Big Paws Only Dog Forums

I own two Boerboel Mastiffs, a breed from South Africa. They are great with children (that was their original purpose, to guard children while they were out in the fields during the day tending to the flocks or herds). I really like that they are aggressive as some although they do bond well to their family and learn to "read" their emotions. If you are feeling uncertain about someone then they will imitate your emotions and prepare themselves to defend you if necessary. Because this breed is not well known most of them are very much like their standard in regards to character and temperament. I say this because so many breeds have now been divided into two different lines: working or show. My older mastiff who is 6 months old has been going outside with my 5 year old since he was two months and would sit by me and watch over him as he played, unlike some breeds that would be more interested in actually playing with the child. Not to say that he doesn't play with my children, he does but he also seems to know when he is needed to simply watch over them.