Downsizing from English Mastiff....

SLR1960

We are currently researching breeds that suit our lifestyle. We recently lost our English Mastiff, whom we loved dearly. We owned an English Mastiff prior to this one and a St. Bernard rescue who we lost to cancer. All dogs were wonderful.
Having said that...we thought another giant might be too much again and we are thinking of possibly a Bullmastiff, Dogue De Bordeaux, or even a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Hubby likes the Ridgeback but I'm afraid it's too active for us. I'm used to lazy dog, not much barking and very, very friendly. We have an acre fenced in, but my fear is a Ridgeback could sail over that fence and be gone!
Anybody with experience with any of these breeds....I'd love some input!

Tess

The only one I am a little familiar with is the ridgeback. They have a reputation for being testy with strangers, and the few I've known have indeed had that characteristic. I'm not any help on the others though.

Here's a book I really like about picking the right breed though. Its very honest, giving good and bad points on all breeds, and has a very helpful chart for each breed as well.

Cali

I think you're right regarding the Ridgeback. They need LOTS of activity. I recently taught a class with one in it, his owner took him on a 5 mile jog every day and that dog was STILL going strong. The French and Bull mastiffs I've met have been hyper, not sure if thats normal.. But they were definitely not like the English that I've worked with.
Are you still looking for a large dog, then, just not a giant?

SLR1960

Thanks for the responses! I fear the Ridgeback is too active for us and will jump our fence in a shot.
I love the Mastiffs. If it were 100% up to me, I'd get another English M. OR St. Bernard. But, I am married and have kids and they have a voice too!
I would love a DDB or a Bullmastiff as we are looking for a working/guarding dog who makes a great family pet. I love big dogs. I've only ever had them and can't see us with something small. We don't go jogging, biking/hiking nor would I be enrolling in agility classes, etc...I am very realistic when it comes to temperment and activity level for this household. I love to train dogs and walk dogs, but not play frisbee for hours at a clip so the dog won't destroy our house! No Labs for me!!
I am home everyday and basically it will be me being the primary caregiver. I have no problem with that, as long as the dog loves a good afternoon nap!

GreatDaneMom

i have met quite a few bullmastiffs that i really like a lot. but i love all mastiffs so im partial. a well bred ridgeback is a wonderful looking dog, and they are great dogs. but yes, they do need a lot of exercise. they are a dog who really needs a job. i would avoid a DDB if you have children. unless you are really really really going to train the dog and go to a good breeder, and your children are very well educated on how to treat a dog (this is with any, but breeds like the DDB can have aggression issues). even with the DDB, ridgeback and the bullmastiff, youre looking at a dog with a short lifespan. (about 10 yrs, some a little more (maybe 12) or less (bullmastiff usually being less))

SLR1960

We actually have decided on a Bernese Mountain Dog! Now starts the search for a reputable breeder, but we can all agree on this breed based on many factors. Our vet has offered to help us in our search, as her parents own a BMD. (They don't live in our area, so their breeder isn't an option).
As much as we love the Mastiff, we all agree it's time for a change. Although the BMD is a large dog, it's not the massive weight of the Mastiff, nor does it have all the slingers!

MySoulmateEmmy

Bernese mountain dogs are great dogs. All the ones I have met are the sweetest things ever, and great family dogs. The size is a "deterrent" which can help with the "protective quality" you are looking for.

Cali

Oh, fantastic choice!! We wanted a Bernese soooo bad before we got our BC but couldn't find a good breeder near us.
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SLR1960

Found a great BMD breeder near us by a series of events, and she had 2 pups left of her 10. They are 4 weeks old now and will be coming home late Oct. I grabbed the male and spent yesterday morning visiting with the pups and adult BMD's she has. I loved the breed, temperament, size, coat, etc...and I'm sure this is a good fit for us. I had tons of questions for her and she had tons for me, and I like that! All health testing done which I always require.
Now this waiting is killing me! The puppies were born the week I found her, so we have lots of time to get ready and batten down the hatches for puppyhood. Can't wait!

MaloreyAnimal

Well congrats to you! I have seen shows about BMDs and they seem like great dogs!