Healthy large dog breeds?

[Liesje]

Many of these dogs I don't think of as large or giant (Samoyed, ACD, BC, Aussie....).

I love Saints, Newfs, and Pyrs but can't really find the things I like about them in a smaller sized dog...

[wildo]

One breed I haven't seen mentioned yet is the Dalmatian. You might PM ShatteringGlass. I believe well bred Dalmatians are pretty health dogs, very trainable, great endurance, social dogs. There is quite a bit of info on them in this thread:
My Dalmatian enjoys the company of pigs and swimming


And besides that- look at this thread and tell me those aren't gorgeous dogs!!
Spotty Dogs

I do believe a I'd own a Dal if not a GSD or Border Collie...

[Capone22]

What about an English shepherd? http://www.englishshepherd.org/


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[FrankieC]

Originally Posted by huntergreen

the larger the bread the shorter the lifespan. also, having owned gsd s, which imho , are fairly easy to train, you may find some of these large "mountain dogs" trying.

This! At least as far as my Pyrenees went (and my neighbors for that matter). Training a GSD is a walk in the park.

[CeCe]

I just remembered that Black and Tan and Redbone coonhounds are pretty healthy breeds. They are the same size range as a shepherd and are known to be friendly, social dogs. I've seen a few and they were very attractive dogs.

[Gharrissc]

My husband had two 2 Giant Schnauzers when we met and they were great dogs. The different coat types have their own grooming requirements and that's one thing to consider if they are on your list.

[Chicagocanine]

Originally Posted by Capone22

What about an English shepherd? English Shepherd Club - Home

I thought about them, I looked into them a while ago. They're a little bit smaller than what I was thinking but they might be one I would consider. If not for my next dog, then in the future possibly.

[Stevenzachsmom]

Originally Posted by CeCe

How about a shepherd mix? Some are really attractive and mixes tend to healthier. Someone on this forum, I can't remember who, has posted pics of their GSD/Golden mix and that dog is gorgeous.

I agree with this. Mixes can be the most beautiful and smartest of dogs. Sometimes the genetic diversity seems to promote better health and waters down some of the more intense traits of any one breed. I love mixes.

Someone mentioned the Samoyed. I had one. She was gorgeous and probably the sweetest dog I have ever owned. She came from a reputable breeder and champion lines. She was on the larger side of the breed standard - probably 21". Sadly, she had hip dysplasia, an Aortic stenosis and a digestive disorder. She died at the age of 3.5. I think we were just unlucky. Very sad.

[sashadog]

Originally Posted by Chicagocanine

I had looked into Bernese Mountain Dogs and Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs before. The Berners seem to have a lot of health problems and short lifespan, Swissies are a little longer-lived and have less health issues although since they're both giant breeds still they may have shorter lifespans.
I was thinking of a Swissie as an option (especially before I was looking for higher longevity) but they are apparently aloof and can be quite cautious/protective, not like the Berners, and I was not sure if they would be a good dog for taking everywhere.

I have dog sat for several well bred Swissies and they couldn't be sweeter. I would highly suggest taking a closer look at them and possibly visiting a few breeders if possible. I adore those boys They go to doggie daycare when their owners are working but other than that are 100% a constant family companion. They go to baseball games, camping, walking, everywhere with their families!

[llombardo]

Originally Posted by wildo

One breed I haven't seen mentioned yet is the Dalmatian. You might PM ShatteringGlass. I believe well bred Dalmatians are pretty health dogs, very trainable, great endurance, social dogs. There is quite a bit of info on them in this thread:
My Dalmatian enjoys the company of pigs and swimming


And besides that- look at this thread and tell me those aren't gorgeous dogs!!
Spotty Dogs

I do believe a I'd own a Dal if not a GSD or Border Collie...

I had a dalmatian years ago and she was beautiful. Very active, loved life, just a very good dog. I wouldn't mind another dalmatian.