Mastiff Mix

It is thought that the Mastiff originated in the mountains of Central Asia. Early on in their existance, Mastiffs were called molossers. These dogs were used for guarding, hunting and fighting. Greeks, Romans, Indians, Tibetans, and other peoples have used these dogs throughout time to provide protection as they made their way through the world. The Mastiffs that we see today have their beginnings in England. First developed in 1835, aggression was slowly bred out of these dogs, turning the dogs into the gentle giants we are familiar with. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1885.

A Mastiff Mix is very large, with floppy jowls and a square head that makes them recognizable among other breeds. Mixes tend to have these same qualities in some fashion. Your mix will look closer to a mastiff or closer to its other parent depending on its gene sequence. Mastiffs tend to weigh well over 100 pounds. It’s not unusual to find some mastiffs weighing closer to 200 pounds. The dogs are tall and well-muscled. Mastiffs have large, square heads with droopy ears and eyes. Mastiffs have fawn or brindle coats.

Personality

The Mastiff Mix truly is a gentle giant. These dogs get along famously with children and other animals in the house. It’s important to understand that underneath that happy, affectionate personality lurks a true guard dog. This happy-go-lucky breed, whether full-bred or mixed, will need a strong leader that can set rules and boundaries. Socialization and obedience training should begin when the Mastiff or Mastiff mix is a puppy. When you consider that the dog may weigh more than its human, you can understand why early training is important. Imagine being pulled down the street by a large dog that you can’t control.

Breed Characteristics

Mastiff Mix Build Information

A Mastiff Mix is very large, with floppy jowls and a square head that makes them recognizable among other breeds. Mixes tend to have these same qualities in some fashion. Your mix will look closer to a mastiff or closer to its other parent depending on its gene sequence. Mastiffs tend to weigh well over 100 pounds. It’s not unusual to find some mastiffs weighing closer to 200 pounds. The dogs are tall and well-muscled. Mastiffs have large, square heads with droopy ears and eyes. Mastiffs have fawn or brindle coats.

Behaviour and Personality

The Mastiff Mix truly is a gentle giant. These dogs get along famously with children and other animals in the house. It’s important to understand that underneath that happy, affectionate personality lurks a true guard dog. This happy-go-lucky breed, whether full-bred or mixed, will need a strong leader that can set rules and boundaries. Socialization and obedience training should begin when the Mastiff or Mastiff mix is a puppy. When you consider that the dog may weigh more than its human, you can understand why early training is important. Imagine being pulled down the street by a large dog that you can’t control.

Appearance

Depending on your dog’s coat, grooming may be time-consuming or very easy. The closer to a Mastiff the dog appears, the less time you will spend grooming it. Mastiffs only require daily brushings to remove loose hair and dirt from the fur. If your dog has longer fur, it may need a special comb or even professional grooming.

Mastiff Mix Common Health Conditions

There are certain health conditions specific to the mastiff breed. Larger mastiff mixes may be prone to joint problems. These dogs should be kept lean so that weight does not cause these issues to worsen. Hip dysplasia is a genetic problem seen in mastiffs. Mastiffs are at risk for cardiomyopathy, mitral dysplasia, pulmonic stenosis, and subaortic stenosis. Your vet should monitor your dog’s heart health. This breed is also predisposed to a kidney defect that leads to bladder stones. Not all of these conditions are apparent in growing dogs. Yearly veterinary exams are important for the health of your mastiff mix. Do not skip your dog’s annual wellness exam; it may alert you to an issue while it is still treatable.

Mastiff Mix Pet Insurance

When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.

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Breed Talents and Facts

Mastiffs are happy to live with other animals. The breed is an excellent guard dog despite its gentle nature. The average life expectancy of a mastiff is 8 to 10 years. The Mastiff is known as the gentle giant. There are many mixes of the Mastiff, for example the Mastador, a beautiful Labrador and Mastiff mix.