Is a big dog really the right move for you?

"A big dog is right for me and my family" getting this wrong is not fair on you and not fair on the dog of your choice.

 Another thing to think about: Most big dog breeds have an "Extended puppyhood" for example the Irish wolfhound and Great Dane are not out of their puppy ways until they are around 2 years old! Think about it, having a puppy is fun, having a large puppy is fun in the right home, but are you ready to take on a full grown (Physically) giant breed with the heart and soul of a puppy for 2 years?

When a giant breed dog chews, it is not quite the same as a little cuddly labrador playing with the toilet roll.... No only last week Jaks basically ate my sofa! Hmnn I obviously wasn't keeping an eye on him? I went to the bathroom, had a quick shave and when I returned the stuffing of the futon was all over the ling room! If I hadn't been so shocked I would have taken a photo. 

If I sound negative I don't mean to, having a giant puppy really is fun if, you are not too houseproud and you have a sense of fun. There is nothing nicer than having a big dog smother you with affection, or having a big dog lying on your feet in the evening. Certainly with an Irish Wolfhound they are fantastic companions and like nothing more than being at your side. My children love him to bits and even my old Mongrel who closely resembles an icelandic sheepdog in looks and size is quite fond of him. The sound of a large dog galloping to get the ball the, sight of him racing across a field is something special.

Here is a great link to a Wolfhound site which puts into fantastic words what life can be like with a Big Dog in particular Wolfhounds: Torteval Irish Wolfhounds Anne Vaudin introduced me to the International Irish Wolfhound forum where I learned much more about Irish Wolfhounds and eventually found the breeder of our boy. Be warned visiting Anne's site will make you biased towards Wolfhounds :)

I will be writing more about making the big decision but in the meantime I hope this has given you something to think about.

Barrie

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