I had a Dane/Mastiff. Very friendly to the kids with the occasional tail to face incident. He was the best dog I have ever had but I had to get rid of him when he went postal on a kid that was chasing my girls in play. He just stopped the kid but the bite was too much. Planerench out.

Quoted: An Akita will do the job and not bark so your not gonna be driven crazy. Women in Japan get an Akita to watch their kids before they would consider a babysitter, that's saying alot in my book. photos.ar15.com/ImageGallery/Attachments/DownloadAttach.asp?iImageUnq=21556 Danes are pretty good too but I'd still take an Akita if I had to have one dog, this is a Dane we fostered until we found him a home... photos.ar15.com/ImageGallery/Attachments/DownloadAttach.asp?iImageUnq=20178

whoa, that great dane almost looks like one of ours, except ours weighs 1/4 more than that one and maybe a half of foot taller.. it's huge.  then we have a smaller great dane, pretty old.  and a harlequin we just got a few years ago.  she's got such a nice coat on her, and they'd be a good home security dog, no one would even think of breaking in if they knew you had one of them.  and they don't grow/shed hair much at all.  but the only fault about our great danes is that the one slobers constantly, and gets me slimed every time I walk past it.. and also it has a huge tail that swings constantly.. and well the otherday I about dropped to my knees in pain when it hit me in that area..

I'll toss in my .02 as well...

I avoid pure bred dogs like the plague for a couple of reasons and ymmv

1. They tend to be more prone to issues like bone disease and displasia.

2. They cost lots of money and you get nothing but a worse pup than the mother. Read up on genetics and the necessity of other pools of genes to successfully propogate a species. That's why their are laws about doing your sister, it just aint right!

3. There's an abandon dog that is going to be killed because you want a "purebred" dog so you can tell people 'my dog is better than yours because I paid money for it.'

4. No doubt about it, a Shep/Rott Mix is the best dog out there...right now. You will find scads of them at the local Animal Control.

I'm not saying you will do or say the things I have mentioned, I just put them out there for reference points.

Something no one has mentioned:

With that big dog here's a thought that will enter your mind every time you buy a 50lb bag of dog food:

"Well, here's another 50lbs of DOG SHIT".

It happens with me and my dogs aren't what you'd consider "large breeds".

I like reading all of the stories relating to the various breeds. I do have a few questions that fellow
listers who have owned them might be able to answer:

Fila's: I've been told by a fellow worker who owns one that if you have a place where visitors aren't
going to be a real issue, that they'd be a good choice. But if you have close neighbors, or in a
community, they're a no-go.

German shepard: We had one when I was small, and it was a great dog, but ours had to be put down
due to the hip displacia (sp?) that I've been told is a problem with this breed. Is this a common
problem, an in-breeding problem that's been taken care of, or a common issue?

Rottweilers: Size. Do they all grow to 100+, or like people, does it depend on the parents? What is
the standard? (My brother's roomie had one, and once she knew you were an accepted human, you
were in more in danger of being 'kissed' to death than anything. My daughter (wee little then) thought
that Nicki was the biggest stuffed toy that she'd ever seen, and Nicki just loved the attention.

Schnauzers: We have a mini, and while she'll never fight off an intruder, there's no doubt as to
whether she's territorial or not. She'll die chewing your knee-cap off, if nothing else! Are some
of the smartest dogs that I've seen, and knows what does or doesn't belong in 'her' territory, and
lets all know if things are otherwise.

Quoted: Well, Im pushing towards the Rotts, german shepards, and a couple other dogs right now.  I like the Akitas but I dont like the endless amount of hair getting on everything in my house, and Im sure they wouldnt like the Texas heat either.  I have a few neighbors with Rotts right now and their dogs dont seem to mind the weather too much.  Also like the Giant Schnauzers, but my wife thinks theyre ugly (shes smoking crack or something...)  Anyways, thanks for the input everybody, Im sure Ill have a decision by next month, and Ill be sure to post a pic when I do.

you should check up on shiloh shepards, although the wait may be long.


to answer tanker6's questions, that i know:

Fila's- I've been owned by one male that was extremely protective, and trained in protection work.    Very fearsome, and very specialised housing arrangements (could NEVER be let alone with anyone not of the house)    he was the dad of a litter, and the mom, who we owned also, was a very mellow girl, but she barked a LOT.   When she barked, all the other ones would go crazy, like there was a life or death situation to defend.    The puppies were basically a mix of temperaments, and when they were together (mom, dad and three pups) it was a crazy pack that i wouldn't want to sic on anyone.   I have no doubt that they would kill  even a squad of guys in short order, unless the squad was armed and well trained.   we ended up putting the dad and mom to sleep a little early in their old age due to their lifelong aggression

Shepards- you can get a dog from a german line, or a domestic line that is bred for protection work.    stay away from show lines, and you should avoid most hip problems.   you could also check with shiloh shepard breeders, they are supposed to have sound hips.

rottweilers-  i've owned one, and a 3/4 rott 1/4 dob.    There are definately 70 pound rotts, just tell the breeder you want either a small female or a runt male.    but sound otherwise.    that should get you a smaller one, no problem.

i don't have any experience with schnauzers

and to cmj - i'd guess that no-one here has owned a dob, that has spoken up.    It happens sometimes.    There is a beautiful brown male that lives down the street from me, he is a very nice dog.

I got my daughter a Rott pup when she was 3mons old, and that
dog loved her to death ( and all kids BTW ) I would have trusted
her security anytime that dog was around. Rots arent mean or  evil.
Dont belive the hype, any dog will be loyal and protective if raised
and loved properly...

Nutz  

Thai Ridgeback

I vote for the boxer...best dog I've ever had.

go to www.boxerworld.com  those people are fanatics, great info and some great looking dogs,

they very in color from fawn, brindle, white, and revers brindle

they have floppy ears or you can crop them to look more intimidating.  

mine doesn't like the cold nor the heat.  
tons of energy, but loves to lay around.
he will let you know when he sees something he wants you to know about
loves to ride in the jeep/car
loves kids and gets down on his stomach for smaller dogs to chew on his face
my wife also wanted a boxer because they don't chose sides, they protect and serve each member of the family

www.boxerworld.com,

Quoted: Just one question:  Why have there been no recommendations for Dobermans?

Dobermans are often 'gun shy.'  Fire a gun around your Lab or Golden and they are ready for fun, but Dobies will cower.

Nothing against mixes as most of my dogs are strays or adopted and most of them are mixes. But I like having abig formidable protector.
I'd do with either of these 2 dogs.

Germans shepherd. Hard to go wrong with a well bred german shepherd, they are amazingly intelligent, more so than most any other breed, and formidable dogs obviously.
Something to consider, they were originally bred for "work", but, americans have greatly decreased working ability in a lot of american bred german shepherds.
Reason is they've been overbred here simply for demand because of their popularity, rather than bred selectively for their working ability and temperaments.
They were also increasingly bred more for looks, with the sloping backs.
Quick breeding for popularity and looks is the reason many american germans shepherds are prone to hip displaysia and other things.
And also, that's the reason that despite what many people think, a lot of american bred shepherds would assist a robber, and might be more fearful.

My germans shepherd passed away last july, along with another big dog of mine, so when I went to buy a pup earlier this year, I bought from european lines.
I went with czech lines. The czech border patrol has a reputation for having some of the best german shepherd working dogs there are, they've bred very selectively for working ability and to maintain the original german shepherd attitudes.
Granted working lines require good obedience training and a lot of activity.

My pup, Fenris, at 6 months is exceptional, and strong.
His breeder in montana, breeds only working czech lines from imports, and they have 3 litters available. I'd highly recommend these pups myself.
But read up on if working lines are for you, often a few in each litter are going to be more suited for pets than work though.

my pup fenris, 1 of my many dogs,

http://64.146.131.38/gallery/albums/Jeepin/fenris5th.sized.jpg

sapphireshepherds.com/currently_available.htm

my pups photos,

fenris photos

The other breed to consider since you're considering a mastiff type of dog is the relatively unknown cane corso dog.
"Very" formidable and intelligent working dogs, and "very" good with children. They have a particular fondness of children in fact.
I just recently put a deposite down on a cane corso puppy , it won't be ready for another month or so though, but I've wanted a cane corso for some time also, and I figured it would be good to buy 1 while it would be at a relatively common age with the german shepherd.
The cane corsos have no fighting breed in them, but were extensively used by the roman armies as war dogs. They are obviously an italian dog, and have also often been used to hunt and bring down big game.
Unlike a lot of mastiff breeds, the can corso's are built for a lot of endurance, and have been known to climb trees and chase down deer, someone I know had his 120 pound female climb a tree and he had to go up on a ladder to get her down.
They were also used to bait bulls in earlier times.
They are much like a rott in build, but stronger, and much more athletic with much more endurance.
These dogs wouldn't be for everyone obviously though.
With cropped ears they very much resemble big pit bulls, but again, they aren't a fighting breed.
The breeder I bought my pup from in cananda,

rustic kennels

pups of theirs

some photos of this breed from this breeder, don't let the looks of the breed influence you, they're really good with children and people, but very intimidating looking.

http://rustickennels.ca/JUNEARAGORNCOVER.JPG

http://rustickennels.ca/aragorntonyoct5aframe.JPG

the sire of the pup I bought, the breeder says he's the "sweetest" dog they have, loves everyone and everything..

http://rustickennels.ca/april2004rhino5.jpg.JPG

http://rustickennels.ca/april2004rhino4.jpg.JPG

Doberman
My boy Klaus.

How about a Caucasian Ovcharka? Big, protectice dogs that are as fierce as Filas, but more trainable and better around people. Also very intellgent dogs....Also, unlike a lot of protective breeds, will defend owners against both man and other animals...  Though I'm against dog fighting, I've read several accounts of how these dogs commonly defeat APBT's in Russia where dogfighting isn't exactly illegal....

Quoted: Quoted: Just one question:  Why have there been no recommendations for Dobermans? Dobermans are often 'gun shy.'  Fire a gun around your Lab or Golden and they are ready for fun, but Dobies will cower.

I disagree.  Start them early and get them used to it and they will react just like nothing happened.  My Doberman is not gun shy.  Any dog can be gun shy regardless of breed.  Just like some humans are easily startled by load noises.  

A picture worth a thousand words.

Australian Shepherds are great for looking after your little ones. And they are by far the BEST Frisbee dogs in the world.

Quoted: I like reading all of the stories relating to the various breeds. I do have a few questions that fellow listers who have owned them might be able to answer: ...German shepard: We had one when I was small, and it was a great dog, but ours had to be put down due to the hip displacia (sp?) that I've been told is a problem with this breed. Is this a common problem, an in-breeding problem that's been taken care of, or a common issue?

Overbreeding and Common. Careful search for a good breeder and of the dog's family history can help avoid it.

Our Shep is a 104-lb lap dog. Great with kids, good defender, smart, puppy-like even at 6yrs old. He gets over-excited (in a friendly way) around other dogs as he doesn't get to socialize with them frequently enough.
Needs a LOT of attention. Like a 3yr-old child. Will DEMAND the attention / play time.
Downside - Shedding machine. Two major sheds of his undercoat each year, and the vacuum trap is full of dog hair every week, year round.
All-around, he's been a GREAT dog.

Sheps are smart... That would be my pick for non-bird-dog breed...

If you want a bird dog, be original -> get an Irish Setter, not the ever-present Golden Retriever (and prepare to be amazed, as you wonder weather you bought a 50-60lb dog-sized superball)...

I ended up going cheap, actually a buddy had this pup and couldnt keep it at his house, so I took it.  As far as I know its pit and something else, dunno what the "else" could be, but the dog was free with a house, portapet cage, and a bunch of food.  Im guessing shes around 9-11 weeks, dew claws are gone so shes probably had shots, but I have no records (stray pup when my buddy took her in.)  Heres some pics...

Quoted: Well, Im in the market for a puppy, something that will grow up with my daughter and be like her best friend at home, be good with visitors, but instill the fear of god (and possibly the bite of god) into anybody who came into the home in the middle of the night.  Im looking at English Mastiffs, Bull Mastiffs, Great Danes, German Shepards, and Rotts, a mix of any of those would be even better since I dont really care about show or AKC or anything of the sort.  Anybody have suggestions and any reasons why any of those dogs would be a bad choice, besides the fact they take bigger shits than me and eat a ton of food?

I've got a 165 lb dane...mixed bag since if he get's clumsy ONCE your child can easily be injured....when he runs through the house, get the fuck out of the way unless you weigh more than he does...and like to play dog tackle-football...(whatever you currently have in your hand is his football...)

Berneese Mountain Dog or Great Pyrenees...... great dogs both of them... both pure breads- here's a pic...



very loyal and amazing with kids...

boxers are great also-

-Roth

.

Quoted: Berneese Mountain Dog or Great Pyrenees...... great dogs both of them... both pure breads- here's a pic... pic12.picturetrail.com:80/VOL437/671558/1101216/23175515.jpg very loyal and amazing with kids... boxers are great also- -Roth

The Berenese Mountain Dogs are great.  But there is a GREATER Swiss Mountain Dog:

Gotta throw in a pic or two of my new guy, Cain.  16 months old, ~165 pounds.

Quoted: A picture worth a thousand words.

I agree, and here's 2k worth of words on Rotties and kids:




+ Millions on the Rotties, but beware:  If you get one you'll end up with 2 (at least).  Also, reputable rescues are the way to go.

Black Lab great around kids and they can become one defensive SOB.

Aussies... the greatest dogs in the world :)

although those swiss mtn dogs are beauties as well

Quoted: Quoted: Well, Im in the market for a puppy, something that will grow up with my daughter and be like her best friend at home, be good with visitors, but instill the fear of god (and possibly the bite of god) into anybody who came into the home in the middle of the night.  Im looking at English Mastiffs, Bull Mastiffs, Great Danes, German Shepards, and Rotts, a mix of any of those would be even better since I dont really care about show or AKC or anything of the sort.  Anybody have suggestions and any reasons why any of those dogs would be a bad choice, besides the fact they take bigger shits than me and eat a ton of food? English Mastiffs are dumb as a bag full of hammers, Bulls are a little better.  Great Danes are awesome, but have a relatively short lifespan.  German/Belgian Shepards and Rotts are great dogs, loyal and protective.  I'd also look at Dobermans, Akitas, Newfies and Irish Wolfhounds.

If you have kids I'd stay away from Akitas and Dobbies. I have no proof except experience....

Quoted: Boerboel www.desertskyboerboels.com/images/dogs/dog1_5.jpg

Osprey21;

Do you actually have a Boerbol or have you ever seen one? Great dogs, but rare over here. I have seen scores of them in SA...tough dogs!

What about a standard or giant schnauzer?

Quoted: Boerboel www.desertskyboerboels.com/images/dogs/dog1_5.jpg

+1

Quoted: Quoted: Boerboel www.desertskyboerboels.com/images/dogs/dog1_5.jpg Osprey21; Do you actually have a Boerbol or have you ever seen one? Great dogs, but rare over here. I have seen scores of them in SA...tough dogs!

I don't, but my buddy has two of them, great dogs.

Quoted: What about a standard or giant schnauzer?

G/f has all three types (minature, standard and giant) and all are great with her kids. They are very smart (not as smart as her German Shepard, but real close) and obediant. The Giant plays with the smaller dogs and is always careful not to hurt them. Also, he always garners compliments from people that see him when we take him places.

CW

Quoted: If you have kids I'd stay away from Akitas and Dobbies. I have no proof except experience....

My Dobe and I were "pups" together.  Had her for 13 years.  God save anyone that tried to lay a hand on me.  

Question:  Do the Aussie's shed much or have any special needs.  What about being a house dog?

Quoted: Irish Wolfhounds.  Gentle Giants, but not everyone knows that.   The other side of your equation should be very gentle & safe around kids.  Wolfies fill the bill.  They tend to be aware of their size, so fairly safe in the house.  Need room to exercise.  Somewhat shortlived, like all the giant breeds.

"Gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked".  

Wolfhounds rock...too bad I don't have the space or the werewithall to care for an animal that size...I cat is about all I can be trusted with lol.  

I posted this pic a while back...it shows just how big these guys are:

Another option is a huskie wolf hybrid extremely loyal to the family or those it is raised around. Males are best bet to go with females will tend to challenge the oldest female in the house for the alpha position males just fix em and you have no problems. Someone breaks in or attacks you the dog will shred them .

Quoted: Black or Yellow Lab is a good way to go. I have a male Black Lab mix that weighs 90 pounds and will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up when hs barks. He's gentle, loving and from the way he will lay on my feet while I'm sitting down, if a child got caught out overnight he would do anything to protect and keep them warm. You might want to chech with your insureance agent that insures your home/apt. to see if any type of dog will make your rates go up. I know a lot of the campgrounds I go to don't allow certian breeds( pits, pinchers,rotts,shepards etc.)

+1 on the Lab.  My photoserver is down, else I would post a pic of my beautiful girl.

Quoted: Go bullmastiff. I have 2 mixes and they are exellent dogs. Personality of an english bulldog but in an effective size. Here is a pic of my male (the big head), he's 120Lbs and my female (she's 85)earlier today my nephew was holding up his lip and pulling on his tonge. Then my nephew pummeled his head and he just licked his face. Plus Bullmastiffs have short hair, don't shed alot, don't bark alot and are very protective. Their territory is THEIRS (the packs). additionally they are a relatively uncommon breed and poeple will really comment on it. www.hunt101.com/img/198571.JPG Yes, his head really IS that big. It's bigger then a normal persons head, and he can fit the female's WHOLE HEAD in is jaw when they play. Him compaired to my wife. www.hunt101.com/img/198574.JPG The female wantoing to know why the camera beeps. www.hunt101.com/img/198575.jpg

Now that is what I call a nice looking dog.

Quoted: I already voted for Akitas, but I'm gonna go ahead and vote again. GET AN AKITA!!!

Yup. I am an Akita man my self.  I currently own 1 Bitch and she is a very good animal.

95 lbs. very gentle and great w/ kids, Adults, etc.  Very protective of my wife - VERY.  Only barks when there is something to bark at, i.e., someone in my yard - I's like they have radar.

However, on the down side of the Akita, they really do tend to be aggressive tword other Dogs.  If you get an AKita, you must Socialize it w/ other Dogs, as a puppy!  Trust me on this one-

AKITA!