About my 'big dog' search...
 

After much thought and consideration on what type of 'big dog' I should get...I have decided to adopt from a rescue or shelter. I had planned on buying a GP from a breeder in the area, and was even about to place a deposit on her, until I saw a shelter commercial...and my heart broke. :(

I've been looking hard the last couple of weeks, and I have found a sweet lab mix and a sweet shepherd mix...and actually a rescue GP. However, I need some advice. I'm starting to lean towards a mix as opposed to the GP in the rescue. The particular place where the GP is is a breed specific place, and they only have a few dogs that are kept at someone's home. However, we all know the condition of some of the poor shelter mix dogs that may never find a home. So I think I'm really leaning towards that...BUT do you think I would have more trouble trainign a shelter puppy to be good with the yorkies? Both of the little girls I'm considering (the lab and shepherd mixes) are only 6 weeks old, so would they be ok if I trained them that early to be a part of the family and not hurt the babies?

Also, what is your opinion on a lab mix versus a shepherd mix in general? Especially with small dogs and one cat?

Thanks in advance!!! :D

Oh congrats Nicki That will be great :)
I would think that if they are that young and still really trainable then it wouldn't matter what one.
I would go with the one who's personality fits you:thumbup:

Nicki, that's awesome! I don't think you should have a problem!

Rusty (our old lab mix) was from a shelter (he was older - almost a year - when we got him) and when we brought Tucker home, he was perfect with him. We had Rusty first (for about 6 years), so its not really the same situation, but just to give you a little example!

I LOVE shepards, but I think in this case I would go with a lab mix. They're generally very laid back and they tend to not mind being touched/pulled on/barked at whereas shepards are a little more sensitive to stuff like that. But just go with your gut (and heart)! :)

HI Nicki - I think adopting is a great idea. I do not have much experience with the other mixed breeds but do with the GP as you know. My little girl Mia is only 3 pounds and she gets along fabulously with my sisters GP. My sisters GP will play rough with the big dogs but once she sees Mia and Murphy she all of a sudden starts to almost tip toe around them and she is so careful with them. Maybe that is why they are called the Gentle Giants...not sure but that is my only experience with the small and big dog mix. Good luck with your decision. :D

Thats awesome! If you are getting a young pup, I think it would be easily trained to get along with the yorkies. I would probably go w/ the lab mix. I have known some shepherds that don't do well with cats and other small animals because of their breed.

I would also choose the lab. I may be a little bias on this since I have the most wonderful lab on earth! Her mom was pure bred AKC but we are not sure about her dad. He was a "lab" but dont know is background. She is the most fabulous animal, with everyone, kids, pups, and cats. Sorry to ramble but my Laci girl is fab! she was raised with small dogs and has no idea that she weighs almost 100 lbs :)