how active are you?

Are you the kind of person who like to run 5 miles in the morning? Or go for long bike rides and you're looking for a canine companion to come along? Are incredibly busy all week and only have a few minutes of downtime before going to bed but your weekends are fairly free? If so then this is NOT the breed for you. Mastiffs are not the most active breed. They will not go running for miles. They say you should never walk a mastiff further than you are willing to carry them back! Once a mastiff gets tired they lay down and don't get up until they are rested and now amount of cajoling is going to get them to change their mind--did I mention they can be a bit stubborn? They do not know what day of the week it is so they are just as happy to see you when you get home from work on Wednesday as they are on Saturday morning. If you don't have the time to spend with them they are not the breed for you. Mastiffs live to be with their owners. They are happy to take a leisurely walk or hang out on the couch, they'll play in the yard with you for short spurts.

When properly socialized they are a very social breed. Wanting to meet people and get their bellies rubbed. They don't want to be out in the yard while you are puttering around the house. They want to be with you. Fair warning if you stand at the sink too long dog dishes don't take a step back without looking around. Chances are your mastiff has chosen to lay down right behind you dutifully waiting for you to finish up. As breeds go I think they are kind of needy. Personally I don't mind it but it isn't for everyone. Remember when a mastiff sits up next to you on the couch they are taller than you--not everyone likes getting booped on the head as a way of getting attention! But I can't think of anything better than snuggling on the couch, watching a movie with one of huge guys keeping me warm.

A Mastiff in the House

Having a mastiff around the house will cause you to have to make certain modifications. There can be no flat paint on the wall. When mastiffs shake their big jowly heads spit does fly. You will find it on the wall, the floor, the ceiling, the tv--every conceivable surface. Everything must be wipeable! Magic Erasers, baby wipes, the FloorMate and a heavy duty vacuum cleaner will be your friend. We've given up on having a coffee table--with multiple mastiffs, kids and now the wii who needs a coffee table in the way anyway? You will rethink all renovations and the first question you will ask about all products will be-"Will it hold up to the dog(s)?" Usually the answer is no. So you have to be resolved that everything will just have a shorter lifespan in your house. Our latest sofa is leather sectional. Not the buttersoft leather that could never handle 200lbers daily lounging, but the hard as nails kind. Purchased with the knowledge that it will be come distressed looking and we are going to be fine with that! Forget dryclean only covers or drapes--remember there is no surface safe from the flying goobers. Mastiffs are a wash and wear dog and for your own sanity your home will become a wash and wear home. If you have to live with silk slipcovers and high polished marble floors--this is probably not the breed for you.

getting started

I've had mastiffs for over 10 years. I love the breed and love talking about them to anyone who is interested. But I do caution you if you are just at the stage of considering getting a dog that it is a big commitment. Getting any dog is a commitment but adding a giant breed to your home is a huge one!

I don't want to talk anyone into getting a mastiff by telling you they are the perfect breed ~ that goes without saying! I would rather give you an honest portrayal of them so that you are sure they are the right breed for you.