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English Mastiff Questions

MarzsMom

New Member
Hi there, my name is Amber and I recently lost my beloved Weim named Marz in August. My dream dog has always been an English Mastiff and though I've read all there is to read about them, I thought I would ask experienced owners a couple of questions that I've been wondering. The breed, the health, the size and everything that goes with a large breed dog I'm up for (Marz was a big Weim at 114 lbs, no where near the size of a Mastiff but Marz was not a small guy). I like to take my dog everywhere I go and I mean everywhere; road trips, we have a place on the River in Arizona, car rides from CA to Utah to see my mom, bbq's/get togethers at friends houses and even to work. How well do they travel? Is my Toyota RAV 4 too small? Do they do well in the heat? Is it easy for them to get in and out of a car?LOL! I want to make a wise decision and I want the puppy that I get to be happy in the environment I bring him home to and just because I've always longed for a Mastiff does not mean that a Mastiff would do well in my lifestyle. These may be werid questions for some but any answers are greatly appreicated!
 

Bolushi

Well-Known Member
Hi there, my name is Amber and I recently lost my beloved Weim named Marz in August. My dream dog has always been an English Mastiff and though I've read all there is to read about them, I thought I would ask experienced owners a couple of questions that I've been wondering. The breed, the health, the size and everything that goes with a large breed dog I'm up for (Marz was a big Weim at 114 lbs, no where near the size of a Mastiff but Marz was not a small guy). I like to take my dog everywhere I go and I mean everywhere; road trips, we have a place on the River in Arizona, car rides from CA to Utah to see my mom, bbq's/get togethers at friends houses and even to work. How well do they travel? Is my Toyota RAV 4 too small? Do they do well in the heat? Is it easy for them to get in and out of a car?LOL! I want to make a wise decision and I want the puppy that I get to be happy in the environment I bring him home to and just because I've always longed for a Mastiff does not mean that a Mastiff would do well in my lifestyle. These may be werid questions for some but any answers are greatly appreicated!
My take on it is this, a fair few people here would disagree with me probably but-
You probably would want a Dogo instead, unless you want a dog that does nothing but sleep because its so bloated and fat it can't afford to do much else. 114lbs is pretty close to ideal EM weight, which is around 140lbs. But you will have to jump through hoops to find a good one. The big ones do shitty with heat, getting in and out of a car is a strenuous chore. If you can find EMs like this: 1668281200298.png
You're on the money. Odds are you won't be able to though.
There is zero chance you take an EM ''everywhere''.
You can get one, but your lifestyle will be in accordance with the dog's lifestyle, which would involve a lot of sleeping. You could get away with it... somewhat... I guess. I certainly wouldn't recommend it unless you get the smallest female you can find.
There are lifestyles where a modern EM would fit into, which is disappointing considering it's supposed to be athletic and full of drive, those lifestyles include house dog/guard dog. Not something they were created to perform, but what they're forced to perform even if they don't want to.
Dogo seems like a dog that would fit your lifestyle. Or a German Shepherd/Rottweiler/Border Collie/anything that isn't naturally obese. But the Dogo seems like the dog you'd get along with best.
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
I'm going to disagree with Bolushi. I think a well bred EM from a responsible breeder would fit very well into your lifestyle. It seems to me that you're looking for a family companion rather than a working line dog, is that correct? There are plenty of breeders - excellent breeders - that produce dogs that aren't overdone and a responsible breeder will match you with a puppy that should fit your wants and needs. As for loading and unloading - I don't know the exact size of your vehicle, but I have had a Trailblazer and currently have a four door Jeep. My girl was able to do just fine in both vehicles, although I did end up using stairs to make it easier for her to get in and out. She was fully capable of getting in and out and it was my choice to use the stairs - something that came in very handy as she aged.
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
Amber, I forgot say how sorry I'm that you lost Marz. It's what we sign on for when we get a dog, but it never gets easier to lose them. I would love to see a picture of him.
 

Bolushi

Well-Known Member
I'm going to disagree with Bolushi. I think a well bred EM from a responsible breeder would fit very well into your lifestyle. It seems to me that you're looking for a family companion rather than a working line dog, is that correct? There are plenty of breeders - excellent breeders - that produce dogs that aren't overdone and a responsible breeder will match you with a puppy that should fit your wants and needs. As for loading and unloading - I don't know the exact size of your vehicle, but I have had a Trailblazer and currently have a four door Jeep. My girl was able to do just fine in both vehicles, although I did end up using stairs to make it easier for her to get in and out. She was fully capable of getting in and out and it was my choice to use the stairs - something that came in very handy as she aged.
Find one, I looked. Unless they want to jump through hoops to get something decent (as in wait for months) it's just not a very good idea IMO.
The Dogo and English Mastiff in their functional form are very similar dogs with very similar psychology (both are boarhounds), but one of them takes a lot of effort to find a decent one, and that is the EM.
 

Bolushi

Well-Known Member
''It seems to me that you're looking for a family companion rather than a working line dog, is that correct?''
Working line dogs are the only acceptable dogs. Otherwise you might as well not get a boarhound at all. The idea working boarhounds are high strung and full of energy is wrong. They will sleep less, they will be quicker on their feet and move really good, but they will settle down for a while. They are very high drive dogs, but when they don't need to be they're not. My friend has a really really good working line Bull Arab, it's just a pet for his kids, lives with a rescued working line kelpie mix that again, is a pet for his kids. He'd LIKE to hunt them, but he can't and the dogs are family companions. It's not like the 2 worlds are divided, family companion and working dog can be and is the same thing.
 

glen

Super Moderator
Staff member
Iv never owned an english mastiff, iv got cane corsos, and i live in the uk.
We take ours camping, mine come everywhere with us,
A well trained,healthy, socialised mastiff wii certainly fit in.
Do your homework, get a good one, someone that breeds for the good of the breed, health tests ect.
Hopefully when you descide youll post some pics of your pup.
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
Find one, I looked. Unless they want to jump through hoops to get something decent (as in wait for months) it's just not a very good idea IMO.
The Dogo and English Mastiff in their functional form are very similar dogs with very similar psychology (both are boarhounds), but one of them takes a lot of effort to find a decent one, and that is the EM.
Taking the time to find a good breeder that produces excellent dogs and having to wait isn't a good idea? Any decent breeder will not produce enough litters to supply to just anyone that wants a pup. They breed to better the breed and to have dogs to add to their breeding program. Most will have a wait list for their pups. I fully expect to wait months, possibly longer, for the right pup that will fit my needs. I expect to be interviewed and not be give the option to pick based on looks but on the temperament of the pup and the best success of acclimating to my lifestyle and needs. The breeders I have in mind produce beautiful, big, athletic, and sound dogs. If the time comes that I'm ready for my pup and my chosen breeders don't have a litter or I'm too far down the wait list then I'll rescue a senior until it's my turn for a puppy. If someone wants instant gratification then there are plenty of people breeding just to supply the general public. In my experience quality is worth waiting for.
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
''It seems to me that you're looking for a family companion rather than a working line dog, is that correct?''
Working line dogs are the only acceptable dogs. Otherwise you might as well not get a boarhound at all. The idea working boarhounds are high strung and full of energy is wrong. They will sleep less, they will be quicker on their feet and move really good, but they will settle down for a while. They are very high drive dogs, but when they don't need to be they're not. My friend has a really really good working line Bull Arab, it's just a pet for his kids, lives with a rescued working line kelpie mix that again, is a pet for his kids. He'd LIKE to hunt them, but he can't and the dogs are family companions. It's not like the 2 worlds are divided, family companion and working dog can be and is the same thing.
To you working line may be the only acceptable dog. You're not on a working or hunting forum. The majority of our members don't want a high drive working line dog and many of them don't have the experience to handle what it may entail. That doesn't mean they don't want a dog from a good breeder that breeds for health and temperament. A working line dog is not for everyone. In fact, most breeders won't place a pup that's made to work in a home that won't work it. It's not usually a good fit for the dog or the family.
 

Bolushi

Well-Known Member
To you working line may be the only acceptable dog. You're not on a working or hunting forum. The majority of our members don't want a high drive working line dog and many of them don't have the experience to handle what it may entail. That doesn't mean they don't want a dog from a good breeder that breeds for health and temperament. A working line dog is not for everyone. In fact, most breeders won't place a pup that's made to work in a home that won't work it. It's not usually a good fit for the dog or the family.
? You entirely misinterpreted my post, consider re-reading. I have an A in reading comprehension, perhaps you could go back to school for a few more years and master that craft.
 

Bolushi

Well-Known Member
Taking the time to find a good breeder that produces excellent dogs and having to wait isn't a good idea? Any decent breeder will not produce enough litters to supply to just anyone that wants a pup. They breed to better the breed and to have dogs to add to their breeding program. Most will have a wait list for their pups. I fully expect to wait months, possibly longer, for the right pup that will fit my needs. I expect to be interviewed and not be give the option to pick based on looks but on the temperament of the pup and the best success of acclimating to my lifestyle and needs. The breeders I have in mind produce beautiful, big, athletic, and sound dogs. If the time comes that I'm ready for my pup and my chosen breeders don't have a litter or I'm too far down the wait list then I'll rescue a senior until it's my turn for a puppy. If someone wants instant gratification then there are plenty of people breeding just to supply the general public. In my experience quality is worth waiting for.
They breed dogs for dog shows. Does this look like breeding to ''better the breed'' to you?
 

glen

Super Moderator
Staff member
? You entirely misinterpreted my post, consider re-reading. I have an A in reading comprehension, perhaps you could go back to school for a few more years and master that craft.
Refrain from being rude and offensive to members on this forum, i dont care ehar qualifications you have, boxergirl has helped many people with problems, with her knowledge and kindness.
Or maybe go back to school for a few years and learn manners and also how to have a difference of opinion without being rude.
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
? You entirely misinterpreted my post, consider re-reading. I have an A in reading comprehension, perhaps you could go back to school for a few more years and master that craft.
I'm not sure how I misinterpreted? What I do know is that I responded in an adult manner rather than with rudeness. I stand by my statement. Most people that frequent this forum are not looking for a working line, high drive dog.
They breed dogs for dog shows. Does this look like breeding to ''better the breed'' to you?
You're awfully confrontational with your language. This forum is a place where we learn from each other and that's best accomplished through a courteous discussion.

Of course there are always going to be breeders that breed to the extreme. Those are not the ones I, personally, would choose to support. My other breed is the Boxer. Hence the name. Much damage has been done to them and many other brachycephalic and molosser breeds. It's important for each person to support the breeders that are doing their best to better the breed. I don't believe I suggested that the OP get a dog from any specific breeder, or a show breeder. Just that after doing due diligence I believe an EM would be a good fit for her.

OP, I stand by my opinion that an EM from a responsible breeder that would work with you to choose the right temperament pup for your situation would be a good fit.
 

Bolushi

Well-Known Member
Refrain from being rude and offensive to members on this forum, i dont care ehar qualifications you have, boxergirl has helped many people with problems, with her knowledge and kindness.
Or maybe go back to school for a few years and learn manners and also how to have a difference of opinion without being rude.
Knowledge is not being had here. Misinterpretations are being had here.
 

Bolushi

Well-Known Member
I'm not sure how I misinterpreted? What I do know is that I responded in an adult manner rather than with rudeness. I stand by my statement. Most people that frequent this forum are not looking for a working line, high drive dog.

You're awfully confrontational with your language. This forum is a place where we learn from each other and that's best accomplished through a courteous discussion.

Of course there are always going to be breeders that breed to the extreme. Those are not the ones I, personally, would choose to support. My other breed is the Boxer. Hence the name. Much damage has been done to them and many other brachycephalic and molosser breeds. It's important for each person to support the breeders that are doing their best to better the breed. I don't believe I suggested that the OP get a dog from any specific breeder, or a show breeder. Just that after doing due diligence I believe an EM would be a good fit for her.

OP, I stand by my opinion that an EM from a responsible breeder that would work with you to choose the right temperament pup for your situation would be a good fit.
Hmm, I don't think you know what a high drive dog is. Working line dogs can be pets, good ones at that, not useless fat blobs of 150-200lb shit like you all celebrate. They can't even run on a treadmill because they're so bloated and obese and they take decades to mature. And NOBODY HERE says ''What the hell? Uh, maybe something should change.''
We should abandon breeding dogs for being pets, and instead have people adopt working dogs that didn't make the cut, which there are a lot of. That will supply the pet demand, and also weed out horribly created dogs made to run around the show ring. If you want a dog to be obese and do nothing go get a chihuahua, stop fucking with actual decent dogs that are worth something. Evidently you like fucking with dogs that were good and then making them terrible. Bettering a breed is unnecessary, breeds are unnecessary, dog breeds are bullshit.
Stupid breeders want to keep their stupid dogs ''pure'' instead of just jumpstarting the process with crossing. E.g. English Mastiff x Bullstag or English Mastiff x greyhound etc. etc.
There are around 30 real dog breeds, and then a bunch of fabricated bullshit, like the ''Mastiff'' category which are bulldogs and boarhounds and all of you see giant dogs and go ''Yes, this is good.''
The only way to improve horrible breeds like the English Mastiff is hybridizing it.
 

glen

Super Moderator
Staff member
Hmm, I don't think you know what a high drive dog is. Working line dogs can be pets, good ones at that, not useless fat blobs of 150-200lb shit like you all celebrate. They can't even run on a treadmill because they're so bloated and obese and they take decades to mature. And NOBODY HERE says ''What the hell? Uh, maybe something should change.''
We should abandon breeding dogs for being pets, and instead have people adopt working dogs that didn't make the cut, which there are a lot of. That will supply the pet demand, and also weed out horribly created dogs made to run around the show ring. If you want a dog to be obese and do nothing go get a chihuahua, stop fucking with actual decent dogs that are worth something. Evidently you like fucking with dogs that were good and then making them terrible. Bettering a breed is unnecessary, breeds are unnecessary, dog breeds are bullshit.
Stupid breeders want to keep their stupid dogs ''pure'' instead of just jumpstarting the process with crossing. E.g. English Mastiff x Bullstag or English Mastiff x greyhound etc. etc.
There are around 30 real dog breeds, and then a bunch of fabricated bullshit, like the ''Mastiff'' category which are bulldogs and boarhounds and all of you see giant dogs and go ''Yes, this is good.''
The only way to improve horrible breeds like the English Mastiff is hybridizing it.
Let me explain wbout my dogs, 4 ccs, all males, all trained to a level of me being in control on and off my property, on and off lead, not one of them overweight, all of them can walk and run miles, high prey drive, loyal, hidg respect for me, i respect them.very protective, you dont train them to gaurd it comes natural to them, you train them what not to do, if mine was in protction m9de and i say leave an freeze they stand near the threat but no attack. I didnt go to a show breeder, i sourced a breeder that did all the health tests,
Do i agree with show dogs, no certainly not the ones that harm what the breed should be, some damage the uealth of the poor dogs, they cant breath or move.
I also never ever hit my dogs, we train them to a high level with persostance, praise, it takes time but the end acheivement is a well rounded family dog. That im in complete control of, they dont have to be in fear of me,
So yes im a dog mummy, a 50 year old woman that can be in control of 4 ccs.
 

Bolushi

Well-Known Member
Let me explain wbout my dogs, 4 ccs, all males, all trained to a level of me being in control on and off my property, on and off lead, not one of them overweight, all of them can walk and run miles, high prey drive, loyal, hidg respect for me, i respect them.very protective, you dont train them to gaurd it comes natural to them, you train them what not to do, if mine was in protction m9de and i say leave an freeze they stand near the threat but no attack. I didnt go to a show breeder, i sourced a breeder that did all the health tests,
Do i agree with show dogs, no certainly not the ones that harm what the breed should be, some damage the uealth of the poor dogs, they cant breath or move.
I also never ever hit my dogs, we train them to a high level with persostance, praise, it takes time but the end acheivement is a well rounded family dog. That im in complete control of, they dont have to be in fear of me,
So yes im a dog mummy, a 50 year old woman that can be in control of 4 ccs.
The Cane Corso is a colossal leap up from an EM. Especially the American ones. They're a real 80-120lb bulldog entitled to respect. I suppose my listing from best to worst of some of the ''Mastiff'' types would go like this:
Dogo Argentino
Presa Canario
Cane Corso
Fila Brasileiro
Bullmastiff
Great Dane
Neapolitan Mastiff
Dogue De Bordeaux
English Mastiff
Boerboel
Things start falling apart around 4. Then worse and worse the farther you go.
It's when a dog starts being bred to do nothing that things go south. The Dogo is an active breed that still features as a hunting dog, so it retains a good build and temperament. Presa and Corso have a good temperament and many are still bred to do something. Fila is the only remaining slave catching bloodhound, and it's modified for dog shows. There have been a few solid pig dogs in Australia. Bullmastiff is a mixed bag, not bad, not great... then everything starts falling to pieces past that.
The Presa, Corso, Bullmastiff, Nea, DDB and Boerboel are all the same, but bulldog + doing nothing gets you ''breeds''.
Evidently your training methods work, that's nice. I know they can work. Hell, my own dog has only gotten light slaps to discourage him from licking his injured healing paw. However, I think hitting dogs can be a good, effective way to do things at times. Not all the time, but it can and does work. It's guaranteed to work for more serious matters. E.g. friend's Bull Arab nearly killed his kelpie so he beat the shit out of her and the Bull Arab now is never dog aggressive. Doesn't even defend itself. Just refuses to fight another dog.
If you are firm with your dogs, and give them treats whenever they do good, you will usually have decently trained dogs. I've not once disputed that idea.
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
Thanks everyone who responded to my earlier post. I really appreciate it.
If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to ask. If you end up getting an EM (or any pup) we'd love to see pictures. I'd also like to apologize that your original post was hijacked a bit.