When I move out in a few years I would like a second "larger" dog. I had thought about another small dog like a JRT, but the more I think about it, the more I would really love a larger dog (money/time/space permitting obviously)... I love boxers, I think they are fab, but I don't want to limit my options/research to just one breed. I have a dog already at the moment who ADORES other dogs and loves to play, loves playing with bigger dogs and has a lot of stamina! I am hoping that when I move out it will be because of the job I want (won't go into that just now), but it will mean I will either be at home, or be able to get back during the day etc... Exercise won't be an issue as like I said, I will be either at home or be able to get home so can take as long as I/they need. Children are a possibility when I move out, but with a larger dog I do plan to get it from a good breeder as a puppy and train/socialise as much as possible so isn't really a worry. I would like a dog that is fairly easy to train, can be playful and gentle when needed, good with people and other dogs etc.. So far my list is Boxer, and GSD, but I do feel there must be more breeds! A Hungarian Vizsla is an option but I am not sure how high their "drive" is? Not looked into them too much but Alfie's best friend in the world is a Vizsla I don't want an aggressive dog, but I do want to be able to feel safe when living/walking on my own!
*resurrects old thread just coz I can* I think I have pretty much decided on a GSD! Rotties aren't really my kind of dogs tbh! Though look wise they are stunning!
If you decide on a gsd there's a site that has loads of rescues listing their dogs on it. I can't put the link up but if you search for big gsd I think it'll come out on top
Thanks! I want a puppy for my first GSD, but people keep telling me that once I have had a GSD I won't get any other breed, so no doubt will be rescuing in the future! P.s. Yeah I found it
If you like Gundogs, you may also like to have a look at a Gordon Setter, look stunning, great family pets and love exercise and playing.
There are so many gorgeous and interesting breeds Some of the larger breeds that I really like are: Leonberger GSD Flatcoated Retriever Great Swiss Mountain Dog I also love Rotties and rather like Dobermans too. Re Vizlas: there are two which we see regularly. They are very fixated on balls etc and are it seems happy to just run and retrieve for hours on end. Lovely colour, but not a breed I am drawn to, somehow...
Your choices seem well informed. Flat coats are a lovely Breed. Dalmations can have health problems, from skin issues to deafness. These have to be watched for. GSD, have a lot of problems with hip displasia, a line that has been bred for the police or working is far better than the "show" type with the weak back end. The Swiss mountain dog are a hard breed. I lived in CH for three years they are meant for working,so I would not recommend them for life indoors, a Bernese would suit you better. Leonbergers, are great dogs, but HUGE, I would not want the feed bill of any giant breed. Vizlas have grown in popularity since the winning of crufts and sadly the same could happen for flat coats, but they are not really fashionable so fingers crossed will not be bred indescriminately. I do know people that breed and show Flat Coats and Gordons. Good people and lovely lines.
And of course Flatcoats have their own health problems including Mast Cell Tumours, Renal Dysplasia etc........
of course all pedigree dogs have problems, more often than mongrels, but we do love our pedigree lines
That's very interesting about the Great Swiss Mountain Dog, cheers for that I hope you're right about Flatcoats not becoming the next fashion item to some people - such a lovely breed
