Do you own one of these large dogs?

[trof]

American Mastiff (dry mouthed)
Greater Swiss Mountain
Landseer (great babysitter)
Newfoundland
Short Haired Saint Bernard

My daughter (with a 2 1/2 year old boy) wants a dog. I've tried to talk her into something a bit smaller, but she wants a big, gentle, loveable nanny-type dog.

She does not want a pound pup, and she does want a puppy.

If you have experience with any of the above breeds, I'd like to hear your comments.
Thanks.

[jpgray]

1. With obedience school and consistent discipline, they should be fine

I will say this, though--with almost any medium-to-large sized dog worth having, nylabones will be needed; pyjamas and socks will be torn.

:D

[Ian David]

2. No no no! No big dogs with little kids!

The last time I checked, the ASPCA said that children under 7 and dogs are a bad mix.

*NO* dog is a "great babysitter."

No child under 7 should be left un-supervised with ANY dog.

[Jessica]

3. I don't have one ...

But my boyfriend used to have Newfoundland(s) & absolutely loves them. He says they're intelligent, gentle & great with kids. Good luck!

[flvegan]

4. Great Dane.

Want big, loveable, short hair, great protection and great with kids? Great Dane. Had them since I came home from the hospital at a couple days old.

From what I understand, the Newfie and the Mastiff are great choices as well. Most giant breeds are great with kids.

1. Always supervise little ones around dogs;
2. Try to find a rescue that has pups, rather than buying;
3. If you MUST buy, research your breeder well. You will pay through the nose for any one of these dogs, but you will get a healthier dog. If you're buying out of the newspaper, off the internet or from a pet store, you will be screwed.

[Dr.Phool]

5. I have a mutt, Half Newfoundland, Half Golden Retriever

Smart, always trying to please, loves kids. In our old neighborhood, the neighbors had a combined total of 13 kids in the surrounding 4 houses, and they always came over to play with our dogs.

Good book on training. "Puppy Pre-School".

[madison2000]

6. I have a leonberger, which is also a giant breed

Great dog, good with kids. Very gentle.

[movie_girl99]

7. its been my experience that

large dogs are very good with kids. We have had 2 rottweilers and currently have a boxer. They love kids and the kids love them. I think it all depends on how they are raised.

[auburngrad82]

8. Landseer and Newfies are my all-time favorites

My significant other won't let me have one because they don't live that long. You are lucky if you can get ten years out of one. I'd love to have one. They're great with kids, other dogs, cats, etc. The only drawback that I have heard is they're big droolers and they might pull you out of a pool to save your life, whether you need saving or not.

[cags]

9. I have a large mutt, and a purebred White German Shepherd

I had another German Shepherd before this one and they are great with the kids. They are herding dogs so they like to keep the kids rounded up, its pretty funny. They shed alot so if it will be inside be prepared, they are very intelligent so they require a lot of attention.

It has been my experience that the dumber the dog the easier it is take care of. The smart dogs are the ones that are a pain in the ass. So check the intelligence level of the breeds you chose.

I have a really dumb dog and a really smart dog.
The dumb dog doesn't do tricks, doesn't require a lot of attention, is happy with good food and a comfy place to sleep and a little affection, and she doesn't chew anything up or try to get out of her pen when we leave.

The smart dog does all kinds of tricks, even a high five, but he requires alot of attention or he becomes destructive, he needs mental stimulation, he can open gate latches, baby gates, and he even untwisted the chain link on his dog pen, I still haven't figured out he did that one. He wants to be where we are and be involved with everything we do at all times, so he is harder to take care of.

So keep the intelligence of your breed in mind

[Bouncy Ball]

10. Please encourage her to look into rescue groups.

We have always adopted rescue dogs (mutts) and they have been the BEST, most wonderful pets EVER. Mutts also tend to be healthier and live longer (genetics).

[trof]

11. Thanks for the input.

I think she wants something huge and cuddly and a purebred.