What are the drawbacks to owning a dog as large as the Mastif?

Question

I am interested in buying a certified Mastif puppy and raising him as a guard dog and family member (I'm single). I just want to know some things that I might need to consider. This breed of dogs can grow very large but they are real sweethearts of a dog. Am I missing something?

Answer 1

Short life span - average is 6-8 years
ENORMOUS amounts of food (which means enormous amounts of poop)
Hip problems
Medical Problems
Sensitive dogs
Can be stubborn
Needs to be a family member - can't leave for work all day and ignore him.

Do you intend to have any kids in the lifespan of the dog? Small children can be knocked down and accidentally injured by such a large dog.

Do you have a house with a large yard? They need lots of space!

Do you mean formal guard dog training? Mastiffs are not the best dog for that. They typically don't have an agressive personality. They will naturally protect you and your home, but they aren't German Shepherd type guard dogs.

Mastiffs shed and slobber. Is that a problem?

Do you know what kind of Mastiff? There are many different kinds of them. I've linked to the standard Mastiff website.

"Certification", assuming that you mean papered, means nothing other than the parents were registered. I'll give you a few links on what to look for in a breeder.

If you are seriously interested in this breed of dog, your best bet is to read all that you can about them on neutral websites. Neutral meaning not websites that just want to sell you a puppy. Reputable breeder websites *can* be great to help gather information because a reputable breeder wants to make sure that a potential owner understands what they are getting into.

Remember, NEVER buy from a backyard breeder, a newspaper ad, a pet store, an internet site, or someone who accidentally has dogs they need to get rid of. This is asking for issues.

Good luck in your search! : )

Answer 2

As the past owner of a mastiff I can tell you the biggest drawback is vet bills, since they are so large they take mega doses of everything, flea meds, heartworm, and if they need surgery - wow. Be prepared. Also, they drool and sling it everywhere so if you don't like drool - don't get a mastiff. They can't take the heat, and in my opinion if you really want a protection type dog, the mastiff's just are too laid back. Yes, their size is intimidating but if I were going to get a guard dog it would be something a little lighter, less drool, a doberman or a dalmation (yes, they make good protectors).

Answer 3

first thing you should consider is that the reasons you are looking for a dog. the mastiff originally was used as a guard dog/war dog. They were big, natural fear inducing dogs. they were tied up and not socialized to anyone, but the handler. They are not the best guard dogs known today. they may bark at strangers, to alert you to their presence but they may be just as likely to lick a robber as they are to lick you. many large breeds have medical problems. Discuss these with the breeder.

My suggestion to your question is to research the breed more, and research the breeder before making the purchase.

Answer 4

Besides a huge feed bill, large dogs are more prone to hip dysplasia. This means the hip joint isn't as tight as it should be and the dog could end up with hip problems. Find out if the parent dogs have been x-rayed and if their hips are ok. This is often genetic. Also, larger dogs don't live as long as smaller dogs. It doesn't make them less of a great pet, it's just something to know.

Answer 5

Bloat. Hip dysplasia, entropian (eyes) skin problems, elbow problems, short life span. No dog needs to be trained to guard you or your home or family. They do it naturally. If you so called train a dog to be mean then you have a mean dog and not a pet. Get a German shepherd that has hips certified by the University of Michigan going back at least 5 generations. It will guard you and yours with it's life. See the white one in my picture? He's a therapy dog. We visit hospitals, schools, nursing homes, etc.. if you attempt to come in my yard, or if you make me nervous while in public he will eat your face off. Truth!

Answer 6

We currently own two English Mastiffs and although they do of course eat more than a small dog, they do not eat us out of house and home so to speak. Both of them seem to have very good temperments with our 3 small children (we have a male that is about 51/2 mos. and a female who is about 11/2 years), What is nice about them is even though they are large, they are very calm dogs and so do very nicely in the house, ours seem to not realize their size and want to be lap dogs. They do drool some and I wouldn't say they are the brightest dog in the world LOL. From my experience though, they do live up to their name of "gentle giants", real affectionate and are real nice pets. Best of luck to you in whatever you should decide, but I would go for it if you are looking for a good companion and friend, and definately a deterrent to strangers just from sheer size.

Answer 7

They get in the way a lot more, and they get on the table easier. But i'm a large dog person. so. If you have a large dog, you can see them at least. They also are a little harder to handle. But i love large dogs.

Answer 8

Large dogs eat alot.It is hard to rent if you own one. They need more room to get arounnd without knocking things over.Other than that I couldnt tell you.I have a shepard,a beagle,a rottie,and a pit-boxer mix.Lets not forget the chiwhawa.(I cant spell it)WE LOVE THEM ALL.

Answer 9

You'd better trade in your 2 door sports car for a truck to haul it to the vet and on trips.And plan on super-glueing everything to the ceiling to keep things from being knocked around and broken.

Answer 10

Have a friend who owns a Mastif... slobbers and drools - a lot!

Be Blessed!