Mastiff Personality?
by admin ~ March 27th, 2008Q: I am getting ready to take a job at a youth camp and was wondering if that setting would be good for a mastiff. First, will a mastiff ever be content to be outside a lot (i will be and would love to have a big dog with me) and maybe even sleep outside. Second, will a mastiff do well with a constantly changing huge group of 200 kids every week and the resulting attention? Can they easiily be trained to heel without a collar and obey?
A: Mastiffs are a fun-loving, easy going, social breed. They love to be around people and typically do well around kids (other than the occasional tail whack or accidentally knocking over small children).
1. Assuming the weather is nice in the area you will be (they don’t do well in hot or cold temperatures) a mastiff probably wouldn’t mind the time outdoors, as long as they are interacting with you and not left alone in a dog run all day. English mastiffs do have a reputation for being a bit lazy, so their energy level is probably not up for daily jogging or 5 mile hikes - a more athletic type dog would be a better choice if that is the case. Make sure your mastiff has a soft place to rest outside.
2. Your mastiff would prefer to sleep on your bed, or on top of you on your bed, or on your pillow. This doesn’t leave much room for youRemember that dogs are pack animals, so it is not in their nature to be separated from their pack, even for the night. Rather than leaving him/her outside, a better choice would be to have a dog bed or a large crate in your bedroom where your dog can sleep near you.
3. The typical mastiff loves being the center of attention. As long as you begin socializing your puppy to children, commotion, and change, or choose an adult that likes kids and crowds, you shouldn’t have a problem. Every dog has a unique personality, so ask your breeder/adoption counselor to help you choose a dog or puppy with an outgoing personality, and make sure your dog has a place to rest away from the commotion that is off limits to kids in case he/she needs a break.
4. My great danes and mastiffs are all voice trained. It takes time and you have to be committed to enrolling in a good obedience class and sticking with it. Mastiffs are intelligent and very trainable, but they can have a bit of a stubborn streak so consistency is key and frequent practicing is a must.
