Dog Community

Breed suggestions wanted for St. Bernard companion

Posted : 4/15/2007 1:47:19 AM

I'm looking for a second dog to join the family, but am very particular about what breed I choose since my first dog is a Purebred st. Bernard. His activity level is pretty good but he is only 8 and a half months old. I think having a second dog around would be excellent for him and i'm willing to make the commitment, but I need a breed that will be compatible with my boy. What i'm looking for is a small-medium to medium-large sized dog, passive temperment, lower activity level, or at least a controllable activity level (I can take the new dog out for long runs on his own, but I can't have him running circles around my saint when they are playing, its just too hard on him). Breeds I think would be appropriate if they were available locally are: Old english sheepdog, Any bulldog, Boston Terrier, Beardie. Something like that. Generally avoiding the labs, border collies, shepards, and retreivers because of their endless energy. Unfortunately I havent really been able to fnid any of these breeders in my general area and am not too keen on shipping. What other breeds can I look into?? any other general suggestions? Thanks folks

rwbeagles

Posted : 4/15/2007 11:49:15 AM

Tyler...putting a state or region into your profile helps a lot with breeder referrals. I am thinking the Beardie is probably just as active and bouncy than a Lab....I've heard tell it is so. Boston's might also have some higher energy than what you might want. Grooming also doesn't scare you I guess? LOL...Beardies and OES both requre lots of it. Bulldogs are a financial commitment for life as they tend to need some things addressed due to their special conformation.

Considered a Bassett Hound?

You are definitely doing it right by looking for reputable breeders in your area and wanting to visit/be near then to really check them out!

tiffy

Posted : 4/15/2007 11:53:16 AM

I wouldn't recommend a Boston. My brother has one and he is always bouncing around.

spiritdogs

Posted : 4/15/2007 5:56:24 PM

Bernese Mountain Dog, Leonberger, Newfoundland, Samoyed, Keeshond

Stacita

Posted : 4/15/2007 8:47:41 PM

Since it sounds like you are looking for something a little smaller I'd second the suggestion of a Bassett. Or if size doesn't matter, a Great Dane. Or, if you have an appropriate place for exercise, a retired Greyhound might fit the bill. After a relatively short period of exercise, they are couch potatoes.

I'd definately go with a female. Some Saints have problems with members of their own sex.

Mark

Posted : 4/15/2007 11:02:30 PM

A friend of ours had a St.Bernard and a Basset Hound together in their home.They were the bast of buddies till the old St.B died recently..It was pretty hard on his friend the Basset..

All in all though,they were great for eachother.

tyler

Posted : 4/15/2007 11:05:44 PM

thank for the suggestions. I hadn't actually heard that some saints have problems with same sex dogs, but its worth considering for sure. And you are right, I am looking for something smaller in size which is why i didnt include newfoundlands or great dane's or even a second saint in the breeds i was looking into. Good advice on the bostons too, I've never really spent much time with them but was going by what i had read on the breed.

Stacita

Posted : 4/16/2007 6:40:33 AM

We had Saints and they did have problems with other members of their sex, both male and female. A friend has two Saints and the male (neutered) doesn't tolerate other males, but the female is fine.

To me it wouldn't be worth the risk. Intervening in a St. Bernard fight isn't something I EVER want to do again.

Good luck finding the right friend.

tyler

Posted : 4/18/2007 4:10:33 AM

very interesting. Did you find this was a problem only when the saints were living with same sex dogs, or was it also an issue just playing with other same sex dogs?? This is very useful information on the breed that I have never read anywhere before, and i did a fair amount of research on the breed before i got one.

spiritdogs

Posted : 4/18/2007 6:32:38 AM

The reason I suggested the Keeshond is because they get along with most dogs, and with kids. Just FYI.