Quiet Big Dogs

randombar

Hi Lads,

Unfortunately we had to put down our family dog (Border Collie) today, he went for my Dad last week and my bro a few weeks before that.

Was talking to the vet and she explained that they are pretty hyperactive and more of a working dog.

I was just wondering what large dog would people recommend for around kids and the likes? We had a bit of a lab before, huge dog (oldest biggest dog the vet had seen at 14 years) that was a great guard dog but as quiet as a mouse.

I was looking at the alaskan malamute myself but after talking to the vet I reckon that's definitely off the cards??

Thanks
Gary

Toulouse

Mals are another high energy working breed.

How about a rescue Greyhound? Brilliant with kids, big gentle dogs and don't need too much exercise.

randombar

Thanks for the advice.

Not really gone on the look of greyhounds though? Always had german shepards and the likes so more used to that kind of look I suppose?

Toulouse

Go and meet some, they will win you over!

Otherwise I would suggest you go have a look in some of your local rescues. Lots of bigger dogs that people can't afford to keep or can't keep having moved to smaller accommodation in there looking for good homes.

http://www.irishanimals.ie/general/index.html

ppink

GaryCocs wrote: »

Hi Lads,

Unfortunately we had to put down our family dog (Border Collie) today, he went for my Dad last week and my bro a few weeks before that.

Was talking to the vet and she explained that they are pretty hyperactive and more of a working dog.

I was just wondering what large dog would people recommend for around kids and the likes? We had a bit of a lab before, huge dog (oldest biggest dog the vet had seen at 14 years) that was a great guard dog but as quiet as a mouse.

I was looking at the alaskan malamute myself but after talking to the vet I reckon that's definitely off the cards??

Thanks
Gary

German Sheps and the likes are also high energy dogs. you may get the odd older one that is more settled but any I have seen need substantial exercise and stimulation.
I was never gone on the look of a greyhound until I met one, it is surprising how quick they get you on side!

You could always try calling some rescues and see if they have anything that fits the bill for you.

barbiegirl

Retrievers are great, they will do need exercise, as does every dog, but generally are well tempered. Of course check for health issues or better yet get a cross. Our retriever/spaniel is the quietest, most placid dog in the world

Sorry to hear about your collie.

marley123

+ 1 for a Retreiver--

Our 10 mth old chap is 35kgs already Hugely loyal breed , manners to burn ( when trained well ) & super with kids .

randombar

Thanks for the advice! Looks like I'll be going down the lab/retreiver route all right. Shame about our dog but the vet said it's not the first time she's come across this in border collies.

Taltos

Or the St Bernard's or Bernese breeds or a cross - both lovely dogs - as they are large breed the amount of exercise they need is quite low.
Just be wary of medical issues - so full breeder check is needed - and still get pet insurance.

eilo1

Id go for a German shepherd if i was you. They are very loyal and excellent with kids. They really don't need massive amounts of exercise as they are quite placid. They do love stimulation and company though!

randombar

Those Bernese look lovely all right, I've heard that the cross are healthier than the purebreds? Also what's the life expectancy for the bernese?? They are placid too ya??

Taltos

Expectancy is low I am afraid - v large breed - so not good - around 8 years.
Very placid except when playing....
Have 2 St Bernese - like big children that now are both able to pull me - so early and consistent training is key.

Very placid - but background is guard-dogs - protecting the home - so don't make our mistake - if you go that route get them used very young to people visitng / calling to the door

Always thought X were meant to be healthier - but in our case we still got the hip issue... Think it came from the father as the mother was clear. Brilliant dogs though, very affectionate and loving. Rarely have to do time-outs, but huge walks are out for us - max 30 minutes - very easy to overdo it so we have to be careful.

Best of luck in whatever breed you choose though

Taltos

Oh one thing - we have 2 for company.
Quiet except when playing - then you would swear you have 2 live walrus' in your home - unbelievable.
Also snoring rattles the roof slates and they have silent but deadly farts - not good when you are travelling or on a hot day...

Ours are quite good for not barking too much - except in the evening when some of the local dogs start - one and mainly one will just let a huge deep woof every 30 seconds as a kind of "hi - anyone there" - we don't need to worry about fireworks - their barks would drown them out...

randombar

Taltos wrote: »

Always thought X were meant to be healthier - but in our case we still got the hip issue... Think it came from the father as the mother was clear. Brilliant dogs though, very affectionate and loving. Rarely have to do time-outs, but huge walks are out for us - max 30 minutes - very easy to overdo it so we have to be careful.

Time outs????

Ya the life expectancy might be an issue though so I'll have to look into it more.

thebman

+1 Golden Retriever Female that my parents have and I'm looking after it for a month for them and no bother from the dog really.

It only barks quietly to get doors open and if a toy is out of reach, usually lets looks at the toy or door first and lets out a few growls first

Otherwise it barks a little louder to get back inside if outside so we can hear it

Dad took it to training for first few months we had her and we got one of the fenceless collar type things to keep her on property and she learned very fast off that where not to go. Think she only shocked about 3 times in total before we stopped putting it on her. Sometimes she will chance her arm but she has learnt that the collar is the trick but can't quite tell if she is wearing it or not so if she starts chancing it, we can put it on her for a day or two and she will behave again (we have a fence but there is hole through to neighbours and they have a little dog).

I was skeptical about the whole collar thing but it worked out very well for this dog. I thought it might take a lot of shocking for them and might be a bit cruel but nope. Even my dad got shocked by it once :P

Golden Retriever, great dog.

Taltos

GaryCocs wrote: »

Time outs????

I know - but it works - all about being 100% consistent in whatever route you take.
We have never ever hit our dogs - we have one or two key words and as a final last resort we use the time-out - in the last year have only had to use it maybe 3 times tops...
Not sure about other breeds but the St Bernese is very intelligent for somethings, lazy with others though

ISDW

I'm sorry, but I just have to ask, what is a St Bernese?

Shanao

ISDW wrote: »

I'm sorry, but I just have to ask, what is a St Bernese?

Wondering that myself.

Also OP, please do not fall for the trap of crossbreeds supposedly being healthier than pedigrees, there's no truth in it. Instead of possibly getting the inherited problems of one breed, you'll be getting problems from both and it can end up costing you thousands. Not to mention that no responsible breeder will be cross breeding. Best to try a rescue center, there are plenty of big quiet dogs who need loving homes.

JustAThought

Beautiful picture ; that is a deer? Isn't it!?
: 0

JustAThought

If you like big digs this won't sound as mad as if you're used to yorkies! I know two people who have Irish Wolfhounds and who swear by them being gentle, docile, low energy and with beautiful temperaments. One has kids; one had about 5 younger siblings.

Also: for gentle giants ( literally) there's the couch potato great dane; apparently they literally snooze about all day and take only a 20 minute walk. Again, like the ark I know two different people who have them and kids ( one has 5 yr old twins) and they swear by them.

My final vote of the night goes to the old English sheepdog; which, although mega hairy; apparently don't shed!!! And are long tome pets of our neighbours. Loved to death!!!!

Best of luck. And I'm very very sorry to hear about your pet.

ppink

ISDW wrote: »

I'm sorry, but I just have to ask, what is a St Bernese?

I had to google it too

http://breederinfocenter.com/index.php?c=Saint+Bernese

are you serious

I'm still not getting the "time-outs" thing..

OP I have a rottie, he is very quiet, I suppose he is a big fella, I still see him as average in size as I meet some retreivers and big lab's who are bigger than he is. He is very placid, great with my little boy and all other kids we meet while out on walks.

oops :eek: I forgot for a second there... Ive 2 rottie's now haha the little queen is now lying at my feet (i am so biased, but they really are the best dogs in the world!!)

ISDW

ppink wrote: »

I had to google it too

http://breederinfocenter.com/index.php?c=Saint+Bernese

Oh, so its a cross of a St Bernard and a Bernese? Not a breed in other words, just another way of describing a particular cross.

And this is one of the reasons I've stopped coming in here and posting, knew I should have stayed away today.

ppink

garkane wrote: »

I'm still not getting the "time-outs" thing..

I think its where you find they have destroyed or eaten something and you have to take yourself outside the door for 10 mins of breath holding in case of exploding:p:p

ISDW wrote: »

Oh, so its a cross of a St Bernard and a Bernese? Not a breed in other words, just another way of describing a particular cross.

And this is one of the reasons I've stopped coming in here and posting, knew I should have stayed away today.

thats what it looks like, unless a mistaken name?

Weylin

great dane.jpg
quiet,and lazy as fuc@k,

Sigma Force

Collies do make good family pets! It's all down to training. You could get yourself any kind of dog but if there's no training it can turn out to be a handful.
So before choosing a breed make sure there's a good dog trainer in the area that uses only humane methods.

I'm suprised at some of the suggestions on here some of which are working breeds..that's where the problem started according to op.
You can get a placid breed but if the work isn't put in any dog can turn out to be a narky pants.

ISDW

ppink wrote: »

I think its where you find they have destroyed or eaten something and you have to take yourself outside the door for 10 mins of breath holding in case of exploding:p:p



thats what it looks like, unless a mistaken name?

I don't understand, what do you mean? It is a cross between a St Bernard and a Bernese moutain dog - hence St Bernese. That link you put up says that what it is, a cross.

ppink

ISDW wrote: »

I don't understand, what do you mean? It is a cross between a St Bernard and a Bernese moutain dog - hence St Bernese. That link you put up says that what it is, a cross.

sory I meant unless Taltos has the wrong name and means a Bernese Mountain dog

ISDW

ppink wrote: »

sory I meant unless Taltos has the wrong name and means a Bernese Mountain dog

Oh right sorry, crossed wires:) Hmmm, wonder what you'd call a wire terrier cross?:D

too little too late

How about a Newfie? Big gentle giants. Great with kids and very loyal. Don't need much exercise, just two short walks a day. They love swimming too.

Cherry Blossom

Sigma Force wrote: »

Collies do make good family pets! It's all down to training. You could get yourself any kind of dog but if there's no training it can turn out to be a handful.
So before choosing a breed make sure there's a good dog trainer in the area that uses only humane methods.

I'm suprised at some of the suggestions on here some of which are working breeds..that's where the problem started according to op.
You can get a placid breed but if the work isn't put in any dog can turn out to be a narky pants.

+1

OP you need to understand where you went wrong with the last dog, all dogs need training and direction or they won't know what is or isn't acceptable behaviour. You have to be willing and prepared to put the work in. I would recommend a young adult or older dog that has already had some basic training, has been taught bite inhibition and is past the difficult adolescent stage. I hate to see the same thing happen again, which it will do if you take on a pup of any breed and don't do the necessary groundwork.

When my dog was a pup I often used the technique of putting her behind a closed door for 5 seconds when she got too hyper, worked a treat, I suppose this could be called a time-out which is possibly what the other poster meant.

Shanao

JustAThought wrote: »

My final vote of the night goes to the old English sheepdog; which, although mega hairy; apparently don't shed!!! And are long tome pets of our neighbours. Loved to death!!!!

Old english sheepdogs are extremely high energy dogs and they do indeed shed, just not in a 'season' like other breeds. Rather they shed all year round, just not in big clumps and they need a good grooming every single day to keep their coat in proper condition and matt free. Definitely not a 'quiet' big dog anyway, it takes a lot to wear them out and they need the physical and mental stimulation that a border collie does

Chris_Heilong

You seemed surprised when someone mentioned Timeouts,

can I ask how you would usually punish your dog?

Usually if a dog starts attacking members of its family unprovoked there is a possibility that the owners are doing something wrong, Now I am not saying this is you but I am just putting this out there incase it is something you didnt consider, because if you get a 'Big' dog and are doing something wrong without realizing it then whats to stop this new bigger dog from doing the exact same thing as the collie.

I would be looking at Newfoundlands, Bernese mountain dog or golden retriever. I have an Alaskan Malamute and they are fantastic dogs and very gentle, dont know what the vet told you about them but I wouldn't recommend them to you because your title says Quiet big dog and although Malamutes rarely bark they do make alot of other howls and vocalization to make up for it.

Taltos

Sorry been offline for a while.

St Bernese is a cross of a Bernese mountain dog and a st Bernard. Ours were accidental...

Timeout, use it just like with kids. Our pups crave attention. So if we scold them when they do something really wrong, well that is still attention. But we have a specific phrase and escort them to a safe spot in the house and put them in timeout for maybe 20 to 30 seconds. There are no distractions here.
If they keep misbehaving time gets increased. But 20 secs to a pup is a lifetime and we have never needed to extend it.
Works a treat.

Bullseye1

OP I'm curious as to why your vet convinced you against the Alaskan?

Cherry Blossom

Bullseye1 wrote: »

OP I'm curious as to why your vet convinced you against the Alaskan?

Possibly because they were unable to cope with a breed that has only half the demands of a mal?

Bullseye1

Are Collies not more hyperactive?

Chris_Heilong

Bullseye1 wrote: »

Are Collies not more hyperactive?

I am not going to expand on it too much but Collies are more Hyper than Malamutes, Malamutes are more calm energy. They have endurance but my Mothers Collie mix runs circles around him and seems to suffer from ADD but I think that is normal for the breed.

Shanao

Depends on the individual dog. I had a collie for fifteen years who was in no way hyperactive. Also had a retriever cross who was a bloody lunatic. Once they're kept properly mentally and phyiscally stimulated, they are very easygoing dogs. Well, that's my experience of them at least.

randombar

Chris_Heilong wrote: »

You seemed surprised when someone mentioned Timeouts,

can I ask how you would usually punish your dog?

Usually if a dog starts attacking members of its family unprovoked there is a possibility that the owners are doing something wrong, Now I am not saying this is you but I am just putting this out there incase it is something you didnt consider, because if you get a 'Big' dog and are doing something wrong without realizing it then whats to stop this new bigger dog from doing the exact same thing as the collie.

I would be looking at Newfoundlands, Bernese mountain dog or golden retriever. I have an Alaskan Malamute and they are fantastic dogs and very gentle, dont know what the vet told you about them but I wouldn't recommend them to you because your title says Quiet big dog and although Malamutes rarely bark they do make alot of other howls and vocalization to make up for it.

We've had a lot of dogs through the years and while we aren't big on training we do have some discipline, he misbehaves he gets sent to his bed. This is the first time a dog has gone this way on us. There was a neighbors dog up the road that attacked him and bullied him for about a year so that might have something to do with it too??

Lpfsox

Shanao wrote: »

Depends on the individual dog. I had a collie for fifteen years who was in no way hyperactive. Also had a retriever cross who was a bloody lunatic. Once they're kept properly mentally and phyiscally stimulated, they are very easygoing dogs. Well, that's my experience of them at least.

+1 my former collie, who died aged 16 in 2009, was a fantastic family pet - excellent with kids (he used to go upstairs with them at bedtime, lie beside their cot/bed and would only come back downstairs when they were asleep. If they were ill or even coming down with something and showing no symptoms then he'd stay with them, so you always knew if one of them was going to wake up with the sniffles). This was not something he was trained to do either, it was completely instinctual (sp?) with him.

My current collie is a different kettle of fish (or dog ) from the last guy - I adopted him from the pound shortly after losing the first one as there was a big collie shaped hole in the house. I won't lie and say it was easy; there were a lot of issues to overcome with him in terms of naughty behaviour and training but he is a fantastic pet, great with the kids and visitors and probably a bit too friendly to be honest. He does need exercise of course and to have a job to do but I bring him to the park before work every morning for a good off-lead run and a game of ball followed up in the evenings with either a shorter lead walk or play and training. He's smart and funny and I wouldn't be without him for anything.

Bottom line really is that if you put the work in training your dog, using positive reinforcement only, you will have a fantastic pet regardless of the breed of animal.

axle108

GaryCocs wrote: »

Hi Lads,

Unfortunately we had to put down our family dog (Border Collie) today, he went for my Dad last week and my bro a few weeks before that.

Was talking to the vet and she explained that they are pretty hyperactive and more of a working dog.
Thanks
Gary

Have you wondered why the dog reacted the way it did on both occasions. How long did you have " your family dog " ? It bit on two occasions, last week and a few weeks before that. Did you try a trainer or behaviourist. I am at a loss to the vet not offering advice regarding working on its hyperactivity. If it had the drive of a working dog, maybe it needed to be worked and not put down and then replaced. What if the next dog turns out to be hyper. Dont get me wrong im not making light of its attack, maybe it was severe but getting on here and writing you just put a dog down and want to get another. Makes my blood boil. I think you need to be evaluating what training could prevent this happening with your next dog, rather than expecting a particular breed to make life easier for you.

randombar

Sorry axle but with young kids around we can't take risks, you might be in a different situation yourself but even with training we don't want to take those risks. I am posting in this forum so we don't make this mistake again. Different breeds suit different people and circumstances. Please don't assume it was an easy thing for us to do.

Cherry Blossom

Hyperactivity isn't a natural state or natural trait of any breed, it's the symptom of an underlying cause, the usual ones being lack of exercise, lack of mental stimulation, the dog is on an inappropriate diet or the food doesn't suit the dog, or it could be stemming from an underlying medical issue. Often there are multiple reasons from list. The amount of people who told me that my dog's hyperactivity was 'just puppies being puppies' or 'terriers being terriers' is actually frightening. The causes as it turned out were a combination of the wrong food and a hormone imbalance.

magentas

Gary I have 3 collies and I am very passionate about the breed so I take offence at the notion that collies are extremely hyperactive and the insinuation that they are prone to, em, attacking?! What did your vet mean by this wasn't the first time she's seen this with collies? Seen what exactly, biting?

You say that the dog just went for members of your family. Totally unprovoked? Or did something set the dog off?? There is almost certainly something that triggered the dog.
Yes, collies along with many other breeds of a working strain, become extremely frustrated without adequate excercise and stimulation for their body and mind. This can, in turn, lead to aggression.

Sorry, I know I'm kind of going off on one here Gary but I just hope that you try to figure out what happened with your pet to make him snap like that and most importantly, learn from it and prevent it from happening again with any future dog you decide to get.

At least you are researching to find a suitable breed for yourself and your family. If you are looking for a big dog that is low maintenance and very placid and good with kids, a retired greyhound sounds like the perfect family companion!

Good luck

randombar

Right, lads please don't shoot the messenger, I'm only going on what people are saying on here and what the vet said! (It was also in relation to border collies, not sure what collies you have??)

No one said collies are prone to attacking??

I am trying to figure out what happened but unfortunately this thread has basically turned into a bit of a witch hunt.

Thanks for all the advice on here lads.

Regards
Gary

(Signing out)

magentas

GaryCocs wrote: »

Right, lads please don't shoot the messenger, I'm only going on what people are saying on here and what the vet said! (It was also in relation to border collies, not sure what collies you have??)

No one said collies are prone to attacking??

I am trying to figure out what happened but unfortunately this thread has basically turned into a bit of a witch hunt.

Thanks for all the advice on here lads.

Regards
Gary

(Signing out)

Yep I've 3border collies. I said the insinuation was that collies are prone to attacking based on what both you (went for your brother one week and your dad the next week) and your vet (not the first time she's seen this happen with collies) said.

I think it is paramount that you find out what happened with your collie as this could well happen with any dog, it's not restricted to any breed!
I don't know why you think it's a witch hunt, I am trying to advise you so as it won't happen with whatever dog you get next. Dogs are products of their environment and how they are trained, excercised, socialized etc. all play a major role in the way they behave.

My concern is that you will get another dog and the underlying reasons that caused your collie to bite will surface with the next dog and another poor dog will be put down, perhaps through no fault of their own.

Please try to view my post as someone genuinely trying to help:(

Cocolola

GaryCocs wrote: »

Right, lads please don't shoot the messenger, I'm only going on what people are saying on here and what the vet said! (It was also in relation to border collies, not sure what collies you have??)

No one said collies are prone to attacking??

I am trying to figure out what happened but unfortunately this thread has basically turned into a bit of a witch hunt.

Thanks for all the advice on here lads.

Regards
Gary

(Signing out)

Don't give up on us yet! Some of the regular posters here are fantastic and I'm sure they'll be able to help, firstly by trying to find out what may have caused your collie to turn on your family, and secondly by giving you some advice on how to ensure the same thing doesn't happen with any future dogs you may get.

I guess the best way to go about this is by getting as much information about you and your collie. So prepare for an assault of random questions!

• Did you get him as a puppy and if so where did he come from?
• How old was he when he started to turn aggressive?
• Was he neutered?
• Was he an indoor or outdoor dog?
• How much time was spent interacting with him on an average day?
• How did that neighbour's dog that you mentioned come into contact with him and in what was was he bullying your dog?
• What brand of food were you feeding him?
• Did he get regular walks and exercise or did he just roam around the garden?
• Was he there before or after your kids came along?
• How old are your kids and did they spend much time with him?

Right that's all I can think of right now. I'm sure others will have much better questions than that. It really will help if we know as much as we can about the situation so I hope you won't mind answering them?

Also, I know it may seem like you're getting attacked but try to bear in mind that people get really upset when they hear of dogs being put to sleep when it may have been possible to prevent a situation.
It's done now though and you are here looking for advice so there's no point in having a go at you. Best to just ignore the less helpful comments and take the good advice that I'm sure you will get.

P.S. sorry about your collie, it's always heartbreaking to lose a pet

axle108

Garyops.
I dont question your motives for protecting your children. Different breeds suit different people, your right. But if you find you have a breed that does'nt suit you, its your responsibility to your family dog to find common ground. Your not big on training i gather and that is where i fear you might encounter problems again.
Im in a situation where i have one child just out of toddlerdom and a pre teen. I have a thirteen month old german shepherd. I grew up with dogs, and from an early age fed them, walked them and trained them the way i knew or thought i knew. My kids come first, as i know yours do but the difference is my dog no matter what he throws at me, i will do my utmost to help him. Prior to owning my GSD, its been a good few years since i last had a dog. I have spent so much time learning so much about his breed, obedience classes since he was vaccinated, books on dog psychology, videos you name it . I did this cause i had many problems along the way. Trainers said hes going to be hard work from day one, but stick with it and he will be so rewarding. He is high energy, but he's always at my side and takes our faults but i have no doubt he'd protect us at all costs . Im constantly evaluating what can i do next. My littleone has the bug and will surpass me, at seven she has all the commands. He chances his arm with her, can get a bit nippy when he thinks im not looking. I correct him and show her, then at classes i tell the trainers what happened and they advises me whether i was right and what i should try next. Eldest son is starting to get involved. My advice is a good trainer, so you have the forsight to recognise early on to prevent it happening again . Its not a witch hunt here, just people offering there opinions. On a positive note you are doing your research and i wish you the best of luck.

caseyann

<snip>

axle108

Cocolola wrote: »

Don't give up on us yet! Some of the regular posters here are fantastic and I'm sure they'll be able to help,

Also, I know it may seem like you're getting attacked but try to bear in mind that people get really upset when they hear of dogs being put to sleep when it may have been possible to prevent a situation.
It's done now though and you are here looking for advice so there's no point in having a go at you. Best to just ignore the less helpful comments and take the good advice that I'm sure you will get.

Sorry for going off the ops topic but the regulars thing has surfaced. Everyone has an opinion and in order to offer advice sometimes that oppinion will form the pelude to there advice. Some who try and belittle other posters comments might do well to look back on there previous threads.
To quote;
I am not attacking you just expressing my oppinion strongly.