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I am a student at the University of Texas. I have wanted a dog for the longest time. I live in a house with 2 other roommates so size is not an issue. I figure that now is the time to get a dog since I can come home from class frequently. I would love to find a mastiff, but pure bred is not a priority for me. If i can find a mix with all the qualities of mastiff, I would be just as happy. If any one knows where I can find a pup with those traits, or just some basic info about mastiffs, it would really help me out. Thanks!

>>I am a student at the University of Texas. I have wanted a dog for the longest time. I live in a house with 2 other roommates so size is not an issue. I figure that now is the time to get a dog since I can come home from class frequently. I would love to find a mastiff, but pure bred is not a priority for me. If i can find a mix with all the qualities of mastiff, I would be just as happy. If any one knows where I can find a pup with those traits, or just some basic info about mastiffs, it would really help me out. Thanks!

There are several breeds of Mastiff, and they can range from a "bump on a log" temperament (my preference in a dog that size!) to downright aggressive. I'd be careful about what Mastiff is mixed with. Give a dog with a bad attitude that much size, and you've got a serious problem. Bear in mind this startling figure: a dog has about 3 times the strength of its weight when compared to a human man. A Mastiff can weigh 150 pounds or more. That's the strength of a 450 pound man, if the dog chooses to exert it. In other words, no one could stop the dog. That's why you don't see dogs of this size in police work.

If a mix of Mastiff is fine with you, consider all the giant breeds, because Mastiff blood made most if not all of them "giant," way back in their bloodlines. Newfoundlands are sweethearts--but there's a lot of hair to deal with. Saint Bernards come in both long and short coats. Great Danes have short hair. Great Danes are often in need of rescue due to people who thought it would be fun to have a dog that big until their dog actually grew that big. So check through the rescue groups for the gian breeds, too. You can find a national contact for each one on the AKC's website, www.akc.org.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

Kathy has brought up some valid points about temperament. Just what is it you are looking for in a dog. If you want something to go for long walks with you some of the mastiffs are not the right dog. I own Bordeaux (french mastiffs) I do not recommend this breed mastiff for a non experienced person, they are mostly very active, large (110-175 lbs) and can be same sex dog aggressive. If you are think of English mastiffs that you have met, most of them are pretty laid back and lazy. Ther are rescue groups for most of the mastiff breeds and maybe by getting a rescue you could find a dog that has the right energy level and temperament for you. Try contacting your animal control or local Humane Society for contact numbers to local rescue groups.
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Val.
proudly owned by
Majic the Rotten
Purl - the Nottweiler (Dogue de Bordeaux)
Quest - the otherweiler (DDB)
Chrissy & Tina who have earned their wings

Both Kathy & Val have made good points. Another thing to think of is, what is going to happen with this dog when you are not in school for the summer or on breaks. If you go "home" is it going to be possible for you to take it with you? Have you considered food bills, vet bills, etc. I have large dogs and everything from Heart Worm meds to flea treatments are more expensive.

I'm not trying to discourage you because we all know how many large breed dogs are in shelters and rescue. They need good loving forever homes. Just know that there's more to woning a dog than "owning a dog".

Ask yourself all these questions and more. Know that a pet is a commitment for life. We live in a disposable society this shouldn't apply to animals but unfortunately it often turns out this way. Ask yourself if you are willing to commit to a lifetime of care and nurturing for this animal.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

PHRottn
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PHRottn
HRottn@PetHobbyist.com" target="_blank">My Email

Rott-N-Dogues make excellent best friends!

I'm sorry to have to jump on the bandwagon and give you more advice you don't want, but this is not a good idea!!

First off these big dogs make BIG messes. Are you ready to pay for the couch he eats that belongs to your roomie while you were in class? Or follow him around 24/7 to wipe up the slobber?

Second they need BIG wallets. Many people are shocked at the prices of well bred giant breeds but that's nothing compared to what it costs to raise them! I have an 8 month old Dane who probably costs me at least $200 a month, NOT including any vet care, training, etc. We're headed to the vet next week for a regular check up and summer prep, annual fecal etc etc and I expect it to cost me around $200. Meds cost a lot for big dogs - last month he had a reaction to a spider bite that cost us over $200. Emergencies such as bloat, broken bones, or illneses can run into the thousands. Even routine things like a neuter - minimum $100, spay is more.

Nor have I included the costs of training (absolute must). Each class runs about $150 on average, then what if you end up with special training needs? Tons of dogs have issues with big dogs - which can lead to problems. Luckily my boy and our bullmastiff buddy (who is here more often than not) are both too goofy to know, but my friend's English Mastiff has severe dog issues because he's been attacked so many times. So now they're dealing with a 200 lb dog that lunges and looks like he wants to eat any strange dog he sees and are paying a pretty penny for private training.

What about when college is over? Or on breaks? You can't really fly these dogs. The crates that most of them fit in (min $200 investment by the way) are too big for airlines. Flying them involves a lot of work and stress on the dog, and minimum $300. These aren't dogs you travel easily with. They also overheat fairly easily, especially Bullmastiffs, so flying could be even more a health hazard for them.

Are you aware of the special health issues with giant breeds? Generally they do require special care and consideration as far as diet, types of exercise etc, and also you have to watch because no matter how sweet and gentle, they ARE a liability. No matter what someone or some other dog did to my dog to provoke him, or any other large or giant breed, it's going to end up being blamed on your dog. You could be sued, your dog put down, etc. Even if you feel you have total control, you share your home and what if they accidentally let the dog out and he bites someone? It happens. Twice in the last two years I've had houseguests let my pets out by accident. They are not their animals, so they are not as diligent.

The other problem is that no rescue is going to adopt to you. The dogs come first, and too many giants are passed around because people are not as prepared as they think for these big guys. You must have a fenced yard in almost every case, and I don't know of any mastiff rescues that would adopt to someone who'd never had a giant breed before.

How about volunteering with a mastiff rescue, getting involved with breed clubs, etc and doing some more research first! I'm sorry to be so negative, and I totally know how hard waiting is...by the time my pup was ready to be born I was seriously psycho. I would wake up at night and scream at my husband - "where's my puppy, what did you do with him?!" - seriously!
I've wanted a Dane forever but didn't get mine until I was 25, owned my own home with fenced yard and had the time, money and support a dog needs. College isn't the best time for getting a dog, especially not one of these guys.

Please, I love these breeds a lot, and it breaks my heart to see so many in rescue. I know you mean well, but so do so many others who want a big dog, but along the line they realize they can't handle it, and it is the dogs who suffer.