I haven't had one (had many other breeds though), but my neighbor had 3 and believe it or not, bought a Range Rover to haul them around in.
My problem with them was, besides these loooooong drools which would be flung far and wide when they'd shake their heads, was they really had an odor to them. They were very well taken care of, but boy did they smell, or at least that RR smelled after they had been in there. Also shedding was a problem. Sweet, lumbering dogs though.
I had a friend back when I lived out in California that had one (and a large one at that). The dog never smelled and lived in doors.
I just keep remembering his sweet disposition and thinking, OK, they are huge beasts, but so nice.