What breed should I get?

[Guest Anonymous]

I was just wondering if anyone has any advice on what breed of dog I should get. I have 2 small dogs and 2 cats and am looking for a large breed dog. I live on a horse farm, so it would have to be good with other animals. Any ideas??

[yellowlabsrule]

Here are some breeds to RESEARCH: Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain dog.

[gooeydog]

Whate state do you live in? Would you be willing to take in a rescue dog, or will you only accept a dog from a breeder? A rescue dog (from a reputable rescue) will be temperment tested, altered, UTD on its vaccs, should be heatrworm negative (or undergoing treatment), and may already be started on housebreaking. In addition, you can adopt either a pup, young adult (no guessing on size, and you'll have an idea about its temperment), or an adult dog (fully grown, should be out of the chewing stage, etc, and you'll be pretty sure of its temperment). In addition, there are a variety of wonderful dogs in rescues that need homes. You should be able to find the one that fits your needs and lifestyle. If you decide to get a dog from a breeder, make sure they are a reputable breeder and that their dogs are health tested and of sound temper. How "large" of a dog do you want (as in approximate weight ranges)? And what is your climate like? Is part of your property fenced? How much time to do want to spend training/exercising the dog? Can you take the dog to be groomed? Sorry for all the questions, but these are all things that will weigh in on you picking a breed :wink:

[sixjollydogs]

:D Whatever you get...please save a life and make it a rescue dog.

now....as to breed...standard poodle of course :P :BIG:

[Guest roo]

Yep a rescue dog is a good idea :lol:
Standard poodles are very nice dogs,
big, fun, plenty of energy.
What sort of size do you call big?

Roo

[Guest Anonymous]

i really think u should get a german shepherd, it will work so well, trust me

[eric]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say get a mix. You will avoid many of the hereditary problems common in pure breed dogs, especially as you get to the bigger dogs.

German Shepherds are wonderful dogs (I have one I rescued from the Animal Shelter) but they are hardly a dog a would recommend to just anyone. They are aloof of strangers, can be fear biters, and (depending on the lineage) can be very prone to hip problems.

Regardless of the breed or mix of breeds you decide, spend some time looking at the "temperment" section of the breed standard. That will tell you what to expect.