French Mastiff or Boxer?

Question

My partner and I would love to get a dog. He was talking about buying a French Mastiff, but I prefer Boxers.

Does anyone know of any health issues these breeds may have? I know that labs have hips problems, shar peis have skin problems... things like that. If you're not sure about the breeds:

Mastiff: http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.dkimages.com/discover/previews/738/45223.JPG&imgrefurl=http://www.dkimages.com/discover/Home/Animals/Mammals/Carnivores/Families/Dogs-and-Relatives/Domestic-Dog/Livestock-and-Guard-Dogs/Dogue-De-Bordeaux/Dogue-De-Bordeaux-4.html&h=319&w=426&sz=11&hl=en&start=3&um=1&tbnid=v-hncMhdxcbUEM:&tbnh=94&tbnw=126&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dfrench%2Bmastiff%26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1T4ADBF_en-GBGB251GB251

Boxer: http://www.pet-dog-magazine.com/boxer-dog-picture.html

Answer 1

Potential health problems of the Dogue de Bordeaux
( French Mastiff ) can include:

Hip Dysplasia (abnormal development of hip joints referred to as CHD - Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia)

Entropion (the inversion, or turning inward, of the border of the eyelid against the eyeball)

Gastric Torsion

As for Boxers:

Hip Dysplasia (abnormal development of hip joints referred to as CHD - Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia)

Bloat

Aortic stenosis (a heart ailment)

Digestive problems

Hypothyroidism

And cancerous and benign tumors.

Answer 2

French Boxer Dog

Answer 3

Whoooaaa...! Mastiffs are not friendly, nice? Where are some of you getting your info??
I own, show and breed Bordeaux's. My first dog was an adorable boxer then I got into mastiff rescue 10 years ago and had my first french mastiff. I will never have another breed. You should talk to some people that own them; you will most likely hear what I tell people; and that is that I have been around many dogs of all different breeds and I have never met another breed like a bordeaux. They are sensitive,calm, quiet, loving, beautiful giants! I have four and they are so amazing with my 15 month old, and I do mean amazing!
they are easy keepers actually, they like a good walk twice a day and then they would like to lay on the couch!

the only issue I have with them is that we do not get to enjoy them long enough because they only live for about 8-10 years normally.

Answer 4

Oh man, my friend had 5 boxers, and they ALL had way too many health problems. 90% of PUREBRED boxers have to get their jaw done. If i were you I wouldn't get a purebred, they have way too many problems. If you got a Boxer mix, you'd be ok.

BOXERS: Some major concerns are cardiomyopathy, sub-aortic stenosis, and hip dysplasia. Sometimes prone to epilepsy. From age eight on they are more likely to get tumors than other breeds. Tendency for allergies. Also heart problems. These dogs may drool and snore. May have excessive flatulence. Some white Boxers are prone to deafness.
FRENCH MASTIFF: The Dogue de Bordeaux is not an easy dog to breed. Litters are generally small. Cesarean sections are often needed at birth because of the puppies extremely large heads. The dams are so broad chested that they often lie on their stomachs to nurse their pups, sometimes squashing them. Breeders must watch out vigilantly for the pups or some will probably be lost. Females can be very protective of their puppies.

Maybe, you can get a french mastiff/boxer.......Mastiffs grow real huge and boxers are more clean, they're like cats they clean themselves!

Answer 5

the french mastiff will be a calmer dog and if purchased from a good breeder it will be a healthy animal, mastiff are more prone to cherry eye even when well breed, otherwise both can have similar problems as a lab as far as hips and elbows. a boxer will be a cheaper dog overall because of size, but boxer are one of the most active dogs out there and require alot of work the mastiff is more laid back and won't care if he misses a long walk once in a while.
I think you sould go for the mastiff as the boxer is so active and I work at a shelter where people give up boxers because the family wasn't ready for a dog that never slows down, if your BF isn't for high energy dogs then stir clear of the boxer.
I don't know where people are getting that boxers are friendlier than a mastiff, that isn't true at all french mastiffs are gentle giants like most mastiffs not attack dogs or loud there guarding ablity is to hold there ground and look mean, boxers can be biters and may stop an intruder with more than just an imposing look. A well breed well trained dog will be good with kids anyhow. and as long as I have worked at the shelter no one has ever turned in a French Mastiff.

Answer 6

It really depends on the taste, as well. A Mastive is considerably larger than a Boxer. Do you have enough space? Temperaments are also different. Research both of the breeds very well.

There are too many issues for me to type up, so here's a link on the Boxer health problems: http://www.gopetsamerica.com/boxer/boxer-health-problems.aspx

For Mastiffs, their problems mostly include: Elbow dysplasia,
Hip dysplasia, Eye problems which can lead to blindness, among them, PRA (progressive retinal atrophy), Hypothyroidism, Epilepsy, Wobblers, Dilated Cardiomyopathy(DCM),Cystinuria, and Cancer.

Purebreds are more likely to get these genetic defects. If you didn't already know, mix breeds are a great alternative. They are less likely (by a lot) to get genetic defects such as all of those. Consider adoption as well, or make sure you get a great reputable breeder. Stay clear of Pet Stores, they are associated with Puppy Mills.

Hope this helped.

Answer 7

I just lost my 4 year old English Mastiff to an Accident as he was hit by a car.

We have lost a part of our family. Mastiff owners experience unique relationships with their mastiffs. It is hard to explain until you have had one...I have had several dogs in my life time and it was like the closest thing to a humanized pet, it is hard to describe... they are always there for you... they dont have to be aggressive..just look at their size... thats what they bank on...they ususally are very tolerant of kids and protective and watch over from a distance as a natural instinct whether children are part of their family or not....

Good luck with your partner....I felt like I lost mine...even though I have a happy husband, I lost my best friend...

Answer 8

both breeds have their health problems, but most pedigree breeds do!!! look on the Internet for these problems.
i love french mastiffs, that would be my choice, but the boxer is a lot smaller and they live longer, most larger breeds have a shorter life span, and are prone to health problems, also more expensive to keep,
go and have a look at both breeds, if your getting a puppy, talk to breeders before you decide.
boxers are great when kept in pairs!!!

Answer 9

I don't know about health issues but I've found boxers to be have better temperaments and are good around kids. Their fierce loyalty is a quality I personally prefer in a breed as well.

Make sure you and your partner are secure enough as a couple if you're going to share a puppy. Splitting up is hard on pets too!

best of luck (in all things)

Answer 10

Mastiffs- being bigger- have more joint problems. They also do not ( as a whole) live as long as Boxers.

Boxers are plenty of dog to have around with the energy they have-plus they have good temperaments as a whole and are known for being good with kids.

I'd stick to Boxers- but I am partial.