
Mastiff F.A.Q.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
- INTRODUCTION AND LEGAL
STUFF
- Introduction
- Copyright
- Disclaimer
- Contributors
- QUESTIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED ABOUT THE
MASTIFF
- What is a
Mastiff?
- What is the Mastiff Club Of
America (MCOA)?
- Where do Mastiffs come
from?
- What are Mastiffs good
for?
- Are all Mastiffs the
same?
- Are Mastiffs:
- Aggressive?
- Easy to train?
- Fighters?
- Good guard dogs?
- Protective?
- Shy?
- What are Mastiffs like in the
house?
- How much does a Mastiff:
- Cost?
- Eat?
- Weigh?
- Do Mastiffs:
- Bark much?
- Bite?
- Chew?
- Dig?
- Make good obedience
dogs?
- Need a lot of
exercise?
- Pass gas?
- Roam?
- Shed?
- Slobber?
- Smell?
- Snore?
- Live indoors or
outdoors?
- How are Mastiffs with:
- Burglars, muggers and
other miscreants?
- Other dogs?
- Other animals?
- Strangers?
- Young children?
- How long does a Mastiff
live?
- Can I get a white Mastiff? What
colors can I get?
- Male vs. female, which is
friendlier? more protective? Easier to train?
- Is there anything special I should
know about raising a Mastiff puppy - isn't it the same
as any other breed?
- How much training does a Mastiff
need?
- Do Mastiffs have any genetic
health problems?
- What are the common non-genetic
health problems in Mastiffs?
- What other problems do Mastiffs
have?
- What kind of a temperament does a
Mastiff have?
- What does a Mastiff eat?
- What kind of living quarters does
a Mastiff require? How about crating? Where do they
sleep?
- Does owning a Mastiff:
- Cost a lot?
- Require a lot of
work?
- Are you trying to talk me out of
getting a Mastiff?
- Where should I get a
Mastiff?
- Where can I get more information
about Mastiffs?
- How do I pick a Mastiff
puppy?
- What questions should I ask the
breeder (and what answers should I get)
- What kind of toys and other
paraphernalia do I need for my Mastiff?
- Is that a Mastiff in:
- What's the difference between a
Mastiff and a Bullmastiff?
I. INTRODUCTION AND LEGAL STUFF
- [Table Of
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- Introduction
Hello and welcome to the wonderful world of the
Mastiff! In our not so humble opinion, the Mastiff is THE
best breed of dog to be owned by, bar none. BUT, the
Mastiff is NOT a breed for everyone. We've tried to gear
this F.A.Q. towards the breed browser and the first time
Mastiff wanna-be owner. Here we've tried to show both the
upside and the downside of the Mastiff / human
relationship. Not that we're trying to chase you away (we
wish everyone could enjoy the love and companionship of
one of these great beasties), but we'd much rather have
you know about the possible trials and tribulations
BEFORE your new Mastiff pup walks through the front door,
not AFTER. As the breed's popularity and exposure
increases, more and more people are getting a Mastiff
without any idea what-so-ever of what they're getting
into. Way too often this ends up in severe disappoint for
the human and tragedy for the Mastiff. So please, please,
study this F.A.Q. Ask questions. Look before you leap! We
hope that this F.A.Q. in some way helps you in making
your decision and/or preparing for your life with a
Mastiff. Good luck and doG Bless!
[Table Of
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- Copyright
This FAQ is a publication of, and Copyright (c)
1995, 1996, 1997 by, the Mastiff Club Of America,
Incorporated (MCOA). All rights are reserved. The
Mastiff AKC Conformation
Standard is included with the permission of the
American Kennel Club, Inc. The MCOA hereby gives
permission to freely distribute this document in its
entirety for non-profit, non-commercial, personal use and
for traditional Internet archiving, provided that the
document is distributed in its entirety and that no
changes are made. Permission is also given to freely
distribute excerpts and quotes provided that attribution
is given to the Mastiff Club Of America, Inc. This FAQ
may NOT be included in any commercial collections or
compilations. If you find it in one, please notify the
FAQ maintainer so appropriate action can be taken.
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- Disclaimer
This FAQ is provided as is without any express
or implied warranties or guarantees as to the content's
accuracy, completeness or applicability to a specific
animal. While every effort has been taken to ensure the
accuracy of the information contained in this article,
the MCOA, the contributors and the maintainer assume no
responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages
resulting from the use of the information contained
herein.
[Table Of
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- Contributors
- Laurie Adams
- Donna Dick
- Deb Jones
- Sharon Krauss
- Kirsten Ludwig
- Mike McBee
- Linda Monroe
Please send any comments, corrections or
criticisms about the FAQ to the FAQ maintainer, MCOA
Staff, at staff@mastiff.org.
[Table Of
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II. QUESTIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED ABOUT THE
MASTIFF
- [Table Of
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- What is a Mastiff?
A Mastiff is a giant breed of dog, descended
from the ancient Alaunt and Molosser. Today, mastiff is
used to describe many different breeds around the world,
all descended from the same root stock. In the US and
other English speaking countries, Mastiff is used to
refer to the Old English Mastiff (OEM), developed in
England and nearly extinct after WW II. With that in
mind, Mastiffs (OEMs) are generally very large dogs;
fawn, apricot or brindle in color; all with a black mask
and ears; possessing a medium to short coat with very
little white (which, if it appears, should be confined to
the chest but often appears on the toes as well). There
is no upper height limit and no weight range in the
Mastiff Standard. In height they generally range from the
Standard's minimum of 27 1/2 inches up to 36 inches for
the exceptionally tall ones. They can weigh anywhere from
110 pounds to the 343 pounds of Zorba, the world's
largest dog, although most Mastiff males weigh around
160-230 pounds and females around 120-170 pounds. This
breed is supposed to be very broad with a huge head, wide
chest and large bone, and is longer in body than in
height the Mastiff Conformation
Standard.
Mastiffs are not supposed to resemble Great
Danes except possibly in height, nor Saint Bernards,
except for the bone, width, chest and large head. They
should not be as wrinkled as a Neapolitan nor as dome
headed as a Dogue de Bordeaux, nor 'houndy' like a Fila
Brasileiro. Mastiffs possess characteristics unique to
the breed, especially the head with a broad, deep muzzle
with flews hanging over the bottom lip, giving the head a
square appearance. A Mastiff should possess a calm, self
assured temperament and be devoted to its family and
friends. Mastiffs should not be aggressive to humans or
other animals, including other dogs, although,
unfortunately, some of them are. Mastiffs should be
steady, gentle, eager for affection, good with children,
calm and self assured, and used primarily as a family
companion.
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- What is the Mastiff Club Of
America (MCOA)?
The Mastiff Club Of America was incorporated in
1929 to protect and promote the Mastiff. It is the
Mastiff parent breed club member of the American Kennel
Club. Membership is open to persons 18 years or older, in
good standing with the American Kennel Club, who
subscribe to the purposes of the Club, and who agree to
abide and uphold the Club's Code of
Ethics, Constitution and By-Laws. Applicants must be
sponsored by two MCOA members who have been members in
good standing for at least three years. Applicants will
be an associate member (without voting or office holding
privileges) for a period of one year. The MCOA is a
non-profit organization. For membership information and
application forms, contact the MCOA Membership Chairman
(see MCOA Club Information
for contact information).
The objectives of the Club are:
- to encourage and promote the selective breeding of
quality purebred Mastiffs and to do all possible to
bring their natural qualities to fit the standard
- to encourage the organization of independent local
Mastiff Specialty Clubs in those localities where
there are sufficient fanciers of the breed to meet the
requirements of the American Kennel Club
- to urge members and breeders to accept the
standard of the breed as approved by the American
Kennel Club as the only standard of excellence by
which Mastiffs shall be judged
- to do all in its power to protect and advance the
interests of the breed and to encourage sportsmanlike
competition at dog shows and obedience trials
- to provide for the welfare of the breed through a
program of Mastiff Rescue and continuing education
- to conduct sanctioned matches, obedience trials,
and specialty shows under the rules of the American
Kennel Club.
The MCOA conducts a roving Independent National
Specialty in the spring of each year; Check the buttons
at the top of this page for a link to more information
about the upcoming Specialty.
The Club publishes a quarterly Journal
available by subscription (see MCOA
Club Information for Subscription Editor's address)
and a quarterly Bulletin for its members.
The MCOA offers a Genetic Data Collection
Service to individuals and breeders who are interested in
researching the genetic background of their dogs (see
MCOA
Health for more information).
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- Where do Mastiffs come from?
See Mastiff History
for a brief history.
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- What are Mastiffs good for?
Mastiffs excel as companions, family members,
therapy workers and as watch dogs. Mastiffs have also
done well, when properly trained and conditioned, at
carting, tracking, obedience, conformation showing,
search and rescue (SAR), and weight pulling. They are
also great foot warmers and couch potatoes. :-)
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- Are all mastiffs the same?
No. Like humans, Mastiffs are individuals. Each
has its own genetic and environmental history that
effects its attitude, temperament, health and responses
to stimuli. These questions are answered with the general
breed characteristics in mind, no individual Mastiff will
match the answers in every respect.
Oh, that's not what you meant. While it is
correct that the breed of mastiff dog developed in
England has pre-empted the official name of 'Mastiff',
according to the AKC's 'The Complete Dog Book', 18th
Edition, "The breed commonly called "Mastiff" in English
speaking countries is more properly described as the 'Old
English' Mastiff." From the same source: "The term
'mastiff' describes a group of giant varieties of dogs
rather than a single breed." Today this group of giant
breed dogs is more commonly referred to as
'Molossers'.
If this is what you meant, then No, not all
mastiffs are the same. See Other
Molossers for a list of some of the different
Molosser Breeds.
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- Are Mastiffs:
- Aggressive?
Aggression is unnecessary force or dominance
in any situation. Aggression should not be confused
with protection where a dog uses force or dominance to
protect its people or territory when threatened.
The typical Mastiff's temperament, by
nature, is one of gentle demeanor. However, as with
any breed, a Mastiff can become aggressive for varying
reasons.
Typically, aggressive behavior is
established due to environment as a "learned response"
and/or results from a lack of proper socialization
during the dog's developmental stages.
A certain percentage of dogs may be
genetically unstable and inherit aggressive
tendencies. For this reason, before you purchase a
puppy, it is best to ask the breeders about the
temperament of the sire and the dam and try to see
both if at all possible.
Some dogs may have a predisposition for
certain characteristics which may be the basis for
aggressive behavior: a dominant dog may exhibit
Dominant Aggression, an unsocialized dog may develop
Fear Motivated Aggression, or a dog unsocialized with
other dogs may develop Species Aggression. Most
aggression can be prevented by proper rearing and
socialization, beginning as a puppy.
If you are experiencing a problem, consult
your Mastiff's breeder, your veterinarian, and/or a
trained animal behaviorist BEFORE the problem becomes
serious.
[Table Of
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- Easy to train?
Both easy and difficult. Mastiffs are smart,
and live to please. However, they go through phases
where they are also stubborn, and these phases can
last anywhere from a few weeks a couple of times in
puppyhood to (in some cases) the lifetime of the
dog!
Keep training sessions short (10-15 minutes)
and frequent (several times a day). In addition to
their stubbornness, Mastiffs have very sensitive
feelings, and if they are frightened, hurt, or
confused, they cannot be budged. Make training like a
game. Use a happy, excited voice. You have to be
consistent and firm to train effectively. Once a dog
is well trained, it needs practice on a regular basis.
Dogs LIKE to be trained because they WANT to know how
to please their beloved owners. Once trained, a
Mastiff seldom needs stronger correction than a stern
voice.
Except for formal obedience training, you
can use food treats for motivation. But the best
reward for any Mastiff is lavish hugs and plenty of
praise.
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- Fighters?
Mastiffs, with their gentle natures, do not
have the instincts that dogfighters are looking for.
Their protective instincts make them actually the
opposite to the aggressive fighting personality.
However, they will, at times, fight among themselves,
or with other dogs, for the typical canine reasons
such as pack dominance and sexual competition. Two 190
pound adult male Mastiffs in combat for pack
leadership can be next to impossible, as well as
exceedingly dangerous, to separate.
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- Good guard dogs?
Mastiffs are excellent guard dogs. They go
to the door and bark, their hackles stand up, and they
look formidable, but Mastiffs, as a breed, are not
trigger-happy. They have a gentle, rather than an
aggressive, nature.
Mastiffs need the company of their human
family much more than some other breeds of dogs do. A
Mastiff left alone, tied out, or kept in a fenced yard
with too little human company, will either pine away
or develop destructive behaviors out of loneliness and
anxiety. Denied the needed time with its family, a
Mastiff may be much LESS protective because it isn't
sure it belongs to that family.
A normal, well adjusted Mastiff will protect
it's family, but only if the need arises. You don't
want an aggressive Mastiff that protects you from
friends and family. The ideal temperament is one where
you never know that you are being protected unless a
true situation arises where a Mastiff's services are
needed.
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- Protective?
Mastiffs ARE protective. However, many
people do not understand the difference between
protection and aggression. If a dog growls when there
is no danger, that is aggression, NOT protection. A
protective dog has the judgment to see when there is a
real risk of danger, and therefore, if you have a
TRULY protective dog, you may never know it till you
ARE in danger.
The protective instinct is shown in subtle
ways, such as the Mastiff tending to stand between
their person and a stranger. Many people who have kids
discover that they can't spank a kid in front of the
Mastiff -- it looks worried and gets in between the
parent and child! Couples who sometimes play-wrestle
together have reported their Mastiff trying to stop
them for fear it is a fight.
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- Shy?
Because of their great sensitivity, Mastiffs
who are not THOROUGHLY socialized when young can very
easily become shy of strange people, places, and
animals. Shyness can be both inherited and/or the
result of inadequate socialization. This is why puppy
kindergarten, obedience classes over an extended
period of time, and visits to parks are EXTREMELY
important to the development of your Mastiff. If you
do not have the time to do these things with and for
your Mastiff, you need to think over whether you are
in a position to do right by a dog, at least at this
point in your life.
A shy dog is an uneasy, unhappy dog. If your
dog is more shy than the average, then it is more
important than ever to get the right amount of gentle,
gradual socialization with lots of positive
reinforcement for all its friendly, confident, non-shy
actions.
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- What are Mastiffs like in the
house?
Clean, quiet, and undemanding. Heaven to a
Mastiff is a rug beside his owner's chair. Mastiffs are
naturally clean (except for slobber), and quick to
housebreak. Most adult Mastiffs don't chew what they
shouldn't, and they don't get on the furniture (unless
you let them ;-)).
If you do let your young Mastiff on the sofa,
just remember that they grow FAST, and it is unfair and
quite unreasonable to let the dog learn to enjoy
something, and then decide the dog is too big to get up
there any more. Mastiffs have long memories, and are much
easier to train correctly the first time than to retrain
to get rid of bad habits.
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- How much does a Mastiff:
- Cost?
Puppy prices usually run $800-1500 and up,
depending on a number of variables such as pedigree,
show potential, geographic location, and breeder
costs. A higher price does NOT necessarily mean a
better dog! Read this FAQ thoroughly to learn about
testing and other evidences of health and soundness,
as well as show wins, as the basis for selecting the
pup most likely to be healthy, happy, and just what
you want.
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- Eat?
Probably not as much as you think. Pound for
pound, the larger the dog the less food it needs for
each pound of body weight. Exactly how much food your
dog needs depends on many factors including its size,
age and activity level. Feed your Mastiff a good
quality, balanced diet - low on table scraps - and
don't let him get too fat.
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- Weigh?
Adult males generally run about 160-230
pounds, females are normally between 120-170 pounds.
Males over 200 pounds are not too uncommon and a few
females reach these weights. According to the Guinness
Book of Records the record holder for the world's
largest dog is Zorba, a Mastiff, at 343 pounds. He
stood 37 inches at the shoulder and was 8 foot 3
inches from the tip of his nose to the tip of his
tail. Zorba set this record in November, 1989, when he
was 8 years old.
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- Do Mastiffs:
- Bark much?
Puppies are puppies in most breeds. Young
pups tend to bark more than adults because of the
excitement of play. Adults rarely bark except when you
first arrive home, or they hear a sound they want you
to investigate, like a doorbell. Most Mastiffs will
howl if they hear a siren close by, since it sounds
like a howl such as wild dogs would respond
to.
- Bite?
Any dog bites if hurt, frightened, or
threatened, but a Mastiff that is properly trained and
socialized will typically not bite except as a very
last resort. Do NOT let a pup (of any age) bite anyone
or anything (except its litter mates) in play, since
they NEED to know that biting is not allowed. They
will still bite if there is an absolute necessity, but
will not try it any other times.
- Chew?
As for chewing, puppies of any breed need to
be given durable toys that they know it is OK to chew.
Any time you catch your puppy chewing on anything
except its own chew toys, take the forbidden item away
from it, and give it a chew toy, and encourage the dog
to chew on its own toy. Praise it when it DOES chew on
its own toy. Repeat as necessary (remember, we told
you these dogs are stubborn!)
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- Dig?
Engineers on the Panama Canal project
considered bringing in a myriad of Mastiffs to do the
job, but ultimately rejected the idea when they
figured out the manpower they'd have tied up in pooper
scoopering.
Seriously, though, many Mastiffs do like to
dig. You'll have to ask them why.
- Make good obedience dogs?
By nature, Mastiffs are eager to please.
This makes them good Obedience dogs. But like any
other breed, temperaments vary between individuals, so
some Mastiffs are better candidates for the Obedience
ring than others.
Some Mastiffs are more laid back, aloof, and
lethargic; while others are more outgoing,
inquisitive, and athletic. Though both types of
temperaments are trainable, the latter of these two
temperaments would be better suited for competition in
the Obedience ring.
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- Need a lot of exercise?
About as much as you do. Most Mastiffs are
like most humans; they can manage a sedentary life
reasonably well - but, also like most humans, they
reach a physical peak with a moderate degree of
exercise. It is important that you NOT over exercise
any Mastiff under 2 years of age. Up until this age
(and sometimes later) their skeleton is still
developing. Since Mastiffs tend to be stoic, and also
will do just about anything to be with and please
their people, they can easily end up with an inflamed
joint or other problems like those that beset humans
who run for exercise.
When you do begin to exercise your Mastiff,
begin GRADUALLY. Build up SLOWLY. Make sure you know
and watch for the signs of your dog getting tired or
overheated. Take ice and water with you in case the
dog overheats. The extra weight will add more effect
to your workout! This is not to say that Mastiffs
should not have any exercise at all as pups. On the
contrary, Mastiff puppies are still puppies and need
to do puppy things like running and playing. If left
to their own schedule, they will rest themselves when
they get tired. Crating a pup for most of its
puppyhood is more detrimental than letting it play and
exercise in moderation in the house and yard. If you
go for long walks and your pup gets tired, be prepared
to carry it home! Once a Mastiff is fully grown and
its growth plates have closed, it can usually keep up
with the best of us!
- Pass gas?
Yep. Especially on a diet of beer,
hard-boiled eggs and beans. Actually, like humans, it
depends on how the Mastiff reacts to the food it eats,
so using a good dog food should minimize the problem.
If a dog can digest its food properly, it shouldn't
have gas. Different dogs do best on different foods.
See Question 20. 'What does a
Mastiff eat?' for more information.
If a Mastiff should get gas in spite of your
best efforts, watch out. It is overpowering.
- Roam?
Not usually. A Mastiff of either sex tends
to be stay-at-home dog. Learning to stay within
property boundaries comes naturally. Some individuals,
however, would put Houdini to shame. Nevertheless,
when your Mastiff is outdoors without supervision, as
with all breeds, it's a good idea to have him in a
secure, fenced enclosure.
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- Shed?
Yes, like most breeds they shed
approximately twice a year. But, the short, sleek
Mastiff coat is less objectionable, when it sheds,
than the coats of many long-haired breeds. A daily
brushing will prevent accumulation of hair around the
house.
- Slobber?
Most Mastiffs only drool when 1) they have
just had a drink of water or just ate, or 2) they are
extremely agitated and fearful, or 3) you are eating
anything that smells better than dogfood, and you have
been foolish enough to feed the dog some of your food
at any time in the past.
Mastiffs with tighter lips tend to drool
less. Experienced Mastiff folks keep hand towels all
around, to wipe faces after every drink and meal, and
other times as needed. If you wipe the drool off
immediately, it is a lot less likely to get slung onto
the dog's face or body, your furniture, you, or the
walls. If it makes you feel any better, 1) you get
used to it, and 2) St. Bernard breeders say their dogs
can hit the ceiling with their slingers, while
Mastiffs tend to only hit about waist height on a
human.
Actually, if you are a habitual face-wiper
it won't be bad at all, but to be realistic, "spit
happens".
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- Smell?
Well, Mastiffs aren't bred for tracking, so
they don't all have the best scent discrimination. Oh,
you mean smell as in having B.O.?
Mastiffs need occasional bathing, but since
they have a short coat, they dry fairly fast. If a
Mastiff has a bad odor despite regular bathing with a
good dog shampoo approved by your breeder or vet, it
may have a medical problem such as fungus in the ears
or between the toes, or a digestive or dental problem,
which can cause bad breath. Hypothyroid dogs tend to
have B.O., and infected anal glands can cause a
serious stench. Time to go to the vet to check it
out.
- Snore?
Yes. Ohhhh, yes. You'd better believe
it!
Actually, snoring is genetic. The reason a
dog snores is due to a long soft palate (the back of
the upper palate). This characteristic, like any
other, is inherited. This does NOT mean that the dog
has to have a long 'muzzle' to be a snorer! It just
means that the upper palate has a longer soft
palate.
So you may see certain bloodlines which do
not have as many problems with snoring and some which
are horrendous snorers.
- Live indoors or outdoors?
Indoors, of course. What's the sense of
having a Mastiff if you don't have it close to you? It
certainly can't protect you from the boogie man if
it's tied out in the yard. And it's useless as a
footstool if you keep it fastened in a kennel or
locked in the garage.
Seriously, Mastiffs seem to have an
instinctive need and desire to be as close as possible
to their human family, to the point that their
emotional development can be stunted if they are
deprived of that closeness. Many breeders will refuse
to sell a Mastiff unless the new owner guarantees that
it will be kept as a house dog.
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- How are Mastiffs with:
- Burglars, muggers and
other miscreants?
Mastiffs tend to react in predictable ways
when faced with a threatening person. If their owner
is present and a tense situation arises between the
owner and a stranger, the dog will usually get between
the stranger and their owner, as a sort of giant
protective barrier that no sane mugger would reach
over. If the stranger does anything to escalate the
tension, the dog will probably growl or snarl at the
person. This may occur even within a family, if, for
example, the owners fight. This may upset the Mastiff
greatly and inspire him to protect the party who is on
the receiving end of the disagreement.
If a stranger breaks into a house where
there is a Mastiff, the Mastiff's tendency is to
corner the person and not let them get away, holding
them until their owner gets home to deal with the
intruder. The dog may snarl or bark or even snap at
the intruder if he tries to get away, but usually will
not actually hurt him unless the intruder has tried to
hurt the dog or has succeeded in hurting him.
Dogs are creatures of habit, and it is this
characteristic that makes them good guards. If, while
your Mastiff is a puppy, you allow strangers like
repairmen to come into your house when you are away,
the dog will see that as normal for your household,
and will not realize it is not "OK" for other strange
people to come in and do things.
Many Mastiffs, when mature, can recognize
something about people who have unpleasant motives,
and are watchful or will get in between you and that
person. If your dog gets between you and a stranger in
a questionable situation, trust your Mastiff! The dog
may have sensed something you couldn't recognize in
that person.
Because of the intrinsic protective nature
of the Mastiff, training as an attack or guard dog is
not necessary and to do so may actually be detrimental
to the temperament of the Mastiff. Mastiffs are not
suitable for attack training or dog fighting and, if
raised in kindness and socialized properly, will be a
strong, loving companion who will defend his home and
family if necessary.
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- Other dogs?
By nature a typical Mastiff is friendly and
aloof toward other dogs. But, as with any breed, they
must be properly socialized around other dogs from
early puppyhood.
Most cases of Dog Aggression in the Mastiff,
or in any breed, are due to this lack of early
introduction and stimuli with other dogs. This type of
behavioral disorder is usually classified as Species
Aggression.
Another type of Canine Aggression is
Dominance Aggression. A dog with dominant tendencies
may seek to change its position in the pecking order
by being aggressive toward another dog. This can
really be a problem when there is more than one
Dominant Aggressive dog in a multiple dog household.
For this reason, it is best not place a dominant
Mastiff in the same household with another dominant
dog, especially of the same sex. While everything may
seem fine while the puppy is young, as it matures it
will seek to move up in the pack hierarchy and will
compete for dominance with the other dog resulting in
family turmoil.
In most cases, proper socialization and
adequate stimuli is the best way to head off most
aggressive behavioral disorders before they have a
chance to develop.
If your Mastiff is aggressive, first,
consult a canine behaviorist or professional trainer
to determine if the dog can overcome some or all of
this behavioral problem through retraining. ALSO have
your veterinarian check for physical problems that can
effect behavior, especially hormone problems such as
hypothyroidism. Often spaying or neutering a dog
aggressive dog will limit some of its tendencies to
fight or dominate another dog, as well as cool some of
the instinctive fighting among males and females in
heat. If you are feeding a food that is in high in
protein, try a food that is around 18% protein, some
dogs are sensitive to excess levels of protein.
If your Mastiffs do get into a fight, do NOT
get between them. If someone else, known to the dogs,
is there, each of you should grab a dog by the rear
legs and drag them away from each other and separate
them so that they cannot see or get to each other.
[Table Of
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- Other animals?
The earliest socialization, at the
breeder's, and while a puppy is very young, influences
how a particular Mastiff will behave with other
animals. You want him to learn what YOU want him to
accept while he is still small (this means it has to
be done *very* young!) since a larger dog is much
harder to control, and bad habits are harder to break
than good habits. Some Mastiffs are born with a high
prey drive and these dogs will need special training
if a multi-pet household is to maintain harmony.
A Mastiff who hasn't been exposed to cats or
chickens or farm animals or whatever while young may
treat them as prey or furniture, depending on the
temperament of the individual dog. Some Mastiffs live
well with cats, and recognize that the cats have to
feel they are the bosses. Others chase cats without
mercy even if they are wonderful dogs in every other
way. Some dogs that were not raised around horses may
sniff once, then ignore them, others may be afraid of
them, others interested, etc. The point is, *you* need
to plan what to socialize your dog to, so it will know
how to behave around the animals that are or will be
part of your household. Then it is not up to the
highly individual reactions of a half- or fully-grown
dog, but your choice.
[Table Of
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- Strangers?
A properly socialized Mastiff (which SHOULD
be the only kind there is) will stand or sit beside
you politely when a stranger is around. The world is
full of people who are strangers to you and your dog,
but who are nice, normal, decent folks who pose no
threat. A Mastiff that is properly socialized (and
free of severe shyness) should be polite, possibly
aloof, but eventually friendly, after the dog sees
your positive reaction to someone.
[Table Of
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- Young children?
They are gentle and protective, providing
they have been raised with children and are accustomed
to them. Small children should not be allowed to play
roughly with a puppy; Mastiffs are a sensitive breed
that can be permanently traumatized by rough
handling.
[Table Of
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- How long does a Mastiff live?
Books on the breed describe the average Mastiff
life span as 6-10 years. A few have lived to be 13 or 14;
a tiny handful have lived to be 16-17. Assuming no
accidents, an individual dog's life span will depend on
its bloodlines, weight, and freedom from significant
problems such as blindness, heart disease, hip or elbow
dysplasia, spondylosis, immune disorders, etc. (see
Questions 16, 17
and MCOA
Health for more information on health problems).
Sadly, there has been an increase in the death of middle
aged and younger Mastiffs in the past 10 years or so,
although this is not specific to Mastiffs but applies to
most breeds.
The increase in hereditary problems in all
breeds has had the effect of shortening the lives of a
number of animals in each breed, thus bringing down the
averages. This is why we emphasize testing for health
problems and breeding animals ONLY after they have been
proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary
diseases. Choosing your breeder carefully, for awareness
of problems and for evidence of specific actions taken
consistently over a period of time to prevent these
problems, will greatly increase your chances of getting a
healthy dog with the potential to live to a ripe old
age.
[Table Of
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- Can I get a white Mastiff? What
colors can I get?
No, Mastiffs come in Apricot, Brindle, and
various shades of Fawn. Since one of the faults listed in
the breed standard is "excessive white on the chest or
white on any other part of the body", then a Mastiff with
much white on it at all is *not* correctly marked
according to the breed standard. There are breeds for
which white is a correct, acceptable color, but the
Mastiff is not one of them.
[Table Of
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- Male vs. female, which is
friendlier? more protective? easier to train?
These are all traits that tend to vary more
between individual animals than between the sexes. A
healthy, alert, intelligent dog who did well on the Puppy
Aptitude test and has been well socialized and trained
from Puppy Kindergarten onward is your best chance at
getting all the above characteristics. Socializing a dog
who started out with a good temperament gives you the
friendliest dog. A dog is protective when it has bonded
well with you (training your dog is an outstanding way to
bond with it) and has at least begun to mature. If you
start training very young the dog learns how to *learn*
and will enjoy it more and perform better.
[Table Of
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- Is there anything special I
should know about raising a Mastiff puppy - isn't it the
same as any other breed?
Due to their rapid growth and their eventual
giant size and weight, there are special precautions that
should be taken with growing Mastiff puppies. See
Raising a Mastiff Pup for
details.
[Table Of
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- How much training does a Mastiff
need?
Because they are destined to be VERY large
dogs, basic obedience training should be a part of every
Mastiff's upbringing.
Adequate socialization is an extremely
important part of a puppy's training. An unsocialized
dog, of any breed, can become either fearful or
aggressive. A well socialized Mastiff is a stable
Mastiff.
Most Mastiffs are easy to train because they
are so eager to please, but they are generally more
easily trained when young. A puppy's brain develops very
rapidly. New information is absorbed at an astonishing
rate as they learn from their environment. You want to
make certain that WHAT they learn is desirable;
therefore, you must guide them in their learning process.
Also, just as inany other breed, some individuals are
stubborn, dominant, etc., and in such cases the behavior
pattern should be identified early and the training
adjusted appropriately to compensate for it.
Unless you plan to compete in conformation or
obedience, basic obedience is all your puppy really needs
to become a valued family companion. Basic obedience
consists of: sit, down, stay, come, walk on lead and
proper socialization.
To find Obedience and Socialization classes,
contact your local Kennel Clubs and veterinarians. If you
cannot locate classes, take your puppy out often to
places where it can meet people and other dogs in a
friendly atmosphere.
A Mastiff does not need protection training. A
well socialized Mastiff has, in essence, been taught what
a normal situation is and will be able to sense when
something is wrong. Even the gentlest Mastiff will
protect its family if it is well socialized and bonded to
them.
[Table Of
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- Do Mastiffs have any genetic
health problems?
Mastiffs are probably about average when it
comes to the number of hereditary health problems that
they are prone to. Being a large breed they are very
prone to joint problems. For more information on genetic
problems, please refer to MCOA
Health.
- Potentially life threatening or serious:
(*these conditions may be inherited or in some cases
acquired)
- Joint: hip dysplasia; elbow dysplasia (ununited
anconeal process, fragmented coronoid process,
degenerative joint disease); osteochondritis
dissecans (OCD) of the shoulders, knees, elbows or
hocks.
- Eye problems that cause blindness: cataracts*,
retinal dysplasia with detachment, glaucoma*,
progressive
retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Other inherited eye problems: geographic
retinal dysplasia, Persistent Pupillary Membranes
(PPM), entropion.
- Hypothyroidism*, immune deficiencies.
- Wobblers syndrome.
- Skin: demodectic mange, deep pyoderma.
- Nervous system: myasthenia gravis*, muscular
dystrophy*, epilepsy*
- Other: cardiomyopathy*, leukemia, bone cancer*,
cystinuria.
- Less serious and/or less common:
(*these conditions may be inherited or in some cases
acquired)
- Eye problems: ectropion, iris cysts,
macroblapharon (haw), corneal dystrophy*,
distichiasis, cherry eye, dry eye, retinal
folds.
- Skin: allergies
- Joint problems: HOD (hypertrophic Osteo
Dystrophy), degenerative joint disease*,
arthritis*, spondylosis of the spine.
- Reproductive: cryptorchid, monorchid, vaginal
hyperplasia.
- Heart: murmurs*, pulmonic stenosis.
- Other: hernias, von Willebrands Disease
(vWD).
[Table Of
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- What are the common non-genetic
health problems in Mastiffs?
Mastiffs are subject to the same common
diseases and afflictions as every other breed of dog.
Some of the more prevalent are:
- Joint and bone: cruciate ligament rupture,
panosteitis, elbow hygroma.
- Urinary tract: kidney and bladder infections,
bladder stones.
- Ear infections, hot spots, cysts and tumors.
- Reproductive: uterine inertia, pyometra, other
uterine infections, mastitis, breast cancer.
- Cancer (bowel, brain, spine, etc. Some forms of
cancer are inherited, most are not).
- Other: gastric torsion (bloat), pica (eating
rocks, socks, etc.)
[Table Of
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- What other problems do Mastiffs
have?
- Temperament:
- Aggressive
- Fearful (inherited or lack of
socialization).
- Shy
- Structural faults:
- Limbs: weak pasterns, cow-hocks, straight
shoulders, stifles and/or hocks, elbows in or out
instead of parallel
- Bite: very undershot, overshot, crooked teeth,
wry (twisted) jaw
- Tail: abnormally short, kinked, bob tail
- Feet: flat (hare foot), loose toes, turned toes
or feet
- Coat: long hair, no under coat, excessive white
markings (piebald)
- Movement: paddling, crossing, sidewinding,
overreaching, lack of drive.
- Problems caused by their size:
- Expensive and difficult to take on an airplane
once mature
- Navigating steep stairs
- Getting into small cars
- Happy Tail (Crate Tail) syndrome - prone to
abrasions (often accompanied by considerable blood
splattering) from wagging against things.
[Table Of
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- What kind of a temperament does a
Mastiff have?
Mastiffs are called gentle giants because of
their benign and benevolent character. A Mastiff's
temperament is so much a part of how it needs to be
raised and cared for that many of the questions in this
FAQ have incorporated one aspect or another of the
Mastiff temperament in their answers.
A dog this big has no NEED to growl or make
menacing noises or faces to impress a would-be burglar or
mugger. Instead, it can and does simply relax, but keeps
an eye on situations where its human family could
possibly be in danger of any kind.
Mastiffs have a somewhat contradictory nature,
they are very sensitive to the reactions of their people,
most Mastiffs can be absolutely crushed by harsh words.
Yet Mastiffs can also be among the most stubborn of dogs,
so stubborn that you may find it to be an immense
challenge to get them to do the same thing over and over
for an obedience class (the Mastiff probably would rather
do it once and then take a nap or do something
different).
Mastiffs, like people, are highly individual.
Some are placid, some are high energy animals who need to
be kept busy. A lot of any Mastiff's behavior depends on
how well it was socialized while young.
[Table Of
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- What does a Mastiff eat?
A Mastiff will eat anything that is not nailed
down! Mastiffs, being a giant breed, have the capability
of chewing on things that most small breeds can't even
get in their mouths.
Oh, you meant food, huh? OK, Mastiffs do best
on a food that is in the medium range for protein
(20-25%), mid range for fat (12-18%) and is well balanced
for calcium and phosphorus and high in iodine (3-5%).
Feeding your Mastiff puppy foods high in protein,
calories and fat will push the growth rate and possibly
cause joint, ligament and tendon problems. It is best to
grow your puppy at a slow, steady rate and not try to
make him big too soon. Remember, the Mastiff will grow to
what he was genetically programmed to be no matter how
fast or slow that you get him there. It is best to take
your time and grow them out slowly so as to minimize
joint and bone problems and thus have a sound, healthy
dog. If the dog food you intend to use is balanced for
nutrition do not add supplemental calcium to the diet.
Too much calcium causes more problems than too
little!
The amount of food is a judgment call,
depending on the type of food you are feeding, the age of
the Mastiff, and the body condition such as too fat, too
thin or just right. Feed a good quality premium food,
following the recommendations on the bag and adjusting
the amount according to body condition. Do not let your
Mastiff puppy or young adult get fat and make sure that
you can feel the ribs or at least see the last two ribs
when the dog is moving. Fat dogs have many problems with
bones and joints, heart, liver, kidney, etc. Generally
Mastiff puppies eat a lot of food while growing, until at
least the age of two. An adult Mastiff generally has a
slow metabolism and does not eat an exceptional amount of
food, normally about the same as a German Shepherd or dog
of similar or even smaller size.
[Table Of
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- What kind of living quarters does
a Mastiff require? How about crating? Where do they
sleep?
The standard answer to this question: Anywhere
they want to!
Mastiffs consider themselves to be part of your
family, and will be most content if they are able to
share your home with you. Many Mastiff breeders feel so
strongly about the Mastiff's need tobe with their human
family that they will only sell a puppy to people who
guarantee that it will live in the house with them.
Within your home, Mastiffs need a place of
their own where they will feel comfortable and secure,
just like any other dog. Crates are a practical solution,
especially for puppy house training and safety. Wire
crates are best so that the pup can see out and because
they are harder to chew or destroy. Purchase the largest
one you can afford so your Mastiff can grow into it. A
pallet by your bed is also a good idea since Mastiffs
want to be with their families and it is generally not a
good idea to let them sleep on the bed with you. Sleeping
with you puts them on the same level as you, so you may
wind up with a dominance problem; and jumping off of a
bed is not good for the joints when they are young. Most
Mastiffs will wind up forgoing any wonderful bed you make
for them and will want to sleep on the tile or linoleum
floor because it is cooler. Caution is advised here
because Mastiffs tend to clunk down on their elbows when
lying down and many develop elbow hygromas from the
constant banging on the elbows.
The best beds are soft pads with blankets over
them or even a baby bed mattress with a cover. Don't be
surprised if your youngster shreds his bed as this seems
to be great fun to most puppies - be sure to remove any
pieces because they can be dangerous if swallowed.
[Table Of
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- Does owning a Mastiff:
- Cost a lot?
A Mastiff costs more to maintain than
smaller breeds due to its large size and weight.
Larger crates cost more. More and larger consumables
are needed - food, toys and the like. Many medicines,
such as antibiotics, heartworm preventative and
anesthesia are prescribed based on weight, so these
cost more. A Mastiff on a 'chewing binge' can cause
much more damage in a shorter time than smaller
breeds.
[Table Of
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- Require a lot of work?
Compared to what? Mastiffs, due to their
tendency to be inert (like couch potatoes), and their
short hair, do not require as much work as a breed
that needs to run a lot for exercise, or needs daily
brushing to keep a fluffy coat from getting
matted.
A Mastiff with a correct coat only needs a
bath when it begins to smell "doggy" or if it has
gotten into something that needs to be washed off.
Bathing a Mastiff is sort of like washing a hairy
Volkswagen except that the VW won't shake and drench
you in shampoo or rinse water.
Mastiffs need MODERATE exercise (if this
much is too much for you, consider an older Rescue
dog), a quality food with moderate protein and fat
content, and the normal maintenance activities that
any breed requires: clipping toenails, keeping teeth
clean, ear cleaning, and regular vet checkups and
vaccinations.
The size of a Mastiff means that those
toenails will be big and thick, harder to cut than
those on a smaller dog. And they will eat a lot more
food than your neighbor's poodle. Mastiffs tend to
shed twice a year like most breeds, but when a huge
dog sheds lightly, it can still add up to a lot of
hair to vacuum.
If you are grossed out by slingers and
goobers, please be advised that if you own a Mastiff
you might spend the rest of the dog's life wiping the
walls and complaining about the mess. If you CAN
handle it, you will learn tricks like wiping the dog's
face as soon as it has finished drinking (to catch the
slingers before they are slung).
[Table Of
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- Are you trying to talk me out of
getting a Mastiff?
No and yes. No, because it would be wonderful
if everyone could experience the joy and satisfaction of
being owned by one of these gentle giants. Yes, because,
as great and wonderful as they are, they have
idiosyncrasies and problems particular to the breed. It
would be much, much, much better if you found out that a
Mastiff wasn't the breed for you NOW instead of after
you've already gotten one.
Mastiffs are not the right breed for everyone.
Mastiffs are giants and take up a lot of space on the
couch and in the house and car. They have powerful tails
that can clean off a coffee table in one fell swoop or
knock a small child down with one wag. And the smack of a
tail is like being tortured with a rubber hose! Most
Mastiff's drool and slobber, especially after eating and
drinking. Many leave water trails all over the house
after a drink and prefer to wipe their faces on their
owners. Mastiffs like to be close to their family and
will sit on your feet, lean against you, often put their
paw on you and lay their heavy head in your lap.
Occasionally people can be unintentionally injured by an
exuberant Mastiff. Mastiffs like to follow you where ever
you go and be part of whatever you do. They can block
doorways with their huge bodies, stand in front of the TV
and block your view, and take up large amounts of space
with their crates and toys. If you can't handle any of
the above, then a Mastiff is not the dog for you!
Not recommended for:
- Old, elderly, infirm - Mastiffs can accidentally
knock down someone who is not steady on their feet;
can aggravate back and other injuries; and, since they
have the strength of a Rhino, can do unintended harm
unless properly trained. If you just have to have one,
an older, already trained Mastiff is recommended. See
MCOA
Rescue for information about Mastiff Rescue, the
best place to start looking for an older, trained
Mastiff.
- Small children - Children under about 6 can be
knocked down by an exuberant puppy or adult. Mastiffs
are, however, generally gentle with children of any
age, but, you MUST supervise them when they are
together so that neither the child nor the dog is
injured.
- Small habitats - Mastiffs are not recommended for
small apartments or tiny houses since they tend to
grow so large. Too many Mastiffs end up in shelters or
with Rescue because their owners didn't take their
eventual size into consideration. The ideal
environment is one with a comfortable house, access to
a fenced yard for potty breaks, where the owner knows
exactly what they are getting in advance.
- Guard dog - Mastiffs possess the natural ability
to defend their family should the need arise. They
should know the difference between friend and foe and
pick up on the emotions of their owners. Mastiffs are
not recommended as a guard dog for businesses or
junkyards because of their instinctual need to bond
with people and because they are so strong that they
may overdo the guarding and hurt the wrong person. The
Mastiff temperament is not suited for formal "guard
dog" training due to their sensitive nature and
because to do so may permanently ruin their
temperament.
- Neat Freaks - Do not get a Mastiff if you are a
person who must have a clean house at all times, can't
stand dog hair on everything, or does not like the
furniture being rearranged when a Mastiff decides that
he wants to sleep behind the couch or under the table.
Try to match your decor to the color of the dog hair
and slobber.
- Workaholics - If you work long hours and someone
isn't home often, you may want to rethink getting a
Mastiff. Mastiffs like people and do not like being
left alone all day in a crate or back yard. They bore
easily and will find ways to entertain themselves
while you are away. A bored, lonesome Mastiff may
destroy things or turn their boredom on themselves
causing such things as having to replace furniture (or
walls), or requiring treatment for lick granulomas. If
your home is frequently empty except for your dog,
please reconsider getting a Mastiff and may we suggest
a toy breed where you could have two to keep each
other company or perhaps a cat, bird or reptile.
- Those on a tight budget - Mastiffs are giants and
therefore the cost of upkeep is high. Everything you
need to maintain one is expensive from the bedding,
the collars, the food bowls, the food, to the vet
bills. If you are on a tight budget or do not enjoy
spending money on your dog, please reconsider getting
this breed. The initial purchase price of the pup will
be the least expensive part of owning a Mastiff.
[Table Of
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- Where should I get a Mastiff?
- Middleman who buys puppies from breeders and
resells them?
NO!
- Pet Shop?
NO!
- Backyard breeder?
NO!
- Reputable breeder?
YES!
The best way to get a healthy, happy,
quality Mastiff puppy, is to buy directly from a
breeder. Reputable breeders put the welfare of their
dogs and the improvement of the breed above their
desire for financial gain. Reputable breeders will
take back or replace a puppy who is found to have a
congenital defect. Breeders who are members of the
Mastiff Club Of America have agreed to abide by a
Code of Ethics. A Breeder
Referral list is available from the MCOA, see
Mastiff Breed Clubs for
details.
- Mastiff Rescue?
YES!
Unfortunately, usually through no fault
of their own, a number of Mastiffs end up homeless
every year. The MCOA's Rescue Service is charged with
helping these distressed Mastiff's find new homes. See
MCOA
Rescue for more information.
[Table Of
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- Where can I get more information
about Mastiffs?
See Mastiff Publications
for Mastiff information sources and Mastiff
Breed Clubs for Mastiff Clubs and contacts.
[Table Of
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- How do I pick a Mastiff
puppy?
After you have chosen your breeder and your
puppy's sire and dam, you're ready to choose your Mastiff
puppy. But which one? The most important aspect of this
choice is temperament. Puppies' temperament's vary even
within the same litter.
Many people will choose the first puppy that
runs up to them and pulls at their pant leg because they
think this must be a more outgoing puppy. Not every
Mastiff is for every family and this puppy may not
necessarily be THE puppy for your family. So how DO you
choose a puppy?. You should choose a Mastiff puppy that
has a temperament that compliments your family's.
Ideally your puppy's breeder will use Puppy
Aptitude Testing and family profiles to match puppies
with their new owners. Puppy Aptitude Testing evaluates
the individual temperament of each puppy. A family
profile consists of a series of questions which allows
the breeder to assess your family's situation and
disposition. The breeder may even ask to choose a puppy
for you. If the breeder is skilled in Puppy Aptitude
Testing, they can generally choose the best puppy for
your family. If the breeder does not perform these tests,
you will need to know how to choose the right puppy
yourself.
First, look at your family's situation: Do you
have small children? Do you have elderly in your
household? Is your family quiet or of gentle nature? Do
you already have another dog? Do you feel guilty when
disciplining your children or current dog?
If you have answered "yes" to any of these
questions you may prefer a puppy with a more subordinate
temperament. A dog with dominant tendencies would not fit
into this particular family situation. Dogs are pack
animals and they will try to establish a pecking order
within their pack, and your family will be their new
pack.
Subordinate (submissive) does not mean shy or
timid. A puppy with a subordinate temperament will simply
be closer to the bottom of the dominance ladder (pecking
order). A subordinate puppy will not try to dominate the
small children within your household, nor will it be as
apt to challenge your authority or to compete with
another dog for dominance. Note: Timidity (shyness) is a
genetic fault in Mastiffs.
If you already have a dog: Is it submissive or
dominant? What is its size? Is it male or female? With
another dog already in the family, especially a dominant
one, consider a Mastiff puppy with a more submissive
temperament and/or one of the opposite sex. A submissive
puppy will be less likely to challenge your existing dog
for pecking order. Males seldom compete with females for
leadership position. Smaller dogs can be easily injured
if they are involved in disputes with a Mastiff.
Are you experienced with large breeds? Do you
NOT have small children nor elderly within your home? Are
you comfortable offering constructive criticism? Have you
had any dog training experience of any kind? Is your
current dog a larger breed of submissive nature? Do you
have the time and are you planning to train this puppy in
either Obedience, Conformation, or for Canine Good
Citizenship? Is your family active and outgoing?
If you have answered "yes" to all of these
questions you may wish to consider a puppy with more
dominant tendencies. Dominant does not mean aggressive. A
Mastiff with dominant tendencies is one which would
compete for its place higher up on the dominance ladder.
It will be more apt to challenge a child or another dog.
There is a difference between a dog with dominant
tendencies and a true Alpha dog. An Alpha dog, of any
breed, may even try to challenge YOUR authority. It is
never a good idea to place a dominant puppy into a home
with another dominant dog, especially of the same sex.
Properly reared dogs with dominant tendencies can be
wonderful, loving family companions.
[Table Of
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- What questions should I ask the
breeder (and what answers should I get)?
Before talking to a breeder, before you even
start looking for a puppy, DO YOUR HOMEWORK FIRST! Read
this FAQ. Check out the books and other resources listed
in the References and Resources.
Read the FAQs on 'Selecting
a Dog', 'Getting
a Dog', 'Your
New Puppy', 'Your
New Dog', 'Health
Care Issues' and other subjects (these can be found
at http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/).
Go to the library. Read, read, read. Ask veterinarians
what they see frequently and what to be aware of. Go to
some dog shows and talk to the exhibitors. It is vital to
have knowledge BEFORE you get or even start looking for a
puppy. Forewarned is forearmed.
This may seem like a lot of research, but you
are undertaking a long term commitment that may last 8,
10 or even more years - longer than a new car, often
longer than a house, or even, these days, longer than a
spouse! A Mastiff will quickly become a major factor in
your day to day existence, with significant influence on
your lifestyle. It is up to you to do everything you can
ahead of time to ensure that this influence will be a
positive one.
A hastily or poorly chosen Mastiff can make
your life miserable, and, if subject to health problems,
can cause a significant drain on your financial
resources.
Questions contains a
list of questions that you should ask the breeder of a
Mastiff puppy that you are contemplating acquiring. The
'Getting
a Dog FAQ' contains more general questions to ask a
breeder.
[Table Of
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- What kind of toys and other
paraphernalia do I need for my Mastiff?
- TOYS
Mastiffs are big, strong puppies and even
bigger, stronger adults, with a biting capacity of
estimated at over 300 psi. Keeping that in mind, most
toys and chewies for your Mastiff will have to be
durable and able to withstand major abuse. Many toys
are suitable for youngsters but not for adults and you
will have to add to the toy box as your Mastiff grows
older and stronger. When first introducing a new toy
it is a good idea to supervise your Mastiff to see how
they handle it. If they rip the toy to shreds and
start swallowing lots of it - take it away and try a
different toy. Each dog is an individual and what is
good for one is not necessarily good for another.
Some good toys to start out with are:
Puppies - Nylabones, Kongs, Vermont Chews
(stuffed), compressed rawhide bones (not shredded and
pressed together, but whole pieces rolled up and
compressed under thousands of pounds of steam),
carefully selected children's stuffed animals, plastic
soda bottles with the cap and cap ring removed
(discard if the pup starts to tear apart), knotted
rope bones (discard when shredded), large rope rings,
soccer and basketballs, various dental chews, hard
plastic or pvc balls, safe squeaky toys (human
children's are the safest and least toxic), raw or
sterilized beef bones, raw fruit and vegetables (No
onion!), empty cardboard boxes (remove all staples,
loose packing and labels), empty toilet paper and
paper towel tubes (pups will empty them for you!) and
cow ears. Puppies also enjoy shredding newspaper but
it is messy and they can get black ink on themselves.
It's not toxic though and it won't hurt them, unless
they eat to much!
Adult (over 6 months) - Same as above but
delete the squeaky toys and plastic balls. Add old
lawn mower tires, large knotted rope bones, huge
nylabones and dental chews, big beef bones (knuckle,
femur, etc.), larger fruit and vegetables (edible,
biodegradable toys!), giant Kongs, large cardboard
boxes (messy, but so much fun).
There isn't a toy made that a Mastiff
cannot destroy so please be careful in your selection
and keep an eye on them. If any of the toys you have
selected become badly chewed, shredded or have chunks
missing, discard them and get something else. Each
Mastiff is a little different in how it deals with
each object. Some will lay down and eat a whole bone
whereas others will occasionally gnaw on it and have
it last a long time. Some will ignore toys that others
covet. Try various things and see what your dog likes.
Remember, anything can be dangerous if not used
properly and can cause problems for your Mastiff. The
best advice is to know your dog and watch it with new
toys until you are certain that the toys won't be
eaten (except for fruit & veggies) or destroyed in
one sitting! Have fun and be creative!
- FOOD and WATER DISHES
Stainless steel is suggested for several
reasons. It is basically indestructible and is easy to
sterilize and dishwasher safe. Buy the largest one you
can find for a water bowl and at least a 5 qt. size
for the food.
- COLLARS and LEASHES
Up until about 6 months old, most collars
will work just fine including the adjustable ones with
a plastic snap. After 6 months it is best to use a
buckle type collar made of either wide nylon or
leather. A six foot lead is recommended for training
and a shorter leash for going on walks. You can use
either nylon or leather, just be sure it has a strong
snap! For formal training, like at an obedience class,
you will need a "choke" chain, usually made with metal
links. Your instructor will advise you of the correct
size and how to put it on the pup and how to use it
properly. Remember: NEVER leave a dog, puppy or adult,
unattended with a choke collar on as they can easily
get it caught on something, even in a crate, and
strangle themselves!
One company that publishes a catalog
specifically for big dog items is Big
Dog Basics & Pyraphernalia at (316) 276-8665.
The 'Resources
FAQ' at http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/has
an extensive list of dog supply catalogs, magazines, and
organizations. In it you can find listing for things such
as weight pulling harnesses, backpacking necessities and
everything else imaginable for your Mastiff.
[Table Of
Contents]
- Is that a Mastiff in:
- Beethoven? No, a St. Bernard.
- Cybil? Yes.
- Howard Huge? No, a St.
Bernard(?).
- Marmaduke? No, a Great Dane.
- Sandlot? Yes.
- The Secret Garden? Yes.
- That's My Dog? Yes.
- The Truth About Dogs? No, a
???.
- Turner and Hooch? No, a Dogue de
Borduex (French Mastiff).
- Meet Wally Sparks? Yes.
[Table Of
Contents]
- What's the difference between a
Mastiff and a Bullmastiff?
The Mastiff is an ancient British breed and its
history can be traced back over 2,000 years. The
Bullmastiff is a relatively recent breed developed from
crossing Mastiff (60%) and Bulldog (40%) stock. The
Bullmastiff's shorter, more compact, more muscular look;
shorter muzzle; higher energy level and greater
stubbornness are derived from the Bulldog part of the
Bullmastiff's ancestry.
The most noticeable differences are
temperament, the conformation of the heads and overall
size of the dogs.
Mastiffs have a mellower, more relaxed
temperament, compared to the pushier, more active
temperament of the typical Bullmastiff.
The Mastiff's forehead should be slightly
curved and the stop (indentation between the eyes) well
marked but not too abrupt while the Bullmastiff's
forehead should be flat and the stop moderate.
Mastiff males should be at least 30" at the
shoulder and females 27 1/2" at the shoulder, with no
upper limit for height. Bullmastiff males should be
between 25-27" at the shoulder and females 24-26" at the
shoulder.
Weight ranges differ significantly between the
breeds, with the Bullmastiff being smaller as well as
more compact. The Bullmastiff Standard lists 110-130
pounds for males, 100-120 pounds for females. While the
Mastiff Standard specifies no weight ranges, males
weights usually run 160 pounds and up, females 120 pounds
and up.
- [Table Of
Contents]
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