Cane Corso's have big paws too.

ooh, good question!     I was really into the Mastiff breed, Old English Mastiffs to begin with.  I did tons and tons of research, read every book possible, and one day it just hit me that an OEM did not really match my lifestyle.  I love backpacking, hiking, camping, really vigorous outdoor activities.  And I was at the San Francisco Golden Gate Kennel Club dog show 3 years ago, and saw a 250+lb OEM and (loved him LOVED him) but realized that this guy would just die if I tried to give him a pack and go hiking with him.  It wouldn’t be fair to the dog to leave at home, and not fair to take on the trip..(you know).

So I started looking for other giants that may be more active, which is when I learned about the Tibetan.  And about died that I'd found this breed.  The harsh reality was that it was REALLY hard to find a US breeder (I was living in CA at that time) and like you, I really wanted to visit the pups, knowing a Tibetan was a rare breed, and meet the parents, breeder, etc.   When I began researching further, I realized that Tibetans need a big place to romp, shouldn't be let off leash, ever, (they like to run and don't like to come when called?) and tend to be highly territorial, and like to do the dreaded (BARK)    To be honest, they seemed like more of a dominant breed than what I would trust myself with (I’m a first time dog owner). 

I would actually still consider a Tibetan as my second dog, once I move into a house with a yard, and some experience behind me!  I still think they are amazing and I love, love love to hear about them….because you never do!!!  Which is why I was SO excited to see your posting and wanted to know how it was going!! 

Which leads me to the Leo, who is a very passive dog, low dominance, not a great gaurdian, (people are usually intimidated only by their size), and they called it the "Alpine Mastiff" in these books I read.  So I went with an "easier" breed for my first guy....that's the real reason!!

What got you into Tibetans??? And Corso's are amazing as well, I met a Presa Canario in San Fran walking late one night and was almost floored by the sheer size and posture of this amazing animal....it took my breath away.  I was SO excited when the guy told me I could pet it....the dog was seriously, possibly the most amazing dog I've ever been nose to nose with in my life!