Yeah, Ripley is our little guy and Pumpkin is our big guy. Pumpkin is 8 and slowing down. :-( He came to us as a puppy with a weak back end. He is my joy and my friend. We don't expect to have Pumpkin for too much longer, so we got the little guy. I can't fathom my life without a Mastiff. I spent a long time researching...I just wanted a dog who was sound and great temperament. I do favor the "old school" mastiff type and bought accordingly. Ripley is demonstrating strong nerves so far....between the chewin', pullin', tugin' and peeing. We were struggling with the housetraining, but we're doing well now. Pumpkin is a patience teacher for Ripley. And, I think the little guy has put a lilt in to the big guy's step too.
Ripley has graduated from puppy school and going into novice. He comes to my work place and into our warehouse. The forklift doesn't faze him. The umbrella opening is a target (he's not fearful at all) and he is pretty calm and friendly meeting new people. Why just the othe day in Lowes, a little girl (9ish) offered her allowance of $20.00 to buy him. I've just been reading a lot of what others are saying. Not much to report here other than my joy of having Ripley!