21. What kind of living quarters does a Mastiff require? How about crating? Where do they sleep?
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This article is from the Mastiffs Breed FAQ, by mmcbee@access.mountain.net (Mike McBee) with numerous contributions by others.
21. 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.
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