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Originally Posted by ironmike86  Never seen those. Nice dog. My wife wants a big fluffy dog...in the future. |
Thank you - I love the breed! But they are not for the first time working dog owner.
They are super smart, but also protective (very), and require constant and early training and socialization. While bred to guard and protect humans, they do so by working closely with their owner. As such most dogs would not be very happy as a constant "outdoor dog".
They do require moderate amounts of exercise - a brisk 30 minute walk 2x per day will do nicely. Once conditioned though, they can go all day at a moderate pace. Think 4-6 hour hikes.
They are a very versatile working breed. Easily trained to do any number of things. Search and Rescue, protection of course, obedience, rally, (smaller size) do agility quite well, water rescue, draft, the list is practically endless. Some are trained service dogs, and some can be quite good therapy dogs.
Raised with children in the home, they are quite good with kids, and will be very protective of the children.
Grooming is another thing - unless you keep your dog clipped very short - that lovely big coat requires weekly brushing out, and removal of undercoat, so that mats don't abound like weeds
