Greenacres

Flat Coats are lovely, my sister is actually considering getting one down the track :) At the moment I have to say I am most drawn to the Leonbergers and Newfoundlands (even if I can't get a more streamlined one there is something very special about Newfs). From the sound of things Leonbergers are really lovely companion dogs. As a rough ball park what would I be looking at if I was to decide on a Leo? Importing one would cost a lot wouldn't it? I know for a Newf I am likely looking from about $2000-2500+, I imagine being a rarer breed the Leonbergers are quite a bit dearer? Pyreneans and Maremmas are gorgeous dogs and absolutely beautiful with the people they bond to, in different circumstances I would certainly consider one as an acreage family companion, but being predominately bred as guardian dogs it is really going against most of their natures to ask them to happily accept strangers coming into their territory all the time. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure with lots of socialisation and training some are absolutely fine with it but sadly for my circumstances I think a breed not bred primarily as a working guardian would be more suitable.

All the dogs in those pictures are Landseer E.C.Ts from overseas sites. While no breed can be guaranteed around children, chickens or anything else there are certain breeds which have a reputation for being gentle and more suitable for that situation, such as Newfoundlands and golden retrievers, and others, such as blue healers and Malamutes which, despite some being ok, you wouldn't as a general rule be recommend for a household with young children and cats. As far as swimming I have a water loving Boxer x already so that is a plus for me. I definitely intend my selection to be based on the temperament, hence not looking at Maremmas and their crosses, despite the fact they are quite similar in appearance to what I described as my dream dog :) Bernese MDs are lovely but the high incidence of cancer has me a bit hesitant. I know all giant breeds have short lifespan expectancy but from what I have read Bernese have the shortest. Yeah the dogs in the photos are all Landseer E.C.Ts from overseas sites, I was just hoping someone over here might breed something similar. Don't get me wrong, normal Newfs are gorgeous, but I have to admit I would personally prefer a less heavy set body. As long as the breed doesn't have a high prey drive I'm not too worried about them with the animals, we have had various pedigree and cross breeds with small animals all my life and have never had an issue raising them to be gentle with them, just thought I'd mention it so people know a high prey drive breed would not be suitable. I have never met a Leonberger but have seen photos and they do look like lovely dogs, I might have to have a more serious look at them. I'm not worried if the dog is not suitable to obedience or carting, they wouldn't really be a consideration in my breed selection, I just wanted to let people know I don't care if it is not considered show worthy as it will be a companion dog. Flat coated retrievers are lovely but I would really like a larger dog. Ah that's really interesting, thanks! I thought someone out there might be breeding a sleeker type. Thanks for the suggestions, they are both lovely looking dogs, I'll have to look into those breeds :) The Large Mustlanders look beautiful but I have a feeling they may be a bit more energetic than I am hoping for, I already have a bouncy Boxer x so would be looking for a more laidback companion if/when I added another dog.

I am not planning to add another dog to the family for at least a year or two, possibly longer, but would like to start doing some research now as I'm curious about what's out there. I love the fluffy gentle giants, particularly Newfs so that is what I am really leaning towards. I need a dog with is good with children and can be taught to be tolerant of strangers (so not a guarding type), it would also be raised with cats, chickens and various other animals on acreage. Are there any breeders breeding for the Landseer European Continental Type in Australia? Or does anyone have any other breed suggestions I may not have thought of? My dream dog would have the nature and markings of a Landseer but with a body type & face closer to a Bernese or Maremma. Something like these is what I am thinking of: I know that type wouldn't be show quality, I would not be wanting to show in breed classes, just wanting a superb family member and possibly do some obedience &/or carting comp.