Greenacres Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 That doesn't even look like a Newf not even the European type but more like one of the European herding/guarding breeds that i watched on live stream last night . No breed can be guaranteed around chickens etc & tolerance to children is again owner created . The biggest issue i see with pet Newf owners is ones who haven't trained them correctly & can't walk them due to there sheer power . Newfs ofcourse LOVE water & will swim all year round given a chance so if you have a dam or the likes that would need to be considered . You aslo have the Bernese which are certainly wonderful dogs aswell . Not sure how often Newf breeders have Landseer colourings anyway so its a case of colour over the most suitable pup for your situation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuralPug Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 I don't think that you will find that type bred in Australia with that setter type head and fine construction. Personally I recommend selection more on the character and needs of a breed rather than appearance, the best way to start reseaching is to read read read about a breed and ignore the pictures to start with. I suspect that a Bernese MD would suit your situation better than a Newf and you can always hope for a mismarked one with too much white for the breed standard. Have a closer look at the character and needs of the Bernese and compare with the Newfoundland. I suspect that you are wanting a slightly more athletic breed than the average Newfy and I think the Bernese would fit the bill. However if you really really want that look in a dog that goes with those pictures, then check the pound listings. There are huge numbers of mastiff crosses with that type of structure and colouring in the rural pounds, most of them are smooth coated but I have seen the odd one with golden retriever type coat length. Character of course would be a lottery with a pound dog, but many are absolute darlings! Congratulations on choosing to research thoroughly and the best of luck with your search! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lhok Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 I'm of no help, but that dog in the bottom photo is gorgeous. --Lhok Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cassie Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 Those dogs in the pictures don't look like Newfoundlands to me. In some European countries, the Landseer is actually considered to be a separate more athletic breed to the Newfoundland, whereas here in Australia the term Landseer is used to describe a colour variety of the Newfoundland. I think the pics you've posted are of Landseers, the breed. You won't find any Newfs here that look like those, or I would highly doubt it anyway. The Newfs we have here are much heavier, with a broader head and square muzzle, and in my opinion more beautiful :) But each to their own, if you like the European Landseers then that's fine, I just don't think you'll get what you want unless you were to import something. And then we're talking big bucks! In regards to Bernese, they are a very immature breed and remain puppy-like until the age of three or more. Yes they are good with children if raised with them (although as mentioned this is an individual dog thing) but can be too boisterous and bouncy for toddlers or very young kids. Most young Bernese would be too tempted to chase chickens too! Although with training I guess this could be overcome. Have you considered a Leonberger? They are quite a rare breed, but are giant and fluffy and gentle and nowhere near as "silly" as a Bernese. They have a rich golden sort of coat (stunning actually) and are more similar in outline to the Landseers you like. I would think they could definitely perform well in obedience and carting :) I love them and if I wasn't personally owned by Saints and Bernese, I'd be seriously looking at getting one. Best of luck in your search! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purdie Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 Also worth looking at the Flat coated Retriever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Squish Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 There is a newf that does sleddog here in SA that looks similar to those dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 I've worked with a couple of these , and was impressed :) LINK or .. BIG and fluffy .. and utterly gorgeous , but not coloured/marked :) The ones I knew were terrific with kids... LINK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenacres Posted September 1, 2013 Author Share Posted September 1, 2013 That doesn't even look like a Newf not even the European type but more like one of the European herding/guarding breeds that i watched on live stream last night . No breed can be guaranteed around chickens etc & tolerance to children is again owner created . The biggest issue i see with pet Newf owners is ones who haven't trained them correctly & can't walk them due to there sheer power . Newfs ofcourse LOVE water & will swim all year round given a chance so if you have a dam or the likes that would need to be considered . You aslo have the Bernese which are certainly wonderful dogs aswell . Not sure how often Newf breeders have Landseer colourings anyway so its a case of colour over the most suitable pup for your situation 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 don't think that you will find that type bred in Australia with that setter type head and fine construction. Personally I recommend selection more on the character and needs of a breed rather than appearance, the best way to start reseaching is to read read read about a breed and ignore the pictures to start with. I suspect that a Bernese MD would suit your situation better than a Newf and you can always hope for a mismarked one with too much white for the breed standard. Have a closer look at the character and needs of the Bernese and compare with the Newfoundland. I suspect that you are wanting a slightly more athletic breed than the average Newfy and I think the Bernese would fit the bill. However if you really really want that look in a dog that goes with those pictures, then check the pound listings. There are huge numbers of mastiff crosses with that type of structure and colouring in the rural pounds, most of them are smooth coated but I have seen the odd one with golden retriever type coat length. Character of course would be a lottery with a pound dog, but many are absolute darlings! Congratulations on choosing to research thoroughly and the best of luck with your search! 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. Those dogs in the pictures don't look like Newfoundlands to me. In some European countries, the Landseer is actually considered to be a separate more athletic breed to the Newfoundland, whereas here in Australia the term Landseer is used to describe a colour variety of the Newfoundland. I think the pics you've posted are of Landseers, the breed. You won't find any Newfs here that look like those, or I would highly doubt it anyway. The Newfs we have here are much heavier, with a broader head and square muzzle, and in my opinion more beautiful :) But each to their own, if you like the European Landseers then that's fine, I just don't think you'll get what you want unless you were to import something. And then we're talking big bucks! In regards to Bernese, they are a very immature breed and remain puppy-like until the age of three or more. Yes they are good with children if raised with them (although as mentioned this is an individual dog thing) but can be too boisterous and bouncy for toddlers or very young kids. Most young Bernese would be too tempted to chase chickens too! Although with training I guess this could be overcome. Have you considered a Leonberger? They are quite a rare breed, but are giant and fluffy and gentle and nowhere near as "silly" as a Bernese. They have a rich golden sort of coat (stunning actually) and are more similar in outline to the Landseers you like. I would think they could definitely perform well in obedience and carting :) I love them and if I wasn't personally owned by Saints and Bernese, I'd be seriously looking at getting one. Best of luck in your search! :) 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. Also worth looking at the Flat coated Retriever. Flat coated retrievers are lovely but I would really like a larger dog. There is a newf that does sleddog here in SA that looks similar to those dogs. Ah that's really interesting, thanks! I thought someone out there might be breeding a sleeker type. I've worked with a couple of these , and was impressed :) LINK or .. BIG and fluffy .. and utterly gorgeous , but not coloured/marked :) The ones I knew were terrific with kids... LINK 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seld Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 I know that you want a fluffy giant, but I just want to say that we have an English Mastiff pup who is the most delightful creature we have ever known! She likes to sniff some chickens she met but is pretty uninterested and is wonderful with our six year old son, she likes to sit on the rug in his room while he reads to her. I would have a hundred Mastiffs if I had the space! Fluffy Mastiffs exist but are considered a fault, as is our girl because she is pied, personally, I think they are all stunning, majestic and dignified dogs. I think i have added a picture of her at 16weeks. Not sure if i have done it right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuralPug Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 (edited) I know that you want a fluffy giant, but I just want to say that we have an English Mastiff pup who is the most delightful creature we have ever known! She likes to sniff some chickens she met but is pretty uninterested and is wonderful with our six year old son, she likes to sit on the rug in his room while he reads to her. I would have a hundred Mastiffs if I had the space! Fluffy Mastiffs exist but are considered a fault, as is our girl because she is pied, personally, I think they are all stunning, majestic and dignified dogs. I think i have added a picture of her at 16weeks. Not sure if i have done it right. My Mastiff was my heart dog. I've seen pics of long coated mastiffs, but never seen a pied...can you try again with the picture please, I would love to see her! Edited September 1, 2013 by RuralPug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph M Posted September 2, 2013 Share Posted September 2, 2013 Also worth looking at the Flat coated Retriever. If you were in Melbourne I could introduce you to our FC puppy. He might lick your kids to bits, and he's not what I would call tiny, certainly no Bernese etc but he's almost 20kg at almost 5 months haha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spotted Devil Posted September 2, 2013 Share Posted September 2, 2013 Depending on lines, Flat Coats may well reflect their gundog purpose and retrieve your chickens for you. Gorgeous dogs but don't discount the strong instinct for retrieving game! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brintey Posted September 2, 2013 Share Posted September 2, 2013 A leonberger might suit you. They can vary in levels of energy and a low drive one would be fine with chickens. The Leonberger should not be as heavy and chunky as a Newfy so they would probably be closer to the outline of some of the Landseers in your photos, depending on the lines. AFAIK there aren't any breeders in Qld, you would probably have to look to Vic or NSW. Leos are more popular in NZ and quite a few people choose to import from NZ rather than wait on pups in Australia. For example, my dog has puppies right now and we have puppy buyers who have been waiting 3+ years. If you want to know more about Leos just ask me, Meganmm or Mathilda's Mum on this forum. Good luck with your search for your new furry family member! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph M Posted September 2, 2013 Share Posted September 2, 2013 Depending on lines, Flat Coats may well reflect their gundog purpose and retrieve your chickens for you. Gorgeous dogs but don't discount the strong instinct for retrieving game! Well they wouldn't ever stray then? :laugh: I kid, I didn't even think about that. I have often wondered how Gus would go with a chook, might have to start lurking about petting zoos haha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lhok Posted September 2, 2013 Share Posted September 2, 2013 Depending on lines, Flat Coats may well reflect their gundog purpose and retrieve your chickens for you. Gorgeous dogs but don't discount the strong instinct for retrieving game! Well they wouldn't ever stray then? :laugh: I kid, I didn't even think about that. I have often wondered how Gus would go with a chook, might have to start lurking about petting zoos haha. Possible Birdur.. --Lhok Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph M Posted September 2, 2013 Share Posted September 2, 2013 Nooooo nooooo. I sure hope not. He's been cleared so far of any birdurs, but I haven't got that much trust in him yet ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelpiecuddles Posted September 2, 2013 Share Posted September 2, 2013 My old lab X used to retrieve the chickens. He'd pick them up ever so gently and carry them around and hide them places such as in the long grass or his keenel where they would sit quietly for a few minutes before quietly sneaking back to the flock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph M Posted September 2, 2013 Share Posted September 2, 2013 Chickens were probably thinking 'I swear I was over there a minute ago...' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clyde Posted September 2, 2013 Share Posted September 2, 2013 A Pyrenean mountain dog might suit you. Big, fluffy and more accepting than maremma's - although this varies from dog to dog. One of my maremma's loves visitors, it's up to you to socialise the dog if this is what you want from it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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