>>638603If you want a dog to run with you while you cycle, don't get a giant breed dog. Their hips and joints will be ruined. A greater swiss mountain dog is approaching giant territory. They may not be a good choice.
I get that you want a purebred dog, everyone does, but you don't need one. Go to a shelter, and check the dogs out there. You won't need to spend $2k on a dog that may or may not have significant genetic problems (like many purebred dogs do). Shelters will have puppies, adults, older dogs, purebreds, mixed breeds, ect ect.
I always hear the argument "I don't want a shelter dog, I want to raise it so I know it". That's a pretty BS argument since shelters have puppies, and even if you raise a dog from a puppy, it can still turn out wrong for you. You may get a puppy, want it to be super active, and then it's just a couch potato.
Also, talk to someone with a puppy. They suck so much. They piss on stuff, chew everytbing, and are more work than having a baby (trust me, I've had both). A shelter dog will often be housetrained, know basic commands, and may have outgrown the worst habits.
If you get a young shelter dog, you can train it however you want, and since it's not a puppy, you'll have an idea how it will be as an adult.
You'll have the pick from dozens of dogs, you can walk/run with them to try them out and see if they suit you. You can make multiple visits to get to know dogs, and end up with one that's perfect for you.
Most importantly, a shelter dog often binds extremely deep with its rescuer. Aure, the same can be said for all dogs, but shelter dogs seems to "know" the importance of rescuing them. They just bond really well. You'll have a faithful companion for years.
Check out a shelter, trust me it's worth it. I have a purebred dog, came from a shelter. He came with all his pedigree paperwork, and his original receipt of purchase. Someone paid $2000 for him and couldn't keep him. I adopted him for $50.
