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.