Athletic breed of Mastiff?

[Dave Swope]

Hello everyone. My name is Dave Swope. I live in Central Idaho and have never owned a Mastiff. I however have been interested in the different breeds of Mastiff. For quite sometime I have been looking for a good quality athletic Mastiff (type of mastiff not so important) It seems every breeder advertises their dogs as 170 plus pounds and not giving up anything in the way of athleticism, also being smart, fearless, willing to protect etc. I guess the question I wanted to pose was this? If I was comparing dogs to humans I guess I would say I am looking for an athletic middle linebacker. I've always like the French Mastiff in "Turner and Hooch" or the dog in "Where the heart is" (not sure of that breed but it is probably a mix). Any information that would lead me to breeds or breeders or both would be appreciated.

 

[voidecho]

I'd say the Cane Corso, Presa Canario or Dogo Argentina are what you're looking for. Big dogs, but not the biggest and more athletic than say and English Mastiff. However, do a TON of research before getting any mastiff, especially the three I listed.

 

[NYDDB]

As far as the "Turner and Hooch" movie, yeah, DDBs can be athletic, in a sense. Mine is 2 years old and has a lot of power, but in spurts, not stamina. Like "Hooch" he can move and run, for sure! He is a very powerful, strong dog. But he does not have the stamina of some other breeds. Also, mine is not a big jumper...a great climber, even on narrow trails, etc., but is not airborne, usually, LOL. He does love to swim, though.

The weather makes a big difference, too. I've never seen my Dogue too cold, and he will stay out in heavy snow for hours, playing. As soon as the weather turns upwards of 70+ degrees, his energy goes way, way down. Does not do well in the heat...

 

[LizB]

Any of the mastiffs with the "smooshy faces" (brachycephalic) will have a reduced ability to cool themselves with panting, so DDBs and bullmastiffs may not be the breeds for you. You'll want a breed that is not cumbersome but has a relatively deep chest (lung capacity = stamina) and has a willing personality. Voidecho has some very good suggestions, but as mentioned, they may not be breeds for those not experienced with mastiffs or bully breeds. Boerboel is another one that you might want to look into.

 

[cookiedough39]

I like Voids suggestions. Presa's are better in the heat. Dogo's are wonderful at hunting. Corsi are the most agile (in my personal opinion). If you were to ask me which of these would be perfect middle linebacker, I would have to say Presa. Strong safety I would say Dogo. Outside linebacker, Cane Corso. Defensive end I would say Fila and Boerboel. This is really making me miss football.

 

[taisa899]

Corso's are muscular, fast (speed of a gazelle), and agile (ability to jump 6ft fences

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[musicdeb]

I agree, DDB's not the best choice and I would not consider them to be athletic due to the low stamina. Agree with NYDDB.

 

[DMikeM]

Add Boerboel to the list. The farm dog type are considered agile and athletic and run about 150 to 170lb. The bigger ystrberg types would be just too heavy of bone and muscle to be very athletic.

 

[Primehns]

Corso, presa, dogo, boerboel, Dane. But the first 4 I listed are definitely not for the unexperienced owner, especially not the presa to be honest.