As I don't know anything about this breed, I wonder if anybody could advise as to whether one would be a suitable family pet for a young couple (in-experienced dog owners) with 2 very young children, one under 5 yrs and one baby.

My ex's mother was a registered childminder and had very young children in her care with the 2 bullies. This was about 10 years ago now, but they sailed through the assessment.

Generally as a breed they are very family orientated, however they are big, sometimes clumsy dogs, and their tails can do serious damage if you're at the wrong level.

I love them, but wouldn't have thought they'd be ideal for the inexperienced (can be quite stubborn), and they are very slobbery dogs, not sure how that will go down with a young mum (and babe).

Just my opinion, but I know there are a number of breeders on here, so someone more experienced should be along soon.

T

The temperament with kids I wouldn't have thought would be a problem. I'v never owned one, can only go with the handful I know, but they seem like a laid back kind of breed. What I have noticed though is the clumsiness of them, and the fetish for standing on your feet.

I have PM'd you.
Regards
Karen

alongside the clumsiness and standing on feet, they like to sit on feet when sat down. getting whacked with the tail (painfull at times as i have had bullmastiffs and now a ddb) at groin level but with toddlers would be head height.also toddlers getting bowled over if somones at the door and dog has leapt from one side of room to doorway.saying that,the most loyal,loving dogs to have around,but with all guarding breeds,careful socialisation around as many different people/dogs as possible.bullmastiffs might not start fights with other dogs but they dont take prisoners if provoked,so maybe something to think about if inexperienced.the girls seem more laid back with other dogs in my experience,as i have the pleasure of knowing two wonderful ones at our ringcraft.food for thought.

i have a x mastiff and regulary have friends with children round,ranging from (2months  to my neighbours children at 16) she loves children as they are less complicated then adult haha!!! she is a very sleepy dog but very high energy when we go out, as was said before the tail does hurt but the children tend to move from the tail end after a few hits from the tail!! at one point my friends little boy was trying to pet Roxy  by pushing his fist into her mouth.... Roxy was not happy with this but made no sound and just got up and moved out of reach of the small child and lay down again....i had never owned a dog before this but you are doing the right thing by investigating first :) hope it all goes well for you

(in-experienced dog owners)

I'd advise someone to have had experience of owning at least one dog, unless they are highly motivated and really into learning about modern dog training and behaviour, willing to attend good classes every week, and so on  :)

Some dogs are just better as second dogs. I feel this about my breed, Belgians. Yes you can have them as a first time dog owner, but it's just a heck of a lot easier if you do have experience :)

JMO
Lindsay
x

Seriously consider before having a large breed with small children!  One thing I didn't think about was how often the dog was 'left out' of family situations because he knocked the kids over.  Thing was, we have a small breed too which never got put in the garden so I felt terrible leaving the large breed either outside or in the kitchen when the small breed had the run of wherever.  I had absolutely no issues with growling, tempremant, but the fact that it bowled the kids over everytime he stood up was a major thing in this house and if you are getting him from a pup, you are talking a couple of years before he calms down.  Don't want to put you off but I wish I'd thought about that aspect when getting a larger breed!

The breeder whom I get my labs from will not let her puppies go to homes were there are children under six not just labs though any breed.

Sheila.

In my opinion, no "working breed" is easy enough for first time dog owners. Why not go for a Cavalier( if not considered too small) or a Golden Retriever (not in any way comparable to a Labrador who are like exocet missiles who charge everywhere in brainless fashion)?

I think it depends on the new owners commitments with any breed,as long there is respect for a puppy needing rest and play times and trained kindly,and regular excersise thats what matters reguardless of the breed, and not to let young children torment the dog no means no .

Sheila