~What is a Mastiff? A Mastiff is a giant breed dog. There are many different Mastiff breeds, but the proper noun "Mastiff" generally refers to the English Mastiff. English Mastiffs come in three colors-fawn, brindle and apricot, all with a black mask and ears. Their coat is short to medium in length with very little white. Average height is 28" to 33" tall at the withers, with huge heads, large bone, and wide chests. Weight is normally 150-170 for females, 180 and up for males. A Mastiff should posess a calm, self assured temperament and be devoted to its family and friends. They should not be aggressive towards humans and other animals, including other dogs. Mastiffs should be steady, gentle, calm, eager for affection, good with children, self assured and used primarily as a family companion.
~Are all Mastiffs the same? No. Like humans, Mastiffs are individuals. Each has its own genetic and environmental history that affect its attitude, health, temperament and responses to stimuli.
There are many different Mastiff breed types. The English Mastiff is known as a gentle giant, and is commonly considered by far the gentlest, most even tempered of all Mastiff breeds. They are wonderful family companions, without the dominance or aggression problems seen in several other Mastiff breeds. It is always important to get a Mastiff puppy from gentle, friendly parents. Aggressive dogs often pass this trait on to their offspring.
Are Mastiffs:
~Agressive? The typical Mastiff's temperament, by nature, is one of gentle demeanor. However, as with any breed, there are exceptions to the rule. It is always important to socialize your puppy and make sure you buy a pup out of friendly, gentle parents. If you should happen to notice aggressive tendancies in your Mastiff, contact your breeder or a trainer immediately.
~Easy to train? Yes and no. Mastiffs are smart, and live to please. However, they can be stubborn.
Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes) and frequent (a couple times per 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 a game. Use a happy, excited voice. You have to be consistent and firm to be effective, but be kind.
~Good guard dogs? Mastiffs are excellent watch dogs. They go to the door and bark with their hackles raised and look formidable, but they are not a hair-trigger breed and should not be aggressive. Protective, yes. Aggressive, no. They should protect their family if the need arises, showing their protective nature only if their loved ones are in danger. Mastiffs need to be inside, as an active part of the family, more than many other breeds. They are NOT a breed that can be kept in a pen or chained to a doghouse in the backyard. Doing so will damage a Mastiff psychologically.
~What are Mastiffs like in the house? Heaven to a Mastiff is a rug beside his owner's chair. Mastiffs are naturally clean (except for slobber), and usually quick to housebreak.
~Do Mastiffs...
~Bark much? Puppies are puppies, in any breed. Adults aren't normally barkers, except when you first arrive home, or they hear a sound they want you to investigate, like the doorbell.
~ Bite? Any dog that is frightened, threatened or injured may bite. Mastiffs shouldn't be aggressive, but it is always necessary to socialize young Mastiffs, and remember to NEVER let a puppy bite, even while playing.
~Dig? A bored Mastiff will dig. If you're wanting a hole dug for a new pool, grab a bunch of Mastiffs and leave them with no entertainment in your backyard. They'll get the job done.
~Need a lot of excercise? About as much as you do. It's important not to over exercise a young Mastiff puppy and to always build up an exercise routine slowly.
~Pass gas? HAHA Yes. If they are on a good quality food, they shouldn't have gas. However, every Mastiff I've ever known has had gas. 2 of mine will clear a room in a matter of seconds. Whew!
~Roam? Not normally, though no dog should be left outside alone without being properly confined.
~Shed? Yes. Like other dogs, Mastiffs tend to shed out twice a year, but they will shed some pretty much year-round. Regular brushing is recommended. We use (and LOVE) the Furminator brush. Well worth the money!
When should I have my Mastiff spayed/neutered? Many veterinarians recommend spaying or neutering a puppy while it is very young, usually before six months of age. Mastiffs and other giant breed dogs should NEVER be spayed or neutered so young. Their bodies require the hormones that spaying and neutering removes to grow properly. Early spaying and neutering of a Mastiff often causes the dog to stay narrow and small with a small head, and may lead to health problems such as ACL tears, incontinence and certain cancers. It is best to wait until at least 18 months for males and after the second heat for females. When you do have your dog spayed or neutered, or when he is sedated for any reason, be sure to tell your vet "No Ace". Ace Promazine is a sedative that has been known to kill Mastiffs.
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