Witz, the breed suits us. Thanks.
It is a lot of shedding, I must admit but it should slow down as they grow their winter coats. I try to contain them to an area that is mostly hardwood so I can use a quick dustmop. I brush them as often as I can. I try for 2 to 3 times a week.
I do walk them every day. One long walk, usually one shorter. They have quite a large fenced yard that is partially wooded. They get to bark and run the fence after deer, squirrels and bunnies. Mr. Darcy has a hidden area that he digs and stays in the cool dirt. It's ok since it's not ruining the landscaping.
In the summer, they are more house dogs. It is brutal hot for them with their heavy coats. I look forward to the cooler weather so we can do longer more strenuous walks.
I probably didn't appreciate how seldom they are seen as a breed until I try to walk them in more populated areas. I don't get very far, very fast. They are really livestock guardian dogs or farm dogs so not too many people are stupid enough to keep 2(or 3) at a regular house. They take up a lot of room in a kitchen. I get stopped often which is why I walk in the woods and at odd hours to avoid having to stop. I appreciate their interest but I don't want to use them as props or attention getters.
They are not hyper dogs but are quick to be on alert. Cowboy is always watching for attacks on his flock(me and the 2 new kids). The younger two are still goofy and coming to learn about being with a family and not act as strays.
Having 3 is probably more than I should have but when Honeysue died I couldn't fill that hole quick enough.
Cowboy is really a massive beast and he isn't the largest I have seen. He is about 112 (down from 120). He is mild mannered but I have seen him bare his teeth when it was appropriate for him. I don't let anyone hang on him unless he invites it.
The two younger ones are smaller. Miss Elizabeth appears to be a runt. Perfect pyr but small to the tune of about 80lbs. Very smart and a survivor. Found on the streets as a stray.
Mr. Darcy looks different than the other 2- not sure whether he is a mix but he has the right coloring, double dew claws and is watchful. He is much more energetic than the other two.
There is no doubt Witz, that when easy child left home that I transferred my mom nature to the dogs. I didn't think I needed someone to take care of but I must. Now I have 3 and a bit of work yet with training the two younger ones. They aren't too keen on all the social rules they must observe when living in the house. They are good about not jumping up on people.
Maybe you have a suggestion Witz. I can't seem to get one or the other(not sure which) to not relieve themselves in the house when I'm not around. It doesn't seem to be because they haven't been out. I have to crate them at night now. No accidents but if I leave them out to sleep in my room, one of them seems to feel a need to relieve themselves. Very frustrating. Any suggestions? They get plenty of outside time and they are seldom left for more than an hour or two.