Wow- I didn't know all of that stuff!! I read some stuff on how the mixed breeds were better because the pure breeds have a lot of genetic problems. I would honestly appreciate some advice on what kind of dog to get. I knew a Great Dane/Mastiff that was a really sweet dog, so that was what my husband and I were wanting to get. But I don't want a poor quality dog, especially if I'm going to pay hundreds of dollars for it! We're wanting a large dog, short haired, not super high-maintenance. We want it to be part of the family, so we won't be using it for breeding or showing or any of that sort of thing. It's going to be our baby. What would you recommend we get? We are very newly married, and so this is our first dog together. And I don't personally know a lot about what is out there. We had a couple of rescues when I was growing up, but not ever one that was researched and chosen by us. So please let me know what you think. I know that a lot of it is opinion, but I am really open to any suggestions!!! Thanks!!!