[DefconDelta]

I'm curious about a number of large dog breeds and their compatibility in general. I've owned black labs my entire life, so I'm pretty used to their chipper, easily sociable nature. Overall they're a piece of cake, but I don't plan on just owning nothing but labs in the future.

I've taken a great interest in the Caucasian Shepherd as of late, and would really like to get my mitts on one, but knowing that they are highly protective dogs and must be socialized considerably at a young age, I'm not exactly sure how easy it would be to own more than one dog.

Other breeds that have sparked my interest over the last few years are Irish Wolfhounds, English Mastiffs, and on a smaller scale, Siberian Huskies. Of the breeds, I want two of different breeds at one time, thus I'm a little worried about behavioral compatibility. I know Wolfhounds are pretty chillax as well as Mastiffs, but I REALLY want to find something I can own with the Caucasian, if any at all. A Lab will probably again fit into the picture soon enough, since it seems to just be the best kind of dog to own, imo.

Anyone that can offer help is greatly appreciated!

As a subnote, space to frolic and given attention is of no issue. My dogs are my homeboys, thus go everywhere I go. Plus I enjoy the outdoors and would like to drag them on epic adventures all over the place. Lots of hiking, swimming, etc.

 

[Criosphynx]

IMO a caucasian is nothing but a liability. Forget about visitors and other dogs and taking the dog into public....socialization will not override the genetics in a dog like that....just my opinion based on what I have read and seen on them there is a documentary floating around online som'where, I 'll try and look for it.

Mastiffs are the most "lab like" of the ones you listed, so they may be best for you..


that said, Iam all about trying "new things" som'times you find out what you think you like in a dog is really what you are "used to" or familiar with and that makes you comfortable...I used to be all about the quiet couch potatoe type dogs and swore I'd have nothing but, then I got a drivey, noisey high energy dog plopped in my lap and I can't imagine life without him...

my point being I always had low energy dogs so thats what I thought I liked, when it really wasn't so much I tell that story because I saw you mention you've only had labs.

Huskies are kinda the polar opposite of your labs...have you been around many of them? What do you like about them?

 

[pawzaddict]

I did not know what a Caucasian Sheph was so I did not resond last night. I agree that a mastiff is closest in personality to a lab. Irish wolfhounds are hard to come by (at least here) and I dont know too much about their personalities other than what I have seen from one at my old job. She was fun, gentle, and I mean gentle!!! she played with the little chihuahuas and never hurt a fly. They are huge..the largest dogs..about an inch or so I believe taller than the great dane. Huskies are higher energy and need to work so something to consider but they can be a good change!

 

[Paiger77]

I have known people to have Irish wolfhounds with other Irish's and with small dogs with no issue. My parents have two bull mastiff's and two french bulldogs and everyone gets along fine. The two Bull mastiff's are opposite sex and I believe that helps. Bull Mastiff's are not great listeners like most of the bull breeds but other than that, they're great.

I wouldn't get the Shepherd if you have other dogs, not that it can't be done, but I don't feel it's worth the chance. This is an excerpt from wikepedia -Caucasian Shepherds are typically assertive, brave, alert, strong, hardy and courageous to a fault. They are probably the most aggressive natural guard dog bred in domesticity and truly second to none in bellicosity towards strangers.
Unless properly socialised, they may exhibit ferocious and unmanageable tendencies. They seldom have time for strangers (but will greet family friends warmly) and have powerful guarding instincts. Everything and everyone who belongs to the family, including children, cats, other dogs, etc. will be regarded by this dog as part of its family and as such will fall under its guardianship. Owing to their size and nature these dogs should not be left alone with children.
Aggression and dominance toward unknown dogs should be expected unless the animal has been extensively socialised at a young age and even then some unwanted behaviours may occur.

I don't know if you have children or plan to, but considering the life span I would think it too risky, and who wants to have to give up their pet? Looks like heartbreak to me, sadly enough. If you really want a large dog, I would look into some other more docile breeds like Great Danes, the Wolf hounds, Giant Schnauzer and so on. Good luck on your search!

 

[pawsforthought]

i would rule out both the husky and the caucasian shepherd. i love both breeds, and i do believe all breeds can achieve anything you want them to, including a social, easygoing nature. but some breeds are harder work than others. huskies are difficult breeds to own, particularly for those who have either never owned a dog before, or never owned a dog like a husky before, that requires lots of training early on.

bullmastiffs were never as popular as guard dogs as the rottweiler, because of their reputation for having a stubborn nature.

english mastiffs are most definitely gentle giants. they are very lazy and are reknowned for being couch potatos. lol.

so i think the best breed for you would be the irish wolfhound. this is a breed i will own one day. they don't quite match up to my favourite breed, the great dane, but they make wonderful pets. they are more active than the mastiff and would suit you more in that way, as well as with having another dog there. i met an irish wolfhound when i went to crufts this year, and he was the gentlest dog i had met all day. he was quite content to stand completely still as children smaller than him crowded around and stroked him.

i love all the breeds you mentioned but i'm going to place my vote with irish wolfhound!

 

[GreatDaneMom]

dogs getting along has a lot to do with how you raise them and train them.

 

[flygs]

I don't know if you have children or plan to, but considering the life span I would think it too risky, and who wants to have to give up their pet? Looks like heartbreak to me, sadly enough. If you really want a large dog, I would look into some other more docile breeds like Great Danes, the Wolf hounds, Giant Schnauzer and so on. Good luck on your search!

Giant Schnauzers are far from being a docile breed. They can also be same sex aggressive.

 

[fawkese1]

Giant Schnauzers are far from being a docile breed.

ditto this...

 

[GreatDaneMom]

not only that but great danes were mentioned also. docile breed, maybe. but thats not until theyre about 3. until then you have giant puppies. so not only the energy of a puppy, but the size and strenth of a full grown dog. and thats a hard concept for a lot of people, to have a dog that large but still have to understand that they are puppies as still learning. sometimes it got me and i would have to take a step back and remember that before i got angry. puppies chew your shoes sure.... great dane puppies just eat your couch....

 

[Barb]

I think you should ask yourself what you want out of a dog, other than just size. The breeds you mentioned have really different temperaments, grooming needs, energy levels, etc.