I have a 1 year old male. Mellow yes, hard headed and extremely independent yes, easy to train not so much. He much prefers to do what pleases HIM as opposed to what pleases you. I'm not saying they aren't trainable, because they are, but he's not the kind of dog that cares so much about pleasing his human. He does work for getting the cookie! Much repetition for muscle memory is needed, not because he's dumb (he's really smart) but because it often just isn't interesting to him. He doesn't bark too much, I've got neighboring dogs that bark a lot more, he barks if there is something to bark at, and it's an impressive sounding bark. They NEED a job, if they get bored (like any dog really) they will find something to do, and it might be something YOU don't like. It can be destructive, not because they are so active, but because they are so BIG. Mine likes to chew, the chewingest dog I've ever had. Kitchen cabinets, sofa cushions, table legs, recliners, are all toy sized to a giant puppy. He yanked a very large rosemary bush out by the roots and chewed all the lower fronds off a sago palm (and yes, those have large thorns at the base), not easily deterred from whatever interests him. He is NOT a good off leash dog unless in a fenced area. If something is interesting, whether seen, heard, or smelled, he's going to follow it where ever it may lead. He does like to be outside, but he also very much likes to be with his people. Like any dog, there are generalities for a breed, but individuals and personalities can vary a lot.
.... this is all so helpful!
... yea, that sounds like a bit much for me... thank you for this info... this is very helpful..
