Help me pick my next breed

[Nkosi]

Ok, I had pretty much decided on my next breed but I kinda got thrown for a loop. I'm moving into a very large new townhome (over 2500 square feet, with a backyard. Plenty of room) and I had wanted to get a Great Dane. Unfortunately the Great Dane is on the agressive breeds list for this place so I cant do it. There is no weight restriction, just breed restrictions.

Heres what I want in a breed:

Friendly tempermant
Giant size, I'd like it to be comprable to a Great Dane in size
Known to be friendly with cats
Short hair
Not known to be an aggressive breed

If yall could help me out I'd sure appreciate it. Thanks in advance for your time.

 

[Rubylove]

I'd say a GSD although people often think they're aggressive. They're not exactly giant, either, but they're pretty darn big!!

My two were absolute best friends with my cats - adored them. But like all dogs, need to be raised with cats from puppyhood. They are very friendly, too, but can be aggressive like all dogs if not socialised properly.

 

[joce]

A great dane then? I cna't think of another dog that big How about a dobe?

And actually reading what you wrote I would assume any big dog is going to be looked upon badly if a dane is on the list

 

[corsomom]

what about an english mastiff?

 

[filarotten]

I agree with the Old English Mastiff.

 

[Tinaweena]

A Great Dane is listed as Agressive?! Am I the only one that finds that ridiculous????
I've always been a fan of the Irish Wolfhound.

 

[Nkosi]

A Great Dane is listed as Agressive?! Am I the only one that finds that ridiculous????
I've always been a fan of the Irish Wolfhound.

No, your not the only one who finds it ridiculous. But hey, what can you do? Great Danes are generally so docile, I think their size just intimidates people.

 

[PFC1]

The only dogs in the same ball park as the Great Dane, at least that I am aware of, in terms of size is the Irish Wolfhound.

For what its worth, I don't see Great Danes as aggressive. Non-dog people can be more than a little spooked by their gi-normous (gigantic + enormous = gi-normous) size, but that doesn't make them aggresive.

 

[BlackDog]

I second the Irish Wolfhound! But it will be alot harder to find a breeder for one than a dane. Hope everything works out for you. I hate breed banning. Why don't they just ban stupid people?

 

[JennSLK]

I third the Irish Wolf hound

Wire hair but very easy to keep and short.

 

[JennSLK]

OH, PS

They are big goof balls. I was playing fetch with one the other day and he blindsided me and pinned me to the ground to lick me.

 

[Dobiegurl]

The Great Dane id deemed vicious? That is the most rediculous thing I've heard. They are dogs that don't bother anyone. I have never read of a Great Dane attack. Why aren't Chihuahua's or Llasa'a or little terriers on the vicious list? Little dogs tend to be more vicous then big dogs so why aren't they on the list? (sorry if I affended any little dog owners)

 

[bubbatd]

I'd go to the HS and check out the big goofy dogs there !!! There are always plenty as most want smaller dogs. I saw a woman checking out a dane/mastiff who was 2 and adorable !!!! She took him !

 

[Renee750il]

Great Danes . . . vicious dogs . . . PUH-LEASE!

Grammy (Bubbatd) has a great idea! And that way you can honestly say you don't have a Dane . . .

Or check out a Mastiff rescue for an Olde English like several other people have suggested.

 

[rottiegirl]

The Great Dane id deemed vicious? That is the most rediculous thing I've heard. They are dogs that don't bother anyone. I have never read of a Great Dane attack. Why aren't Chihuahua's or Llasa'a or little terriers on the vicious list? Little dogs tend to be more vicous then big dogs so why aren't they on the list? (sorry if I affended any little dog owners)

Because they cant enflict much harm at all. Thats why.

 

[RD]

Oh pft. Danes are docile animals. Protective, yes, but not vicious.
Irish Wolfhounds are sweeties, Showpug (where has she been?) has an IW/English Mastiff mix that I absolutely adore. The only thing about the Wolfies is they are sighthounds, and sighthounds tend to be "love 'em or hate 'em" dogs. If you aren't wild about them, you probably wouldn't like a Wolfie.
I honestly think a Dane would be your best shot, but if they're too dangerous (rofl) I'd go with an English Mastiff. Keep in mind that Mastiffs are very protective of their family and territory as well. If you want a dog that is always going to be thrilled about strange people and animals on its territory, I wouldn't get a Mastiff.

I like Grammy's idea best: Go to a shelter. There are always some very sweet large dogs there that need good homes.

 

[rowdy ridgeback]

Rhodesian Ridgeback. They are by far my favorite breed. I have a Lab, a Sheltie, and two Ridgebacks. Ridgebacks have very short hair and they are not barkers.

 

[Dobiegurl]

Because they cant enflict much harm at all. Thats why.

I know, its just they use the term "vicious" or "agressive" and any dog big or small has the potential to be agressive. Sure the bigger dogs can be more dangerous and inflict more damage but that doesn't make them less or more vicious than a little dog just because they cause more damage. Agressive means agressive no matter if its a little two pound dog or a 150 lb Great Dane. They need to find a different term to describe "agressive" dogs because they do not enforce the word because agressive is agressive.

 

[FoxyWench]

perhaps find a dane mix, then when asked what breed it is you can honestly say, its a mutt...
i personally love wolfhounds, and greyhounds for larger breeds also...and english mastiffs...

 

[Rose's Gal]

I was thinking about a Dane mix too...I don't really know about the Wolfhound because while they are sweet, they are a sighthound and may chase cats. Same with the Rhodisian.
But if it were me, I'd get a Great Dane mix and say it was just that, a mix.
I would also go for the Mastiff, but if a Dane is on the list, I think you'll be hard pressed to find a big dog that isn't on it.