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"Are they expensive"? |
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Frequently Asked Mastiff Questions |
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Generations of champion
Mastiffs in a pedigree do not happen by chance.
Mastiffs are
expensive to buy, feed, rear, show, and to breed responsibly. When a Mastiff is
ailing the vet bills can be extremely high as medications and surgeries are
priced per body weight. If you are living on a tight budget money will have to
be a consideration in your decision.
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With a Mastiff, you do
'get what you pay for.' A 'bargain' Mastiff from a backyard
breeder who does not test their dogs, and who breeds without
regard for the breed standard, often results in unsound puppies
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Before considering any
of our Mastiffs to be used for breeding, they are first tested for
hip and elbow displaysia, heart, thyroid and eye problems in order
to rule out passing on any genetic problems that we can. |
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9 week old Sabra 'helping' to fold clothes.
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Even with these
conscientious efforts and expense we still cannot prevent all
disease or illnesses obviously. A certain percentage of all
Mastiff litters will produce a puppy with joint or other health
problems now and then in spite of only breeding normal tested
sires to normal tested dams. |
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Because of this, some breeders do not feel that
health testing is worth the expense. However we feel such an approach merely
justifies breeding any dog, thus increasing the odds of producing unsound
puppies. |
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At this point I believe that only by
breeding dogs that pass all health testing can we ever hope to improve the overall health of the breed- and
some progress has already been made. (One good example of this
progress is the DNA test for PRA. It feels good to know that no puppies we
produce could ever be blinded by PRA since they are proven genetically clear of
it . That is as close to a guarantee as you can get.) |
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Do Mastiffs require much training?
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Do children? In a word, YES!
A Mastiff will truly be whatever he or
she is taught to be.
Some Mastiffs are naturally more laid-
back and less demanding, and seem to require very little training. (Maddie)
However, many others are highly
energetic, active and inquisitive dogs who are very challenging to raise.
They must be trained consistently and with love. (Sabra)
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very sensitive
dogs who never need a heavy hand. Most Mastiffs wish to please you in all things.
Mastiffs have a tendency towards shyness as a breed, and will
go through stages as puppies where it is critical that they are properly
socialized or they can and will develop into fearful, timid dogs.
I can not stress this enough. Do not be surprised
or disappointed in your Mastiff puppy if he or shy goes through a fear
period after previously having been self confident and happy. Patience, consistency and intelligent socialization are needed for
most Mastiffs to develop their full potential mentally.
Consistency is the key to training any puppy or dog.
Several times a week it can be
helpful to take your Mastiff with you to places where they
will experience loud noises, strange people and dogs- but never all at
once. With all things, be patient and don't overwhelm the puppy
at first. You must not over-stimulate a puppy in crowds or noisy
places- that can work against what you are trying to accomplish.
Most Mastiffs enjoy going out and about with their owners to
obedience classes and puppy training classes. This can be a
great place to socialize a puppy or new dog.
Taking your Mastiff to Petsmart or Petco
often can also a good idea but do not let children or strangers rush up on your
puppy and scare them if they are not used to small children. When you go on an outing, take along some
treats that you can give to strangers to offer your Mastiff, as well as a drool
towel!
And always praise your Mastiff for
positive responses to these new situations.Enrolling your new Mastiff baby in a puppy kindergarten
as well as Basic Obedience after that, is essential and we expect all Mastiff owners to do so with their puppies.
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Raising a Mastiff puppy to be a happy and well adjusted dog
can be a large commitment of time and energy but the lifelong devotion that your
dog will give to you in return is well worth the effort put forth in the first
years of his or her life.
(Auntie Kim- what are you wiping off
of your face?)
 Do
They Really DROOL?
YES
Mastiffs drool -some more than
others.
After a Mastiff
eats or drinks they shake their heads, slinging the drool. Watering
your Mastiff outside where you can conveniently replace it several times a day
is a good way to decrease your contact with drool and that of the walls of your
home.
If you can't see yourself carrying around a slobber
towel ,or washing the walls in your home more frequently than most, maybe a Mastiff isn't your ideal
breed of dog. Unless you can discover a commercial use for it, that is.
'Nuf said about that!
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A Mastiff Needs YOU
Mastiffs actually REQUIRE human
contact and will exhibit numerous behavioral disorders if they are denied
this companionship on a regular basis. Mastiffs need to be with you, in fact
actually touching you as much as possible. They follow you from room to room in
the house and lie on your feet when you are seated. This undying devotion is
one of their most endearing traits- but can be annoying to people who prefer a dog who is less
'needy'.
A person who travels often and
cannot take their Mastiff with them should determine whether family or
friends are available to care for your dog during your absences.
A mastiff puppy must have appropriate
socialization, and consistent training in order to become a well adjusted dog. A
Mastiff needs to be part of your family. They love to go for car rides with you
and adore going to soccer games, baseball games, and anyplace you go. Consistent social experiences are necessary for the development of
a well adjusted Mastiff.
We advise every owner to
take their puppies through a puppy training class at your local dog training
club, and at minimum to attend 'basic obedience' classes with your dog.
Regular trips to 'Petsmart' are a favorite outing for our dogs.
If you cannot imagine taking your dog to 'school' weekly for the first year
or so, and consistently working with him in frequent short sessions every day,
this is the wrong breed for you.
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The bond that develops
between a Mastiff and his owner during these early training experiences is rare
and to be treasured. A well adjusted, well socialized Mastiff as a puppy will be
an incomparable companion to you for the rest of his life.
If, you have read and
considered these facts of life with a Mastiff, and I haven't succeeded in
scaring you away, you might be a true Mastiff fancier. To learn more about this breed
please visit the Mastiff Club of America's website at
http://mastiff.org/faq/
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How Big Do they Get?
In general English Mastiffs are the heaviest breed of all
dogs. However there is a wide range of sizes in what is considered normal for
Mastiffs.
Sabra weighs 190 pounds and
stands 32 inches in height, however there is a wide range that is considered
normal and most females average 140 -170 pounds. Males can weigh 180-240 pounds-
or even more.
A Mastiff is truly a gentle giant in spite of their size are big babies who only want to be
loved in return.
Mastiff puppies grow very
quickly. While the grandeur of a mature Mastiff surveying his turf is a
sight to behold, these dogs are HOUSE DOGS-and we only place our puppies in
homes where they will BE house dogs.
They do tend to occupy a
lot of space in a house. A Mastiff can be a huge speed bump in high traffic
areas of your home and his tail can clear a coffee table of bric-a-brac in a
heartbeat. Their heads can reach the counters and trashcans in your
kitchen. Some training is obviously in order so that these large dogs can
co-exist in a clean and comfortable home. However, they are very intelligent and
quickly learn what is expected of them when treated gently and with firm
kindness.
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