Size range:
Extra Large: 40 inches and up; 65 pounds and up.

Kid-tolerance scale:
Excellent

Average lifespan:
10 years

Overall behavior of breed:
Very gentle and protective, especially of children. They like to play and although they are large by nature, often play with force equal to that of the child.

Explain why this breed was good/not good with your kids:
My daughter who is 5 has always been afraid of dogs...no matter what size. When we went to see our dog as puppy, his parents were on site. The father was a little over 200 lbs and the mother around 175, with a brother to boot topping out at 190. My daughter walked up to the father dog and put her arms around his neck and gave him a hug. He didn't bark, growl, show teeth, or any type of frightening behavior. As a matter of fact all 3 dogs were viying for our attention. Our dog is now 5 months old and in our house he obeys myself and my daughter. He does listen to my husband and son, but if I speak, he obeys. He prefers my daughter over my son, but loves playing with both.

Typical colors:
Reddish brown and white coat, with black markings on the face.

Does this breed shed?
Yes

Special grooming needs:
Need to keep fur under chin trimmed pretty good. Often devlop skin irratations from water. Fur has a hard time drying in this area.

Daily exercise requirements:
Loves outdoor activities. Excellent at fetch.