Anyone have a mastiff?

We have a new English Mastiff puppy....she's 10 weeks old and about 18 pounds. She's going to be a big girl, though she was the smallest in her litter. I love her personality, and my three sons love her, too. She's playful, but not too rough. She's going to be laid back when she's an adult, and a good protector. Her name is Abby. Anyone else have any kind of mastiff....bull mastiff, neopolitan mastiff, etc.?

Last year we had two adolescent Cane Corsos, beautiful dogs, but these two (brother and sister) had horrid personalities. I believe they were not socialized at all and would gang up on you one front and one in back and take turns nipping at you. The broke out our window with ones head and pooped and peed NON STOP in their kennel then splashed around in it, needless to say we ended up getting rid of them and remodeling our mud room due to the damage. They seemed to feed off each others fears, both were very fearful of people, but when we split them up they seemed to be much better. So far, the new owners of each one have not contacted us back to come and get them, so I guess all is well. I hope! Someday we would love to have another one from pup this time, and would prefer the blue ones, they are truly beautiful dogs and very powerful, we raised american pit bull terriers for 8 years and still have our male, the two breeds are very similiar. Michele

Hi Michele, Wow, those two were wild ones, weren't they? I didn't know what CC's were when you posted so I read online about them....they're also called Italian Mastiff, right? They are smaller than the English Mastiff, (our girl will likely weigh about 120 when full grown...the boys can weigh 150 or lots more in odd cases.) Abby is very playful, but much more laid back than our *Brittany*, who literally ripped the vinyl off the laundry room floor with her teeth in her wildness. She is the most hyper dog I have ever seen. We can barely pet her because she snaps when you get anywhere near her...not angrily, she's just so freakin' excited! Way too energetic for me. I like that the mastiff gets calm and likes to sleep and just follow its owner around the house or property. I guess hunting dogs aren't laid back, for a purpose! I hope you get to have another CC in the near future since you like them so. But think about the English cousin, too! They're pretty neat. Check out www.texasmastiffs.com to see some cute pictures....that's our breeder's website.

Hi Stephanie, I have 2 english Mastiffs..both are rescue dogs..My male is 220 lbs and my female is around 130. You need to start training your puppy now or you will have a huge problem on your hands!!! Mastiffs are the gentle giant but if you are being used a a chew toy, change that habit! I get all my information on Mastiff Club of America and Friends of Rescued Mastiffs. You will not regret your choice in the mastiff... Michella

Okay, Michella, I will take your advice!! Do you think the classes at PetSmart are enough, or should I find a private class somewhere? (You may not be familiar with PetSmart's classes if it's not in your area.) She is a HUGE chewer, and we pull her off our hands and scold her and then give her a chew toy to continue on, but it doesn't keep her for long. She is always chewing on someone or something inappropriate, like the coffee table or the couch! If I hold her in my lap and hold the nylabone, she'll sit there so peacefully and chew for an hour if I can stand it! I've never seen any dog need to chew so much. It's so great that you got yours from a rescue org. I admire that. I know they're grateful for a happy home! They are very loving, aren't they? Ours just has the cutest personality. I love it when she walks up to me and gives a couple of her deep barks...that means she's thirsty. She never barks for food, jus****er. She's such a drinker! I'll be glad to receive any more advice you have to offer at any time, trust me! I have a lot to learn about this little girl.