New Large Breed dog

[Poodlemom]

Hi all, my husband and I are thinking about getting a larger breed dog to add to our family. We currently have a just about 2 year old Toy Poodle. We are looking for a dog that can keep up with us! I do yoga + walking 3 times a week with my Poodle but that is all she can do. My husband and I are avid Mnt. Bikers, hikers and rollar bladers. We are looking for suggestions on which breed would be best. We both do work from 8am - 5pm (myself Mon-Fri, husband Tues-Sat) my husband always comes home from work at noon to play/pee our Poodle.

We have looked at Boarder Collies, but I am not sure how they would be with a small dog(she is 6 pounds wet!)

Any suggestions are very welcome!

Thanks!

*edit* We don't play on having children for atleast another 4 years.

[RottyMommy]

Coming from a rescuers standpoint I have seen many dogs given up because people dont know what they are getting themselves into. So I commend you for doing your research ahead of time. I would not recommend a herding dog which is what a border collie is simply because the border collie will most likely herd your toy dog and also children if you have any I would recommend dogs more in the sporting group or working group. Im not sure what size you are looking for large to me is 80-100 pounds and border collies definitely dont fit in that weight category. Ill give you a few links to help you with your research some things to think is you want a high energy dog, what do you want as far as grooming, can the dog withstand exercise in the weather you live in. Dogs that popped into my head when I read your question were weimaraner which would probably be one of my top choices for what you need, they are good in all types of weather, have high energy, prefer high energy outdoor activities, the only negative with them is that the can be stubborn so you definitely have to do your job as far as training goes. Some other dogs that came to mind were labrador retrievers, English Springer Spaniels, boxers, dalmations,and airedale terriers.
Here are some sites to check out

http://www.terrificpets.com/dog_breeds/

http://www.akc.org/breeds/

http://www.dogweb.nl/hondenrassen/dogbreeds.html

This next one is a really good site and probably one of my favorites you can find out what dogs would be best for the type of lifestyle you live.
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/

Good luck and keep us posted

[puttin510]

My mix is a possible border collie mix. He is an omega tempermented boy that lets my min poo reighn his world. When he gets excited to go for a walk he does what looks to be a rounding up, but its shortlived because sasha won't allow it.

[nern]

I have a toy poodle and also an australian shepherd/redbone coonhound x. My aussie x is pretty active outdoors but is really well behaved while inside. Her and my toy poodle get along great. She does occassionally try to "herd" my cats but she never bothers my poodle at all. There are lots of active mixed breeds at the SPCA and other animal shelters..maybe you can take a look there? Best of luck.

[ILoveGreatDanes]

Have you considered a standard poodle? Since you do like poodles...take a look at the larger ones. They are EXTREMELY active and would most definately keep up with you. And they arent really bulky giant dogs...more graceful and I would see one of them with your little dog before id see a lab or something with it. But thats just my personal opinion. The ones I have known have been very friendly and graceful and springy. And of course since you are used to a hairless house =D

[moose]

i agree with the suggestion of a standard poodle -- they're very smart and athletic.

might i also suggest looking on petfinder.com? lots of needy dogs are posted and looking for forever-homes.

[puttin510]

Aslo with the standards you can get a different range of sizes, from the small moyens to the giant spoo's.

[Dukesdad]

You have two somewhat conflicting lifestyles for a dog to fit into. First you want an active dog for your outdoor activities and secondly a passive dog who won't go stir crazy while you are at work. A Lab fits both perfectly. He is perfectly happy snoozing away safely in his crate while you are out but he loves the outdoor life. Consider a Lab but also read all you can first. They have a very extended puppyhood and can be distructive if not monitored when young.
Also know that the size differential may be a problem when the larger dog is full grown. Raised from a pup though I bet any dog you get would adapt to your poodle.

[puggleowner]

I would agree that a lab is a good choice. My family has always had golden's which have the good temperment like labs, but they're a little more lazy- labs love to be outside and run and exercise. I have many friends with labs and have considered one as our next dog, if my husband ever lets me get another!!

[Samsintentions]

Dukes Dad, yup I agree. Labs are great for that as well as Pyraneese. Though They are HUGE, ranging up to 200 lbs!!!

[loonyluna]

yup, can't go wrong with a lab.
You might want to stay away from breeds that are overly energetic as you mentioned that you may have children in a few years. That will take away from your run and play with the dog time so you will prefer a dog that can be happy lazing around the house (providing he gets some exercise of course).

[klf]

I think labs are great....but those 3-4 years to get a wired one to settle down can be nerve racking! it took my dog 4 years and now he's the best dog. I like walking/running with him. His size gives some added protection. Like the others the first thing i would do is research sporting and working breeds. There are alot of pups in rescue so you could find one that is mixed with two or more great dogs. Std. poodles are also great! And very smart! Me i like houndy dogs so i would look into a Ger. Short Pointer. or even a beagle or a brittney...if you don't need a Large dog just a dog that will keep up! Good luck!

[Nik]

I'd agree with all those saying a standard poodle too (nothing to do with them being my faves ), and a lab, (altho I've heard stories of them struggling with staminar sometimes? collapsing after a short amount of excersise? someone's bound to know more about this... Dukesdad? )

I can also say that my border collie is bottom of the chain around here, the cats put him right in his place and he's never shown ANY aggresion towards them, or any small dog when we're out. He LOVES to run along side us and is quite focused at only 9 months.

[2pyrs]

Our Collie the first year was a lot of work but since then has claimed down. He needs a lot of love more then my other guys. It seems to me most herding dogs are not real active, my Pyrs seem to like to find a spot and just park it. Arthur (pyr) is on dutie guading us and the other guys. he likes short walks but even then seems to be on the look out but on hot days they won't go far. My Collie well he well push it to the limit so we have to keep and eye on him.He would walk till he dropped if he had his way. I think as with any giant breed they do slow down as they get older and some of them are just slow to start. My blood hound some years ago would just stop and lay down till he felt like walking and sometimes we would not make it to the end of the street before he would park it.
Yet my wife had a Dane and the girl (Dane) would run and play and had to have her walk everyday, very active and full of love for evryone even our cats. Poodels what can I say but that I always loved them - smart and fun to play with. Darn I think I want one of each.

2pyrs

[puttin510]

I must say watching a poodle in action puts a smile on my face.

[Jamiya]

[Dukesdad]

Nik,
You are correct about this potential problem called Exercise Induced Collapse. It appears to be an inherited condition found mainly on field-trial bred dogs. Here is a site article about that condition:
http://www.thelabradorclub.com/library/eicstudy.html
As with most pure breeds you should do a lot of homework and check out the breeders credentials.