(which was huge) the great dane breeder made us feel stupid and was hostile to a point and wanted a contract to be signed. there was so many conditions on this form it sounded like you would be a foster parent to her dog. owever i had placed a advert for a greatdane cross dog after losing my harry four weeks ago.
lovely lady contacted me with view to buying her eight month old beautiful girl who is a harlequinn, the lady is rehoming her as she is having to return to work due to finacial pressures and can no longer  give her dog the time she needs. i showed my friend and we saw hewr pictures hey presto we have both fallen in love with the beautiful girl. My friend is still debating over the schauser or mastiff but loves the features of the dane i just love the dane.
We were going to buy an american bulldog puppy but unfortunately this fell through, so i might soon own a great dane 2 newfy's a staffy and a tiny yorkie.
i am use to the slobber from dogs my newfys are alwat doing it. up the walls on the ceiliing ha ha keeps unwanted guests at bay great.
will let you know on tuesday what she decides as for friday saturday and sunday its back to looking at breeders and their pups

thank you all

I wouldn't say a Weimeraner, lovely breed and I really like them but they can be clowns and hard to train.  Like everything in life it depends upon how much work they are going to put into the dog. 

Weimaraners are lovely, loyal dogs in the right hands, but yes a class clown and you need a lot of patience, time and energy to be owned by one!


the great dane breeder made us feel stupid and was hostile to a point and wanted a contract to be signed. there was so many conditions on this form it sounded like you would be a foster parent to her dog.

She sounds like one of the responsible breeders :) And yes, you are 'adopting' the puppy she has brought into this world and is seeking only the very best of home for. She cares. In this day and age, with so much adverse publicity for pedigree dogs, and dogs being bred from for all sorts of stupid reasons, she has to be so very careful where this puppy will go. If you needed help she would be there. You don't get this lifetime help and advice, support and concern from those only looking for the 'puppy money'.

I would add that it is far better to view dogs that have not got a litter, see the adults first because thats what you will be buying eventually. Make sure you are aware of all health tests that each breed need to have before they are bred from, and when the time comes to view puppies, ask to see the parents health test results and make sure you are informed enough to know what they mean.

well thanks everyone after three long days my friend had decided on a mastiff, we saw a breeder who was lovely she was very caring her litter is due in just over a week we saw the mum and dad, they were huge and so gentle, they are fawn with a lovely black looking mask, they are big babies. my friend has left a deposit and will be going to view the pups three to four weeks after they are born the breeder does not like outside interference before that due to the stress it can place her the mother. By then the pups will be developing there ow  little characters she said.
The pups come vaccinated, microchipped, with free month pet insurance.
My friend wants a boy she has choosen his name "Bailey" after her favourite drink. The breeder said she will kennel the pup if my friend goes on holiday or has to go into hospital how lovely hey.
Well that left the lovely dane pup so many need rehoming, well i am going to have the beautiful dane girl she is eight months and i know my husband will love her. going to pick her up in two weeks old. can we put pictures on here not sure can anyone advise me if i can put a picture of her on here.

Glad she has made a choice.

I strongly recommend that after her 4 weeks free insurance run out she gets her puppy insured as they can be very expensive in vets fees!! One of mine ran up a £3000 vets bill on one health complaint. Also socialising as a puppy is a huge must but not exercising too much as puppies.

> I would add that it is far better to view dogs that have not got a litter, see the adults first because thats what you will be buying eventually. Make sure you are aware of all health tests that each breed need to have before they are bred from, and when the time comes to view puppies, ask to see the parents health test results and make sure you are informed enough to know what they mean.

I always prefer to have people visit me when there are no pups to be seen, or have them visit other breeders and owners.  You don't want the distraction of puppies on the ground when your only at the research stage..

Blimey just seen that she has left a deposit before the litter are actually born? What happens if god forbid they are still born? Or if the bitch only has one puppy and I presume the breeder is breeding to keep one? Never heard of a deposit being left before the puppies are born, is that normal?

Also are the parents hip scored?

As a breeder I would be thinking it was tempting fate to take deposits for unborn pups.

As a breeder I would be thinking it was tempting fate to take deposits for unborn pups

That was also my thoughts but wasn't sure if it was just me that was odd!!:-)

ETA:Not that I am saying you are odd Brainless...just that I'm obviously not odd. Well not much anyway!!!:-D

Ooh I am very odd indeed, bwah ha ha ;)

> well thanks everyone after three long days my friend had decided on a mastiff

:) :) :)

Congrats on finding a puppy, have you made sure the parents have been health tested (I'm sure someone on here can tell you what they should be tested for) and you have seen the certificates and the scores are good for that breed? This is, for me, more important than rosettes, to find out that both parents are healthy.

Sounds very suspicious to me!!

I did leave a deposit to get our Border, plus Andy insisted on interviewing my OH in Worcester (were in Hampshire) before he would take a deposit. We were so pleased to find a breeder that was so passionate about his dogs and where they go. In fact we paid the full price and then when they were 4 weeks old choose Jake and collected him at 8 weeks, we couldn't wait for a later litter though we had the choice of litters from two bitches but the one sire.
Its not suspect I think its responsible and perfectly acceptable to want a specific pup from a really good sire. Whats the problem? I knew where he lived and I had researched enough to know he was a good breeder. (ISDS not KC)In fact he's famous in his field plus his dog Glen is well known in the sheepdog world.