Hi all, Thank you again for all of the advice. Yesterday, my wife and I visited her friend, who has a DDB. Unfortunately, my wife couldn’t stand the drool, which was sometimes intense. And although she loved the gentle and kind dog, after the visit, my wife simply could not get over this drool factor. So she told me that she wouldn’t be a 100 percent into getting one. My son is also not too sure about getting a DDB since a DDB and its owner frequently stop by his job. My son claims that the DDB is really gentle despite looking so tough, but always leaves a streak of drool on his shirt or pants. So he’s not a 100 percent into getting a DDB either. Since this is a family decision – I want everyone to welcome and want the same dog – I decided against getting a DDB too. Too bad EMs and Bullmastiffs also have the same drool factor because I really love their size and calm demeanor (though an EM can be a bit too big for us). Cj-sharpy advised that I look into cross-breeds, which is what I’ve been doing now. I’ve been researching American Bandogs and their size and protective instincts seem good. But my worry is that they’re bred to be serious working dogs and I’m not quite sure I can provide them a “working†lifestyle given my own lifestyle. While I can easily walk them four or five times a day (since they’ll be with me as I make the rounds at my job), I don’t know if I can provide them with something specific to do besides be my companion outside and inside the home. Maybe I’m making too much what “working†means. Maybe as long the dog sees a purpose with me (i.e., being with me), it will feel like it’s working. Teodora suggested I look into a Neo. I really like some its characteristics, especially since it’s calm and has a natural “off†switch when at home. But I think that it might be “too much†dog for me given that I’m a new dog owner. Also, from what I’ve read, they aren’t too discriminatory and see everyone who’s not a family member as a threat – even if they’re somewhat familiar with them. I don’t know if I’m experienced enough to handle that type of disposition. Don’t get me wrong, I’m prepared to do much obedience training and really look forward to the socialization process. But I’d rather play it safe until I learn more. Someone else suggested I look into the LGDs. Unfortunately, I live in a suburban/city area and those breeds are serious barkers. I also don’t want to have a constant barker at home, which is why I was looking into particular Mastiff breeds. My wife grew up with a German Shepherd and that’s her preferred breed. However, I prefer not to walk around the neighborhoods I visit frequently with a GSD – it’s associated with law enforcement. Since I don’t live in those neighborhoods, I heard that a few residents “wonder†about me and stated concerns that I might be a “narc.†In my experience working at my job for more than 10 years, such rumors always float around. And nothing happens as long as you carry yourself in a respectful and nonjudgmental way – and don’t ask too many questions (everyone will eventually open up to you). But I fear – and this could be totally unfounded – that a GSD might just make the suspicious residents even more suspicious. My wife is open to getting a Rottweiler since several of her family members had them while she was growing up. But I’m not too keen on that breed and from what I’ve read, they have serious health problems and ranking issues. I would consider getting a Bandog, but not one that has a Pit bull breed in its mix. I like the Neo-American Bully mix since I won’t ever have to deal with ordinance issues, etc., when I travel around. Maybe someone who has owned such a Bandog mix can advise me on whether a new dog owner can handle it. I’m also considering a Corso again because my wife and son are open to it. But as I did with the DDB, I’ll make sure to meet Corso owners so that my family and I observe how Corso’s behave and learn about the breed from its owners. I actually came across the “Giant Maso-Mastiff†from Thunderheart farms. Their breed is new and still in development and features an interesting mix: 75% EM and 25% Cane Corso. The cross breeding or mixing doesn’t bother because I’m going more for a Mastiff that has a certain temperament and I have no plans to show the dog. According to the breeders, the Maso resembles the EM in behavior, but with the tighter jowls of the Corso, which reduces their drooling. And while it’s large, it’s not as big as the EM, which really appeals to me. I’ve read the comments of one poster on this board who got a Maso from Thunderheart, but I’m wondering if others have had any experience with Masos too. This has been a long and educational process, but I think I’m finally getting close to the breed that I not only want, but really need. (And I hope I don't lose the paragraph structure after I post -- it would be terrible to read this as one long paragraph).
...... i know a breeder near by who lost all the litter all of the 9 puppies of rottweilers for parvo...what a terrible virus
