Giant dogs

[Seekingasaintmaybe]

Could I please get some thorough advice from any giant breed owners please?

There is some conflict between DH and I.
Eventually, after all this covid horror, we want another dog.

I would ideally prefer a smaller breed this time.
DH wants to go the other way, he wants a giant breed.
There is a Saint Bernard breeder near us (though she hasn’t a litter for a while now) and he is hinting at a Bernard.

The thing is though, I know they drool a lot and I HATE drooly dogs.
I don’t mind the hair though.

I don’t find them attractive to look at compared to other breeds, they are too heavy set and clunky for my liking (or are their owners just keeping them fat..?)
I have seen some old photographs of beautiful Saint Bernards (muscular and strong but slim) but none of the real life Bernard’s I’ve seen look like that.

I’m also a little scared about my ability to control it and if it goes ‘bad’/develops aggression problems.
There is a Saint Bernard locally that is quite badly behaved, fortunately i haven’t seen it in ages.
It plonks itself down and refuses to move for its owner whenever it fancies and it doesn’t like my dog and lunges when it sees her which is frankly terrifying.

I’m worried incase we get this dog and it turns out to have issues and i can’t control it.
Our current dog is mildly dog reactive/dog selective but she is perfectly capable of making friends (hence wanting another dog) but I don’t typically let her interact with dogs we don’t know.
She’s fairly small and easily controlled but a giant wouldn’t be...

So I’d really appreciate some advice from giant breed owners.
Good and bad.
Are problem behaviours like dog aggression, resource guarding and the like a known problem as with some other breeds?

I always wanted a big dog and have ended up with a Bernese and would 100% recommend them. She is and always has been lazy in the house but happy to walk whenever and for however long. Our last house was very small and was a bit of pain while we crated trained her as a puppy but once she needed a bigger crate we decided to just go for a bigger bed and never had any issues.
Originally I always wanted a Newfie but just couldn’t deal with the drool, ours doesn’t drool but does leave an impressive amount of fur around the house.
Perfect dog for us but getting one from a good breeder is challenging but worth it.

I have a Great Dane and a Maine Coon as part of our "collection". Other than being short haired the GD would fit your DH criteria. He's very gentle, sensitive, walks to heel. Yes does take up space but he's worth it. I've never known such a soppy, loving dog.

They don’t have much choice if they are on a lead!
Which puppy would be until I was confident I could trust it not to pull up plants etc

And when you`re out in your garden and GiantPup gets the zoomies or starts having a tantrum flinging itself about whilst on the lead, would you be able to keep control of a four stone plus dog?

Almost all giant owners have at some point or other been sprawled out on the ground covered in paw prints while pup runs riot, lead fluttering like a fairground streamer behind them.

I got the delight of PolePup suddenly surging and leaping off the porch/deck at three months old, I was yanked after him, dragged down the steps, across the garden and dislocated my collar bone. Fun times but it could have been much worse. It was a massive pain in the butt as it was, especially having young DC too.

Bold fail again sorry! I`m on a roll tonight!

When PoleDog was a pup I meant, doubt current PolePup would be able to drag a teddy anywhere he`s so small

A woman that loves near us had an Irish wolf hound. Absolutely beautiful dog and was huge. So placid and walked slowly by her side. Poor thing died but she did get another one. This one's nowhere near as big, bit again has a lovely temperament.

@PoleToPole

The vet situation doesn`t sound ideal as it is, add a giant and you have the restrictions of finding someone with a car big enough, especially if they are sick/flopped out. Personally I wouldn`t be comfortable knowing I would really struggle/wouldn`t be able to get my dogs to a specialist if they needed it too, and whilst you hope it never happens it is something you have to plan for just in case.

I agree. I have two Pyrs and I absolutely adore them. But I also live on five fenced acres, have a large farm truck, and two ranch hands to help me out. I cannot fathom owning a Pyr without land and a vehicle that can transport them to the vet at a moment's notice. Then again, I have a large animal vet that will come to me, so maybe make that arrangement if you do end up with one? Pyrs are notorious wanderers, but on their own terms. One of mine will lazily melt into the ground mid-walk if that is what she feels like doing--they definitely think they know best! Mine are so sweet, absolutely beautiful and loyal, but stubborn as can be. I am not sure about where you live, but they also can be quite vocal. A small home and garden set up might drive you and/or your neighbors crazy. Mine have a flock of goats and sheep to guard, so I'd worry about how they would occupy themselves without a "job." On the plus side, they are huge and not at all drooly!

We had an Irish wolfhound when i was growing up.

Pros:
-soppy/wimp, hardly ever barked but was scared of smaller dogs that could get under him

• very chill - a short sharp burst of running (10 mins during a longer walk) and that was pretty much him done.
• beautiful looking dog
• gentle with kids, never snapped
• couldn't go upstairs as he was too heavy to be able to get down safely so was a downstairs dog

Cons:

• short life expectancy (around 8 years)
• 14 stone of dog! If he wanted to sit on your lap for a cuddle, you weren't getting up for a bit! He never pulled on the lead with me but did pull my dad over once.
• the bigger the dog the stinkier the dog!
• their head height is at table/kitchen counter level so if anything was left out he could eat it

OP It sounds like you are being very thoughtful and considering all the practicalities. It also sounds like you do most/all the dog care. So even though you are right to consider your DH'a preference that doesn't trump the real life needs of any new pup and how it will fit into your lives. Your reason trumps his desire & you mustn't make too many compromises.

There are loads of breeds I love that I know I couldn't handle for various reasons, whether that is slobber, size or temperament so I just have to admire from afar & stick to my lovely small breeds.

Also wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading about theses giant breeds, thanks to everyone who has posted their experiences.

"I don’t think it’s fair to say it’s unethical for a dog not to want to walk miles. Lots and lots of dogs of all sizes and types have lower exercise requirements and it does not mean they are unhealthy or miserable because of it."

This.

@CoffeeBeansGalore

A smooth coat bitch will be less drooly than a rough coat male.

Also less likely to be overweight. These are more like the original St Bernard (Mountain Mastiff)

I love this dog. No squashed face, still athletic.

I do like big dogs (but not drooly ones) but I know I couldn’t handle walking them..

So on that basis I wouldn’t get one

OP, most dogs your husband wants will dig. They'll dig a hole to rest in, dig under your fence to get out etc. Not sure what size your garden is, but get a pyrenean and it'll guard the whole street for you, potentially.
Is your husband and you capable of holding a potentially dog aggressive dog back on a leash when trying to attack?
Also a dog that has its own mind... will just bugger off on a walk to where he/she wants. You might end up walking up and down forest paths for an hour and a half, stressed out with cold/crying children looking for said dog.
I'm saying these from experience. I love bug, cuddly, long haired dogs, I had one. Reading about them is not the same as living with it every day.

I have to be honest - you're thinking about what you get out of a dog, you don't seem to be thinking about what you are offering a dog. Small home, a garden they're not allowed to play in, young children to be considerate of. There's a great chance a giant puppy won't be quiet and considerate of children and your garden (or any puppy) It has to be quiet and lazy in the home. It is expected to be lots of things that make your life easy but then again your husband specifically wants a dog that thinks for itself. You've got no way to get a giant to the vet if it needs to go in an emergency. You think a taxi will take an ill giant dog? You want the dog to fit directly into a narrow set of requirements (which giant breeds don't actually suit) but are you listening to the people who have a lot of experience of having huge dogs from puppies?

I had a friend who has a st Bernard from a puppy. They spent hundreds of pounds and hundreds of hours on training this dog. It ended up being well trained in the end but even at its best, if it wanted to go somewhere, it went. It has no problem towing them along and these people were very much larger than average.

I knew someone with a neapolitan bull mastiff and a st bernard. He had to regularly clean drool off the ceiling! The st bernard was very friendly (the mastiff less so) but he was 6ft 7 and solid and couldn't have stopped it easily if it wanted to run so had to spend a lot of time on training.

What’s your current dog’s breed, OP? To get an idea of how large/small you’re currently used to.

The more you post - small house, no car, garden not suitable for zoomies - the more it sounds like a giant breed is not right for you. Added to which a DH who wants a dog that will be ‘his’ but that you will do most of the training, daily care and walks - I just don’t think it’s a realistic wish, I’m afraid.

Dogs listen most to the person that gives them most attention, in my experience. Almost all the family dogs I know that person is the parent who works part-time/is at home and that’s usually the woman. The exceptions are where the dog can accompany the blokes out to work in an outdoorsy job, so they’re with them more often.

Add to that a stubborn sort of ‘challenge’ dog - does your DH have the time to devote to making that dog listen to him above others? Realistically?

Like I say, I’d love a giant, I’ve always loved Great Danes, but it’s not practical so we can’t have one. I think in terms of choosing a family dog with young children it would be a mistake to go with your DH’s desires. He can have a massive dog when all the children have grown up and left abs he’s retired and can be its person.

We have three friends with big dogs - one has two Dogue de Bordeaux, which are lovely, one has a Great Dane, which is my favourite of them and another has two Bernese mountain dogs. They're all huge compared to my dog (and slobber a lot!)

"The dog/s can run about, jump, dig etc on their walks. Not my garden."

Good grief. Definitely a Saint is not for you🤣🤣

OP, like a PP of Pyrs, we have several acres of fenced land. Leo’s and other mountain dogs need to be outdoors. All of them time. Especially when it is cold. They need space. Practically my teenage DD can walk ours on our land but I won’t take the risk she can handle him in public. That means you or your DH will have to do 100% of the walks. You also need to consider the practicalities of mouthing from a large dog with children when they are puppies. They are just not aware of their own strength and that could be quite frightening or misconstrued for children. As a guardian breed any non-family wildlife are fair game as far as they are concerned - cats, foxes etc. I need a new front door as my Leo literally goes bonkers scraping at it to get out to chase whatever he can see away. They are also massively clumsy dogs. The first year meant several trips to the vets alone. More the second year. It really isn’t practical to own a giant breed without a car. My Leo will not even get on the back seat of my car so a taxi is unlikely to be practical. I really do think with this additional info it is unwise to consider this sort of breed. I also know that our breeder (who interviews every prospective owner before considering them) would have been unlikely to say yes to allowing us a Leo puppy with a small garden and no car.

We have a decent sized garden but the current dog is rarely in it and when she is she is expected to pootle about.
I am a very keen gardener.
The dog/s can run about, jump, dig etc on their walks. Not my garden.

Oh dear. I don't think owning a giant breed is for you. They might be generally placid dogs, but all puppies will want to run and dig in the garden. You say you'll keep them on lead, but do you have the strength to hold back an adolescent St Bernard who's spotted a squirrel or next doors' cat?

Not sure what size your garden is, but get a pyrenean and it'll guard the whole street for you, potentially
I’m not even considering a Pyrenees anymore.
They are gorgeous but I hadn’t done any research, I’d just seen them at Crufts and liked what I saw.
Obviously after hearing a bit more they aren’t right for us.

Is your husband and you capable of holding a potentially dog aggressive dog back on a leash when trying to attack?
I’m not sure anyone could hold back a truly determined giant breed but DH is very strong yes.
Me not so much.

Also a dog that has its own mind... will just bugger off on a walk to where he/she wants. You might end up walking up and down forest paths for an hour and a half, stressed out with cold/crying children looking for said dog
DH wants it kept on lead as he doesn’t know if it’ll be reliable off lead and thinks the size might scare people.
Perfectly sensible and yes, if I didn’t trust it to come back I would keep it on lead but again, seems a shame when current dog is off loose.

I have to be honest - you're thinking about what you get out of a dog, you don't seem to be thinking about what you are offering a dog
I think that’s quite unfair.
I’m home literally all day when the majority of other dog owners are working.
I don’t know anybody who gives their dogs close to the amount of exercise i do, it would be out most of the day enjoying fresh air, exploring woodland, fields etc
I don’t think having a garden it isn’t really allowed in and a small house automatically makes me s bad owner/not considering the dog’s needs.

You think a taxi will take an ill giant dog?
No, I was amazed the company took my current dog.
At that time we had moved and my in laws were on holiday.
Where we are now we have in laws nearby, neighbours and friends who could all take it in an emergency

Don't get a giant breed if you are houseproud or fanatical about having a beautiful garden. Our garden is boring. No plants, just balls, chutes and other big garden toys. Reinforced fencing etc. We have old tatty carpets, old skirting boards in our home (downstairs) so if any pee or poo gets on carpets it is no big deal.

There has to be some compromise with any dog you choose. They have to fit your lifestyle, but you have to really accommodate their needs too.

The more you post the more you are making me think that giant breeds are not for you.

We had a van for transport needs before buying a giant breed but it's ideal for getting a huge crate in the back. And she's off to the vet for a check tomorrow.

If you're walking the dog and it goes to try to attack an adult/child/dog could you hold a giant one back/pull it away? Likely not to happen but you never know.

If the dog has an accident on a walk would you be able to carry it to the car if it couldn't walk back itself?

I knew some one with a st Bernard, on a walk it would just sit and refuse to move, the owner who couldn't move it just had to wait for it to get up again. She walked her other dog separately.

Don't get a giant breed if you are houseproud or fanatical about having a beautiful garden. Our garden is boring. No plants, just balls, chutes and other big garden toys. Reinforced fencing etc. We have old tatty carpets, old skirting boards in our home (downstairs) so if any pee or poo gets on carpets it is no big deal
I honestly don’t see why not allowing a dog to trash my garden when said dog is outside from early morning to late afternoon pretty much everyday is such a big problem?
It’s getting plenty of opportunity to run around, sniff, dig holes etc?

I also don’t see why I can’t apparently have a nice house?
Current dog as a puppy was played with and crate trained and taught what was acceptable to chew and what wasn’t.
Isn’t that what everyone does with dogs..?
‘Puppy proof’ their house, do what they can to prevent accidents and teach the puppy how to behave in the house and live in harmony with the trained adult dog and an untrashed house?

The more you post the more you are making me think that giant breeds are not for you
And you might be right.
Certainly if they aren’t no capable of long walks they won’t be though it seems the Leo’s at least are.
But that’s the whole point of research and talking to people.
I wouldn’t go and buy one if I didn’t think we could give it a good quality of life.

Current dog as a puppy was played with and crate trained and taught what was acceptable to chew and what wasn’t.

I mean, of course that's what people do - but you're comparing a small breed with a giant. Giant breeds can do damage by wagging their tails near your coffee table. A small dog chewing is annoying, but a giant breed that decides to chew your chair could destroy it in seconds.

Nobody is saying they don't protect their homes or train their dogs, but giant breeds can do damage just by virtue of their size. No matter how well trained they are, they're big dogs.