TANK DIESEL (English Mastiff) **UPDATED**

[US PLUS 9]

Tank Diesel - the newest addition to our family! He is a purebred English Mastiff puppy... we bought him when he was around 16 weeks old. He is a wonderful dog - great with our 7 kids (all under 9 - and one on the way!) and our 4 year old pug dog Kloe!

16 weeks - 42.0 lbs.
18 weeks - 56.0 lbs.
20 weeks - 71.5 lbs.
22 weeks - 77.5 lbs.
23 weeks - 80.0 lbs.
26 weeks - 90.7 lbs.
6 months - 111 lbs.
7 months - 120 lbs.
8 months - 131 lbs.

Tank LOVES being outside. We have an acre of land in the country and he is not restricted by a fence (invisible or otherwise) and he minds very well. Stays in the yard and plays with the other dogs that live next door that also roam free in their yard. He comes in at night time and sleeps like a baby and usually we find him in the morning snuggling up on our couch or in our 2.5 year old lil boys bed cuddled up to him.

                   

[Ileana]

Oh my! He is adorable!! What a great name! Congratulations are your new baby!

[JkinBlack]

Yep, He is definitely a good looking boy!

[US PLUS 9]

Had too many pictures of this handsome boy for one post, lol. So here's just a few more <3

[robo21]

What a playful big boy! He looks like he's having lots of fun.

[US PLUS 9]

Just a few more pictures of our Tank

           

[robo21]

Be careful with the kids climbing on him, especially while he's in his growth stage. They could cause serious damage to his joints, back etc. Maybe get them a pony instead. If you don't believe it, check with a vet specializing in giant breeds. Our breeder doesn't even want our puppy (now 10 months) to go on long walks until he matures.

[US PLUS 9]

Tank just had a vet appointment and our vet DOES specialize in large dogs (my dogs go to 2 different vets across town for that reason) and he is as happy and healthy as an ox. My kids don't need a pony, nor did I get them a dog for that reason. Tank loves them so much and takes an extra liking to my youngest son. He doesn't "ride" him like a pony, but he does playfully sit on him and snuggle up to him and weighing under 20 lbs, I'm sure Tank is fine as long as he's grounded. My 2 year old would need a saddle to actually get on him if he's off the ground! So thanks for your concern and I'll mention it to my vet next time, but for now... I don't see the harm, all I see is the love!

[robo21]

(11-23-2009 12:46 PM)US PLUS 9 Wrote:  Tank just had a vet appointment and our vet DOES specialize in large dogs (my dogs go to 2 different vets across town for that reason) and he is as happy and healthy as an ox. My kids don't need a pony, nor did I get them a dog for that reason. Tank loves them so much and takes an extra liking to my youngest son. He doesn't "ride" him like a pony, but he does playfully sit on him and snuggle up to him and weighing under 20 lbs, I'm sure Tank is fine as long as he's grounded. My 2 year old would need a saddle to actually get on him if he's off the ground! So thanks for your concern and I'll mention it to my vet next time, but for now... I don't see the harm, all I see is the love!

First of all you're quite welcome. And yes, I was concerned for Tank and still am very concerned. Unfortunately, these giant breed puppies are extremely susceptible to joint and bone issues under their own weight and under the best circumstances without having kids climbing on their backs. Our breeder who has 24 years experience with Mastiffs cautioned us on walking for more than 10-15 minutes until Kahless fully matures - about 3 years of age. She also said under no circumstances should the young dogs be allowed to jump or attempt to stand on their hind legs or carry backpacks or any other burden. You may think "oh well my child only weighs 20 pounds..." but that might be the last straw.

Of course your young dog may appear fine and "healthy" now, many forms of joint problems usually don't manifest for years unless a serious injury occurs. The wear and tear is often slow to develop and is definitely cumulative. While Mastiffs are huge, strong and appear invulnerable they suffer from joint weakness. This is a well known fact.

Sometimes accidents happen with or without kids. A friend has a 1 year old male Mastiff that is scheduled to get a hip replacement operation due to an injury sustained while playing with one of his littermates. The dogs appeared to playing lovingly and normally when one bumped the other and caused it to trip and fall. Now this young Mastiff is getting a $5,000 hip replacement and may not walk normally again. Time will tell. Meanwhile the pain and suffering are great for this poor young dog. Think about the possibility of something startling your dog while your child is sitting on the dog's back. The dog tries to get up straining his hips and back and possibly injuring the child.

All I'm saying is that there are, in fact, special concerns with giant breeds and the kids need to understand that rough play or putting any amount of weight or pressure on a Mastiff could cause permanent and painful damage and that could cost you a bundle in vet bills.

While you you say that you "don't see the harm" the danger still exists even in a loving atmosphere. Mastiff bones aren't really mature until about 3 years of age and even then the risk for cumulative, stress related joint damage is ever present. Even 20 pounds is 20 pounds too much.

I didn't mean to cause a defensive reaction I only brought this up because of the hazards to Tank that we have become aware of. Isn't it best to learn from the experiences of others?

Of course, cuddling is wonderful with these gentle giants. Encourage that. But any kind of burden, whether or not the dog is "grounded" could be dangerous. Why take a chance? More often than not the potential damage is irreversible. Wouldn't it be best to err on the side of caution?

Good luck!

[brandonkuala]

The English Mastiff is the perfect family dog. The giant size isn't a problem either, since his behavior is so relaxed and calm. I'm happy you have chosen it. The Old English Mastiff is a massive dog which has a large, heavy square head with a well marked stop between the eyes.

[Optimus]

He is gorgeous!! My boy is 16 wks (yesterday) & 52.0lbs... looking at Tanks growth chart I'm so excited to see how big Optimus gets!!!