Couple quick questions.....

[shanet1975]

Not sure if this is the right spot for this, but here goes.
About 2 years ago we rescued a French Mastiff from someone up north. Both parents were on site and also had 2 siblings. The father was really friendly and submissive, but the Mom was not as friendly. Barked a lot, but never really charged. The puppy we got had mange bad, but otherwise was OK. Was a little timid, but we thought nothing of it as we just took her from her family. As time when on Wilma bonded with all of us and our other pets really well. It is my wife and I, 3 kids (6, 8 and 13), a cat, and at the time we had a chinese crested and a black lab. We noticed that she was always timid around any other people. Even if it was frequest visitors (my folks and my wifes folks and other kids). This was when out of the house. If we were in the house and had visitors, she would bark like crazy, but never actually charged after anyone. When she tuurned about 8 months or so, she started to charge a bit when others came into the house. We had 2 times when she actually bit my brother (16, I am 18 years is elder), and my wifes sister who was 13 (also much younger than my wife). After this we had to put her down and it was the saddest day of our lives. We all miss her terribly and I know we can never replace her.
But, we have been talking. My black lab of 8 years passed on because of health issues and we have a sharpei/beagle pup now. Bailey is about a year old.
We would love to get another French mastiff as she was the perfect family pet. She was the most affectionate dog we have ever had to all 5 of us.
I have been trying to do some research on these breads and have come up with "they are great family pets" and "they are great watch dogs".
Was her charging being a "great watch dog", or is that out of the ordinary? We just don't want to have to go through all of that again, if she turns out the same way. Were we doomed from the get go rescuing a timid mange ridden pup?
Thanks for your time and if you have anything to add, please do.

 

[Bentley]

Welcome! I always admire people who rescue but I feel that in all honesty it must be said that rescued dogs can often come with issues, particularly security/insecurity problems. I have rescued two dogs and my sister has rescued one and we both agree on this. These problems aren't insurmountable; but you ought to bear these in mind if you are thinking about rescuing again. I stress, however, that this doesn't mean don't rescue, just be selective. As for the charging I would suggest that Wilma was insecure and had become defensive as a result. French Mastiffs should guard their home, but blocking rather than charging is the typical behaviour.

If you do rescue, which I always heartily applaud, try to arrange a meeting between Bailey and the prospective new family member first. I hope this has been helpfull!

 

[shanet1975]

I honeslty don't think we would try rescuing again. Let me rephrase, we will not try rescuing a large breed dog. I am in the process of looking for a breeder that is somewhat local. Having a difficult time as there are none that I can find. Ugh. I see a few on puppyfind, but they are a ways away and I really would prefer not to ship. Anyone know of any reputable breeders in the north east?
Thanks again

 

[AdrianVall]

If you truly want a reputable breeder, your more the likely going to have to either drive a long distance, or get the puppy shipped to you. French mastiffs aren't all to popluar, so your not necessarily going to find a breeder near you like you would find a pitbull, or something of the sort.

I was going to get my French Mastiff through these guys, but decided to get another english mastiff instead. (kinda regret it sometimes.. ) I spoke with her on a couple different occassions and she's got some SPECTACULAR dogs! Take a look.

http://parkavedoguedebordeaux.webs.com/

 

[BradA1878]

I have been trying to do some research on these breads and have come up with "they are great family pets" and "they are great watch dogs".
Was her charging being a "great watch dog", or is that out of the ordinary? We just don't want to have to go through all of that again, if she turns out the same way. Were we doomed from the get go rescuing a timid mange ridden pup?
Thanks for your time and if you have anything to add, please do.

I think that "charging" a "threat" is something that a potential owner of any guardian breed should be prepared for. Keeping in mind that a guard dog may not always agree with you on what he perceives as a "threat" (and so may charge things/people you don't want him too - especially if he is under-socialized or from a breeder who doesn't breed for proper temperament).

Now the bite (and not just the charging)... that is a complicated one to answer. A DDB is a guardian/fighting breed, sure they have been selected to be more amiable over time, but they still have those guardian/fight instincts in them - somewhere. Generally speaking, a mastiff-type breed should "display" a long time before they bite. The instinctual guarding pattern of a mastiff-type dog should be such that they give ample warning before a bite, unless the bite is given in a situation where a display would not stop a threat before it attacked the lifeforms the Mastiff is guarding.

Take a look at this page: http://bullmastiffinfo.tripod.com/bullmast1.htm

"First and formost the bullmastiff is a guard dog, and it is a type of guard dog that is more protective of territory than anything else. The typical sequence of bullmastiff guard behaviors include running up to a suspicious character, maybe slam the front feet into the ground, and take a stand, maybe growling and/or barking, thus threatening the perceived danger first. Typically, the dog then takes a moment or two to evaluate the problem before taking further action. A bullmastiff exhibiting a threatening posture is usually enough for any person with malicious intent to decide on a hasty departure rather than confrontation. When confronted and threatened back, the bullmastiff will use his weight to shove, and/or bite to take care of the perceived problem. Thus biting is the last in a sequence of guard behaviors of the bullmastiff, and it happens rarely."

The bulk of that article (and the quote above) is actually pulled from this book (Chapter 6: Behavioral Confirmation): http://www.amazon.com/Dogs-Startling-Understanding-Behavior-Evolution/dp/0684855305

It describes the guarding pattern of a Bullmastiff, but I would expect to see a very similar behavior in any Mastiff-type guardian dog breed.

That's a book I recommend to anyone who plans to own a purpose-bred dog breed.

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