23. Are you trying to talk me out of getting a Mastiff?
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This article is from the Mastiffs Breed FAQ, by mmcbee@access.mountain.net (Mike McBee) with numerous contributions by others.
23. Are you trying to talk me out of getting a Mastiff?
No and yes. No, because it would be wonderful if everyone could
experience the joy and satisfaction of being owned by one of these
gentle giants. Yes, because, as great and wonderful as they are,
they have idiosyncrasies and problems particular to the breed. It
would be much, much, much better if you found out that a Mastiff
wasn't the breed for you NOW instead of after you've already
gotten one.
Mastiffs are not the right breed for everyone. Mastiffs are giants
and take up a lot of space on the couch and in the house and car.
They have powerful tails that can clean off a coffee table in one
fell swoop or knock a small child down with one wag. And the smack
of a tail is like being tortured with a rubber hose! Most
Mastiff's drool and slobber, especially after eating and drinking.
Many leave water trails all over the house after a drink and
prefer to wipe their faces on their owners. Mastiffs like to be
close to their family and will sit on your feet, lean against you,
often put their paw on you and lay their heavy head in your lap.
Occasionally people can be unintentionally injured by an exuberant
Mastiff. Mastiffs like to follow you where ever you go and be part
of whatever you do. They can block doorways with their huge
bodies, stand in front of the TV and block your view, and take up
large amounts of space with their crates and toys. If you can't
handle any of the above, then a Mastiff is not the dog for you!
Not recommended for:
+ Old, elderly, infirm - Mastiffs can accidentally knock down
someone who is not steady on their feet; can aggravate back
and other injuries; and, since they have the strength of a
Rhino, can do unintended harm unless properly trained. If you
just have to have one, an older, already trained Mastiff is
recommended. See Appendix D for information about Mastiff
Rescue, the best place to start looking for an older, trained
Mastiff.
+ Small children - Children under about 6 can be knocked down
by an exuberant puppy or adult. Mastiffs are, however,
generally gentle with children of any age, but, you MUST
supervise them when they are together so that neither the
child nor the dog is injured.
+ Small habitats - Mastiffs are not recommended for small
apartments or tiny houses since they tend to grow so large.
Too many Mastiffs end up in shelters or with Rescue because
their owners didn't take their eventual size into
consideration. The ideal environment is one with a
comfortable house, access to a fenced yard for potty breaks,
where the owner knows exactly what they are getting in
advance.
+ Guard dog - Mastiffs possess the natural ability to defend
their family should the need arise. They should know the
difference between friend and foe and pick up on the emotions
of their owners. Mastiffs are not recommended as a guard dog
for businesses or junkyards because of their instinctual need
to bond with people and because they are so strong that they
may overdo the guarding and hurt the wrong person. The
Mastiff temperament is not suited for formal "guard dog"
training due to their sensitive nature and because to do so
may permanently ruin their temperament.
+ Neat Freaks - Do not get a Mastiff if you are a person who
must have a clean house at all times, can't stand dog hair on
everything, or does not like the furniture being rearranged
when a Mastiff decides that he wants to sleep behind the
couch or under the table. Try to match your decor to the
color of the dog hair and slobber.
+ Workaholics - If you work long hours and someone isn't home
often, you may want to rethink getting a Mastiff. Mastiffs
like people and do not like being left alone all day in a
crate or back yard. They bore easily and will find ways to
entertain themselves while you are away. A bored, lonesome
Mastiff may destroy things or turn their boredom on
themselves causing such things as having to replace furniture
(or walls), or requiring treatment for lick granulomas. If
your home is frequently empty except for your dog, please
reconsider getting a Mastiff and may we suggest a toy breed
where you could have two to keep each other company or
perhaps a cat, bird or reptile.
+ Those on a tight budget - Mastiffs are giants and therefore
the cost of upkeep is high. Everything you need to maintain
one is expensive from the bedding, the collars, the food
bowls, the food, to the vet bills. If you are on a tight
budget or do not enjoy spending money on your dog, please
reconsider getting this breed. The initial purchase price of
the pup will be the least expensive part of owning a Mastiff.
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