Typically, they are high-energy, high-drive dogs. While they make excellent pets and house dogs, they are not going to be the type of dog that greets you at the door, then goes off and lays down in the corner for the rest of the evening. They need a "job". That job can be playing frisbee, or serious obedience training, or something else constructive...or if you don't give him a job, he will find one himself...and you probably won't like the one he picks...remodeling the back yard, or dismantling your couch, etc.

They will often have issues with animal agression, less often with agression toward people unless trained and rewarded for this. Many, many of these dogs are successfully raised and kept with other animals including cats and other dogs...yes, it can be done. As with many other breeds, you may find it difficult to try and keep two mature males together because of dominance issues, but this is not a problem exclusive to them.

Educate yourself on all the pros and cons of the breed (some insurance companies will cancel homeowner's policies if they find out you have one of them...stupid, but true) obedience train the snot out of him, give him daily contact and attention, and use a crate, etc. They are NOT the "Dogs from Hell", but they are not "Cotton Candy" like many Golden Retreivers, either.

Typically, they are high-energy, high-drive dogs. While they make excellent pets and house dogs, they are not going to be the type of dog that greets you at the door, then goes off and lays down in the corner for the rest of the evening. They need a "job". That job can be playing frisbee, or serious obedience training, or something else constructive...or if you don't give him a job, he will find one himself...and you probably won't like the one he picks...remodeling the back yard, or dismantling your couch, etc.

They will often have issues with animal agression, less often with agression toward people unless trained and rewarded for this. Many, many of these dogs are successfully raised and kept with other animals including cats and other dogs...yes, it can be done. As with many other breeds, you may find it difficult to try and keep two mature males together because of dominance issues, but this is not a problem exclusive to them.

Educate yourself on all the pros and cons of the breed (some insurance companies will cancel homeowner's policies if they find out you have one of them...stupid, but true) obedience train the snot out of him, give him daily contact and attention, and use a crate, etc. They are NOT the "Dogs from Hell", but they are not "Cotton Candy" like many Golden Retreivers, either.