Hey. Okay... I need info on:
Great Danes
Smooth Collies
Labs
Mastiffs
What is it like to own a Great Dane? What are Smooth Collies like to own? Do they have a very high energy level? What are Mastiffs like to own? How active are they? Do they have a very high prey-drive? Even though my parents don't want a really active dog, I do and our next dog will be my dog. I think a lab fits our life style perfectly and I am pretty sure we will probably get one from my uncle's litter this summer. What are labs like to own, though? Do they have a high prey drive for livestock animals or any other kind of animal? I want to know everything about those 4 breeds of dogs! Thanks!

Great Danes are wonderful dogs to have. They are very noble, brave and affectionate. They are also shy and playful. The pros of owning a Great Dane is that they are wonderful companions and have a big heart. They are like that somewhat awkward but really friendly kid that you meet. They are very protective and wonderful with children and other animals. They are naturally sweet. They require a moderate amount of exercise are serious lounge lizards. They can easily sleep for 16 hours a day. They are relatively easy to train and average in intelligence. They have really short fur which they shed like any other dog but it is pretty short so it does not show up as much. They are very clean dogs and do not require a lot of maintenance for their fur. They do like the comforts of life and do not be surprised to see your Great Dane curled up on your couch.

They do require a lot of contact with their family. If you are looking for a dog that you can interact with a little bit and then send out into the backyard Great Danes are not the right dog for you. In those situations they become prone to defensive biting. They are very powerful dogs and require a firm hand when training and walking. When they are younger they have a lot of energy and can be a little much for the first time owner. They eat a lot and when they are running around produce a lot of slobber. You must feed them from an elevated feeder and keep them calm after eating. Due to their large chests they can have their insides twist around on itself which can be deadly. Great Danes are also prone to typical large dog problems like hip dyplasia. They are not very long lived with the age span being in the 8 year range, again typical of most large breed dogs.

As I review this post I see that I have put more negative than positive but I would never be without my Dane. I have had dogs all my life and I have never been attached to a dog like I am attached to my Lucy. As I write this post she is sitting right next to me on the couch. She really is like one of my children and acts just like a spoiled pre-teen like her two legged brother and sister.

Hans
www.lucysdoghouse.net

Labs are the greatest. They come in three varieties, black, yellow and chocolate. Also you are now starting to find Fox Red Labradors. They are officially classified as yellow labs for shows but come in various shades of red. Also labs are broken down into two major categories, American and English. Generally speaking, english labs are smaller, stockier and have blocky heads. American labs are generally larger and can get over 100 pounds.

Labs are the most popular dog in the country because they have a strong pack instinct and get along with people and other dogs very easily. They have a lot of energy especially as puppies. They have above average intelligence but have a stubborn streak and need to trained carefully to curb both that streak and their energy. They also have a strong appetite drive and can and will literally eat themselves to death. You have to watch out how much food they take in because they will always act hungry. Most labs you see are overweight due to this and the lack of exercise people give their labs. They do well at your local dog park and especially at a dog beach. They love the water and sometimes it is hard to get them out of it.

Hans
www.lucysdoghouse.net

Labs need a lot of exercise either preferably walking with their person. Playing is great and knocks them out but the walking tires them out as well and helps establish who the pack leader is as well.

- Hans
www.lucysdoghouse.net

This is an issue I am really torn over. There are so many dogs out there that need a home but there is a lot of irresponsible breeding going on. My lab is from a really great breeder and while my girl is energetic, she has a great temperment and is an overall great dog. we go to the dogpark and there are a lot of labs that have really bad temperments and just don't look like great dogs.

Hans
www.lucysdoghouse.net

Well, I've only owned labs of the breeds you listed, they have very high energy, but are very easy to train, and their prey drive is not that high...