Total newb to mastiffs :)

[chick]

Hi! Im new to the forum as well as to mastiffs. I currently have a boston/pug (bugg) and because of him ive fallen in love with bullies, particularly mastiffs. My plan is to add a bullmastiff to the family, but first id like to get all the information I possibly can! A bullmastiff will definately be my first large dog so im preparing much as I can. Any suggestions?

 

[Bob Felts]

We used to go to dog shows and ask every question we could of breeders and owners. The first was always "What is the most important thing to know / do as a new Mastiff owner? We asked those questions for over 30 years before my wife broke down and said yes. :-D

 

[NYDDB]

I agree-- meet hang out with the dogs themselves, and talk to owners/breeders. Dog shows and events are the perfect place, as you will gain lots and lots of information, first hand.

And be prepared for the strength and power these big guys have.

 

[DDSK]

Do your research and plan ahead, this forum is a great resource.

 

[irina]

Where in BC are you? You can certainly meet Ajax if you are not too far away. He is a cane corso, but might give you some idea.

 

[chick]

Than you all for the replies! I will definately do a lot more research and make sure im prepared. the only other thing that worries me a little, is that my bugg is only 20 pounds. Hes quite little but hes friendly and loving.

I live in burnaby! Not too far actually! Id love to meet ajax!

 

[Smokeycat]

As long as you teach the puppy to play nice (gently) with the smaller dog there shouldn't be a problem. I have an EM (190 lbs, so a big boy) not a BM but he lives with 3 cats that are each around 10 lbs and he is very gentle with them. I've also seen him behave in a similar manner when we encounter small dogs.

 

[Harrygto]

welcome to the Mastiff world

 

[TricAP]

Small and big dogs can get along just fine - we have a 4 lb Chi that rules our other dogs. We take extra care not to leave them alone together - Angus is still an exuberant pup at 10 months and 125+ lbs. One misplaced paw would do her in. this forum is a great place to do research as to what to expect from the breed. Good luck and thanks for taking time to educate yourself!

 

[Bob Felts]

So, I have 3 cats that are not fans. Thane will run up to them, but more in exuberant puppy wants to play mode than anything. However, after watching how quickly he dispatched a baby bunny, I worry if left alone, would he size a kitty in his jaws or not. I just don't know. He can be very calm, and almost get a nose to nose sniff (with us holding his leash) and not alert or act agressive. But, I'm just not sure. Any suggestions outside of a suit of armor for our spoiled housecats?

 

[Dauntless]

Re: Total new to mastiffs

I am also new to the whole mastiff world, I recently acquired to cane Corso girls two litter mate sisters. Both are pets, one is a beautiful dark brindle like the parents and other litter mates, but the other is fawn lacking any type of mask. I know this is not normal from all my reading and studying, but I think she is beautiful and will make an awesome pet. I have been told numerous times that because she lacks the mask she is mixed even though parents are ICCF registered. Here is a pic of her sister and her. What causes this lack of coloring?

 

[TWW]

Mouse my EM has played with a 80+lb AB and a 30lb pitbull since he was 8 weeks old almost daily (He was 20lbs), now at about 180lbs he still plays with them almost daily and never had a issue.
He also plays with friends 3 cats ranging from 5 to 10lbs and again never a issue.

Biggest thing is to start them when you first bring them home and there little socializing, that way when there teens and adults they know how not to hurt other animals, when there playing.

 

[Liz_M]

Over the years I've added a few Rottweiler puppies to a cat-owned household without incident. My current EM puppy pesters the three resident cats but they are dog-savvy and don't take any crap, so he has learned quickly to be respectful of them.


The resident bossy bitch is not tiny, she weighs a little under 30 lbs. But I've never had any issues with her and much larger dogs or puppies; she was raised with two Rottweilers so she's also very comfortable with bossing around the bigger boy dogs LOL. In my experience, puppies of any breed can live in harmony with much smaller pets. You just have to set boundaries and step in if the other, smaller pets won't put the puppy properly in its place.

Dauntless, I'm not familiar with the CC standard, your question might be better put on that sub-forum. But many purebred dogs have "faults", such as lack of a mask, incorrect coat, incorrect coat color for the breed, etc. The breeder you got your pups from may be able to answer your question.

 

[BlackShadowCaneCorso]

Welcome to the forum! There are at least a few owners on here with large/giant breeds and smaller ones that I am sure will be more than willing to help out.

Dauntless, a maskless dog doesn't mean that it isn't a corso but maskless is typically considered a DQ.