After spending some time with a dog behaviorist, my wife and I have picked the Great Dane as our dog of choice. The kids are really looking forward to getting a dog.
Does anyone here have any experience with Great Danes? Canadian GD breeders?
We have also considered Bernese Mountain Dogs and Newfoundlands. Any suggestions on these would be helpful as well.
Thanks.
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Considered the rescue route but the problem is that I have two midling children (9 and 11). Any dog in rescue has the potential for problems. I don't want problems with a dog that's almost as big as me and easily twice the size of my kids.The behaviorist agrees, getting a good, fresh pup is best. The pup can grow with my kids.
A friend of mine got a boxer mix from a rescue and, in the end, the dog had to be put down for biting. Isabella was really a sweet dog but she had a hard time adapting to multiple homes and finding a place for herself in her environment. When our friend had to move to the UK, we thought of keeping Isabella for the one to years she would be away. After only a few days (temporary while the friend was locating a house in London) Isabella decided that her place was somewhere above my youngest son and began treating him like the runt of the litter. Not good especially with a strong dog. This is exactly the kind of situation that we would want to avoid in all fairness to both the dog and our family.
If I didn't have children, I would consider a rescue dog. In our current environment rescue isn't really an option sadly.
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“Maybe some day somebody will call me "Sir" without adding "You're making a scene"!!”
-Homer Simpson
I'm glad to hear you say that about rescue. I agree that there are too many dogs rescued that shouldn't be.
Remember that every time you get a puppy, it's a crap shoot.
Important things to remember:
1. Socialize the pup. Take puppy classes, have your kids take the classes. Even if you are a pro trainer, go to puppy classes for the socialization.
2. Teach your kids to respect the dog.
3. Give your dog his/her own space
4. Spay/neuter
5. Try a dog rather than a bitch. Bitches are bitchy. Dogs are a bit more smushy.
Great Danes are sweet, loyal and affectionate dogs. I have only heard of one that was vicious, and it killed another dog.
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I'm sure you will receive a lot of comments from dog owners and their favorite breeds.
Of the three choices that you mentionned all have a reputation of being good with children. All the breeds have short lifespans (10 years and under)
2 of your choices seem similar with the Great Dane being the odd man out (short fur).
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