Temperament is a priority when you are talking about the larger breeds of dog.

 All of the breed's pros and cons.

They are a long-term investment monetarily and emotionally. Someone to be responsible to and for.

Contact breeders and find one you can trust. Someone you can develop a working relationship with for the life of your new family member.

With Giants temperament has nothing to do with coat texture, color or country of origin as I have heard some people may believe.

Whether they are bred to be show dogs, working dogs or Pets temperament has more to do with things like:

• The Breeders individual breeding program's aims and goals. Discuss them with the breeder extensively.

• Temperament of the bloodlines used in the breeding program.

• Age you get the dog. How much training and socialization this dog got as it was younger.

• Your own household situation at the time. A stable environment that is consistent.

• Time invested in the daily care and attention of your dog.

• Training or lack of it you are giving the dog.

• Establishing the alpha position over your dog, having your other family members do the same.

• Socialization or lack of it. Continuing socialization as dog matures.