A Little information and opinion for these rescued babies please! :)

[AmberScheuer]

My Husband and I currently have a Siberian Husky, and an olde english bulldog. They are both amazing boys who are EXTREMELY well socialized. Ry and I are currently station in Spain, and I am appauled at the neglect and abuse of the animals in our area. Well I just rescued 4 Pure Spanish Mastiff puppies from a rancher who was going to kill them [like he did their littermates] because he didnt want to pay for their feed. I have two that have been rehomed to friends of mine- who did extensive research and such [and if for any reason they cant keep them- they are coming back to me] I have another fawn that has an inverted eyelid [going to the vet Wed] and the remaining fawn male we are keeping [YAY!] I just want to touch basis with any other Spanish mastiff owners out there- I tried talking to one breeder back in the states but she completely bashed us for being military- saying we are irresponsible and shouldnt have pets- and the pups were better off with their fate. I picked them up anyway. Mind you- we have had our dogs for 2 years- they are well traveled and we would never ever leave them... Its unfortunate how some ignorant and irresponsible owners can ruin it for the rest... anyway if there are any of you out there- any tips, tricks advice would be great. The pups seem smart as hell, one day of house training and they have got it! We are currently feeding them what we feed our boys- Acana. Also they are 8 weeks old and are about 25lbs- any guesses at adult weights? Thank you!

 

[Bentley]

I know very little about Spanish Mastiffs but there is a Yahoo group dedicated to them, maybe help could be found there.

 

[NeoBull]

I haven't noticed any Spanish Mastiff owners on here, at least not in the month I've been here. That's awesome that you rescued them! That's terrible of the breeder to say they would be better of dead than with a military family. All the military families I know of with dogs have always taken them with them, to Korea, to Japan, etc.

I'd LOVE to see some pictures of them!

 

[AKBull]

The military issue is kind of a deal here as well. Quite a few families put their pets on Craigslist because they can't or don't want to take them wherever. And I've seen a fair number of "sellers" stating they won't sell to military families for that reason.

 

[Smart_Family]

We're military and will not rehome our pets for any reason. If that means living off base so be it but our animals are here to stay.

 

[AmberScheuer]

Yea, I understand, and I know some families really could care less about their, "family pets," It sucks, but thats not how all families are. Our boys are NOT replacable, trade-able or anything. We have moved quite a bit- and know the costs and ins and outs of bring our babies with us everywhere. We used to be stationed in Port Hueneme, CA- and I would see military posts all the time... It really is sad. Thank you for the yahoo group refferal. Ill post pics of them for you guys to see! They are super cute... and I swear- they are getting bigger every day!

 

[Oak Hill Farm]

I have researched Spanish mastiffs before settling on my Central Asian Shepard. They have similar temperaments, both being LGD. They are NOT a mastiff temperament. You can NOT treat or train them like mastiffs. They are much more independant thinkers, and usually don't agree with you. The are very much NOT a husky or bulldog. I would not recommend them for first time owners or people who have not done research. I would really not recommend them for city life and re-homing an adult one of proper temperament is damn near impossible. I am not a breeder yet, but under an apprenticeship of sorts at the moment. Please do not take offence (nothing against your dog owning skills) It does not surprise me breeders would not talk to you given your situation. I myself would not send a puppy to you do to the questionable circumstance. (and I am a military family, both my dad and my husband formerly) It is just that a true temperamented LGD is vastly different from any of the breeds you mentioned and many breeds people have dealt with.

---------- Post added at 02:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:20 PM ----------

and I truly don't want to upset anyone, they are just VERY (EXTREMELY) different. They DO NOT like people. They do not like to leave their environment, ect. Please join some LGD forums and groups and research this breed, LGD dogs are a different ballgame! I didn't even know how much until I owned one

 

[Oak Hill Farm]

and I truly don't want to upset anyone, they are just VERY (EXTREMELY) different. They DO NOT like people. They do not like to leave their environment, ect. Please join some LGD forums and groups and research this breed, LGD dogs are a different ballgame! I didn't even know how much until I owned one

 

[NeoBull]

I have researched Spanish mastiffs before settling on my Central Asian Shepard. They have similar temperaments, both being LGD. They are NOT a mastiff temperament. You can NOT treat or train them like mastiffs. They are much more independant thinkers, and usually don't agree with you. The are very much NOT a husky or bulldog. I would not recommend them for first time owners or people who have not done research. I would really not recommend them for city life and re-homing an adult one of proper temperament is damn near impossible. I am not a breeder yet, but under an apprenticeship of sorts at the moment. Please do not take offence (nothing against your dog owning skills) It does not surprise me breeders would not talk to you given your situation. I myself would not send a puppy to you do to the questionable circumstance. (and I am a military family, both my dad and my husband formerly) It is just that a true temperamented LGD is vastly different from any of the breeds you mentioned and many breeds people have dealt with.[/QUOTE

I could understand not selling to someone given their situation... but when they're already got the dogs and just want more information how is it helping anyone, let alone the dogs, to not even talk to them!?

 

[BlackShadowCaneCorso]

I don't know that there are any members with Spanish Mastiffs here as they are still pretty rare around here but kudos for rescuing them. I don't think you should be discriminated against because you are military, especially since you have 2 other dogs and the breeder should have listened a little more before reacting that way It is a shame that there are people out there that don't care about their animals like you do but I don't think all should be painted with the same brush. It is also why a lot of breeders have a first right of refusal clause in a contract, sometimes crap happens and if I chose to trust a military family with one of my babies and they just could not find a way to take the dog with them (or needed the dog to stay with us until they could make arrangements) then the dog comes back to me and I find it a new forever home if required.

I do second the request for pics and I can't wait to see how they look as they mature! We might not be able to help with specific "spanish mastiff" issues but we can certainly try to help with "general mastiff" issues

 

[AmberScheuer]

The First pup is Ari- 2 months old, male. 2nd pic is Sophie- 6week old, female. Third pic is Leo's [2 months old] paw against my husband's palm. 4th pic is of Ciro- 6 weeks old, Male. Last picture is of Leo laying next to our 80 lb Olde english bulldog. Leo is also only 2 months old.

 

[BlackShadowCaneCorso]

I have researched Spanish mastiffs before settling on my Central Asian Shepard. They have similar temperaments, both being LGD. They are NOT a mastiff temperament. You can NOT treat or train them like mastiffs. They are much more independant thinkers, and usually don't agree with you. The are very much NOT a husky or bulldog. I would not recommend them for first time owners or people who have not done research. I would really not recommend them for city life and re-homing an adult one of proper temperament is damn near impossible. I am not a breeder yet, but under an apprenticeship of sorts at the moment. Please do not take offence (nothing against your dog owning skills) It does not surprise me breeders would not talk to you given your situation. I myself would not send a puppy to you do to the questionable circumstance. (and I am a military family, both my dad and my husband formerly) It is just that a true temperamented LGD is vastly different from any of the breeds you mentioned and many breeds people have dealt with.

---------- Post added at 02:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:20 PM ----------

and I truly don't want to upset anyone, they are just VERY (EXTREMELY) different. They DO NOT like people. They do not like to leave their environment, ect. Please join some LGD forums and groups and research this breed, LGD dogs are a different ballgame! I didn't even know how much until I owned one

See someone with more experience in one of these "types" of breeds! Thanks Ang... I assumes with the name mastiff that it was a"mastiff" temperament like dog but it sounds like they are more like your Rocco or Brad's COs, even a Fila. Hmmm that might make things a little more difficult, so I agree you already have them but you might want to look into finding them homes that will be permanent if you still plan on traveling for a while yet, that way these dogs don't have to deal with a change in surroundings. If they are true to form it might make things more then a little difficult to travel with them, especially if it is by plane where someone else has to do the hands on work.

 

[Oak Hill Farm]

That is true, And I don't agree with bashing any them (military or not). However I do agree it is probably not the right lifestyle for a LGD. I took it (based on the sentence "I picked them up anyway." as she called for their advice BEFORE the puppies, they told her not to get the dogs, and she picked them up anyway, going against advice. It was the same advice I would have given.

Now that they decided to keep one, I would be more than happy to discuss the issues (good and bad) of owning a LGD. They are a very difficult breed. I would advise to join groups specifically geared to LGD. Most dog logic just doesn't work on them.

 

[AmberScheuer]

Thank you guys- Also oak hill farm- I must have not mentioned as I might not have OWNED a mastiff myself- I have been a dog groomer for the past 6 years, have trained dogs for 2 AND am studying for my DVM. So Even though I feel I am deeply experienced with dogs of all breeds and sizes- I was looking for more of a personal experience type deal of information. But thank you, Regardless- I rescued these pups who would have otherwise been strangled- due to a VERY [way more irresponsible owner than that of a majority of the military households I have seen] irresponsible owner. Its sick. Thank you for your concern... Either way- 4 puppies- are alive

---------- Post added at 08:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:36 PM ----------

I meant "I picked them up anyway," meaning- regardless of what the breeder had said- and no matter thebreed of puppy- they needed rescue. Im not trying to be defensive- just explain myself further, I apologize. The homes I have found- [for the 2 pups so far] will be getting out of the military when they go home. We will be purchasing a house as well.

 

[AmberScheuer]

I meant "I picked them up anyway," meaning- regardless of what the breeder had said- and no matter thebreed of puppy- they needed rescue. Im not trying to be defensive- just explain myself further, I apologize. The homes I have found- [for the 2 pups so far] will be getting out of the military when they go home. We will be purchasing a house as well.

 

[Oak Hill Farm]

See someone with more experience in one of these "types" of breeds! Thanks Ang... I assumes with the name mastiff that it was a"mastiff" temperament like dog but it sounds like they are more like your Rocco or Brad's COs, even a Fila. Hmmm that might make things a little more difficult, so I agree you already have them but you might want to look into finding them homes that will be permanent if you still plan on traveling for a while yet, that way these dogs don't have to deal with a change in surroundings. If they are true to form it might make things more then a little difficult to travel with them, especially if it is by plane where someone else has to do the hands on work.

Rocco is considered a mastiff as well, however he can not be compared to any mastiff I have ever trained. They are *very* independent thinkers. They were bred to think on their own and assess without a human present. I really didn't mean to come off hateful about it, I have just seen so many people unprepared to own them. Rocco would rather be anywhere but in the house and is not demonstrative, affectionate, or feels the need to be with you in any way. They also can fly from 0-10 in the blink of the eye to defend. It is a great breed, it just takes time and the patience of a saint to train them.

 

[BlackShadowCaneCorso]

Rocco is considered a mastiff as well, however he can not be compared to any mastiff I have ever trained. They are *very* independent thinkers. They were bred to think on their own and assess without a human present. I really didn't mean to come off hateful about it, I have just seen so many people unprepared to own them. Rocco would rather be anywhere but in the house and is not demonstrative, affectionate, or feels the need to be with you in any way. They also can fly from 0-10 in the blink of the eye to defend. It is a great breed, it just takes time and the patience of a saint to train them.

Hmmm guess it is a good reason to stick to my corsi instead of looking at those pretty COs that I saw not long ago. *sigh* and Hemi certainly would not take kindly to that kind of temperament in her house

 

[Oak Hill Farm]

Hmmm guess it is a good reason to stick to my corsi instead of looking at those pretty COs that I saw not long ago. *sigh* and Hemi certainly would not take kindly to that kind of temperament in her house

It is one of the reasons I am looking into another mastiff. (boerboel specifically) it's not that he is aloof to people, he is intolerant of people (EVERYONE except my husband, son and I). While showing him or if people want to pet him I have to grasp his face and keep all his concentration on me. I could not have him groomed by anyone, I can not have him boarded, etc. and then combine that with a dog that really doesn't care to please you and...yea. Why don't you come meet him before you decide Mary. I know Hemi and Astro were a lot alike, and neither one is like Roc!

---------- Post added at 03:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:53 PM ----------

AmberScheuer, I really didn't mean for you to feel attacked by me, honest. Sometimes I come across a little blunter than I mean too, or people want me too. I think it is great you rescued them, as that was a horrible situation (although sadly not uncommon). And it's not that I don't think you are responsible dog owners, or experienced, its more the environment at the moment. I do wish you guys well in every effort to save and re-home them. I get a little (too) passionate about LGD breeds.

 

[Oak Hill Farm]

AmberScheuer, I really didn't mean for you to feel attacked by me, honest. Sometimes I come across a little blunter than I mean too, or people want me too. I think it is great you rescued them, as that was a horrible situation (although sadly not uncommon). And it's not that I don't think you are responsible dog owners, or experienced, its more the environment at the moment. I do wish you guys well in every effort to save and re-home them. I get a little (too) passionate about LGD breeds.

 

[Cody]

I believe there is an owner/breeder of Spanish Mastiffs on this site, Bridga.
I remember them posting a while back.
Good luck on finding homes.
I know Ang wasn't trying to offend, she is passionate about these dogs, and quite knowledgeable. Having known her for going on 3 years now, she would never intentionally offend, but is only being brutally honest.
Owning dogs and having a HIGH drive drive dog that you have to be on 24/7 are completely different things.
When homing pups the new owners have to be aware that they may not be able to have a holiday without bringing their dog. It is a huge commitment that shouldn't be taken lightly.
Good luck with your babies.