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HelenW
Bronze Member
87 Posts |
 Posted - 24 Nov 2011 : 12:49:21 PM
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Well after having to put to sleep our Great Dane Dave last week, I have started to look to the future and make plans for a new family dog. Dave i know can never be replaced but I am missing the companionship of a dog. We live out in the sticks and my OH works away from home a lot and I'm now feeling quite vulnerable. The closest I now have to Dave is naughty Rupert as they were about the same size but for some reason the OH doesn't want him in the house (naughty Rupert is the Shetland Cross in my sig pics)
I have been looking at smooth coated St Bernard's as we love big dogs so was wondering if any ALiners have any experience with this breed.
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Helen
Warwickshire |
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Acorn Arabians
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
2052 Posts |
Posted - 24 Nov 2011 : 3:35:36 PM
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Hi Helen
sorry you have lost your Dane.
St Bernards dont live very long (6 is a good age)and find our climate waay too warm compared to their natural habitat. Lots have soft palate issues. Soppy soft characters wouldnt hurt a fly. Think if I wanted to feel safe you cant beat a German Shepherd. |
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Quarabian
Platinum Member
Wales
4340 Posts |
Posted - 24 Nov 2011 : 3:42:34 PM
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| I agree, the only thing I know is that they have short lives and are prone to joint problems. I may be prejudiced, but I would get another Dane or agrman shepherd if you check out the health of the breeding stock. |
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LYNDILOU
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
13976 Posts |
Posted - 24 Nov 2011 : 3:52:05 PM
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I am sorry you have lost your Dane too , but Samantha ( my daughter ) has a dane here in the states , she also has a retriever cross and I know which one would defend her with its life , the cross Guss the dane would run for cover bless him he is so scared . I have a retriever at home in the uk and although I doubt she would attack anyone if hers and my life depended on it. I just feel better having her around, ( my daxis would most probably attack any intruders anyway
I think when you live out in the sticks as I also do, its the barking and just the presence of dogs that puts would be intruders off, they dont want to attract attention. I remember one year a man standing watching from the road behind the trees, the dogs saw him and started barking, and he walked on , maybe nothing , but it may have been he was looking to see if it was a vunerable property?, can I just say that you may consider a rescue dog? I am getting one from a rescue who will be with us in January. makes number 4 a nice round number!! |
   
www.dreamfield-arabians.com |
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Callisto
Platinum Member
6905 Posts |
Posted - 24 Nov 2011 : 4:31:13 PM
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What about a standard poodle? Ours (so far, Mum's latest one is coming up for his 2nd birthday) have lasted 15 & 13 years respectively. Fun energetic and intelligent dogs who are territorial (against strangers) and big enough to frighten people away. All of ours have been exemplary with children (apart from the latest one being a bit too bouncy with toddlers when he was a puppy). Luckily this one arrived 3 weeks before my Dad died, so she has never felt alone in the house. I doubt anyone would try to burgle the place since he spends a lot of time standing up at the front window watching everything that goes by, to the extent that he has become a local landmark  |
  Zahkira (GR Amaretto x Taffetta)
Linda
East Sussex |
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HelenW
Bronze Member
87 Posts |
Posted - 24 Nov 2011 : 6:47:00 PM
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I should have explained the reasons why Dave was put to sleep.....On Sunday last he out of the blue attacked my 22 year old daughter. Dave and I had just come back from feeding the horses, he was being very loving with Jess in the kitchen then it was as if a switch went in his brain and he attacked her............unfortunatley I saw this happen. He went from being a loving loyal dog to the devil in less than a second. At the time they were having kisses, he launched for her head, she raised her arm to protect her self. She had a wound to her scalp and arm, thank god the injuries weren't any worse, if I hadn't have been there i dread to think what could have happened.
The decision to put him to sleep was very hard but we knew we had no alternative. For 5 1/2 years he had been a wonderful dog and my constant companion, he would run and play with the horses and was a great house dog. The vet who put him to sleep believed him to be ill and that is what I too believe.
My OH would like another Dane as they are generally very docile but I just cant get the image from my head of what happened so i think it is best we do not have another.
I miss him terribly and think it would be good to get another dog soon. I have thought of re homing but feel under the circumstance a puppy would be better. |
Helen
Warwickshire |
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CINDERS
Gold Member
England
750 Posts |
Posted - 25 Nov 2011 : 09:26:13 AM
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Hi
sorry to hear your sad tale and interseted as I have heard of this in several lines of danes over the years. Was he a Harlequin?
I'd go for something like a Ridgeback, fantastic dogs. Dobermans also but I've had my last one because they look so awful with their tails undocked.
Ridgebacks are fantastically loyal although can be guarded with strangers and can be a bit protective. They do have a long life span or at least mine did, she was almost 14 when she died
Yvonne |
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Gerri
Platinum Member
England
4211 Posts |
Posted - 25 Nov 2011 : 3:18:52 PM
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| Hi I don't know about St Bernards at all but what about another Gt Dane? or a rottweiller, we used to breed them and never ever had a bad one, they were all soft great with the Grandchildren and would have licked any burglar to death, but thier reputation puts most baddies off even trying |
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NatH
Platinum Member
England
2695 Posts |
Posted - 25 Nov 2011 : 3:39:39 PM
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I am so sorry to hear about Dave Helen.
Sadly all of our lovely dogs are more than capable of 'turning' just like Dave did. The trouble with bigger, stronger dogs they can do so much damage.
I know whatever dog you choose, will get the best home ever.
Might be worth visiting Crufts in the Spring and go to 'Discover Dogs'. Look at the breeds and speak to the people, who breed them - this should help you choose. |
Natalie
Chapel Lane Arabians
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LOU
Gold Member
England
637 Posts |
Posted - 25 Nov 2011 : 3:59:18 PM
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| My friend has the most beautiful big dog and two very young children he is a Dogue de Bordeaux I would just love one but my house is to small, just an idea. |
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Offira
Platinum Member
England
1583 Posts |
Posted - 25 Nov 2011 : 4:29:44 PM
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I'm sorry to hear about Dave. I know you did the only thing possible but it must have been such a hard decision.
I meet a couple of Bernese Mountain dogs out riding, they are very nice and almost as big as a horse What about a mastiff or Newfoundland - both breeds daft as a brush I believe. The advantage with the Newfoundland is that if you ever fell into water it would retrieve you. In fact I believe even people just having a swim are 'rescued'. We have someone with a Dogue de Bordeaux near here, lovely dog but very very strong in a lifting you off your feet way. |
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RUTHIE
Gold Member
United Kingdom
1238 Posts |
Posted - 25 Nov 2011 : 4:56:18 PM
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| Sorry to hear of the loss of your dog. If you want a loyal, affectionate canine that will be 'eyes and ears' for you when your OH is a away, you can't beat a GSD. Ella, who is in my signature pictures, warns me when anyone comes on the property. Handy when I'm poo picking in the top field. Good luck with your search. |
     
In Memory of Crystal Flash 2010-2012 |
Edited by - RUTHIE on 25 Nov 2011 4:57:12 PM |
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jackiedo
Gold Member
England
1370 Posts |
Posted - 25 Nov 2011 : 5:57:05 PM
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I have mixed feelings. My colleague had a bitch for 9 years, but she had a bad heart and hips, but was fabulous with her daughter and their other dog. When she died, they bought a puppy eho when she got to 7 months old attacked their other dog and would not stop. I have a friend who breeds them. In 10 years she has had lots, but 3 come to mind, one who attacked the postman (he had 75 stitches) one who attacked her springer spaniel and gruesomely bit him in half and one who went to attack a foal, but was stopped just in time/
The others were lovely soft things, I suppose you get good and bad in all breeds but they are not for me. I am another one who says, for a loyal family dog who will look after your property and your family you cannot beat a good GSD, or a rottie. And that is from someone who had rotties, GSD and Rhodesian Ridgebacks all her life (until I remarried) and now don't have the space xx good luck |
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carole ferguson
Silver Member
United Kingdom
457 Posts |
Posted - 25 Nov 2011 : 8:14:48 PM
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Sorry to hear about Dave - but I know this can happen. One friend had a Harlequin Dane which turned - and another had a Ridgeback which suddenly attacked her cat after 6 years together. I am personally a fan of GSD's. My first ,Tara, was a rescue who lived until she was 15 years old - then our second rescue Cassie (Bunderberg Dancing Queen) was nearly 13 - but she was a show pedigree - so had a few problems later in life - and we now have the delightful Freya - who was the first puppy I had bought for more than 20 years. She is a long coated - unregistered - but pure bred GSD - and she has the most fantastic temperament - but will also bark on command. The picture is of Cassie and Freya swimming in the river.
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RUTHIE
Gold Member
United Kingdom
1238 Posts |
Posted - 25 Nov 2011 : 9:37:25 PM
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I am personally a fan of GSD's. My first ,Tara, was a rescue who lived until she was 15 years old.....posted by carole ferguson
Oh my first GSD bitch was called Tara and she lived until she was twelve.....lovely girl |
In Memory of Crystal Flash 2010-2012 |
Edited by - RUTHIE on 25 Nov 2011 9:40:11 PM |
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carole ferguson
Silver Member
United Kingdom
457 Posts |
Posted - 25 Nov 2011 : 10:07:32 PM
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My Tara was my first GSD - and I was told I was stupid getting a rescue as my son was only 3 years old. Tara was incredible - as she just was Michael's shadow from the day we got her. She actually chose us at the rescue centre - as she came up to see my son in the car - licked his hand - then jumped into the back of the car next to his child seat.
I am also sure she prevented Mike from being harmed by a dodgy looking character when Tara and he were down at a local river - and I was a good half mile away sorting the horses fencing. A chap came running up the bridleway from the river looking very harassed and scarlet in the face - so I flew down the field and asked Mike what happened. Apparently this chap had stopped to talk to Mike (aged about 7 at the time) and Tara had gone ballistic - so that Mike was barely able to stop her attacking. Dear Tara was an excellent judge of character - and she proved that on several occasions - bless her.
I just love GSD'S |
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Pasch
Platinum Member
2277 Posts |
Posted - 25 Nov 2011 : 10:14:47 PM
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Not first hand experience but from friends' dogs:Bernese are poppets,maybe not so good as guard dogs!Same goes for Newfoundlands,and yes you can't have a decent swim if they are around.Both being large dogs,their life expectancy is not long,but it's the same for Danes.
I know a guy who has a couple of huge beautiful dobermans,they are sweet with strangers when owner is there but I wouldn't go close to his house when he's not.They live with several cats.
Another friend has a huge male pitbull.He will jump on you even if he doesn't know you...to lick your face!They have a pet rabbit of which he's terrified,and when they got a 2 months old kitten he would patiently have his tail bitten and clawed without as much as a growl.He can be aggressive with unknown male dogs though.
As for Gsd,I'm not so comfortable with them,true they are all devoted to their owner,but not always so to other people,and not to cats!
I think really what is most important is that whatever breed you choose(why not a mixed breed?)you pick a puppy that looks sociable,tame and will not object to be playfully put and held belly up (apparently a good way to judge if he will submit to your authority).Also the longer they stay with mum and brothers,the better for learning good manners.Then,you should expose him to as much people and children(sometimes not recognized as small humans),dogs and animals as possible before he grows up and his ways are set.They should always know their place in the human family(being the last,unfortunately many dogs are heads of the family which can turn nasty) |
Edited by - Pasch on 25 Nov 2011 10:16:19 PM |
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carole ferguson
Silver Member
United Kingdom
457 Posts |
Posted - 25 Nov 2011 : 11:13:29 PM
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I have always had cats - and never had a problem with my GSD'S See the picture of Freya with my little runt of the litter Rosalina (who we sadly lost due to our local Vets wrong diagnosis
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HelenW
Bronze Member
87 Posts |
Posted - 25 Nov 2011 : 11:32:03 PM
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We have two cats, one who is brain damaged and lives indoors due to a road accident he is called moss dale and the other is noddy who is more of an outdoor cat who loves to bring in presents. Dave was very gentle with moss dale as I'm sure he new of moss dales troubles, but poor noddy would get chased round the garden and fields.
The more people I speak to the more I realise how many have a story to tell. I don't think any breed is better than any other. We love large dogs but unfortunately a lot have long thick coats which for me is a deciding factor. We have been looking at the smooth coated st Bernard's because they seem to have a reasonable reputation from what I've read.
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Helen
Warwickshire |
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LYNDILOU
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
13976 Posts |
Posted - 26 Nov 2011 : 2:53:25 PM
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not necessarily we had a smooth St Bernard when we were younger, who moulted continuously. he was a character though and came with us when we went out riding, but he fought every dog he ever saw and at one time we had to pay for veterinary treatment when he attacked a dog badly.he was a rescue along with his brother , and you may have even seen him on blue peter , those old enough to remember, they played back the funny events of the show and he was one that dragged the presenter across the studio LOL ps they are short lived though and suffer with droppy eyes. BTW his name was bouncer ! |
www.dreamfield-arabians.com |
Edited by - LYNDILOU on 26 Nov 2011 5:49:24 PM |
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Pasch
Platinum Member
2277 Posts |
Posted - 26 Nov 2011 : 6:22:27 PM
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What about a boxer?Although not so big,they are very attached to family and friends,very good with children,very good guard dogs and they have a very short coat.
Plus nothing beats a playful,cute-to-die-for boxer puppy! |
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suyents
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
1651 Posts |
Posted - 27 Nov 2011 : 12:30:00 PM
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years ago i had several Bernies....(i used to turn up at the beach and six would spill out of the back of our range rover!!....and they ALL lived to be over ten years of age by the way...i have no idea what the breed is like in the UK now, but if you get a good one they are wonderful companions and very sensible and intelligent. None of mine had joint problems, but i know that all big dogs may do..there is of course St.Bernard rescue in the UK if you want to talk to them.
Good luck.xx |
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Goldenmane
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
4964 Posts |
Posted - 27 Nov 2011 : 2:14:37 PM
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| I remember reading about your terrible situation on another thread. I think you were brave. There are so many rescue dogs who would be forever grateful, including puppies, if you feel you are ready for another dog. I would look at a cross breed. |
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delly-b
Gold Member
United Kingdom
1107 Posts |
Posted - 28 Nov 2011 : 3:17:35 PM
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Helen
It is so sad to hear about Dave... What a shocking and teriible thing to happen, and also a horrid desicion to have to make.
I too lost my dog a couple of weeks ago, and tbh feel totally lost without him. He was only three, and it was so sudden, and I was so unprepared for what happened. He only went for bloods etc and I fully expected the vet to find out what was wrong, make him better, and we would bring him home... sadly that was not the case.
I know how you feel about looking for another dog as you feel vunerable. Sorry I cant help you at all with big dogs. I just wanted to pass on my hugs to you xx |
       
Adele
Batley, West Yorkshire |
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avanti
Platinum Member
England
2222 Posts |
Posted - 28 Nov 2011 : 6:22:10 PM
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| I am so sorry to hear about Dave, I am another GSD fan, we have a new pup (10wks) gifted by my dear friend who just bred a one off litter to replace her old dog, like all dogs they need proper training and socializing but they are great family dogs, I am now looking for an older GSD or cross to be her companion (can't just have one, lol) goog luck in your search xx |
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Meggie-Lu
Platinum Member
England
1519 Posts |
Posted - 02 Dec 2011 : 9:51:33 PM
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Hey sorry to hear about poor Dave :-( Sad to loose any part of your family.
I have done three years of animal care, endless reports of dogs and breeds and all sorts. I have also trained dogs, that's my job during the summer :-) Run Magical Mutts dog training.
My only advice is try thinking outside the box there are lots of lovely breeds that make brill guard dogs and loyal companions, GSD's are brilliant, but they have been badly bred over the last few years if you get one pick one that has a stand more boxed shaped not sloped (this is a classic problem in GSD's now)
Other breeds that are good and fairly big Giant Schnauzer's,Pyrenees, Tibent Mastive,Standard Poodle,Hungarian Visla's and my personal fav the Komondor. If you wanted something smaller but just as good, you have the bigger Terriers like the Airdale, they are lovely dogs. If you need any help. Then just let me no. i have many many pieces of course-work about dog sutiblity and all kinds of stuff :-)
I personally have a West Highland White Terrier called Porridge he is an AWSOME guard dog, and he even gets on with dog hating Mouse :-) Haha!
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St Bernards .........any opinions?
