The Mastiff

The Mastiff is a wonderful breed of dog, huge in body, personality, and love. They make very nice family companions and are good with well behaved children. Be aware though, some of the same things that make a Mastiff such an appealing family member can also make him difficult to live with.

The sheer size of a Mastiff takes some getting used to. A lot of people think they want one from seeing pictures in a book or on the TV. There is no way to experience what living with a Mastiff is like unless you meet them up close and in person. They can be overwhelming, especially to young children. They can knock down a child without really even meaning to, plus their tails are lethal weapons! They snore, drool, pass gas, and can be very stubborn. They need a good healthy foundation of training and socialization from a very young age. A Mastiff owner must be committed to teaching this sensitive, giant dog to be a good canine citizen.

Everything about a Mastiff is expensive. The cost of a puppy is enough to send some folks running. They are probably one of the more expensive breeds to buy. The initial amount spent for your puppy is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of cost. A good quality food, vet care, toys, beds, a vehicle to carry a full grown Mastiff in, these all add up very quickly. Most of your vet care is going to be priced by weight, so since the Mastiff is the heaviest breed there is, plan on spending lots for medications like heartworm pills, antibiotics, and general health maintenance items. A growing Mastiff will eat between 7-10 cups of food a day. It all adds up! I always suggest to new owners to set aside a special doggie credit card just for health emergencies.

Their size can also have an effect on their general health. Mastiffs as a breed have an approx. 20% hip dysplasia rate. They are a giant breed and as such have some orthopedic concerns that new owners need to be aware of. Diet plays a huge role in growing a healthy Mastiff. There is nothing worse than feeding a too "hot" food and letting your puppy get too big to fast. You can ruin their joints and cause a host of other orthopedic problems. I personally never feed puppy food, even the newer large breed foods. Grow them slow and steady and hope Mother Nature blessed them and they grow into sound healthy dogs.

There are other health concerns in this breed, PRA which can cause blindness, Cancers, and Bloat are a few you should discuss with your breeder when getting a puppy. By no means are all Mastiffs going to come down with one of the problems I mentioned. It is good to know that these problems are out there though, and can occur in even the most carefully bred litter.

I love this breed with all my heart and will never not have at least one in my life. I accept the good and bad that comes with loving this grand creature, as should anyone who is planning to add one to their family.

Extended Family

Finding homes for your puppies is always so nerve wracking. You worry, stress, and lose sleep that no one could love your babies the way you do. Then you find super homes and new friends! I try not to be the meddling grandma but I do like to stay a part of all my puppies lives. I have been so lucky to find such wonderful homes and to have added such wonderful people to my life!

View Pictures of Extended Family