Grooming
Mastiff grooming and shedding are low-effort when compared with other breeds, and this dog’s short coat and leisurely pace means they stay pretty clean. Plan on brushing your Mastiff every few days, though daily brushing is even better as it removes dead hair and keeps your pup looking sharp. As for brushing tools, most pup parents choose between a grooming mitt or a bristle brush—and as long as you brush regularly, a bath is only needed every four to six weeks.
Keep your Mastiff’s teeth shiny and plaque-free by striving for daily sessions with the toothbrush (work up to this goal by brushing a few times a week at first). Your vet can give you pointers if the thought of prying open a Mastiff’s mouth gives you pause. And don’t forget a professional teeth cleaning by the vet annually to maintain optimal dental health.
Trim your Mastiff’s nails once a month. You’ll know they’re ready for a trim when you hear them clacking on hard surfaces. Check their ears for debris, redness, swelling or mites a few times a week. Signs of ear mites include a dark debris that looks like coffee grounds in their ears or your pup shaking their head from side to side more frequently. If you notice anything speak to your vet, who may recommend at-home ear cleaning.
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Training
Much the way people respond to kindness and praise when learning something new, so too does the Mastiff. Be sure you hold your pet’s gaze as you teach the various commands. The reason? This dog breed is known to communicate with eye contact. The Mastiff is also good at reading body language and their pet parents’ expressions, which means wearing a smile and using positive language will go a long way. Think a dog can’t have hurt feelings? Guess again—Mastiffs are truly bothered by a raised voice, and they’ll check out if your teaching methods aren’t engaging.
Experience is a must when dealing with the training and obedience lessons that a Mastiff requires. But this pup type may become bored quickly with some of the repetitive approaches that are typically used in training classes. If your Mastiff looks away—or worse, decides to recline on the ground and take a nap—then you’ve lost your canine student. The best approach is to take advantage of your Mastiff’s intelligence by aiming to create training sessions that are short and sweet yet still fun. Soon, you’ll have a star pupil and a trained pup to take on the town.
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Diet
For maximum health, all dogs require food that provides complete and balanced nutrition, and the Mastiff typically does well on a high-quality commercial large-breed dog food. Always consider your dog’s age and choose a formula that fits their stage in life, whether you have a puppy, adult or senior dog.
Since this dog breed is giant and grows very quickly, proper Mastiff nutrition is especially important from the puppy stage up to 2 years of age. A feeding chart and a treat schedule makes good sense for Mastiffs as it’ll help to prevent excess weight gain. Your vet can help you determine how much food to serve and when.
Keep the nutrient content of your Mastiff’s food top of mind since this breed requires the correct ratio of calcium to phosphorus—and without it, a skeletal disorder could develop. Protein content is also a consideration (strive for no more than 26 percent protein in your dog’s adult food blend). You can always consult with your veterinarian for help picking the best food for your dog based on their individual needs.
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Exercise
Contrary to what you might think, big dogs don’t necessarily require big, adventurous outings. Instead, a Mastiff’s exercise needs are low compared with other canines, which means they’re not built to race alongside as you train for that 10K. (They do not feel the need for speed.) Remember, there’s a lot of weight on this very large dog’s frame, so jogging long distances, especially on pavement, isn’t recommended.
Instead, stick to grassy surfaces and walk your full-grown Mastiff twice a day at a slower pace for a mile or two. (Aim for 20 to 30 minutes at a time.) And if you have access to a pond or pool, low-impact exercises like swimming are beneficial for this breed, as is a fenced yard where your pet can walk leisurely or fetch a tennis ball. (Check with your vet or certified trainer to see if your pup would benefit from swimming lessons first.)
A Mastiff’s energy level is higher as a puppy, of course, but don’t allow this little guy or young adult to jump from furniture or race on the stairs. Too much activity can damage a large breed’s growth plates, which are the soft areas at the end of long bones, so your best bet is to walk half a block with puppies. Lastly, don’t venture too far as Mastiffs may stop and drop when pooped, leaving you (and your back!) to haul them home.
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Environment
Mastiffs (aka English Mastiffs) are a good match for families with children, particularly if their training starts early. Mastiffs are also compatible with other dogs and cats, and while they’re best suited for large homes and yards, they’ll do OK in a small home or apartment as they aren’t prone to lots of barking.
Keep in mind, however, that petite abodes may be an issue if concrete sidewalks are the only walking surface available. A Mastiff’s physical traits are best suited to soft materials underfoot, so a nearby park, dog run or wooded trail suits them best. Since low-impact exercise works well for this breed, a home with a pool or lake access is ideal.
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