I Need Advice With Experienced Dog Owners?

Question

I have a male black lab (1,1/2yrs.old), I am thinking of getting a male bullmastiff (puppy). Anybody have experience with having 2 male dogs, especially one being very dominant such as a bullmastiff can be! Any advice?

Answer 1

Every dog is an individual with its own traits and personality. It will depend on your own dog's attitude. I, for one, have two un-neutered adult males, one of them being 6 years old, and they have never been in a fight. However, I do understand that this is more of an exception. Both of my males are pretty laid-back, and neither dog is "top dog" in the house. In fact, one of them is rock-bottom, the poor guy. My female takes the top dog position, and she decides who's who around here. She's the one that will get grumpy around a new dog if I do not introduce them correctly. If my older dog was "top dog", he may be a little more aggressive toward the new dogs.

It is always a touch and go situation when you bring home a new puppy, no matter the breed. (You are wise to understand that bullmastiffs can be dominant, but you can find one that isn't aggressive by doing a lot of breeder research.) I find that it is much easier to introduce a small puppy to an adult dog rather than an adult to an adult. With adults, they *may* want to compete for status. I also find that it is much easier to introduce males to each other. When I look back at all of the dogs I have known and loved, it's the females who were at times ornery, snippy, argumentative, and overly protective. There are always exceptions, though.

My neighbors have two male labs (neutered) and one female (spayed), and they all get along wonderfully. In fact, they get along with all four of my dogs as well.

I know someone with a male bullmastiff, too. He is un-neutered. They keep him in the house with a *lot* of other dogs, both male and female, and most of them unfixed. Even a Neopolitan Mastiff. (They are show dog people, and very good ones... Many, many years of experience.) I'd have to say that he is one of the most laid-back of the bunch. Their French Bulldogs are grumpier than anyone else in the house. *heh*

When considering breeders, make sure the one you get your puppy from has socialized the puppy with other dogs, people, children, and even other animals if possible. The more things a puppy is *happily* exposed to, the more things he will be ready for when you take him home. This is very important. Also, see the conditions in which the parents are kept. If they are happily loping together, that is good! If they are locked up away from each other because they "might fight", then there's a chance the puppy has been exposed to other canine aggression, and may have picked up the tendency. Also, the aggression may be in his genes. Look for happy, easy-going parents.

That was a lot of chattering, but I hope I made *some* sense. Best of luck to you!

Answer 2

The black lab will have dominance, unless he doesn't want it, since he is the older dog and was there first. Two male dogs can do just wonderful together, as long as they are both neutered, to prevent testosterone-caused fights. Labs are usually submissive, so if the bullmastiff takes charge, there probably won't be much of an argument.

Answer 3

Take your lab with you when you pick out the pup.Explain to the breeder that you want a companion for your dog and since he'll have to deal with the pup more than you will you want to make sure they're compatible.
Take the pups you're interested in away from the rest to an area where your dog can be introduced to them without upsetting the mother and I suggest keeping your dog leashed but allow them to play.It'll soon become apparent which pup your dog prefers from the attention he shows it.
Did this with our german shepherds.Both male.
It took 5 minutes for them to bond and the older one has basically trained the younger one who is now 2 for us.
Remember once you get the pup home to always show the same amount of attention to each and at the same time.If you get a new toy or treat for one you have to get one for the other as well.
We have no dominance issues.The 2yr.old occasionally tries to overstep his bounds but the older one who has been neutered quickly puts him in his place.And if he does'nt I do.
Your main problem will most likely be the mastiff being too rough with your lab during play so you're going to have to watch them to make sure your lab does'nt get hurt accidentally.Mastiffs don't know their own strength.

Answer 4

Jealousy is the single most emotion the dog posses es .Here in lies the root of most dogs problem in getting along.Your breed choices seem logical.Neither is a "fighting'' dog.If you introduce them properly,that is give them a lot of time alone together in a large area like the yard,your presence should be minimal until they buddy up ,a few days.This reduces the possessive and jealousy traits.Then with a little luck and always being aware of jealousy especially with food you have a good chance to enjoy them. good luck Of course if you are getting a younger puppy than 5 or 6 months the lab should just enjoy playing with it and you should have no problem.

Answer 5

Do not do this.
Having two males dogs in the same house hold and one being a dominant breed you are just begging for trouble.
From general fighting to one dog killing the other one.
I work with Dobermans and our rescue will not place two males in the same home we will not place two females either.
Same sex aggression can be a problem with either sex.
Please get one of each sex and have one altered so they do not fight and you do not have to try and seperate two dogs all the time.
Your life will be easier and the dogs lives will be better

Answer 6

Do you have a female around? If so, lots of trouble. Are they going to be fixed? I had 2 male dogs, they were fine until the female went into heat, after that one almost killed the other and it never stopped for 7 years. One died. Be very careful. Good Luck

Answer 7

Not all bullmastiffs are dominat. So many are pushovers, they are also very low energy when in the house. As long as you get him as a puppy and get them both fixed, you'll be fine. Good Luck!

Answer 8

u should get another lab. bull mastiffs tend to be over dominant and will cause tension and stress for you and your other dog.
it is better to get like 2 dogs when they are both puppies as they will be used to each other as they drow older.
in your case as the lab is older it will get jealous of the other dog and behave like a puppy just so that it can get your attention.
i know, i've had dogs all my life.

Answer 9

My cousin has a dog, and when I brought my dog around him they didn't like each other and they were both males so what I have concluded is that 2 male dogs don't get along, no matter what breed.

Answer 10

Have both of them neutered. They kind of takes the wind out of any male dogs sails. Introduce them to each other, but be careful.