Suggestions for large breed dogs

A German Shepard large enough, or you looking for a mastiff sized pooch?

 

I would go with a german shepard personally.

 

We have an Ibizan Hound and a Scottish Deerhound. The Deerhound is super mellow and the Ibizan is more of a clown.

 

I'd def get a young German Shepherd Dog, young enough to imprint on you. Nothing more loyal than that.

Or you could get 30 or 40 Chihuahuas.

 

My only issue with the largest breeds (Mastiff, Wolfhound, St Bernards, Great Danes, Newfoundlands, etc) is that theyare prone to health problems and don't live very long lives on average and I would hate to get attached to something that has an expiration date of 8-10 years...would break my heart too often. Although it seems that they never live as long as we would hope they would.

Here are some questions.

How friendly do you want him to be?
Do you want this dog to be a good watch dog?
short hair or long hair?
mellow or energetic?

I also love looking into the history of breeds and what they were used for and bred for. It can really give you an insight into what kind of behaviors it was genetically trained for. For example, I would never want any dog that was bred for herding because they often times will drive you nuts with energy and they also will play fetch endlessly to the point where it is exhausting because they were bred to "corral" things and so they often want to continuously coral a stick and in my friend's case he coral's their kids and this makes it a bit dangerous.

 

Ibizan are extroardinarly beautiful dogs IMO.

 

+1

 

Sorry about your boxer.

I'm not a dog expert so I can't really help. But how about this dog :
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Yellow Lab hands down, best dog you could ever have... EXCELLENT personality, very intelligent, everything you could ever ask for. Great with kids. I could recommend a breeder to you if you want...

 

There is a breed of Shepherd called a great shepherd or maybe a king shepherd that is supposed to be much larger than normal shepherds.

 

Rescued "Greyhound" Racer.

These Dogs move like Ferrari's and they make great pets.
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I actually have to second this. Not as big, but I think they are energetic, friendly, and great companions. I don't know if the bigger breeds will have the attachment or energy that you might be looking for.

With that said, if you are dead set on a huge dog...Neapolitan Mastiff's are awesome!

 

I've got Newfoundlands and think that they're great. If you're considering one, here are some general observations:

1. Very mellow and laid back.
2. Love to be around people (DO NOT get a Newfie as an outside dog, they'll hate it).
3. Have to brush them regularly.
4. Relatively low activity level (they don't do much, but enjoy going on walks and such).
5. Don't eat a lot (see #4 as to why) A lab will easily eat more than my Newfoundlands.
6. Not a guard dog at all. They're so passive that everyone is a friend.
7. Get along well with other animals and people, including small children.
8. Can be prone to some health problems, so read up and only buy from a reputable breeder.
9. Relatively short life span of 8-10 yrs.
10. Most love water. The Coast Guard uses Newfoundlands for water rescue.

I don't know how common Newfs are in L.A. but I rarely see them around here. Another dog to consider is an Irish Wolfhound. They're great dogs as well, and even bigger than the Newfies.

 

Have no idea what "breed" she is, but this is my neighbors dog Marty. I just LOVE her "grin" & she'll run across the pasture growling & barking when I come out... only to reach the fence & whine like crazy 'til I give her a good petting
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German Shepherds are the way to go...make sure you ask the breeder if they have tested the parents/pups for Degenerative Myelopathy http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/DM_Web/DMofGS.htm

 

+1 to that! I would absolutely love a greyhound, but being a student, the time I would want to devote to the dog just wouldn't be there

 

Here's a picture of my oldest Newf, Buster.
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wow - hadn't heard of that before. I just last week rescued a full blood long hair German Shepard at 3 yrs. old hits the scales at an amazing 115lbs. This shepard nearly twice the size of other shepards I've had is in a league of his own.

I second the other opinions - German Shepards never let you out of their site - they are amazing. Second place vote is a Samoyed. I've owned champion sires and they are stunning. They do well in warm and cool climates.

 

He also loves snow.
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Thanks! He has been a true joy.

Yeah, if you are considering a Mastif, then an Ibizan is a stick. My guy is pretty big for the breed, but he is no giant.

Some of the breeds you mentioned are nice big dogs. However the trade is in longevity. The bigger the dog, the more strain on the heart and other key components. That's one reason we ended up with a Deerhound. He is basically a skinny version of the Wolfhound which adds about 5 years to his life. He is also low shedding, won't bark and doesn't stink up your hand when you pet him. He's not the sharpest tool in the shed, but very, very sweet. The Ibizan is a genius and a total character. It's a good thing he is funny...

 

Shiloh Shepherd?

 

Golden Retriever........great with kids, wonderful family dog, great disposition, good watch-dog, loves snow, lobes water, can run well but doesn't need over-stimulation to mellow, smart. Drawbacks: large and sheds.

Best of luck.

Chris