Flow Won Smai

I also had a border collie, when i was growing up. Lost him when i was about 15. Can really agree here though, never met one that wasn't always "on", they seem to never be able to relax. Nice dogs nonetheless. Most favourite: Samoyed, Golden Retriever, Labrador, Weimeraner, Hungarian Viszla, Ridgeback, Doberman. Least favourite: Chihuahua and other small breeds. I find pitbulls to be far too energetic too (Very sweet dogs, that love affection, but just never EVER sleep!)

On that note, there seems to have been an alarmingly rapid increase in the amount of reported gun related crime lately. Mostly related to bike gangs and the likes. But nevertheless, it still seems a little out of character for Australia.

I think it's also worth mentioning, that the dog kept its cool, and showed a great level of discipline by not using excessive force on the burglar. This could have quite easily ended up in serious injury or fatality, aggravating a dog in this position.

Someone was offended by that? Oh dear, what is the world coming to Lj was a craze? I still use my LJ more than I use my left hand :p Yeah, it often disappoints me that people are rather easily offended, or take offense on behalf of others. But on the other hand, it's no skin off my back to change it.

My pack

If you wish to see the avatar, here is a link. For obvious reasons, dont click if you will be offended Avatar

Try a google image search, i just got these 2 straight off the bat. Im sure there's plenty more

Ha ha. But surely, it also accurately demonstrates the frustration you can often feel towards other members of the "internet" :p

I think your view may be a little misconstrued. As every case i've seen, of a homeless man with a dog, i've noticed them making large sacrifices to support the dog. Often starving themselves to feed the dog. If anything, these people tend to be amongst the best pet owners i've ever come across. Abeit, they can't afford the luxuries of vaccinations, worming, desexing etc etc. But these dogs see an amount of social interaction, companionship, love and affection that is seen nowhere else. If it weren't for the homeless, taking it amongst themselves to support and care for these stray animals, chances are, they'd be run over, or taken by the pound only to be put down for a miriad of reasons. Kudos to the homeless!

As most people are aware, larger breeds generally mature at the same time, or earlier than smaller breeds. This means, in order to attain full size the dog must grow at a much faster rate. This can be quite taxing on the body, as well as the general strain on the body, including skeletal and muscular systems to support the larger body. At least this is my understanding :S I have also heard rumour, that larger dogs dont have an "equally larger" heart. And thus the heart tends to be working harder to support the blood flow, reducing the life expectancy. Here is some supporting documentation: http://www.iiasa.ac.at/Admin/PUB/Documents/IR-06-072.pdf

My bitch definitely misses me. When i leave, she waits for hours on end at the front door. And if im ever away for long periods, she recognises the sound of my car in the driveway and bashes down the back door. One time, i had to leave for 12 months, she apparently spent the whole time sniffing around the house trying to find me. It was rather depressing for the both of us. Doesn't do this for anyone else.

My general expectancy was sitting around the 8 or 9 year mark, but as he's very healthy, and of course, well looked after, im hoping we can see a bit more than that from him.

I was just curious as my girlfriend has a dane x mastiff, he's just over a year old. And as we will be living together soon and integrating him with my sibe, i was thinking that they would probably age similarly as she is about 5 and a half now.

Just wondering what one would assume the life expectancy of a great dane x bullmastiff to be?