General Information About Mastiffs
The AKC referes the Old English Mastiff as the Mastiff. The Mastiff has origins in some of the oldest breeds of dog. The breed that we curently know today as the Mastiff comes from Great Britain. During WW I and II the Mastiff breed was almost extinct! Fortunatly the breed survived and is now a common family pet.
Mastiffs or gentle giants are the most loving of the dog breed that I know. They are the heaviest of the dog breeds ranging from 140 to 220+ pounds at maturity. The largest couch potato and lap dog around! Mastiffs are house dogs by far and do poorly outside. They strive for human contact and for the love and loyal companionship they love to give us. Couch potatos are what some call this large family member because they are pretty well behaved and act like they aren't paying much attention to what is going on yet they see it all! Mastiffs are protective of their family. Mine have been known to fend off a grandparnet giving a swat to a bottom of my children by standing between them. Mastiffs ar not guard dogs but they do look out for their home and family. Most don't bark much but will alert you to a strange noise or someone at the door. As soon as you let whom ever in they want to be petted by their new best friend!! Mastiffs love children and tend to ignore their ruff play but I do reccomend you disapprove of your children doing this. Pulling ears and tails does hurt even if he or she does not show any regards to it. Do also watch out for the wagging tail or a Mastiff walking by a small child and knocking them down. It is by accident. Small children are face to face with these gentle giants, there for make sure your small child does not have left overs on their face! HA! They may just get a lick!!
Slobber, slobber, and more slobber. Mastiffs slobber. Some more than others and normally after eating, drinking or getting treats! We, at first kept slobber rags everywhere to wipe a drooling mouth but after a while you get used to it and use your hand,shirt or whatever to wipe their sweet little faces. And we learned to feed outside. We have water in the house and outside because fresh water should always be accessable to any animal.
Mastiffs also shed pretty bad. Some, of course shed more than others. They are also horrible snorers. Again some more than others. Some snore some of the time, some snore all the time! When you are awakened at 2 am it may not be your spouse!! They can also pass gas something horrible!! Man they can really clear a house! Oh I mean a room!! I have found that the less human food and wet food they have the less this happens.
Mastiffs are expensive. They are expensive to buy, take care of, feed, medicate and in all other areas. From their toys to bedding to crates to new fencing in your yard. Because of their size and strength, everything you buy for your mastiff will cost you more. They need certain food requirements that may cost you more than the average food as well and they dont eat like a chauhua!! The average adult mastiff goes thru about 60 pounds of food per month. And everyone knows that you can't just have one mastiff!! The saying is they are like potato chips,,,!!
Mastiffs are not for everyone and I greatly recommend you do your homework before getting a mastiff. Contact your local Mastiff rescue and have a play day with a few Mastiffs or contact your local breeder. If you are just looking for a pet maybe check to see what your rescue person has to offer you??!!