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Posted: 7/11/2004 7:16:31 PM EDT
[#1]
Did you think about a Boxer? Gentle yet very protective, damn near fearless, smart, muscular "tough dog" appearance. Mine has been everything you describe except just not as big as the breeds you mention. Only problem is they don't live long, 8-9 years, and they are prone to grow tumors.
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Posted: 7/11/2004 7:21:22 PM EDT
[#2]
Here's mine. 1.5 yrs old, 55lbs of pure whoop-ass (yeah right)
These dogs get the greatest bluff in on people. I have witnessed people turn and walk the other way when he is on the end of the leash. My wife had a guy step out of his truck, see the dog, and RUN back to his truck. They just look bad-ass. But, on the flip side, are very low maintenance, as far as walking/activity. They will bark and growl at a stranger, or a knock at the door. Incredibly loyal dogs also. 
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Posted: 7/11/2004 7:22:49 PM EDT
[#3]
German shepard. Mines about 7yrs old. They are very loyal to there owners and very protective of kids.
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Posted: 7/11/2004 7:27:47 PM EDT
[#4]
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. |
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Posted: 7/11/2004 7:28:22 PM EDT
[#5]
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. Nothing against mixed breeds, but you'll have a better idea of what to expect with a pure bred dog. |
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Posted: 7/11/2004 7:30:02 PM EDT
[#6]
Well since yah Didnt mention Bassetts Ide have to go with a Sheperd They are great dogs and fill what you're looking for The Rotts Mastiffs etc just have to much of a bad history for me.
Another couple of breeds you may want to consider would be huskies or Malemutes, Maybe even a good sized Lab. |
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Posted: 7/11/2004 7:34:37 PM EDT
[#7]
My friend had a bernese mountain dog until it passed recently and I thought it was very well mannered and had a very nice temperment. It was a huge dog, though. I shall miss him.
My friend has since bought a new puppy that will grow up about the same weight, but a little bit taller, though I dont remember the breed. Nice dog, it is fuzzy kind of like a Husky, but it's a mountain dog and is fairly rare. 
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Posted: 7/11/2004 7:35:32 PM EDT
[#8]
ST Bernard
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Posted: 7/11/2004 7:40:22 PM EDT
[#9]
Rottweiler. My son and my dog, now his dog, are best friends. People will tell you horror stories about rottweilers and how you shouldn't get one. These people ae the same ones that blame guns for people being shot.
Get a rott. Loyal as hell, great with kids and will protect your home with their lives. |
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Posted: 7/11/2004 7:42:40 PM EDT
[#10]
I have three German Shorthair Pointers. Two outside and one in. They are the smartest, most loving, but protective dogs I have ever known. Mine run from 70 to 85 pounds each.
My Wifey is waiting for a heart transplant, and the one in the house pretty much taught himself to be her helper dog. If Wifey so much as whispers my name that dog finds me and is climbing my face until I go find out what she needs. Wifey fell when I wasn't in the house, and that dog got his body under her and lifted so she could get to her feet. |
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Posted: 7/11/2004 7:46:14 PM EDT
[#11]
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.
 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... 
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Posted: 7/11/2004 7:59:22 PM EDT
[#12]
I've had and still have large dogs,from Newfy's to rott to monster sized muts.
They don't really eat more than other dogs. The only draw back on the large breeds are ther shorter life spans. I have one right now that age is setting in and it's sad that it's the end of an era. I got a puppy Blue Heeler last year 'cause I like to over lap the dogs for some self training and them Blue Heelers (aka Australian Cattle Dog) are the shit. My little ozzy is about 40lbs will live at least twice as long does back flips for a frizzby and is one hell of a protector. |
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Posted: 7/11/2004 8:09:24 PM EDT
[#13]
A second on the Akita. Wonderful dogs. I'll probably never get a different breed since having mine.
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Posted: 7/11/2004 8:55:08 PM EDT
[#14]
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.) 
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Posted: 7/11/2004 10:07:46 PM EDT
[#16]
german shephers or my fav, a rottie
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Posted: 7/11/2004 10:19:22 PM EDT
[#17]
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.  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.  The female wantoing to know why the camera beeps. 
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Posted: 7/11/2004 10:22:29 PM EDT
[#18]
No ones mentioned brazillian filas? IVe heard theyre pretty big.
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Posted: 7/11/2004 10:37:29 PM EDT
[#19]
I have the cousins to the Bernese, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs:  They are girls a little over 100lbs. each. The boys usually run 120-150. They are good guard dogs but aren't really aggressive. The bark is deep and intimidating though. They do require a firm hand though as they are definite social climbers and must be taught their place. I love the English Mastiffs, they are true gentle giants. For your purposes though the German Shepherd is ideal. Intelligent, easily trained, they are a great dog. I could just never own one after watching that War Dog show about the one's in Vietnam. [cry] I actually prefer the non AKC GSDs as many don't have that sloping back they go for now. I love the old Rin Tin Tin style GSD. Just remember, train, train, train. |
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Posted: 7/11/2004 10:52:16 PM EDT
[#20]
I've always loved German Shepherds. Loyal, smart and friendly. Grew up near a friend that had a bull mastiff and he was a great dog also.
You know, I don't recall disliking any dog breed. Treat them with love and kindness and they ALL are loyal and friendly. The last two large dogs I've had were purchased from the Humane Society. They were Sherpherd mixes. GREAT dogs. |
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Posted: 7/11/2004 11:09:42 PM EDT
[#21]
GERMAN SHEPARD
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Posted: 7/11/2004 11:15:14 PM EDT
[#22]
The only big problem with Bullmastiff's is they stink...and I mean even right after a bath. They are one of those dogs who needs the ears clean regularly and the folds of skin checked and cleaned alot. They are also prone to deafness. |
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Posted: 7/11/2004 11:27:18 PM EDT
[#23]
hmm, mine don't smell at all. Less then the lab I used to have :). YEah, the ears part is true, but they aren't really as fold-y as an english bulldog (depends on the dog too though). They DO drool alot after drinking though.
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Posted: 7/12/2004 2:07:12 AM EDT
[#24]
If ya got a little coin to spend or are lucky enough to spot one at the humain society like i have you could always pick up a bouvier or giant snouser.Ive owned both
They tend to tip the scales around 100-120 pounds are deviously smart and gentle (couch potato) giants.  Bouvier des flanders  Giant snouser |
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Posted: 7/12/2004 2:11:40 AM EDT
[#25]
third on Akita's
gentle, intelligent, big dogs. bred for bear hunting in Japan, and a very good looking pooch to boot. |
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Posted: 7/12/2004 6:20:14 AM EDT
[#26]
Big dog over 100lb = short life span
 Big dogs life span 10 to 12. Danes way less. Anything over 125 over 10 years your lucky. A well breed Rottie is hard to beat. You can get Rotties in the 60 to 80 lb range. They make good inside dogs. The wife is looking for a mix breed. Rotty and AUS cattle dog. This should be fun  |
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Posted: 7/12/2004 6:25:34 AM EDT
[#27]
I agree a well-bred Rottie is hard to beat.
Breeding is very important for more than just looks. Good breeding will give stability and intelligence that is required for a dog of this type. Don't skimp on the breeding. It costs more for the dog, but it is a long-term investment, and is worth every penny. Here is an excellent example of a top Rottie, who's internal qualities are as good as the external looks. He's very loving and stable, and is great with everybody. Very scary-looking, but calm and confident. You don't want to get a "fear biter", which comes from poor breeding. This dog here is as good as they get, in every way. 
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Posted: 7/12/2004 6:38:27 AM EDT
[#28]
Another vote for an Akita. Known as the babysitter dog in Japan due to working mothers leaving their children alone with them all day, they are extreamely devoted and protective to children.
Bought ours as a pup when my son was a toddler and the dog loves him better than anyone in the family. He sleeps by the door in which ever room my son is in. Tj |
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Posted: 7/12/2004 6:49:35 AM EDT
[#29]
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Posted: 7/12/2004 6:56:25 AM EDT
[#30]
German Shepherd was my choice. Good with kids, very protective of family. My three year old was inspecting our shepherds teeth last night. Dog just laid on the floor and let her.
How are the boerboels with kids? I like the look. pen |
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Posted: 7/12/2004 7:04:23 AM EDT
[#31]
Highly recommend a Rhodesian Ridgeback. About as protective and loyal as they get. Anything bred to hunt lions in Africa is about as bad-ass as they come. Also, very loving dogs.
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Posted: 7/12/2004 7:25:33 AM EDT
[#32]
My little girl:
 Jasmine. A 78 lb (petite for a Rotty) rescued Rottweiler. ALL the kids in the neighborhood LOVE her, and she returns it on all of our walks. Of course, our walks are more like walk, stop and pet, walk, stop and pet......you get the idea. Very gentle. Yet scares the bejezzus out of the few ne'er-do-wells that occasionally pass by the house. She sounds twice as big as she looks. I will NEVER own another kind of dog but a Rotty! |
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Posted: 7/12/2004 9:48:42 AM EDT
[#33]
Newfoundland. Very big and very gentle.
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Posted: 7/12/2004 10:33:53 AM EDT
[#34]
Irish Wolfhounds don't make good guard dogs, if conventional wisdom holds, because they are so friendly. It would take a brave man, however, to enter a house with a dog this big:
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Posted: 7/12/2004 10:59:05 AM EDT
[#35]
He is brave indeed if this is some type of Irish foreplay. That dog's not going to stop at a little tounge. 
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Posted: 7/12/2004 11:04:44 AM EDT
[#36]
I second the boxer, even though I've personally never owned one.
Friends of mine HAVE, and they're GREAT family dogs. Can't go wrong with a blue heeler either. Everyone I know that's owned 'em RAVED about them. In fact, all the Aussie bred dogs seem to be pretty good. FWIU, bloodhounds-notwithsatnding their drooling problem-are great family dogs. |
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Posted: 7/12/2004 5:50:00 PM EDT
[#37]
  My pup is a granddaughter of Hark. |
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Posted: 7/12/2004 6:42:15 PM EDT
[#38]
i have 2 rotties, one american that weighs in at like 120, and the runt from a pure german rottie litter, he is 80 something, near 90, they are awesome dogs
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Posted: 7/12/2004 7:38:30 PM EDT
[#39]
the proper name is Fila Brasilero, and if the guy doesn't know about them already, he isn't a good candidate for ownership. While these dogs are protective and safe around the immediate family (and i mean only the people that live in the house all the time), They can be very aggresive with anystranger. I grew up with a pair, and their puppies. I know they can have temperaments ranging from fairly docile to F#$&^3{ HOT! It just isn't a breed that fits most situations. Make double dang sure you know what you are getting into before you consider a Fila. I wouldn't consider them a good candidate for any apartment, unless you get an adult that is extremely well socialised and a proven sound temperament for strangers. Same goes for any house with regular guests. What else do you expect from a dog bred to hunt jaguars, track runaway slaves and protect estates? oh, and unrelated to the fila, but concerning the beagles- In Before The Pit! |
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Posted: 7/12/2004 7:43:33 PM EDT
[#40]
Yes they're huge but they are not good family dogs. My vote goes to the Cane Corso. They're a smaller mastiff, around 115lbs., really good with kids, very protective and they dont drool like the bigger mastiffs. |
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Posted: 7/12/2004 7:53:11 PM EDT
[#41]
Another vote for Akitas.
Contrary to what a lot of people seem to think, Akitas were never a fighting breed. They are very freindly with small kids, and reports of agressiveness with other dogs has proven false in my personal experience. The only bad thing about Akitas is the massive amount of shedding about twice a year. I can endlessly pull handfulls of fur off of my dog when she's shedding. If anybody has pics of their dogs, take a minute to post them here: ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=1&f=5&t=254467 |
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Posted: 7/12/2004 7:55:53 PM EDT
[#42]
Count my vote as the fifth one for an Akita. No one will screw around with your family with an Akita around. They don't bark much but when they do it is for a reason. Very loyal and an excellent family member.
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Posted: 7/12/2004 8:03:30 PM EDT
[#43]
Another vote for Giant Schnauzer or German Shepard. My g/f has both and they are perfect dogs for her kids and home protection. Plus, they look awsome!
CW |
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Posted: 7/12/2004 8:10:50 PM EDT
[#44]
Yeah but their fuking french. A really big vote for Akita here. Had to put mine down 2 yrs ago at age 11 after his stomach flipped and $4500 surgery failed. 
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Posted: 7/12/2004 8:16:27 PM EDT
[#45]
Wow. With all the Akitas lovers here we need a new forum added. Also had a1/2 Akita and 1/2 Charpa (sp?) about 135lbs and one mean bitch. She too has passed.
Now, all I have are 5 mutts of questionable geneology, all rescued from the streets. |
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Posted: 7/12/2004 8:33:27 PM EDT
[#46]
I already voted for Akitas, but I'm gonna go ahead and vote again.
GET AN AKITA!!! |
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Posted: 7/12/2004 8:34:14 PM EDT
[#47]
I had a friend in Yakima with I think a English Mastiff at over 200 lbs, the mastiff use to enjoy putting Jaws totally around his Boxers head (playing)! It made a rag doll out a coyote that entered his yard, totally ripped it apart! The only downside to the Dog is it liked to eat, ALOT!!!!
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Posted: 7/12/2004 8:37:33 PM EDT
[#48]
I'd vote for a German Shepherd myself, best dog I've ever owned. I'm also fond of Rotties and Boxers.
I will warn though that while they care loyal and intelligent, they are very protective. By protective I mean that they can be damned territorial and could easily kill someone if they are not properly disciplined dogs. Most of these breeds DO benefit from obedience school (if you don't know how to train them yourself) or at the very least need an owner with a firm hand that is it's absolute master. You should be able to tell the dog to stay & have him do so even if someone smacks you or something (just an example). There were times that, if she wasn't well disciplined, my Shepherd would have killed neighbors thinking she was protecting us. |
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Posted: 7/13/2004 8:29:16 AM EDT
[#49]
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.
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Posted: 7/13/2004 8:58:01 AM EDT
[#50]
Irish Foreplay: "Bend over Bridget, here I come" lol. |
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