Dog breed group

Working Dog

Working Dog

Life expectancy

10 to 12 years

10 to 12 years

Color

red-brown and white or brindle and white

red-brown and white or brindle and white

Coat type

Either shorthaired (short, thick, and dense) or longhaired (medium length and slightly wavy. Both have undercoat.

Either shorthaired (short, thick, and dense) or longhaired (medium length and slightly wavy. Both have undercoat.

Exercise needs

Moderate energy level. Requires long walks. a puppy should not have too much activity until the bones are well-formed and strong. Short walks and brief play sessions are best until the dog is about two years old.

Moderate energy level. Requires long walks. a puppy should not have too much activity until the bones are well-formed and strong. Short walks and brief play sessions are best until the dog is about two years old.

Temperament

Sensible, gentle, and patient. Highly intelligent and easy to train. Because of enormous size, should be trained in early puppy hood. Does not bark very much.

Sensible, gentle, and patient. Highly intelligent and easy to train. Because of enormous size, should be trained in early puppy hood. Does not bark very much.

Good with children

Usually fine with other animals and children. Sheer size makes it a good watchdog.

Usually fine with other animals and children. Sheer size makes it a good watchdog.

Grooming needs

Heavy shedder during spring and fall. Requires 3 brushings per week.

Heavy shedder during spring and fall. Requires 3 brushings per week.

Average size (inches)

> 27.5

> 25

Average weight (lbs)

110 - 200+ pounds

110 - 200+ pounds

Health issues

Heavy drooler. They are particularly prone to hip dysplasia and heart disease. It may also suffer from epilepsy, skin problems, and an eye condition called ectropin, that causes irritation and weeping because the eyelids don't close completely. This breed is highly susceptible to bloat. Because of the amount of food it eats, feeding becomes expensive.

Heavy drooler. They are particularly prone to hip dysplasia and heart disease. It may also suffer from epilepsy, skin problems, and an eye condition called ectropin, that causes irritation and weeping because the eyelids don't close completely. This breed is highly susceptible to bloat. Because of the amount of food it eats, feeding becomes expensive.

Living conditions

Does best in suburbs or country but can adapt well to urban living if given plenty of space and exercise. Thrives in colder climates.

Does best in suburbs or country but can adapt well to urban living if given plenty of space and exercise. Thrives in colder climates.