Considering a Tibetan Mastiff!
Hi everyone!
I am looking for a companion/guardian dog for a large single story house with a nicely sized backyard that opens up to a public golfcourse in the middle of the city. I'm an experienced dog owner and am very competent with early socialization, training and behavior. My roommate has a Great Dane who does great to visually make people second guess coming up to my back fence and has a beautiful big bark
,but she will be moving within the next few years and my pit mix is an old lady so shes losing her gusto when it comes to being "first on the scene". I dont want a barky dog ( already have some very vocal toy Aussies), but rather one that with a intimidating look, will think for itsself and be deserning on who/what to bark at, and i definitely am not one of those people who wants a big agressive dog cause its "tough" or "scary". Im not interested in one of the big 3 (dobies, rotties, GSD) because of the cancer and other genetic health reasons that seem to come with them. Grooming isnt a problem, although after living with our GD a not so slobbery dog would be nice. I rescued and fostered a deaf Dogo Argentino who would have been a lovely addition besides the whole cant hear anything aspect, but I live in a very sunny state and was constantly worried about her getting sunburnt!
The dog im looking for would have 24/7 indoor access, would be living in a very social house with kids (none living in the house) and people always coming in and out, but everyone is frequent and regular guests, so no stranger danger, just a daily active household. Have dogs coming over for play dates as well as living with several smaller dogs and occasional fosters/rehabs of many critters. They load up and get out of the house daily for drive drives and ride alongs with me or my friends , so never couped up, unless they opt out like my pit does. She just doesnt like leaving her house.
All the sites I've been looking at are very complementary towards TMs as aloof companions and intelliget guardians so I want some real life perspectives please! I do live in an increasingly hot state (yay climate crisis) but all my dogs fluffy or smooth coat have been handling it well with ample AC and brushing out the undercoat monthly or as needed.
I wont be pursuing purchasing a puppy until ,at the earliest, next year, so I have time to weigh options.
If anyone has other breed recommendations that is appreciated too! Thanks in advance! 🐶❤️