Anyone know where I can find out what breed of dog a certain dog is?

[Pawslikepaddington]

He is huge, and is therefore named Big Dog! Light sandy coloured body and face, and a black muzzle and black ears, and the muzzle (is that the right word?) is all wrinkly, as is the forehead, so he looks constantly worried. Just wondering really!

Is he your dog? In reality there is no way of determining the breed of dog, if it is a cross-breed. What you describe could be a Japanese Akita. Do the ears point up?

I found it on a breed website-it is a dog dd's dad has (he lives on a farm) and is a Bull Mastif-I always heard that they were really not suited to children-am really worried now! He is fabulous whenever I have seen him though-was never in the slightest bit concerned about his temperement-please tell me it is rumour that they are vicious with children!

Please don't flame me for that-I have never had any pets, and dd loves him, so I wanted to find out more, that's all!

I have known a few bull mastiffs- most of them had great temperaments, but one is a bit iffy- you really need to judge on the individual dog. Having said that, you have to watch any dog around kids- particularly one that you are unsure you would be able to pull back if the worst happened. Just keep an eye on things at all times

we have a crossbreed that apprears to be a Staff x Mastiff and he's a big softie. Of course, you cannot trust ANY dog 100% with kids, and I would never leave my dogs alone with my son (he's only 2).
Teach your child/ren to be gentle with him, and make sure he knows his place in the family (which is his pack) - he is at the bottom.

That's what worries me-she goes for the weekend, and is 300 miles away and gets free rein of the livery yard while her dad gets on with the horses etc (she is 4). He is gorgeous, and as soft as anything, but loves to sit on her and play, so am worried she can't push him off etc. I am a bit nervous around dogs anyway, so am a bit pathetic really, but saw my friend get savaged by her pet dog as a little girl so never liked them after that really. The bits I have been reading about them just now are glowing though

Hmmmmm I think I would be worried about that situation too. The dog may well view her as a playmate and get too rough and hurt unintentionally, or could get frustrated with her and do something deliberately. I would do something about it if I were you - better safe than sorry.

So I am not overly pathetic? He has his own run outside, so is probably in that when she is playing, and does obey her, but still-I think it is more that I am so far away too (she isn't even allowed to walk on walls without holding my hand, let alone play unsupervised!) and so feel like I can't protect her!

If I were you, I would ask that my child wasn't left with the dog.

I would add to the concern, without a doubt. I have an 18 wk old Springer Spaniel and a 5yo dd but I would never ever trust a dog 100%. I was attacked as a toddler and still have the facial scars (albeit not too visible now) and so may have a slightly different attitude to some dog owners. But, a dog such as the one you are referring too has very powerful jaws, is huge and has lots of weight behind it.

Children have to be taught how to behave around dogs and until they reach a certain age they really don't understand or remember what you have told them. In fact my dd insists on man handling our puppy even though I have drummed it into her that she musn't smother him or cuddle him whilst he is asleep as he can have a fright and turn around and nip - her face would get it first. We ended up threatening to take him back to the RSPCA or give him away if she didn't listen to us. She's been much better but has the odd lapse and we all know it only takes one bad moment.

I would be very concerned if I were you and I would make sure your dd was supervised whenever the dog is around. Don't be swayed by people saying 'Oh, but he wouldn't hurt a fly, he's a big softie, he wouldn't bite, he just wants to play' Pah !!!! Go with your instincts

Im not being funny but i would be more worried about the horses - you say she has free run of the livery . I once knew about a little girl who nearly died from a ruptured liver because in the same situation she was kicked by a horse - her mother took her straight to A&E (thank god - because if she waited for an ambulance she might have died).

NO dog should be trusted 100% but bullmastifs are supposedly VERY good with children. I tend to go along that every dog is different, ive worked as a vet nurse and i have been bitten by a labrador/poodle/jackrussel/yorkie - never a staffie, GSD or rottie as people might think. I had a rottie who was grteat with children, i had another who wasn't, my JRT is fantastic with DD, lots of JRTs are not good with children.

Thank you all-I am very pfb with dd when she is with me, so am trying to give her more freedom than I have in the past (I still stand by play equip she is on in the park, get into soft play areas with her just in case etc ), but her dad is at totally the other end of the spectrum, being brought up with 5 brothers. Have spoken to her dad, and we have had talked about it, so hopefully worries will calm down! He has sold the farm and is moving to a "normal" house soon though, so horses will not be a worry for long.