Breed Suggestion for Friend

Laurelin

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#22
Leonbergers are my favorite giant breed but they still have a very short lifespan. Wiki is probably not the best source but: "Leonbergers in UK and USA/Canada surveys had a median lifespan of about 7 years" Really most giant breeds are heartbreak breeds.
 

Aleron

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#23
Leonbergers are my favorite giant breed but they still have a very short lifespan. Wiki is probably not the best source but: "Leonbergers in UK and USA/Canada surveys had a median lifespan of about 7 years" Really most giant breeds are heartbreak breeds.
It's true the giants tend to have shorter lifespans and many seem to have widespread issues. I knew someone who was involved with Leonbergers and they certainly sound like they are in the same boat as Berners in terms of widespread serious health issues in all lines, even in well bred dogs.

I'd be pretty hesitant to suggest a Dane for someone looking for a human/dog friendly, easy going dog. I have known a lot of Danes who were DA or HA to some degree or was at least fairly guardy. Looking at the breed's history, these traits aren't exactly surprising even though modern Danes are no longer bred for work.

I guess the problem with wanting a giant breed is that so many were bred for guarding and dog aggression is common that the dog/stranger friendly trait isn't easy to find. And health is a concern to a huge concern with just about all of them.

I'd probably suggest a Newf. Their original purpose didn't create a guardy, suspicious dog or dog aggression, they kind of have a similar look to Leonbergers but probably not quite as bad off health wise and they really are just all around nice dogs if you like big, pet dogs. Oh and they usually love water and many nAturally "retrieve" people from it. But the drool...oh my the drool!
 

SaraB

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#25
While yes, HA and DA can run in danes, it's far more common that it doesn't. This is coming from someone who had a HA dane.

Most common issues are fearfulness that leads to a reactiveness if not handled correctly. Socialization greatly helps limit that.
 

milos_mommy

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#26
Honestly, I wouldn't go for a Bernese right away if she's looking for a dog park dog. They're certainly far from DA or even animal aggressive in the way lots of other breeds are, but the ones around here are quite protective. I definitely wouldn't say aggressive, but they're wary of visitors in the home, and won't hesitant to nip a stranger who grabs at them.

I'm not sure if that's the standard, or very common with good breeders, but it seems to be the case for the dozen Berners I've met in this area.

I would recommend a Newfie or St. Bernard before I recommended a Berner. She could probably find a Great Dane breeder that breeds to what she wants, too.

Rotties and Great Pyranees are also definitely not dog park dogs, or "love-everybody" dogs - although I have met quite a few "watered dog" adult rescue rotties who fit that bill, if she was interested in going that route.
 

*blackrose

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#27
First thing that came to mind was a Newfie. I would say 99% of the ones I've met have been complete and total love bugs. Super derpy and tons of fun. (Although a pain in the *** to groom if they hadn't had prior training...)
 

PWCorgi

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#28
Honestly, I wouldn't go for a Bernese right away if she's looking for a dog park dog. They're certainly far from DA or even animal aggressive in the way lots of other breeds are, but the ones around here are quite protective. I definitely wouldn't say aggressive, but they're wary of visitors in the home, and won't hesitant to nip a stranger who grabs at them.

I'm not sure if that's the standard, or very common with good breeders, but it seems to be the case for the dozen Berners I've met in this area.

I would recommend a Newfie or St. Bernard before I recommended a Berner. She could probably find a Great Dane breeder that breeds to what she wants, too.

Rotties and Great Pyranees are also definitely not dog park dogs, or "love-everybody" dogs - although I have met quite a few "watered dog" adult rescue rotties who fit that bill, if she was interested in going that route.
That's so odd. Berners are SOOOOO SOOOOO SOOOOO popular here and I have never met one that was bad with people or dogs?
 

Romy

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#29
Big sight hound popped into my head. Zois and greyhounds both easily live 12+ years. Cancer and bloat, heart problems can happen in those breeds but it's not as prevalent as it is in berners and some of those others.

They might not do well as a dog park dog. Strider is not a dog park dog. Kaia has no problems. It really depends on the dog and the park. Most of them could either care less about house guests, or they're total love sluts.
 

Kootenay

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#31
I don't know if she minds drool? The thing I loved about our Bernese was she was totally dry mouthed. Which to me is a big plus...I totally can't handle the drooling of St. Bernards (and Newfies are pretty bad to I guess?).

It seems like there is some tendencies in Berners towards...I don't know exactly how to explain it, but can be a little funny towards strangers. A little fearful perhaps? I've just met quite a few that weren't totally stable. However, I've also met some that were absolutely lovely, so I think this would be a matter of picking out the right breeder.

I also adored the one Leonberger that I met! such an awesome dog!
 

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