My family has been owned by Mastiffs for almost 10 years now.

They have taken over our home, lives & hearts!

When I bought my first Mastiff puppy no one gave me any information on proper care for mastiffs.

I did not know until I started researching that Mastiffs need different care then most dogs.

I hope the following tips will help you to take better care of your Mastiff....

FOOD:

Puppy food should be given to your puppy no longer than 10 to 12 weeks of age before switching to adult food.

Only an adult dog food- small kibble in the following ratios:

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20-23% protein

12-18% percent fat

but high in iodine 3%

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Just remember that too much protein and fat will cause numerous health problems for you and your dog.

Also they say that the slower grower the larger the dog!!

SUPPLEMENTS:

Please do not give any supplements unless you check with a few breeders and your vet. Most will harm your dog.

VET:

Find a good one a.s.a.p. Ask if they have had mastiffs in their clinic and how many. Also make sure you like the vet.

EXERCISE:

- Exercise for the first year should be watched and monitored carefully.

- Mastiffs grow at a very fast pace which makes them frailer then they appear to be.

- If you are going to take your pup for a walk do not take them any

farther than you can carry him/her back. Mastiff pups are known for

walking half way and then are to tired to walk back- try carrying that

30-50 lb. pup a block!!

- Gradual extended walks after 10-12 months of age.

-Also since their joints are growing quickly and you have to make sure not to

make them jump or do too many stairs. This is hard on their joints and will cause strains.

-If  your truck/van is high you might want to consider getting a ramp for them

when they get older and are too heavy for you to lift.

-Avoid out door activity during hot weather this can cause heat stroke.

BLOAT:

This is common in any of the larger breeds.. Shepherds, Danes, etc..

even Labs. It is when the stomach flips or twists and is sealed at both

ends. The dogs stomach gases will be sealed under pressure and will

cause severe pain on the heart and an agonizing death will follow if not

treated immediately by a vet.

TIPS OF ADVOIDING BLOAT:

Feed 2 smaller meals a day instead of 1 large one.

Never let your dog take vigorous exercise after eating.

You can soak the food if you feel it is better- remember that what dry

food they eat ends up doubling in the stomach. So if you feed 3 cups it

will swell to about 6 cups in side of your dog.

BURSAS:

Do not panic.. they just look bad.

A bursa is when there is swelling around the elbow that begins as a fluid pocket may develop into a rough spot of skin.

*** Please do not let the vet drain a bursa ever! It will just re-fill up the next day or so.

Also, now you have spent$150-200 and have a cut/hole making it easier for infection to get in.

Mastiffs will get these due to their massive size & weight. When they use their elbows to lift themselves off the ground or just from the weight of them laying on the elbow/knee areas.

I have seen them on a mastiff the size of tennis balls and then same dog 4 months later totally gone.

You should try to make them lay on a soft dog bed or thick blanket to avoid bursas.

I have also talked to many breeders on this and if you give 50 mg. of ZINC a day it will help them go down. But it takes months so do not expect it to work in a few weeks.

TREATS:

Veggies & fruit. my dogs love apples, oranges, cucumbers and tomatoes!!

They will even steal them from my garden!

HIPS:

They are giant dogs and more prone to hip/elbow problems. Proper care is needed early on to help avoid problems.

LIFE EXPECTANCY:

8-12 years

AKC CLASS:

working group

TEMPERMANT:

Mastiffs are NOT aggressive dogs but they are very, very loyal and protective of their "packs" (your family!!).

If someone is a threat to your family they can get aggressive if needed. Most mastiffs will corner an intruder over attacking.

My mastiffs are very protective with my kids and no stranger is going to come in my yard by my kids unless I ok it!

They tend be more on "gaurd" in their own yard, home or car.

After all they love you enough to die for you... Mastiffs have BIG hearts!

SOCIALIZE:

Mastiff puppies have to be socialized as much as possible!

Take them out with you and expose them to as many people, kids & other dogs that you can.

I also recommend you sign them up for puppy training classes and that is another great way to socialize

them and get a little control.

SOME LAST TIPS:

-Mastiffs are very sensitive and their feelings can get hurt easily. Please keep this in mind

and do not yell at them.

-Never hit a Mastiff

-Never use a choke or prong collar- (soft leather is best) -if you need more control or your child is

walking the dog you can use a gentle leader

-Never chain or tie them out to a tree, building etc..

- No tennis balls or socks- Mastiffs have been know to choke on these

-They are not outside farm dogs.. do not get one for protecting your yard/store.

They NEED you, your home & family.

-All Mastiffs Drool- if you are going to own a mastiff get use to the term "slingers" .

You can also pick up some drool towels or rags.

Some people hang them by the doors and wipe the dogs lips when they come in.

-Their tails can hurt if they hit you or a toddler in the face when they wag them

-Once you ok them on the couch you will never be able to make them stay off

- If given a lot of love and attention this will be the best dog you ever owned

Mastiffs are truly a magical breed & definitely one of a kind.

Keep in mind when you are getting one,

that your are not just

"getting a dog"

but a…

MASTIFF!!!

Please call or email if you have any questions!!

Thank you,

Heather & Jeff

815-335-3267

DND MASTIFFS

Email:

dndmastiffs@aol.com

For more good mastiff advice visit puppy tracks:

 http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Acres/1239