WWYD about this young dog?

[MiseryBusiness]

The rescue near us had a bitch come in some months ago that was pg.

She had her pups and once they started to be rehomed when old enough mum was rehomed too.

There is one pup left. She is 4 months now and they are desperate for someone to adopt her as it isn't a 'no kil'l rescue and soon she may have to be pts because she's been there so long.

The reason no one over here wants her is because she is part Newfoundland and not many people seem keen on having a big dog. She is also part GSD and no one is keen because they dont have the best reputation around here.

She is beautiful though and I cant get it out of my head that she might not find a home.

Trouble is we already have 2 dogs and I dont know how well she would fit. Our two dogs are the same breed so have pretty much the same needs. Also because she is a mixed breed we dont know what her temperament would be like and we have young DCs.

I don't know what to do I just cant help thinking about her.

Tough one.

But, ultimately, you have to be practical. With your existing dogs and your children, are you able to meet the needs of a large breed pup? Particularly one of unknown heritage in terms of health and temperament...unfortunately with the combination of breeds she is I'd bank on some degree of joint problems (such as hip and or elbow dysplasia) at some stage which you may have to be prepared for financially, either in insurance or vet bills.

Newfoundlands themselves should be sweet natured and, as a general rule, very tolerant of children. However, you have no way of knowing how much of her temperament will have come from the Newf and how much from the GSD (or indeed what the individual temperament of the actual parents was like)...not to mention what effect spending her first 4 months in a kennel environment might have had.

She will be big. She is likely to be extremely hairy with intense grooming requirements. She is likely to be boisterous and puppy-like for a long time like my 7 year old Newf who refuses to embrace adulthood . She will likely knock small children over. Regularly.

That said, I also have a crossbreed who is of very random breeding. On paper, most people wouldn't touch him with a barge pole simply because of the mix of breeds that he is. And he had a crap start in life where he was quite neglected and unsocialised for the first 6 months of his life so could easily have turned out to be a nightmare but he's an absolute sweetheart...not that that helps you at all with your decision. Sorry!

I suppose the bottom line is, if you think you can meet her needs and fit her in with your household and family, then go for it. BUT please don't take her on if you have any doubts at all...being bounced back to rescue if it didn't work out would potentially be worse for her than not taking her on at all as there may be a suitable home just around the corner.

One last thought...where are you? There might Newfoundland breed club or rescue organisation in your area who may be prepared to help with her rehoming. I know many will assist with rehoming crossbreeds if they can.

Could you afford to sponsor the puppy to keep it alive for longer and take it for walks etc?

We are in Germany. I did phone the rescue/pound and ask them if they could send her on to a Newf rescue but they cant. Mum was Newf/Labrador, although the rescue said she was way more newf than anything else. In size and temperament.

Dad is definitely a GSD but totally unknown.

DC1 is in school. DC2 starts school in sept. I would have the time to walk/care for all 3 dogs. A big thing for us is that our 2 dogs are very high energy need 2 hours + everyday and if this pup takes after her mum she wont need more than 30 mins a day so we'd have to walk them seperately.

Health issues has crossed our mind. We would obviously insure the pup but there is potential for her to cost a lot later in life.

oh poor dog. I have working line GSDs and they are lovely with my DC and other dogs.

in my head the laidback plodder of newfie cancels out the full on ness of the shepherd.

It would depend on how the puppy had been socialised up until now - or left in a kennel. Either way, the outcome isnt looking good for this dog unless you can get it moved elsewhere.

Any armed forces centres nearby who would be willing to take the dog to try to work it?

Really, I just want to bring her home but I'm unsure we have enough experience for a GSDx.

Apparently she gets on very well with the other dogs at the rescue and they have been teaching her basic commands. They say she is very mellow and likes to curl up on peoples feet.

I have emailed a lady that helps with rescue over here to talk to her about it.

I dont know how you lovely MNers on here work in rescue, I'd end up with a farm full of dogs!

On the plus side, she is a cross of 3 very trainable and biddable breeds so that side of things could be quite straight forward.

And while any large breed puppy should have restricted exercise until they've done most of their growing, 2 hours exercise daily would not be excessive for any of those breeds when adult. Ok, so Newfoundlands aren't built for speed but the breed was created for strength and stamina to be able to perform the job they were designed for (swimming and pulling boats/carts etc). Most will accept as much or as little exercise as you're prepared to give them but don't underestimate their capabilities..do long as generally fit and well , a Newf will plod along happily at your side for hours on end. In her younger years, mine easily had 2 hours of exercise daily...mostly off lead and allowed to set her own pace. This pup has the benefit of mixed genes from 2 more athletic breeds on her side too.

I'm with rubber, I adore my GSDs - they have plenty exercise and 1 has just started Agility now at 19 months. She loves it, bet the rescue dog would too.

Can I ask why you are so put off by the fact that she has GSD in her mix? They honestly are not bad dogs at all, highly trainable and want to please.

Those who work in rescue have to toughen up their heart a bit, otherwise their household has a gazillion dogs.

I have 2 of my own and sometimes do some emergency fostering, it is hard, but you have to let your head rule your heart, even when your heart is breaking.

Hey she is trainable, sounds like she is pretty sociable, may be plenty more energetic than you imagine, actually both are fit and strong breeds so after your pup is adult there wouldn't be any need for a separate walk. You have to go easy on young joints but that can be fitted in with what you already do.

I have biggies and they are no big problem with children, no more than any other dog.

I like having three. If you know basic dog training stuff then you are able to manage a GSD cross. They are trainable, pretty easy compared to a beagle or sighthound:)

Sorry, am no help:)

I love GSD's, I really do. I think they are beautiful dogs in the right hands but I have met some very temperamental ones in my time. Ones that I wouldn't trust around my children and I think that has clouded my view, really.

We have 2 very well behaved dogs so we aren't new to training. No way near agility but good enough that they are both friendly, obedient dogs.

I'll let you know what happens, she's such a beauty.

I do know what you mean about GSD but I've met more mellow loyal ones than nervy unstrust worthy ones tbf.

It sounds like this pup has an awful lot in her favour for fitting in, worst case scenario if you realise she isn't a suitable fit you could see it as fostering and
getting her ready for a forever family if she needs to be a sole dog?

Is there any feedback available on how the other pups are going?