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Do i really want an English Mastiff???

sandy

Member
Hello everyone, i would really appreciate some advice from the owners of English Mastiff's. I think these dogs are a beautiful breed, i don't know very much about them other than they are very loyal and very protective. My family and I are in the process of starting up our fishing lodge in the NWT, Canada, I need to have faith in a dog that will protect my family if a bear happends to come around and i have been thinking about an English Mastiff mostly for size. We have a miniature Schnauzer who is very spoiled but would like someone company. Am i making a good choice?

Thank you
sandy
 

Smart_Family

Dog Food Guru
Its a choice that has to be made by you and your family. I can say yes I think the English Mastiff is a great choice because I love my dog but that may not be right for your situation. All you can do is read everything about mastiffs you can get your hands on before you decide. They are a lot different than miniature schnauzers as far as food, vet bills, cleanliness, etc.
 

chuckorlando

Well-Known Member
I'm positive a mastiff will make a great dog. I'm not positive on the EM protective nature. That would be what I would look into myself. I know neo and corso's and fila's are good and the EM may be as well.

Good luck
 

seeknoxrun

Well-Known Member
Hi there, welcome to the board!

I'm in love with my two young EM's (8 month male Knox, 13 week female Roux), as well as the adult male EM (Gunner) that belongs to the family I work for (I'm a full-time nanny). They are fiercely loyal, loving, and accepting of their family pack. With strangers, they tend to be more aloof and weary - Gunner has been known to bite unwelcome strangers that enter their property. While it's true that EM's are very aware of their surroundings and like to know where their humans are at all times, I can't promise that an EM will be as protective (particularly against wildlife) as you're looking for. Naturally, a lot of that will depend on the temperament and training of the dog, but I'm fairly certain that Knox and Gunner would be just as afraid of a bear as I would be. Now, if it came to protecting me from a strange person, I'd feel more confident in Knox's natural protectiveness kicking in, but again... I can't say for sure.

Are you looking for something to alert you to a bear's presence? Or looking for something that will physically fend off a bear? If you're looking for an intimidating alarm system, an EM fits the bill. But if you're looking for something that will physically take on and scare off a bear, you might want to do more research. I would, if possible, speak to reputable breeders about your specific desires in a dog - and be honest - as they will surely have the most thorough knowledge.

And also, as mentioned before, EM's (or any giant breed, for that matter) require special accommodations when it comes to nutrition, exercising, vet care, and hygiene. Not to scare you, just a caution to consider ALL the elements of owning a giant breed, not just it's natural protectiveness. :) Hope you find the answers you're looking for!
 

aphayes96

Well-Known Member
I don't think I'd put any dog actually up against a bear! Ha. But we love our EM pup, Grady. So far, Grady loves everyone that walks through our door and seems to want to run after all the wildlife on our property. No idea what he'd do with a large wild animal. Also not willing to find out! Ha. It's a very personal decision for everyone so I'd read up as much as you can! Dogs are individual in their protective response anyway but you definitely want to research what might fit the bill. ;) Good luck!!!
 

ravendarat

Well-Known Member
I'm positive a mastiff will make a great dog. I'm not positive on the EM protective nature. That would be what I would look into myself. I know neo and corso's and fila's are good and the EM may be as well.

Good luck
This is exactly what I was thinking, I think EM are gonna be protective in attitude but if push comes to shove I think I would back a Fila or a Neo over an EM.
 

Marrowshard

Well-Known Member
EMs are great for the intimidation aspect ... we've got coyotes out here and it's nice to have a huge dog that can stand its own in a fight. I wouldn't back an EM in a fight against a bear if it came down to it. Oscar's good at making a threatening display but if the bear doesn't want to back down he'd be a dead dog. I'm with aphayes: I don't think I'd back any single dog against a bear.
That being said, as mastiffs go they're pretty easy to handle. Firm establishment of a pack heirarchy and proper socialization are not optional, but they're perfectly content to crash on the couch with the family or sleep all day if that's what's needed of them.
They're great for general protectiveness but if you're looking for an out-and-out guard dog it's probably not a great fit.

~Marrow
 

dpenning

Well-Known Member
Daisy is 6.5 months old and so far displayed zero protectiveness. My stepson came home from college, she may have met him twice for a grand total of 10 minutes since December, and she let him walk in the back yard and crawl through our doggie door to get into the house. I'm betting as she matures her protective nature will be similar to how my newfies were, as long as mama's happy they have no worries, but if there is something that seems threatening to mom or the family members they would place themselves between me and the percieved threat. (once it was my soon to be ex-husband). Purely speculation at this point.
 

Ranger'smom

Member
Our EM is still young, just 4 mo., but he loves everyone, adults, kids, dogs, and cats. He is very laid back. Other than intimidation, I'm not sure he would be much of a guard dog. We live on a farm and we are hoping that his size and scent will keep the deer out of the garden and the coyotes away from he house.
 

chuckorlando

Well-Known Member
Well I did'nt see the bear part. Kona thinks she's a bear, but truth be told, I dont know that she would fight a bear. I would'nt look down her one bit for hauling arse either. Cause I'm gonna be gone before her
 

OdeMX

Well-Known Member
If you want protection vs predators, loyalty to your family and big size probably you should look for a Spanish mastiff or a kangal.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Mamie2shoes

Well-Known Member
Well, I have only had my EM for a few weeks now, she is only 5 months now, but there is zero protectiveness. She doesn't even greet us at the door, she just woofs from where ever she happens to be napping so I can find her to pet her. LOL We have kids and new kids coming over all the time as well as friends often over, we had a gathering this weekend of about 25 folks and Mamie just walked off in the middle to take a nap. I think the only protection is the puppy mines in the yard and her slobber when she shakes her head. But, an EM would offer great warmth on your feet if they are cold!!!! Good luck
 

Kelly

Well-Known Member
My EM is mixed with Bullmastiff and to my knowledge she's seen bears 3 times. Once when we were out walking, she drew in close to my side and refused to leave it. My lab/pit wanted a piece of him and it took all my strength to hold him back.

the other 2 times was in my yard and the bear was on the other side of the chain link fence. She stood there barking at it until I called her in for a treat, she came bounding (8 1/2 years old) inside. : ) I wouldn't want any of my dogs going up against a bear either, they'vre pretty scary and big and limber when you see them up close. These are just black bears mind you, they aren't "that big" as bears go.

She does have a pretty good protective instinct in her though. Sometimes it's just subtle, just a shift of position, quietly watching something....most people dont see it. If someone tries to come into the yard and Im not there she wont let them get past her.
 

chuckorlando

Well-Known Member
Well I could see alot of dogs maybe trying. But that first slap, if it dont kill them, will send 99% of them to lunch.
 

AKBull

Super Moderator
Staff member
I'd be more worried about the dog attracting a bear. Whatever dog you decide to get, you should also pack something capable of putting the bear down.
 

Marrowshard

Well-Known Member
I wonder if a TM might be a good fit. They were bred to protect against tigers. Totally different "look" than an EM and you'd have to find the right bloodline to make sure they were just the decorative type but it might be something to consider.

~Marrow
 

Tiger12490

Well-Known Member
mastiffs are horrible for bears this was done by bull and terrier breeds (bear baiting) because mastiffs were to slow to dodge the swipe or bite from a bear witch would almost always kill or fatally cripple any breed of dog ... if bears are that big a worry look into american bulldogs, rhodesian ridgebacks, dogos, curs,kangal and bully kuttas are big mastiffs but also supposed to be pretty good at dealing with bears....you wouldn't want some of the smaller bear hounds because they usually hunted in packs and could bay well witch initially is needed but if the bear continues your going to need it to lay its life down for you and they will not... o and i hope you have a gun....
 
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ravendarat

Well-Known Member
My friend with the Neo has an American Bulldog and honestly I would trust him to try to protect her and at the very least go down fighting.