Hellobee Boards

@Coco Bee: I know, aren't they adorable? I'm constantly playing with her ears, they feel like puppy fur. I've actually never cleaned her ears. They're not always quite that floppy, they're pretty expressive. But I'm not sure how I'd know they needed to be cleaned. But they always seem normal and the vet's never said anything about it.

We have 2 Boston terriers. I'll never get anything but! The first picture is Winston (3 years) and the second is Lucy (4 years)

Boxer! This is Mattie, our first child!

@Rachel: I want one! One day...

We have an 11 year old Pug and a 9 month old Great Dane. They both have very different personalities but get along wonderfully!

For myself, I like big dogs so our Dane is a bit more suited to me. I love the huge personality our Dane has, she makes me laugh all the time.
Our pug (originally just my DH's) had quite a bit of health problems in his younger days but is doing well now, I think having a younger "sibling" has done wonders for him.

They both shed, the Pug more so as he has two coats and the Dane only has one.

The Pug rarely barks and the Dane barks when someone is approaches the house or back yard.

Pug:
Pros: small and easy to transport and eats a small amount of food. Loves people and to cuddle.

Cons: sheds a medium amount. Had a fair amount of health issues. Is a total garbage eater (we have special garbages because of him). He will pee in the house if not kennelled.

Great Dane:
Pros: has more of a people personality if that makes sense? Is very loving/cuddly and likes to be near DH or I all the time. Loves children. Considering her size, she is extremely gentle.

Cons: eats an absolute ton of food = BIG poops to clean up. Drools after she drinks due to extremely large jowls. Harder to find someone to take care of her when we go away. Short life span

Here is a pic of them together when the Dane was a puppy

We have a Newfoundland. She is 135 pounds but as gentle and patient as can be. She lets DD crawl all over her, sit on her and pull her fur without more than a glance at us. She has only barked about 10 times in the 4 years she has been alive (and most of those were at machinery in our neighborhood). She sheds a ton but we don't mind it.

@MsMini: your dog is beautiful

@Cupcake: So cute! My friend wants one, so we are trying to convince her boyfriend to allow it to happen. Have you ever read "You Had Me at Woof?" It's a pretty cute book written by a women who gets involved with a Boston Terrier rescue group. It's really sweet and made me cry.

We have a Brittany puppy! They are similar to cocker spaniels or English springer spaniels. He is about 5 months now, and adorable. Super smart (figured out how to open our doors at 3 months old. Ha), very high energy, a total sweet heart. I love him.

ETA: The breed is also very kid-friendly - Buster LOVES kids, other dogs, and people, especially older people. He definitely senses the difference between kids/older people, and regular adults; he's much more gentle with younger and older folks.

He also loves the water, like most other hunting dogs, and has a pretty easy-to clean shorter coat. He does shed a small amount, like almost all dogs, but it is pretty minimal at this point.

LOVE
I'm a German Shepherd fan, all the way! Was raised with one and have raised two puppies myself.

SHED
They shed. A lot. Although my second pup doesn't seem to shed as much (there are long-coats, plush, short).

BARK
Yes, but not a lot. I like that they give warning woofs and let me know something is up. They can easily be taught "quiet" as well.

TEMPERAMENT
GSDs are everything you expect, but some people are surprised to learn how funny they can be. They look for the game in everything. And although they are supposed to be aloof with strangers, my girls have loved greeting everyone they meet.

There's a lot to research in deciding what type of GSD you want: a working dog, show dog, American line, Euro line....a good breeder will make sure you get the dog that is perfect for you.

They can be good with children, but early socialization is important. Our dog growing up would go to check each room to make sure we were all accounted for.

CHALLENGES
One of the biggest challenges is their puppyhood. They are so very, very, busy and are called land sharks for a reason (nipping!) They are pretty busy until they are at least two years old. It's rewarding, but so much work. I would recommend spending some time with a GSD puppy to see what it's like. If it's not for you, there are some really good GSD rescue organizations out there.

They will test you. I hated when people said this to me when I was first looking to get a GSD (it came across as snobby and discouraging), but it's true--they aren't for everyone. You have to be careful in your research and decision making process to make sure it's the right dog for you.