Which breed do you think would be best for me, and Dexter...? Which breed for me?

Although it won't be for another 11 or 12 months, I definitely would like to get another dog. I know Dexter would love having a playmate and I adore dogs so would love having another one

I've narrowed it down to a few breeds, so your advice very welcome!


* Whether you have had dogs previously?

I grew up with a very large Rough Collie, he was "my" dog, bought specifically for me, and I was allowed to walk him on my own, which was fab.

There were also other dogs in my family, owned by close cousins: a Shelti, and two standard Poodles.

More recently, I spent 18 months looking after a friend's Lab. Now I have my own Lab, a rescue, Dexter; he is 2 and has been with me for a year.


* Your circumstances - do you work etc?

I work for myself and am able to be with my dog for most of the day, usually.




* How much time you have for exercise

Most days we do 2 hours or more.





* Whether you have children, other pets etc

No children at present, no pets apart from my adorable Dexie.

What characteristics you are looking for

1 - must be a large dog, the ones I am most keen on are either big or giant breeds

2 - must be good with other dogs (I understand if I get a puppy this will depend on socialisation etc).

3 - although I want a friendly dog, I wouldn't mind a breed that was somewhat less accepting of everyone than Labs often are.



* What breeds you have already looked at and your thoughts on them


1 - GSD: Right at the top of the list, I have always admired this breed greatly.

2 - Leonberger: fell in love with this breed when I recently met two.


3 St Bernard: love 'em!


4 Boerbel: Think these are rather magnificent and love the fact that they are apparently pretty protective while being calm and friendly




* Anything else you think might be relevant or important

Originally I definitely wanted another rescue, like Dexter. However, I also really love the idea of having a dog from a young age so that I could hopefully get things "right" from the start.... (i.e.recall!!!)

Also, although Dex adores other dogs, I worry that it might be a bit much for him to suddenly introduce another, very large male dog (def want a boy).

So am leaning towards a puppy.....I think.....

When considering giant breeds you must consider their short life spans.

Also really heavy coats can mean you may need an outside area in the winter and hot summer as they do not tolerate heat very well.

St Bernards come in two coats and both and the Leo have considerable hair...............

GSD shed like no other breed but once you have had one.............
I would not recommend a Boerbol for you.

I think given your current list of possibles that the GSD would be the most suitable dog for you - and a puppy from a reputable breeder would be the way I would suggest you go.

As SB has said, the giant breeds do tend to have pretty short lifespans which is definitely something to consider. Also I feel you would be sensible to own two dogs that require similar levels of exercise and stimulation etc.

Also, have you considered owning another Rough Collie or a second Lab?

If anything, I would maybe go to a rescue centre and find a dog that gets on with Dexter the best. You can still be picky, but at least that way, you'll be able to tell what dog can "cope" with Dex

Many thanks

I have considered another Rough Collie. However, I feel more drawn to a GSD, to be honest. Also, in my experience both of my own RC and those of others, they are not as big on playing with other dogs as the Labs and GSDs that I know.

Thanks SMOKEY BEAR

Just out of interest, any specific reason why a Boebol might not be the ideal breed for me?

I'm thinking that maybe I'm not experienced enough for this breed...

I'm not sure that a combination of Dex and another fully grown male dog would be ideal...

My gut feeling is that Dex would love having a puppy to watch over and interact with. I may be wrong... but I think he would not enjoy having another big, male dog competing for attention and affection.

Also, I really love the idea of having a puppy and being able to start the training from a young age, something that of course I missed out on with Dex.

that was my view..................

LOL, I think you are probably right on this

Also, it's not a breed I have actually met - whereas I have met and spent time now with some GSDs and so have more of a 'feel' for them, though I have a lot more research to do on the breed of course.

I think a GSD sounds good for you. They do shed A LOT, but are lovely dogs

With the giants, I would agree with others re exercise.
IMO giant breeds cannot take as much, and will tire much quicker than Dexter. He will still be ready to play whilst they want to head back to the car and sleep
They also turn in to old dogs much quicker if that makes sense. A 7 yr old Leo or St Bernard is not comparable health and exercise wise to a lab (lots of the time).

My families bernese is a fantastic dog, loving, friendly, chilled. I know many giant breeds can do a lot more exercise than he can (he has been very unwell for years), but even as a young dog (he was not perfect healthwise then either), a half hour potter round the park was enough for him. I remember when he was about 1 he had a 1 year old lab friend - she litterally floored him exercise wise - he would tire after 10mins of running round after her!! 2hrs exercise a day would have killed him.

This is just my opinion/experiences though, and I know many giant breeds are healthier and fitter than my families dog so this probably gives me a very skewed opinion But even if you watch the big ones at crufts - whilst all the others stand nicely - look to the bernese ring and half of them are trying to have a lie down

Very interesting, you put it very well, thank you very much!

Mine is! She loves playing with the other two, and any other friendly dog she meets. My previous two were the same.

Depends on the breeder, and how the dog is raised (IMHO)

Regarding shedding, I have found that my longcoats do not shed nearly as much as my standard coat did. One of my longcoats has a profuse undercoat, where the other does not - but neither shed much at all. However their coats do take more time in the way of grooming to keep them tangle and matt free.

(Psssst, I vote GSD)

I agree Bailey (wolfhound x retreiver)he's pretty fit and healthy, only walks next to me very rarely runs around etc and is tired out after an hour, Kiara (gsd x bc) runs about like a loony after her ball/squirrles etc for the hour and could keep going I take her and Poppy out again later on to finish tiring them out

I vote another Lab but then I'm biased !

I'm going to throw in the terrier vote! LOL

u didnt list this breed but i love the Boxer! i have a nine year old male he is great! he is a smart, protective (yet not aggressive) old man! gentle with kids

GSD or Boxer sound good to me for you What about a rescue puppy?
I agree with those who said perhaps not a giant breed with Dex because it will take a lot longer to fully mature and be able to go on those 2 hour walks and it'll slow down quicker.

Many thanks Also to those who have posted on this thread just recently

Boxers are certainly impressive dogs; I don't think it's the right breed for me though as I've just never been drawn to it, if you know what I mean...? Ditto with Terriers.

I think GSD is what I'm most drawn to; if a puppy comes up in rescue at the time I am ready to have a second dog, then I would definitely be interested.

Meanwhile, I am researching the breed a lot more