=D So DH and I are in the market for a dog, we have wanted one for ages but having been renting we have held of until we own a house, like now!! so we are in the process of getting gates fixed up and dog proofing our yard so we can get our boy!!

and it seems the universe has one ready for us...or will soon, I was talking to a chick at work about what breed we want and she said her best mates dog is pg with that exact breed! she is due in about a month, and will obviously be another 6 weeks after that atleast before we can take it. but we will get pick of the litter and for free!! (except cost of microchipping and desexing etc..)

I really hope it comes through!

so we will be getting a great dane x mastiff (dh wont let me get a pure great dane, cause he use to have one and said bad bones was a real problem, so we comprimised for a x)

I've always wanted a big dog, one that i can run around with and one that will protect me and look after my family. but i have never owned one myself (dh has), my only experience with a dog was my family dog who was a poodle ( =P but an awesome poodle!!)

I know only what i've read, walking once - twice a day, brushing every couple of days, this breed apparently doesnt malt heaps.. (another thing i have no experience with as poodles have wool not hair and dont malt!)

I guess any tips? anyone had this breed or i guess anyone else with a big dog. Dh is set on training it his way and how he wants him, but i wouldnt mind some advice on that too,

basically i want to know what we are getting into....as it is still early enough to pull the pin, even though I hope not cause I really want one =)

please just throw all your stories about big dogs at me, good or bad!!

TIA!