[Craig T]

Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile

Explain. Who is trolling and how are you reaching that conclusion? Sounds like someone asked for advice and several others (including me) are offering it. Isn't that what a forum is for?

+1 P-O-P. This is good tough-love advice. I'm sure Pelicaman would be a great owner...BUT, I have taken in two dogs in the last ten years because the owners got a whim to own a dog and didn't anticipate the responsibility involved, nor the breed's characteristic behaviors.

Dog ownership is a lifestyle, not a hobby. It can't be hung in the garage or put in a case. I know a family in Riverside, CA who bought a Bernese Mtn Dog puppy because they thought he was so cute in the cage at the mall. This is a dog breed bred to rescue people from the snow in the Swiss/Italian Alps. When it got big and started shedding, she stuck it outside in 90 degree Riverside heat ignored for days. She gave it away because it dug holes in her yard and laid in them??? The dog was trying to survive the heat!

I know another who bought a Dogue De Bordeaux after watching Turner and Hooch (Tom Hanks). Did they miss the slobber part? She too was left outside and got aggressive. I took her and after a few months she became the most loving dog I've ever owned.

I too recommend a rescue first, but buying a pure bred breed is OK too as long as it's that specific breed's behaviors you're looking for...and NOT looks.

Do NOT buy any hunting, herding, or working breed if you are not an active person...or at least have a huge yard and buy two dogs.