JTL, Ask them how you'd be expected to control such a large dog physically if it's in your charge and it decides for one reason or another to ignore you and react to another (annoying rat of a dog out of control by another owner) dog or maybe it wishes to say hello to a cat?
My Old English had me over a couple of times ended up with cuts and bruises with his enthusiasm, not malice just sheer joy I was in my forties, I don't know how old you are but sometimes you have to factor things in, if a 54+kg dog decides he's going that way my 105kg was no match for his 4 leg drive.
Make sure you and the missus are upto the task, when my 10 boy pass on I am wondering being 55 now when it happens whether I'd be up to the task in another 4 or 5 years (I have a few things medically starting to show signs with age)
That said a well trained dog can be the best friend in the world.
Have to love that big black nose!
