We haven't brought our EM puppy home yet, so no mastiff stories. But lots of silly comments with our Harlequin, show cropped Great Dane, Dylan: Always the horse and saddle remarks. One child's mom actually asked if her tot could have a ride on him. Other remarks: " Wow, he is HUGE for a Dalmatian!", "I didn't think Dalmatians had pointy ears" "He can't be pure bred -- he doesn't have a black mask". " He's pretty small --my friend's/sister's/Uncle's Dane was 40" and weighed over 275 pounds". (One gardener restraining another from approaching us on our walk) " Don't go over there, mate. That's a giant Pit Pull and he'll rip your arm off. He should be muzzled in public !!!" Sigh....
I also believe most people are trying to be friendly and or start a conversation, so I try to act as a good ambassador for the breed and don't hit them, lol