Need Mastiff owner advice?

Are you talking about an English Mastiff. If so, I have never heard that about them, and I spent 11 years training dogs in behavior and protection. I currently own a female bullmastiff and she never has had any problems, in fact, she loves smaller dogs. When I bring her to the dog park she always plays with the smaller dogs for some reason. What sex are the two dogs you have and what sex mastiff do you plan on getting? With Mastiff breeds the females definately have a softer temperment then the males. If one of the dogs you currently own is a male I would definately recomending getting a female mastiff. Out of all the mastiff breeds I have found that the Neo Mastiff usually has the hardest time getting along with other dogs, but usually does fine with dogs that it has been raised with. Like I said, i would just make sure to buy a sex appropriate mastiff, if you have a male dog in the house already, buy a female mastiff. If the two dogs you have right now are females, buy a male mastiff and im sure you will be fine. The number 1 reason that dogs that are owned by people fight is because there owners have not made themselves the head of the pack. In a pack, the alpha dog will not allow the members below him to fight, so they wouldnt dare challenge the alphas athority. With people that are inconsistant and do not assert themselves as the alpha the dogs feel they need to compete for the alpha role and fight. This is the reason why someone like the "Dog Whisper" can have 30 dogs with at least half of them being males and large breeds like pit bulls, german shepherds, rotts, and ect. live together. They see him as the alpha so they wont fight.

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Yes, I think you would be best off with a female mastiff

additional, additional--

amanda, sorry but horrible advise. Didnt you notice that the 2 dogs they already own are not high energy dogs. They are looking to buy a mastiff which is another dog that is not a high energy dog. All the dogs you recomended are through the roof high energy dogs, some of the most energetic dogs you can buy. That is why dogs end up at pounds, people buy dogs for the wrong reasons.

Female Mastiff

I don't think Mastiffs would be good for you but here is some info: Mastiffs are one of the heaviest breeds, the male can exeed over 200 pounds. There typical weight is: Female is 150 pounds. The Mastiff is nicknamed "the gentle giant" for how sweet it is compared to the size. They're great with kids. Not recomended for toddlers because of their size. Do not hit a Mastiff or you're in for it! They are very possesive of the house, car, and family. They can be somewhat difficult to train. Gaurd dogs. They need to be taken on regular daily walks. They're an average shedder. They should always be leashed when in public.

What I think you need is a male Boxer, here is the description:

The Boxer is happy, high-spirited, playful, curious and energetic. Highly intelligent, eager and quick to learn, but can be stubborn and sneaky. The Boxer is a good dog for competitive obedience. Constantly on the move, bonding very closely with the family. Loyal and affectionate, Boxers are known for the way they get along so well with children. A well brought-up and properly socialized Boxer will also get along with his own kind and other household pets. However one Boxer owner reported; their Boxer is best friends with their many barn cats and second dog, but will chase and eat their ducks and other farm birds. An active, athletic breed, Boxers need daily work or exercise, as well as a long brisk, daily walk. They also enjoy fetching a ball or other sessions of play.

Here are some other breeds that would be ok for you:

Golden Retriever

Labrador Retriever

Aussie (Australian Cattle Dog)

Brittany Spainel

Border Collie

amanda s

I would never have a different breed. I have an English Mastiff and he is now a year old. Cons, Slober! We always have rags laying around everywhere. BAD separation anxiety. I mean it's pretty bad. But thats it. His size is the reason we got him and to tell you the truth he was very easy to train. He does not like to be left alone( he is still a baby) but I honestly would never have another breed. Someone is usually home with him at all time which I believe is the reason for his anxiety. He did eat a hole through our wooden six inch fence. Believe it, the hole was big enough for me to fit through. Bad dog! This breed is honestly the only breed I will ever have!

We have a mastiff puppy, 8 months old. I think on the prey part, it is for tiny dogs. When we take walks, Joe doesn't try to go after smaller dogs as if they were prey, he just wants to meet them. Now the baby bunnies in the front yard, yeah he went after those like prey.

There are many breeder / hobby kennels that happen to raise both Mastiffs and French Bulldogs... Check each national breed club and cross-reference them, narrowing it down so that you can ask pertinent questions regarding temperament, socialization, dog-play, etc... Responsible and reputable breeders will always provide a serious inquirer with referrals to other reputable breeders, so even if they don't have puppies available, they'll usually know of other ethical club members...

Best wishes in your endeavors.

TM

We have a mastiff puppy and actually, small dogs are her favorite. She has no prey drive for anything small at all. When she goes to playgroup, our 70lb puppy plays with the 4, 5, or 6lb puppies. As you've read, they are amazing dogs. I havent seen any territorial/protective nature in our puppy. She will watch someone if she isnt sure who they are, but as soon as I say "hello" she is running to them wagging her tail. So if you have concerns about that or their prey drive, take comfort in knowing all the ones I know (including ours) is NOTHING like that!

mastiffs are just big babies at heart

as long as you intro them on unclamied grounds, ie the dog park,beach, ect.

you should be fine