The Weimaraner or the Mastiff? (Any owners of either 2? Seeking advise)?

Question

My beagle just passed away and my lab is lonely, and I think it's time to get another dog. I've been searching online and I really like the weimaraner and the mastiffs. Any advise which dog is likely to get along with my lab? I'm looking for a dog that will protect my house and yet be friendly as well. Not too agressive. Thanks

Answer 1

Research both breeds and decide which will fit in with your lifestyle. It is better to be informed and make a knowledgeable decision then to get the dog and regret it later.

Answer 2

I don't have much knowledge about weimaraner's, but I've heard they can sometimes be agressive towards other dogs and are usually very active since they are bred to be hunting dogs.

I do however have an English Mastiff, so I do have a lot of knowledge about them. My mastiff has an awesome personality, is not at all agressive, and gets along with all dogs - big and small. My wife has a miniature dachshund that my mastiff is very gentle with. My brother has a couple of labs that she loves playing with as well.

A few pros about mastiffs - they are so affectionate and very loyal and dedicated to their owners. They love your attention and are always seeking your approval. They are a big dog, but they aren't as active and don't require as much excercise as you'd think they would - however they do enjoy walks and playing outside.

And some cons - they are expensive to buy and as you can imagine, expensive to feed. Since Mastiffs are prone to joint problems, I'd only recommend a high quality food that doesn't allow them to get overweight. They also shed, but if you brush regularly and have them groomed, you can keep it in control. You may also want to check with your city as well, because some have rules against owning dogs over a certain weight, and mastiffs will most likely always be over 100 pounds.

Not sure what you mean by protect your house, but if you are looking for a dog to bark at or chase off anyone that might intrude, a Mastiff is not going to do that. They will most likely intimidate anyone with their size, but a mastiff is more likely to beg for attention rather than chase anyone off with agression. It is their nature to be friendly.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

From what I know about the "Ghost Dog" is that it is a very active dog, it is also a breed that demands attention and wants to be with you always, Where as the Mastiff my not require as much activity it is still a large breed dog that needs exercise and room.As with being friendly with your lab personally I think between the two breeds it would be more on personality and socializing than anything else. For the aggression where as both are protective of family and home the the Weirmaraner would probably be the least protective, but it also is socialization and personality. Good luck looking for a new Friend for both yourself and your lab pal.

Answer 4

I've heard that Weimaraners tend to attach themselves more to people and be aggressive towards other dogs. Having recently rescued a dobie/weimaraner mix I'd have to agree. She has to be kept away from our other dogs - which ironically happen to be an old lab, a 1yr old Mastiff and 2 mutts. Kingsley's my first Mastiff - and I must say of all the breeds I've had I love them the most! She just turned a year old and I just fall in love with the breed more and more as she grows.

The breed is known to love women & kids, tolerate men, and are surprisingly protective. Ours though, loves my husband just as much as me. Very sweet, personable dogs.

They do tend to be the alpha's from what I understand and have observed, but it hasn't been an issue with ours. She gets along with all of them well and loves to play. As a matter of fact, the lab has cancer and is older so doesn't play much at all but will play with Kingsley.

On the negative sides, I'd have to say the slobbering sucks and they don't live very long.

Obviousley the rescued dog I have isn't a true representation of the Weimaraner breed. I think they are absolutely beautiful dogs and don't know much about them at all. People that I've known that had them loved the breed but did admit that they were needy, which isn't necessarily bad. The one we have is super affectionate to me and LOVES my son. She is a really sweet dog with a super funny personality.

Hope that helps! If you do want the Weimaraner I'll happily ship you my rescued one!! :)

Answer 5

Weimaraners are alot like labs and have a lot of energy too. The Weimar would probably be best for your lab and any dog can be trained to protect the household. Mastiff might be to aggressive and they can get pretty big, but so can weimars.

I would definitely say Weimar!!!!

Answer 6

I wouldn't recommend either for a companion for a lab.
Weimaraner's can have an attitude and Mastiffs are more laid back.
I would suggest another lab or a retriever they make excellent companions for a lab.

Answer 7

Weimaraners are cool. Very active but can be uneasy around other dogs (at least mine was) but very loveable. Also good watchdogs.Hope this helps.

Answer 8

The one thing I can say about Weimaraners is that they are very, very active dogs. Be prepared for that if you choose them.

Answer 9

totally different breeds,,, weim is a hunting dog,, likes lots of exercise same as lab,,,,,,, mastiff a whole different story,, more expensive to feed.. etc.. weimeraners are very nice,,, Vizsla good too..... go for the weimeraner..... remember to spay and neuter