Thinking about getting a large breed

[Gemmy]

This won't be for another 2 1/2 years because as of right now, I'm prepping myself for my return to community college to become an Occupational Therapist Assistant and won't have time for another dog. When the time rolls around though, I'm sorta thinking of getting a large breed if I don't keep up with plans of getting an Amstaff.


Some large breeds I'm thinking of are Rottweiler, English Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Boerboel, or Cane Corso. I definitely want one that's trustworthy, especially around children because I have an infant daughter and her safety comes first. I hear Boerboels and English Mastiffs do extremely well with children but I also hear Boerboels are only for people who have experience owning large breeds and this will be my first large dog. I also don't like that Mastiffs drool a lot but it's not a big deal. I really want a dog that's not too protective but will only take action if there is a real threat at hand. I'm really looking at Neapolitan Mastiffs too because they fit my lifestyle and one of my favorite breeds but I've read that they're instinctively very protective.

 

[Elrohwen]

If you don't want a particularly protective dog, I would stay away from rotties, cane corsos, and boerboels. Out of the dogs you listed an English Mastiff might be a good choice - the ones I've met were very sweet.

What about a leonberger or newfoundland? Saint Bernard? Bernese Mtn Dog?

 

[sassafras]

What about a large sighthound like a borzoi?

 

[*blackrose]

Honestly, coming from someone who loves Neos and wanted to have one at one point, finding a well bred, healthy Neo is HARD. If this would be your first time owning a giant breed dog, I really can't recommend them unless you just really want to jump off the deep end in terms of dog ownership.

Something else to think about, taken from the Neapolitan Club's website:

Neapolitans are generally good with, and protective of, children. However, in a household with children, there are several issues to consider. The most obvious is that a dog of this size can knock a young child over without meaning to. Second, although these dogs again usually do well with "their" children, many households with children have a lot of visitors coming and going, which can take some getting used to for a Neapolitan. Third, Neapolitans are sometimes jealous of attention given a child by an adult. If you've read this far, you're getting the idea that Neapolitans are generally very big on the concept of "mine" - "my" house, "my" toys, and especially "my" people. This intense bonding can lead to separation anxiety.

Similarly, I would think a Cane Corso and Boerboel would also be a little bit more dog than what you are wanting, although we do have a member here with a Boerboel and she may be able to give you more advice.

Rottweilers aren't really what I would consider a "giant" breed. Or, at least, they shouldn't be. Large, yes, giant, no. I LOVE Rotties and would love to own one someday, they are fantastic dogs, but not the same flavor as an English Mastiff and the like.

For a large breed dog that is "easier" and much less drooly, have you considered a Great Dane at all?

English Mastiffs or alternatively Bull Mastiffs may be a good fit.

If you don't mind hairy dogs, I second the Newfoundland/Berner suggestions.

I really want a dog that's not too protective but will only take action if there is a real threat at hand.

I also think you need to be very clear on what you want behavior wise from a potential dog. I always say I like "protective" dogs. In reality, I like a large, imposing dog that will pitch a fit when something isn't right and make people take a second thought, but is also friendly and social with people. I'd much rather have a very serious watch dog than an actual guard dog. And let's face it: if there is a real enough threat that I would want my dog actually ATTACKING someone versus just trying to scare them off, I'd be grabbing a gun, not relying on my dog. But that's just me.

 

[ruffiangirl]

The knocking down kids thing is a big concern with English mastiffs as well, and 170lbs of dog stepping on a little foot is very bad, I wouldn't have one with small kids, they are just too clumsy.

I would second the Great Dane, they are more aware of their body's, at least the ones I know.

 

[Gemmy]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I definitely left out a bunch of breeds. Newfoundlands and Leonbergers are definitely on the list. Great Danes - yes! I definitely left them out. They're gorgeous, gentle dogs. I met a dane for the first time a year and a half ago and fell in love instantly.

My apologies if I left out any other helpful details. I'd much more prefer a short haired dog but long hair doesn't bother me one bit. With Danes, do they really live only a few years, like less than 8 years? I'm just gonna keep my other choices with the Mastiff, Leonberger, and Rottie if I get a more protective breed. I contacted a Shiloh Shepherd breed awhile back and they have amazing temperaments and good with children.

 

[Greenmagick]

Great danes have shorter life spans...but so do the majority of giant breed dogs. Life expectancy is 7-10. My mom's dane was 15. Mastiffs are 7-11 and Goldens are 10-12 from what I can find so not really talking that different. Bloat is a big issue so something to definitely study and prepare for.

One thing to keep in mind...yes, they CAN be very gently and calm dogs...but that is when they are adults and have been raised correctly. Naturally they can be a bit spooky and guardy depending on the lines and their teen years are crazy...fun, but crazy

Obviously I think they are great with kids.....at least mine are great with my own kids. My female is not too fond of other kids...not aggressive but she is nervous and worried about them. My kids however she is TOTALLY great with, almost too good lol. Both are gentle with the kids but it definitely took effort to get them aware of their size and strength. Again, Ivy is better at knowing where the kids are, not knocking into them, etc. Part is just her natural personality, part is my children were 18 months and 3 when I got her so I worked a lot more with her and them together. Quke came along when the kids were a bit older and more sturdy He is also much more of a physical and high energy dog.