It's pretty big. Bigger than a golden, but usually smaller than a newfi or dane. I don't know the exact size but I think this is right. Most of the ones I've know have been laying down, they seem to like that, but don't think that they can't be active, they like to play, but when they aren't playing resting is just so nice.
S
lol, thats also two different people. I am looking for a dog for my wife, that can keep up with and play with my gsd. Jason, I dont think he has mentioned size on either thread, but I assume he wants a medium sized dog since one of his top picks is a golden?
bernese isnt much different from the golden as far as energy, trainability, personality etc. they look different, may shed more?, and get a bit bigger than a golden. here is a link to some info about the bernese. http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/bernesemountain.htm up to 28 inches tall and up to 110 pounds in the male. where the golden is up to 24 inches and 80ish pounds for a male. not a huge difference and not a huge dog, but it is bigger. and from what I have heard they are a bit calmer. but for all I know they could shed 10 times as much.
bernese isnt much different from the golden as far as energy, trainability, personality etc. they look different, may shed more?, and get a bit bigger than a golden. here is a link to some info about the bernese. http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/bernesemountain.htm up to 28 inches tall and up to 110 pounds in the male. where the golden is up to 24 inches and 80ish pounds for a male. not a huge difference and not a huge dog, but it is bigger. and from what I have heard they are a bit calmer. but for all I know they could shed 10 times as much.
non shedding or minimul shedding dogs are Beddlington Terriers, Bishon freis(sp)Poodles or what about this:-
Coton de Tulear
Tulear, southern Madagascar
Royal Dog of Madagascar
10"-12", 12-15 lbs
fluffy, cottony coat with no undercoat, hair is long, dry to the feel, very soft, oil free, no doggy-odor, minimal shedding, needs daily grooming
happy, lively, very affectionate, playful, intelligent, easily trained, bonds strongly with owners, loyal, devoted, gets along well with children and animals, full of tricks, determined, untiring, calm, slow to anger, cautious with strangers
needs early socialization, can suffer from separation anxiety, difficult to housebreak, may bark, can be stubborn
good with considerate children
or
Schnauzers
Miniature: 12"-14", Terrier group
Standard: 17.5"-19.5", Working group
Giant: 23.5"-27.5", Working group
Germany
double coat, hard and wiry outer coat, soft undercoat, non shedding, odorless, requires frequent grooming
most pet Minis are washed and clipped frequently and this will help keep the dander down
if clipped, the hard outer coat will eventually disappear and only the softer undercoat will remain
Mini: alert, spirited, feisty, yet obedient to command, friendly, intelligent, willing to please, robust, active, good with family pets, watchdog
Mini: stubborn, likes to chase, may bark, needs socialization, may be aggressive toward other dogs
good with children if raised with children
Mo
Coton de Tulear
Tulear, southern Madagascar
Royal Dog of Madagascar
10"-12", 12-15 lbs
fluffy, cottony coat with no undercoat, hair is long, dry to the feel, very soft, oil free, no doggy-odor, minimal shedding, needs daily grooming
happy, lively, very affectionate, playful, intelligent, easily trained, bonds strongly with owners, loyal, devoted, gets along well with children and animals, full of tricks, determined, untiring, calm, slow to anger, cautious with strangers
needs early socialization, can suffer from separation anxiety, difficult to housebreak, may bark, can be stubborn
good with considerate children
or
Schnauzers
Miniature: 12"-14", Terrier group
Standard: 17.5"-19.5", Working group
Giant: 23.5"-27.5", Working group
Germany
double coat, hard and wiry outer coat, soft undercoat, non shedding, odorless, requires frequent grooming
most pet Minis are washed and clipped frequently and this will help keep the dander down
if clipped, the hard outer coat will eventually disappear and only the softer undercoat will remain
Mini: alert, spirited, feisty, yet obedient to command, friendly, intelligent, willing to please, robust, active, good with family pets, watchdog
Mini: stubborn, likes to chase, may bark, needs socialization, may be aggressive toward other dogs
good with children if raised with children
Mo
S
bubbatd used to breed goldens, she may be the golden retriever authority on this board. Id suggest private messaging her and asking her a lot of questions, assuming she wouldnt mind. I know there is a forum specifically about goldens http://www.topgoldenretrieversites.net/forums/index.php? you might want to see if there is also a forum about flat coated retrievers? there might not be one, I think they are a lot less common of a breed. but if there is you could learn a lot more about the breed by talking to people who know it the best. seems like those 2 breeds fit you the best.
Hmm...I still say the Portuguese Water Dog. lol
Here is some info on them:
ow let's look at some common characteristics for this breed...
If you want a dog who...
Is medium-sized, strong and durable, athletic and agile
Has a curly or wavy coat
Sheds less than many other breeds, because shed hairs are trapped in the tousled coat
Thrives on vigorous exercise and athletic activities.
Makes a fine watchdog, but is too polite to be a guardian
Is usually fine with other pets
A Portuguese Water Dog may be right for you.
If you don't want to deal with...
Vigorous exercise requirements
Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough
Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
Regular brushing and clipping
Mouthiness -- carrying and chewing objects, mouthing your hands
A high price tag
Serious health problems
A Portuguese Water Dog may not be right for you.
If I were considering a Portuguese Water Dog...
My major concerns would be:
Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Portuguese Water Dogs MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by barking and destructive chewing. Bored Portuguese Water Dogs can make a shambles of your house and yard.
If you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog running or hiking or biking or swimming, or to get involved in agility (obstacle course), or advanced obedience, or tracking, or a similar canine activity, I do not recommend this breed.
Bounciness. Young Portuguese Water Dogs (up to about two years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including people.
If you have small children, or if you or anyone who lives with you is elderly or infirm, I do not recommend PWD puppies. The temptation to play roughly and nip at moving people is too strong in many young Portuguese Water Dogs.
Mind of their own. Portuguese Water Dogs are not Golden Retrievers. The best PWDs are very smart and capable of learning a great deal, but they have an independent mind of their own. They can be manipulative and willful. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. [But I'm assuming since you have a GSD, this shouldn't be a problem?]
Grooming. Portuguese Water Dogs have a tousled coat that requires regular brushing, and also clipping and trimming. But don't expect your pet PWD to look like the show dogs you've seen in books or on TV. That particular look takes hours of work by experienced show groomers.
Shedding. Contrary to what some breeders claim, the Portuguese Water Dog is NOT a good choice for people with allergies. They definitely shed, though some of the shed hair gets caught in the long coat rather than ending up on your floor. Thus, frequent brushing is essential not only for keeping the coat mat-free, but for removing shed hair.
Paying the price. Though this breed is not rare, many breeders are charging $1000 and up. [But you said earlier that you didn't mind paying that much from a breeder?]
Health problems. Hip dysplasia, eye diseases, heart disease, skin conditions, immune system disorders -- Portuguese Water Dogs can be risky in the health department. [But then, so do Labs, Goldens, basically any purebred dog.]
And then here is some general info on them:
My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide, includes a full-page profile of the Portuguese Water Dog, including these excerpts:
"The AKC Standard calls him "an animal of spirited disposition, self-willed, brave, and very resistant to fatigue."
Emotionally the Portuguese Water Dog is stable and sensible. But physically he's lively and athletic, poised for any activity. He loves to play and needs vigorous exercise: long walks, occasional runs, and swimming whenever possible, for he is a master swimmer and diver.
Mental stimulation (agility, fetching, advanced obedience) is just as important to this clever, thinking breed.
When well socialized, his reaction to strangers varies from friendly to polite, but he should always remain steadfast and hold his ground. This observant breed makes a fine watchdog, but not a guardian.
Most Portuguese Water Dogs are accepting of other pets when raised with them.
PWDs are strong-minded, with an independent streak and a wicked sense of humor. Consistent leadership is a must.
A natural retriever, the Portuguese Water Dog is a very mouthy dog who will pick up everything in his path, chew up both edible and inedible objects, and try to gnaw on your hands. Provide a box filled with toys so he can satisfy his oral fixation by carrying something around in his mouth.
Youngsters are especially rambunctious, bore easily, and without enough attention and structured activity can excavate vast chasms in your yard."
For more information on the Portuguese Water Dog and 199 other breeds, click here.
History
Called Cao de Agua (dog of the water) in his native Portugal, the Portuguese Water Dog herded fish into the fishermen's nets, retrieved equipment that fell overboard, carried messages from ship to ship, and rode fishing boats out to sea.
Size
17-23 inches and 35-60 lbs
Here is some info on them:
ow let's look at some common characteristics for this breed...
If you want a dog who...
Is medium-sized, strong and durable, athletic and agile
Has a curly or wavy coat
Sheds less than many other breeds, because shed hairs are trapped in the tousled coat
Thrives on vigorous exercise and athletic activities.
Makes a fine watchdog, but is too polite to be a guardian
Is usually fine with other pets
A Portuguese Water Dog may be right for you.
If you don't want to deal with...
Vigorous exercise requirements
Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough
Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
Regular brushing and clipping
Mouthiness -- carrying and chewing objects, mouthing your hands
A high price tag
Serious health problems
A Portuguese Water Dog may not be right for you.
If I were considering a Portuguese Water Dog...
My major concerns would be:
Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Portuguese Water Dogs MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by barking and destructive chewing. Bored Portuguese Water Dogs can make a shambles of your house and yard.
If you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog running or hiking or biking or swimming, or to get involved in agility (obstacle course), or advanced obedience, or tracking, or a similar canine activity, I do not recommend this breed.
Bounciness. Young Portuguese Water Dogs (up to about two years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including people.
If you have small children, or if you or anyone who lives with you is elderly or infirm, I do not recommend PWD puppies. The temptation to play roughly and nip at moving people is too strong in many young Portuguese Water Dogs.
Mind of their own. Portuguese Water Dogs are not Golden Retrievers. The best PWDs are very smart and capable of learning a great deal, but they have an independent mind of their own. They can be manipulative and willful. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. [But I'm assuming since you have a GSD, this shouldn't be a problem?]
Grooming. Portuguese Water Dogs have a tousled coat that requires regular brushing, and also clipping and trimming. But don't expect your pet PWD to look like the show dogs you've seen in books or on TV. That particular look takes hours of work by experienced show groomers.
Shedding. Contrary to what some breeders claim, the Portuguese Water Dog is NOT a good choice for people with allergies. They definitely shed, though some of the shed hair gets caught in the long coat rather than ending up on your floor. Thus, frequent brushing is essential not only for keeping the coat mat-free, but for removing shed hair.
Paying the price. Though this breed is not rare, many breeders are charging $1000 and up. [But you said earlier that you didn't mind paying that much from a breeder?]
Health problems. Hip dysplasia, eye diseases, heart disease, skin conditions, immune system disorders -- Portuguese Water Dogs can be risky in the health department. [But then, so do Labs, Goldens, basically any purebred dog.]
And then here is some general info on them:
My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide, includes a full-page profile of the Portuguese Water Dog, including these excerpts:
"The AKC Standard calls him "an animal of spirited disposition, self-willed, brave, and very resistant to fatigue."
Emotionally the Portuguese Water Dog is stable and sensible. But physically he's lively and athletic, poised for any activity. He loves to play and needs vigorous exercise: long walks, occasional runs, and swimming whenever possible, for he is a master swimmer and diver.
Mental stimulation (agility, fetching, advanced obedience) is just as important to this clever, thinking breed.
When well socialized, his reaction to strangers varies from friendly to polite, but he should always remain steadfast and hold his ground. This observant breed makes a fine watchdog, but not a guardian.
Most Portuguese Water Dogs are accepting of other pets when raised with them.
PWDs are strong-minded, with an independent streak and a wicked sense of humor. Consistent leadership is a must.
A natural retriever, the Portuguese Water Dog is a very mouthy dog who will pick up everything in his path, chew up both edible and inedible objects, and try to gnaw on your hands. Provide a box filled with toys so he can satisfy his oral fixation by carrying something around in his mouth.
Youngsters are especially rambunctious, bore easily, and without enough attention and structured activity can excavate vast chasms in your yard."
For more information on the Portuguese Water Dog and 199 other breeds, click here.
History
Called Cao de Agua (dog of the water) in his native Portugal, the Portuguese Water Dog herded fish into the fishermen's nets, retrieved equipment that fell overboard, carried messages from ship to ship, and rode fishing boats out to sea.
Size
17-23 inches and 35-60 lbs
