Mastiffs, Smooth Collies, Labs, & Great DanesQuestion:Hey. Okay... I need info on: Great Danes Smooth Collies Labs Mastiffs I got TONS of info on Great Danes on another thread (thanks so much shadowfacedanes!), but is there anything I should know about them that is really important? What are Smooth Collies like to own? Do they have a very high energy level? What are Mastiffs like to own? How active are they? Do they have a very high prey-drive? Even though my parents don't want a really active dog, I do and our next dog will be my dog. I think a lab fits our life style perfectly and I am pretty sure we will probably get one from my uncle's litter this summer. What are labs like to own, though? Do they have a high prey drive for livestock animals or any other kind of animal? I want to know everything about those 4 breeds of dogs! Thanks! :D Answer: I would do a google searcch. Dogbreedinfo.com has info too. Danes ARE Mastiffs. They are large, gentle, and eat LOTS Answer: I would do a google searcch. Dogbreedinfo.com has info too. Danes ARE Mastiffs. They are large, gentle, and eat LOTS Yes, but they are two different breeds, even if they did originate from a Mastiff ;) Answer: As an adult, the average dane eats about the same as a labrador. This is a common misconception. My last dane, Shelby, ate 4 cups a day and was at a healthy weight. Danes are very succeptible to bloat. You should learn all about the signs, symptoms and treatments. In fact, all of the breeds you've listed are succeptible. Danes are fragile dogs, despite their size. They are very sensitive as well. These are not dogs to be left outside, or dogs left to entertain themselves. Danes are a breed prone to many health problems. Buying from a reputable breeder is an absolute must. I would suggest contacting the breed club in your state for whichever breed you go with and questioning them about recommended breeders. Also you will need to educate yourself on how to identify a good breeder, if you have not already. Answer: Yes, but they are two different breeds, even if they did originate from a Mastiff ;) Not really :) Answer: As an adult, the average dane eats about the same as a labrador. This is a common misconception. My last dane, Shelby, ate 4 cups a day and was at a healthy weight. Danes are very succeptible to bloat. You should learn all about the signs, symptoms and treatments. In fact, all of the breeds you've listed are succeptible. Danes are fragile dogs, despite their size. They are very sensitive as well. These are not dogs to be left outside, or dogs left to entertain themselves. Danes are a breed prone to many health problems. Buying from a reputable breeder is an absolute must. I would suggest contacting the breed club in your state for whichever breed you go with and questioning them about recommended breeders. Also you will need to educate yourself on how to identify a good breeder, if you have not already. Thank you. I don't think they are the best dog for my family if they are prone to lots of health problems. We have paid over $9000 on our Boxer due to his health problems and we definetly need a dog who is not prone to much health problems. Remember that link you gave me and the email you gave me? I believe the email was Daynakin@aol.com. Well I saw that lady at a dog show not long ago. :) Answer: Don't get me wrong - all breeds are succeptible to health problems...not just danes. You just have to carefully select a reputable breeder who does health testing. They have taken the proper precautions to eliminate or reduce the risk of certain genetic health problems in their lines. For example, testing breeding stock for hip dysplaysia, and knowing the hip ratings of the dogs in their lines...This reduces the risk of the puppy developing HD later in life. Health testing is never a guarentee, but it's a peace of mind, and something I highly recommend checking out no matter which breed you choose. :) Answer: Don't get me wrong - all breeds are succeptible to health problems...not just danes. You just have to carefully select a reputable breeder who does health testing. They have taken the proper precautions to eliminate or reduce the risk of certain genetic health problems in their lines. For example, testing breeding stock for hip dysplaysia, and knowing the hip ratings of the dogs in their lines...This reduces the risk of the puppy developing HD later in life. Health testing is never a guarentee, but it's a peace of mind, and something I highly recommend checking out no matter which breed you choose. :) Okay. Thank you! :) Answer: My Great Dane ate 10 cups of kibble a day :yikes: He was 36'' at his wither and 160 lbs at full maturity. He had a lot of health problems though and required more food than you average dane. If you want an active dog, DO NOT get a mastiff...talk about slow motion LOL! Answer: My Great Dane ate 10 cups of kibble a day Holy moly showpug! :eek: That's a lot! Psst... Got any pictures of him? I'm a sucker for great danes.... ;) :p Answer: shadowfacedanes, my Boxers eat that much too. My Great Dane ate 10 cups of kibble a day :yikes: He was 36'' at his wither and 160 lbs at full maturity. He had a lot of health problems though and required more food than you average dane. If you want an active dog, DO NOT get a mastiff...talk about slow motion LOL! Holy.. shute! :yikes: Are you serious?? Answer: shadowfacedanes, my Boxers eat that much too. Holy.. shute! :yikes: Are you serious?? Trust me, I wouldn't joke about that!!!! Answer: Trust me, I wouldn't joke about that!!!! My dear god! :eek: That must've cost a fortune...!! Answer: Holy moly showpug! :eek: That's a lot! Psst... Got any pictures of him? I'm a sucker for great danes.... ;) :p I'll go dig some out. I have to scan them so it will be a while. I didn't have a digital camera when we had him. I'll post a new thread when I have them to post. He was such a love... Answer: My dear god! :eek: That must've cost a fortune...!! Well over $100 a month. Not to mention all the meds he needed too... Answer: I'll go dig some out. I have to scan them so it will be a while. I didn't have a digital camera when we had him. I'll post a new thread when I have them to post. He was such a love... I shall wait patiently. :D Answer: Okay, back to the subject :p Answer: smooth collies are the same as roughs. just a diffret coat. they come from the same litters and everything. Lisara (where i work) smooth collies are very inquisitive. They are bright and love learning. They have great problem solving skills too. They are kind and gentle, always ready for love or play. The collies I am around do not have a huge energy level. they are just fine playing and running amoungst themselfs. but then again... how could i walk 30 collies a day? Collies are really my heart breed :) Answer: Thanks everyone. I have decided a Lab is probably what I am going to own next... =D No matter how much my parents don't want it... I am positive it will happen ;) Answer: i want a dobie myself, but i betcha i will end up with a lisara smooth collie. Answer: i want a dobie myself, but i betcha i will end up with a lisara smooth collie. Same here. I want a Neapolitan Mastiff REALLY bad... but I betcha I will end up with a lab. Answer: with me.. i just know where the smooths come from. i see how they are raised.. i help raise them. i just know how they are brought up and it puts my mind at ease. and i just know they would sell me a show quality i could show. lots of people wont sell a show dog to someone who has never shown. Answer: Well Labs can have many health problems too. Your best bet is to go thru a great breeder. Labs are so over bred, they have can have many problems. Make sure hips are tested, eyes are tested, no allergies in the parents, etc. There are sooooo many byb's that breed labs and you really never know what you will end up with. Lately I have been hearing about alot of aggressive labs.... And that is just not how their breed is supposed to be! Be careful... and don't just accept a pup....because it is from a relative. Good Luck! Answer: Well Labs can have many health problems too. Your best bet is to go thru a great breeder. Labs are so over bred, they have can have many problems. Make sure hips are tested, eyes are tested, no allergies in the parents, etc. There are sooooo many byb's that breed labs and you really never know what you will end up with. Lately I have been hearing about alot of aggressive labs.... And that is just not how their breed is supposed to be! Be careful... and don't just accept a pup....because it is from a relative. Good Luck! Don't worry their dog is great quality, has no health problems so far whatsoever. Same with the dad. Answer: you need health testing to know that.... hips, eyes, etc Answer: you need health testing to know that.... hips, eyes, etc I really love the mom. I really love the dad. Both are great dogs. I believe both have had testing. They are both healthy. No health problems whatsoever. I really want my puppy from them. :) Answer: How old are the parents? Health issues sometimes don't rear their ugly head until later years.;) Answer: How old are the parents? Health issues sometimes don't rear their ugly head until later years.;) LOL. You mean adorable head ;) Mum is almost 3 years old, they won't be breeding her until summer. Dad is almost 3, too. Answer: Labs have TONS of health problems. Be very careful, even if you DO know the owners. How did you go from Neo to Lab??? A little wishy washy is you ask me.. Answer: LOL. You mean adorable head ;) Mum is almost 3 years old, they won't be breeding her until summer. Dad is almost 3, too. Are the parents titled in field or conformation? I am a little worried that your parents don't want an active dog and you are choosing a lab. Are you aware of just how active they are AND how hyper they can be as puppies? Answer: personally labs are my least fav dog because they are sooo hyper and mouthy and need way too much trainer for my taste. all the labs i know are complete messes! Answer: Rabbits covered the basics on the smooth Collie. Mine tend to be more active than others, but I breed for that. But, they are not Border Collie active. They are content to play tag in the yard (and then in the house) but will eventually settle down to chew on a bone (or the pups will play wrestle on the couch). They are not a couch potato, but seem to understand the difference between inside and outside activity levels. However, it seems like you're leaning towards a Lab, so good luck with that! Answer: Are the parents titled in field or conformation? I am a little worried that your parents don't want an active dog and you are choosing a lab. Are you aware of just how active they are AND how hyper they can be as puppies? VERY ACTIVE....and the chewing stage normally lasts until about 2 years old! I hope your parents consider the ton of damage an unworked lab can do. They really do need a job...something mental and physical to curb the desire to perform ALL the time. personally labs are my least fav dog because they are sooo hyper and mouthy and need way too much trainer for my taste. all the labs i know are complete messes! A walk at a persons pace is nothing to a "fit" lab....they need more exercise and tend to show boredom in destructive ways. Training is essential and consistency is a key to peaceful living! I have no problems with mouthiness, and I have 3 kids....although I never allowed such a thing to start in the first place. Alot of people see a lab as a perfect family dog, and in reality they have needs that alot of families can't meet. Therefore you either get a lethargic, overweight couch potato or a hyper over active dog that doesn't know what to do with his energies. It really takes an active family, that is willing to train and exercise to get the most out of a lab. But.....they are one of my favorite breeds despite all the bad breedings out there. Answer: Are the parents titled in field or conformation? I am a little worried that your parents don't want an active dog and you are choosing a lab. Are you aware of just how active they are AND how hyper they can be as puppies? No, no titles, they're registered with AKC though. My parents want an active dog, they just dont know as much about Labs as I do. Labs have TONS of health problems. Be very careful, even if you DO know the owners. How did you go from Neo to Lab??? A little wishy washy is you ask me.. I have loved Neos my who life, but know I will never get one. They just aren't right for our lifestyle. Labs, on the other hand, are. Answer: No, no titles, they're registered with AKC though. My parents want an active dog, they just dont know as much about Labs as I do. I have loved Neos my who life, but know I will never get one. They just aren't right for our lifestyle. Labs, on the other hand, are. AKC registration means nothing. If they don't work their dogs, then for what purpose are they breeding? Answer: No, no titles, they're registered with AKC though. My parents want an active dog, they just dont know as much about Labs as I do. I have loved Neos my who life, but know I will never get one. They just aren't right for our lifestyle. Labs, on the other hand, are. AKC registration doesn't mean anything. Many many bybs and puppy mills have dogs that are AKC registered. Without proven hunting ability, conformation titles, or field titles, then there's no reason to just breed the dogs. Plus, you need to go to a breeder that does health testing on their stock if you are getting a lab or any other breed. Labs are popular and you could end up with something that is very badly bred very easily. Answer: I don't know what I can do about it. I already asked him about it and told him about all the responsibilities and money and everything but he said he could take care of it all... Answer: Anyone know about Anatolians? What are they like? Answer: Anatolians are very intense, and need a job to do or you'd be in for a world of trouble. They are great dogs, but until I actually have livestock for them to guard or a lot of free time to do something like agility and obedience and such, I will never have one. I will love them from afar, and admire them through photos and websites until I can one day own one properly. Answer: I don't know what I can do about it. I already asked him about it and told him about all the responsibilities and money and everything but he said he could take care of it all... I would not get a dog from there, then. It's just supporting all the byb practices that you were so against on other forums. I find it odd you are considering a dog from a place like that- relative of yours or not- when you had a thread titled 'Don't Breed' saying that all breeding dogs needed a conformation Ch title to be bred. Answer: Honestly, if the expense of future health problems is a real concern, you might not want to get that free doggie from your uncle if he hasn't bred for soundness and tested his dogs for health related issues that might be passed on. It could end up being a whole lot more expensive than buying a dog from a serious breeder. Answer: Ok, you know what, I am not even going to think about getting a puppy from them. If I fall in love with one, maybe I will. I would not get a dog from there, then. It's just supporting all the byb practices that you were so against on other forums. I find it odd you are considering a dog from a place like that- relative of yours or not- when you had a thread titled 'Don't Breed' saying that all breeding dogs needed a conformation Ch title to be bred. Yeah I did make that thread, but I have already tried many times to stop him and breeding his dog but nothing has changed.. Answer: Honestly, if the expense of future health problems is a real concern, you might not want to get that free doggie from your uncle if he hasn't bred for soundness and tested his dogs for health related issues that might be passed on. It could end up being a whole lot more expensive than buying a dog from a serious breeder. His dogs are not going to be free. Not even to family. Answer: His dogs are not going to be free. Not even to family. Buying a dog from him would support his breeding practices which you said you don't agree with. Answer: Buying a dog from him would support his breeding practices which you said you don't agree with. You mean let one of his puppies go to the pound when I am already on the waiting list? Answer: You mean let one of his puppies go to the pound when I am already on the waiting list? No, I just find your stance odd. Do whatever you want, we've given advice. Answer: No, I just find your stance odd. Do whatever you want, we've given advice. Trust me, I have tried to stop him, and I really dont want anyone to get worked up or 'hate me' or anything, but I am just trying to say there is really not much more I can do... Answer: Trust me, I have tried to stop him, and I really dont want anyone to get worked up or 'hate me' or anything, but I am just trying to say there is really not much more I can do... Yes there is, you don't get a dog from him. If one of his puppies ends up in the pound then go adopt it, but don't support him or his breeding practices...they sound awful. Answer: i agree with showpug. there is lots you can do. dont get one! why do you want to encourge him? Answer: A good friend of mine grew up with a lab puppy that her parents bought when she was a baby. The parents were great, AKC registered show dogs that won some show honors and whatnot, nothing national or anything but they figured the puppies would be healthy and good examples of healthy labs..... When her dog was 5 years old she could no longer walk because she had severe hip dysplasia in both hips. Fortunately they were able to afford the $3,000 surgery, per hip. So $6,000 to pay for medical bills they probably could have avoided if the parents had been OFA certified or something. Not to mention all the pain the dog was in, and the mandatory several months of bedrest between surgeries on each hip. Torture for an active dog like her. Granted, I don't think the OFA was around 20 years ago, but maybe I'm wrong. Before we found Anko at the pound we were saving up for a german shepherd puppy out of titled fancy pants parents. There were dozens and dozens of good kennels out there. The breeders had the parents, grandparents, OFA certified at least a rating of "good" and several gave a lifetime guarantee on the hips, elbows, and eyes of their puppies. With the agreement that they would refund your money if you provided proof from a vet that the dog had one of those conditions and had been spayed or neutered. Some offered the option of replacing it with a healthy puppy rather than a refund if the buyer decided on that route instead. If I was in your situation I would rather hand my money over to someone who could show me the papers on the parent's health, and offer a written contract to protect me if something did come up with the puppy. The fact that a breeder is even willing to offer such a guarantee speaks volumes about the confidence they have in their animals, and I would rather support their efforts to better their breeds than someone who is just multiplying dogs. Answer: Ok, you know what, I am not even going to think about getting a puppy from them. If I fall in love with one, maybe I will. Yeah I did make that thread, but I have already tried many times to stop him and breeding his dog but nothing has changed.. Fall in love with a pound puppy. Or a puppy from a REPUTABLE breeder. The only thing you can do is to NOT get a puppy from them. Laurelin has given you some very sound advice. Don't support the BYB, and be VERY careful in what you DO choose to be your pet. Answer: Granted, I don't think the OFA was around 20 years ago, but maybe I'm wrong. Sorry, I have to do this. ;) It has been around since 1966.. One of our first OFA dogs was in 1977, although I don't think it was truly "mainstream" until the 80s. Answer: *sighhhh* I am never good on forums. I always seem to find something to make people mad when I dont even mean to. http://grrrlmeetsworld.com/uploaded_images/charlie-sigh-766293.JPG i agree with showpug. there is lots you can do. dont get one! why do you want to encourge him? What do you mean 'encourage' him? I mean, he will only be breeding once. Yes there is, you don't get a dog from him. If one of his puppies ends up in the pound then go adopt it, but don't support him or his breeding practices...they sound awful. Forgive me but I don't get it. I don't get what you mean by breeding practices and why they are so awful? I mean, I know breeding mixed breeds is wrong, but these dogs are AKC dogs and are not mixed breeds they are showable purebreds. Not saying theres anything wrong with mixed breeds, I love them too ;). Answer: *sighhhh* I am never good on forums. I always seem to find something to make people mad when I dont even mean to. http://grrrlmeetsworld.com/uploaded_images/charlie-sigh-766293.JPG What do you mean 'encourage' him? I mean, he will only be breeding once. Forgive me but I don't get it. I don't get what you mean by breeding practices and why they are so awful? I mean, I know breeding mixed breeds is wrong, but these dogs are AKC dogs and are not mixed breeds they are showable purebreds. Not saying theres anything wrong with mixed breeds, I love them too ;). If he did not title the breeding stock, what makes you think his dogs will be showable? The vast majority of AKC registered dogs are not showable and do not come from breeders that are responsible. By encouraging him, we mean purchasing a dog from him. You are saying that you are okay with the way he breeds by doing that. You are giving money back to a practice which you said you did not agree with. 'He will only be breeding once'- It doesn't matter, dogs don't have to be bred at all. Even if people only breed one litter with their pet dogs, they are still a BYB. Ask yourself this: Does he have a purpose for breeding these dogs? Is this purpose to better the breed? Does he health test his dogs? Do his dogs have stable temperaments that are suitable for the breed? Do his dogs conform to the breed standard? Are they proven stock- either Ch titled or field titled or proven in the field? Does he understand all health problems prevalent in the breed? Does he know which of these is found in his dogs' lines? Is he well versed in his dogs' pedigrees? Does he know the requirements and money needed to whelp and raise puppies? Is he aware of all that could go wrong in the pregnancy? Is he willing to screen all potential adopters thoroughly? If the answer to any of those is no, then I would not buy a puppy from him. Answer: Hi Neopolitan... got your private email and you are the person I spoke to on my home address/email. Since you are young and have so much yet to learn about this, I would love to meet with you at the next show, if your parents are willing to drive you. You live 15 minutes from me, the show however is in Puyallup Jan. 12 -14. I will be showing several dogs, all 3 days. It's a good size show. There, you and your parents can see all breeds, get a lot of literature on those breeds, health testing and other valuable bits information. It will help you better understand some concerns you should have in your search for a dog. (And with your persistence, I believe you will have a dog soon, before your parents know what hit them. Lol!!) Come watch the Jr. handlers, I'll tell you what rings to find me at and can send you in the direction of some well known Lab and Dane breeders in our area, that will be a lot of fun for you meet. Answer: Otch, You know, I just can't help but notice what a really nice person you are. When I first came here with so many training questions, you were right there off sides to be a great help and encouragement to me. Now I see you helping this young person. I just wanted to tell you what a great example you set. Answer: Thank you! It is a lot of fun for me. I wish I'd have been able to get into dogs sooner than I did. We were not allowed to have pets, as kids, but I snuck in everything imaginable, until my mom gave in quite often. While I make a wonderful living in my boarding and training business, I'd have loved to have been showing dogs as a kid. I am always impressed with the dedication of junior handlers, teenagers helping in rescue and even those on Chaz who spend a lot of time asking questions and wanting to talk dogs verses spending their time doing "less desirable" activities. Answer: Forgive me but I don't get it. I don't get what you mean by breeding practices and why they are so awful? I mean, I know breeding mixed breeds is wrong, but these dogs are AKC dogs and are not mixed breeds they are showable purebreds. Not saying theres anything wrong with mixed breeds, I love them too ;). Look up labrador retrievers on Petfinder.com. 15,000 labradors and lab mixes are waiting to be adopted or die. While I'm sure your uncle's dogs are nice, the world does not need any more labradors unless they are EXCEPTIONAL examples of their breed. Champions in conformation, agility champions, hunting champions--those kind of dogs have proven that they have exceptional abilities. In addition, labradors are plagued by health problems due to popularity and overbreeding. I would not even consider getting a dog from a breeder until he'd shown me proof that the dogs had been CERFed (eye test) and OFAed or PENNhipp-ed (hip test, VITAL for labradors, VITAL!). Just because a dog appears healthy doesn't mean that it has good hips; it could have crappy hips and simply not have developed problems YET. Answer: Okay, I get it, you guys don't want me to get the dog :/ Okay, I get it now, all right? Now, lets please get back to the topic....Mastiffs, Smooth Collies, Labs, & Great Danes. What about 'em? ;) Answer: Okay, I get it, you guys don't want me to get the dog :/ Okay, I get it now, all right? Now, lets please get back to the topic....Mastiffs, Smooth Collies, Labs, & Great Danes. What about 'em? ;) You asked, we told. *shrug* Answer: You asked, we told. *shrug* Yup and I never said there was anything wrong with it. :) Answer: Neo-Why don't you just Google these breeds? You brought up the unreputable breeder, and we responded. go to www.dogbreedinfo.com www.google.com www.akc.org/breeds www.dog-breeds.net |
|