I had a Black and Tan. Very smart dogs, and as stated before if they get on a scent they will go a long way if they are not on a leash. Ours was good with my daughter from the day she was born and very protective. Also, as stated before you have to watch leaving them alone, they will chew on anything when bored, especially wires, now this was mainly a problem when he was young, I think we got him when he was 6 weeks old, and was really stuburn with the crate training and going to the bathroom. I think when you was around 3 he calmed down, and became a dog where he would lay around the house until you wanted him to do something or took him out. He did become better at being left alone but would have an occasional slip up. Also his body mass didn't really fill in until after he was at least 3 years old.

Hope this helps