Hi i'm looking to buy a dog but cant decide on which breed is best. All the "Breed Selector" searches bring up different results! I grew up with 2 Chow Chows and after they both passed away my parents bought 2 Newfoundlands- and have recently adopted a 3rd (dont think my dad will be happy until hes got a brown 1 though!) So I have alot of experience with dogs. I'm now living on my own and finding it very strange in a dog-free home. I'm living in a reasonably sized house with my partner and our 3 year old son (who is used 2 being around dogs) I have plenty of time on my hands as I took a break from work to become a full time mum when my son was born so i'm around the house all day. I dont have a problem with casting/grooming as I said I have plenty of time on my hands. Looking for a dog that is up for several walks a day, wouldnt be left alone much and can mix well with other doggy friends (e.g Newfoundlands!) HELP!

Bernese Mountain Dog but I am bias

> Looking for a dog that is up for several walks a day, wouldnt be left alone much and can mix well with other doggy friends (e.g Newfoundlands!)

Leonberger ?

lol, bullmastiff! can we see a theme developing?

I was thinking Leo too Missie. Great match for kids and newfs.

Then again my goldens walk with a newf every morning and the adore each other. So maybe golden retriever instead.

I think you need to make a list of must haves and have nots as there are just so many and what one considers the ideal family dog others would not.  I found my breed suited me at home with my kids with wanting to walk a dog but not have something too needy, but that's me.

If it is a smaller dog then another Spitz breed may suit as you used to have chows.  My first thought was perhaps a Samoyed Keeshond or Eurasier which is a combination of all three.  If you want less coat in a medium Spitz then there is the Buhund, my own breed the Elkhound.

As the others have already said if you like Newfs a Leonberger would be a good and less slobbery option.

find out if you have any dog shows going to be around your area, if there is, go along and have a look at the diff breeds, chat with the owners, find out good and not good. also if you have a dog training club nearby go and have a look at what is ther, if nothing else it may let you see what you def dont want!

biast also.... my breed the bearded collie is an excellent family dog although boisterous , very intelligent, busy busy dogs with a great sense of humour (you need one two) ,although you have to want one to cope with all the grooming , they also need lots of mental stimulation and exercise.
They are  in my opinion for the more experienced dog person not necessarily first time dog owners.

fantastic dogs to live with!!

Sorry but you can't beat a cocker spaniel with kids, and you never need slippers as they sleep on your feet when you sit down....

I think a staffie  would be a great pet for your family. There are not a massive breed so will not cost lots of money to feed+ vets bills etc. Playful and  hardy enough to be great mates to cope with your mum and Dads big newfies! Long life span! Fantastic family companion!   

I'm with the Bernese option too, will love the Newfies and are fantastic with kids

With Missie on this one, leonberger, and I have rotts!!

I think the Bernese too.  With children to think of they are just that bit less bulky, less hairy and less slobbery than the Newfs.

> fantastic dogs to live with!!

Agree with Starryeyes - and I personally have never, ever met one with a bad temperament.  I happily take mine down to the caravan, knowing I will be inundated with kids who want to see "the dog lady!" and I know my 2 Beardie girls will lap up the attention.

Well i am going to be biased but a Bernese is my choice of input..
Newfs are great, though you know the slobber and size they get and with a little one, but then the size of these dogs we are all mentioning are great family pets..
Leo's are also great with children, met a family the other day who have Leo's and Berners and the Leo was better with the children.

Its the old saying you can't generally go wrong with a Lab or Goldie as they are so typical of the family dog..

A friend of mine has leo's and newfs and they are best mates , i would say Leo !!

Peanurs

A Spaniel is good with other dogs.  I have two newfs and a springer.  The springer does think he is a newf though and actually swims further and quicker than the newfs! But the spaniel is far easier to keep clean and groomed and is easy to take anywhere you go.

Another vote for a Bernese here!
THey are a joy to live with, love human company as well as mixing with other dogs given the socialisation at an early age. My boy spends most of his walks with a Staffie and seems to change his breed!!! He runs around following the Staffie and trying to do everything the staffie does!
The Bernese are great with children, again with good socialisation from a young age like any breed, and once matured they are a very laid back breed.
They are not as slobbery as the Newfie!! xx

What about a Gordon setter?  Good with kids, other dogs/animals and love company!

Jill