English Mastiffs

[BobbinWeez]

Hey....My family is thinking about getting an English Mastiff and I don't know much about getting a pure bred puppy. We need to get a puppy because we have 2 cats otherwise we would just get one through a rescue league. Does anyone here know anything about breeders or have any tips on searching for a dog like this. I live in Massachusetts so any breeders in the state would be helpful. Thanks for any help.

 

[DocRafiki]

Originally posted by BobbinWeez
We need to get a puppy because we have 2 cats otherwise we would just get one through a rescue league.

Please explain the logic behind this statement.

(1) Why would having cats necessitate getting a puppy?

(2) Why would wanting a puppy stop you from going to a rescue?

 

[Serena]

My dd has an english mastiff. I suggest you really research what you want, because this is a handfull.

Please, do your research for the kind of dog or pet that would be a good addition to your family. You want something that fits in with your lifestyle and activity.

An english mastiff is a small horse. Please think about this a little more.

 

[jipsy]

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/mastiff.htm

Yes, a mastiff can end up at 200 lbs.

 

[ducklite]

My sister has two bull mastiffs. One is a purebred with papers rescue. The people turned her in because they simply didn't realize how HUGE these dogs get. And the bull mastiffs aren't even as large as the English mastiffs.

That said, they lean, drool slobber, and did I mention how big they are?

The advantage is that they are excellent with children. They aren't a fast thinking bunch, and can be difficult to train.

And did I mention the drool?

Anne

 

[Serena]

lots of drool
humongous
needs constant attention
whines and barks when you don't let it in fast enough
able to steal food without effort, his head is over the table
drools
clumsy, it's a puppy, but an 85 pound puppy
he's stronger than I am
he's stubborn
eats tons of food and drinks gallons of water
and then the mountains that comes out the other end.
scares kids and adults
chews on everything
steals everything
hard to train
they constantly grow, needing constantly bigger everything $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
they love kids, but they are big and don't know their own strength or size
strings and splatters of drool everywhere
they will use their strength to get to you or get what they want
hard to housetrain
he thinks he's a lap dog
they do lean on you or anything else
has to chew on things, so be prepared to give lots of dog bones, etc.
they absolutely need training and training collars


he's very lovable
he's gentle, or as gentle as he can be
he doesn't shed much
he scares people, he doesn't need to bark or do anything else
lots of good fertilizer
you pet them and they love you forever
wonderful companions, you will never, ever be alone
don't need much exercise
excellent watch dogs.

Ok, if this isn't enough to make you think twice, you can talk with my dd.
She loves this dog more than anything and she helped me make out this list.

 

[Bildmouse]

Serena has said it all. My DS#1 has one. He is the sweetest thing but the drool is awful. They got him when DGD #1 was a baby and he has been great with both of the girls, now 5 & 6. Great watch dog - he goes crazy when someone he doesn't know comes around but is as friendly as can be when he knows you.

 

[airhead]

Don't base your choice of breed on appearance. This breed is beautiful,but needs a handler that understands what it means to own a Mastiff! Are you prepared to take this dog to obedience
training? Not just for a 6 week session,but until the animal is thoroughly trained. Do you have experience with large breeds?
Please think this through.

 

[stamper]

Well - looks like you are getting great advice! I would also suggest that you research the Mastiff national club as they should have advice, and breeder referrals.

I see you are in MA.....there is a show in W. Springfield this coming weekend at the Eastern States Expo....April 16-18 You would be able to chat with breeders and see the dogs "up close" and get a feel for what care they require etc.

We see the Eng. Mastiffs at shows and they seem like "gentle giants", but I imagine they have breed specific needs (as all breeds do).

Good luck to you,

 

[BobbinWeez]

I have done research about the breed (books and websites). I'm a certified nerd so I research everything. The reason we want a puppy is to start acclimating the cats to a new dog while it is still smaller than a horse. Also I think it is easier to train a puppy that try to train a half grown dog. As for rescue leagues my impression was that most dogs that you would get from a rescue league would be older than puppies. If there are puppies available through rescue leagues than I will certainly look at those since those dogs are in the most need of a home. I know they are large dogs and they drool and they need lots of work. Trust me the whole family has discussed this...my opinion was asked and I don't even live in the house where the dog will. I just didn't know where to start looking for a dog like this. Thanks for the advice.

 

[stamper]

Here's a link to the Mastiff Club of America's(MCOA)membership list - there are several in MA.

I'm glad you have done a lot of research....so many don't and that is why "dog people" advise research first and then give advice on breeders. Hope you weren't offended by the responces.

I'm curious about who the puppy is for. You said it's for your family, but it won't live in the same house as you. At any rate, good luck on your search. If you make it to the shows in W. Springfield this weekend, look me up...I'll be showing my Sammies I'll be the one with the puppy(although he doesn't look like a puppy any more) who is not really sure he wants to be there

 

[MinnieMe2]

Hi, Stamper! I wondered if you'd be at the Big E this weekend. I have no one entered, but I may ride out one day. And maybe THIS time I can look you up. If I don't get there, GOOD LUCK!!!!

Minnie

 

[Dax]

If you like the look of the mastiff, but dont want the size...or drool....consider a pug. They are just like mastiff's, sometimes called mini-mastiff's