AWWWW!! I saw it!

Steve - dependant on what kind of mastiff you go for, i would definitely shoose one of those over a shar pei. Shar peis look lovely when pups, but soon loose their wrinkles, and can develop very bad health issues, especially skin related!

French Mastiff (Dogue de Bordeaux)
I know you have seen me and smelly a million times, but the dogue really is a very loyal breed! Not as energetic as a bull mastiff ( but this can be a good thing sometimes!!) Ellie was very obedient, never walked on a lead, and was FANTASTIC with kids. She still had the fun side her thought, bounding about all over the place! BUT the do slobber!







Bullmastiff
Not quite as wide set as the french mastiff, but grow slightly taller! Very very similar traits to the french, but have a considerable amount more energy and dont dribble so much!!!





English Mastiff
These are the biggest of the mastiff breeds, very bloody clumsy, but that is all part of their personality. Again, they have a very similar personality to the above, but can be a little more stubborn!









Good luck honey which ever you go for!