Owning a large breed: Pitfalls?

[AnnaBeginsToChange]

Starting a new thread, following my Rhodesian Ridgeback one. I've never owned a very large breed like this before and I'm wondering about the disadvantages I might not have thought about (not money related). Is it difficult to take them places (eg pubs, town walks, visiting people, even holiday)? Do other parents get worried about thier children? Do other children get very worried about coming for play dates?

Any experiences welcome

Wow, charlearose, they are gorgeous! You must be an expert at juggling

Oh, I agree that small dogs can be a problem around big dogs. Our dog has been attacked 3 times by small dogs running underneath him and biting his stomach. It has made him a little nervous of small dogs if they rush at him (small dogs always seem to rush a lot!), but he gives a few warning growls and they usually back off.

Our two Great Danes move fast and with great agility. We have learned that when they are stimulated to rush, generally in the garden (maybe a sound or scent), we stand still, preferably holding on to something. That way, they rush past us enthusiastically and no one is knocked over accidentally!