My wife and I rescue dogs on a regular basis and I ended up keeping one about 5 years ago. He's a Golden Mountain Dog, basically a golden retriever and bernese mountain dog mix. He's roughly about 105-115 lbs and the most amazing outdoor dog. I take him on 2-3 day backpacking trips and he swims out in the water with me when I surf. They are very smart dogs that are incredibly intelligent and protective. If I am not home he stays with my daughter and wife blocks the front door. He's pretty big and can be very intimidating when he feels his family is in danger. If you are able to find one I would definitely look into one... though he does shed pretty good.