When we rescued a DDB 6 months ago, my research began. so im way behind you guys in knowledge.
I first looked at pictures...
Well, there seemed to be 2 overall shapes: large brute, and leaner athletic look.
Colours: seem to go from light to dark red, and discovered the mask face is my fave.
That some look like boxers
some look like sharpie's
some look like Neo's
some have wrinkles
some look like labs
Mine was a couch potatoe on arrival, but as another mentioned, now keeps up with my rottie and GSD, or me on a bike. sunrise/sundown exercise times takes care of heat issue. Access to water completes the keeping cool care required.
He stupid, thick as 2 short planks, clumsy, ? blind, goofey, does croc rolls, plays dumb. and get this:
I have been scaring the crap outta folk around here, walking my 2 dogs (gsd and rottie) in, around, passed others and their dogs for 4+ yrs, nobody wants their dogs to play with mine. I added a DDB, and SUDDENLY, everyone wants to meet him, and the other 2. ? weird huh?
Being human. Folks say this to me also. That there is something almost human in their presence.
I think that having such a range of expression, helps a dog bond with humans is an element for sure, but then there is something - else, some weird connection unlike i have with my other 2. Almost cat like.