Information About the Breed
& general health
(A healthy mastiff is a happy mastiff)
This page wasn't made to scare anyone away, but to make those unaware that Mastiffs are "Giant" breed dogs & the care/cost can be more than most expect. So we want to prepare new owners ahead of time to avoid heartbreaks in the future of having to rehome or place your pup back with us. We will always take our pups back no questions asked (besides the basic's involving temperament & health).
First and far most important FIND AN EDUCATED vet! Not all vets are nearly as educated on giant breeds as they should be. Hospitals that deal with horses, cattle & such are ideal. Call around speak to a vet personally & don't mention your breed, ASK them what large breeds they have worked with & their personal specialty.
There is no shame in having more than one vet.
We have 6 (3 being emergency vets) for this very reason, 2 fertility vets and a vet we go to for spay/neuter.
Rare diseases to watch for (there is NO known cause to how dogs get this)
If your pup/dog show any signs its VERY important to seek medical treatment asap!! Full panel of blood work should be done right away with your local vet as these are all LIFE threatening diseases that are becoming not only more common in our beloved mastiffs, but several different breeds .
Here is a LINK to view more info about MG & the signs (only specialist in CA can confirm a positive test for MG as of 2013, may change over the years)
Here is a LINK to view more about Megaedphogus & the signs
Here is a LINK to view more about Hemolyic Anemia & the signs
An all natural website HERE (please check it out & read the testimonies under dogs)
I have been told if your dog suffers these illnesses & survives its best to never vaccinate them again as some vaccinations can actually cause these diseases & have them reoccur, same with spay/neuter if they are not already don't spay or neuter either.
The #1 most important thing is keeping your pups immune system strong!! DO NOT vaccinate if your pup is ill some vaccinations can cause diseases. In the case your pup has a bacteria/parasite or ill wait till he/she is back up to 100% then restart his/her vaccinations. Your pup/dogs immune system is far more important than exposing them to live viruses in these vaccinations. We vaccinate our dogs, but I would never if one was sick or ill (parasites/bacteria still falls under this as it breaks their immune system down, therefore when vaccinating your then putting a live virus into their system that is already down). Autoimmune diseases are becoming more common in ALL breeds not just our gentle giants. Also anytime your pup/dog is on an antibiotic for anything including parasites/bacteria infections give them a probiotic to help put the good bacteria back in them.
(probiotic comes in treats you can purchase with your vet or order online)
How we do our de-worming throughout a pups life!
{NEVER vaccinate if your pet is on any antibiotics & always run a fecal prior to vaccinating}
1st 8weeks of a puppies life
We de-worm at 2 & 4 weeks old with strongid
Panacur & Neomicyn at 6 & 8weeks
(we still give a dose of panacur at 8weeks old even with a clean fecal result as precaution).
We do a fecal /smear at their 8week health check up,
prior to any pups leaving our home to assure they are 100% before any vaccinations are done
(if one of our pups have a bacteria/parasite shown in fecal, we will ALWAYS provide the proper medication/antibiotic to cover so new owners are not stressing over vet bills right away, we provide each new owner with each copy of their vet records including all fecal test results)
3months-6months old
We de-worm once a month with Panacur
7months-18months old
We de-worm once every 3months with Panacur
18+months old
We de-worm once every 6months with Panacur
If we suspect coccidia to be in the fecal we treat with SMZ (Sulfamethoxazole & Trimethoprim Tablets)
Have only heard Albon can cause neurological issues down the road and rather not risk using Albon
Vaccinations should be done a minimum of 3 rounds (some vets prefer 4 rounds, I don't recommend 4 cause your putting a live virus in your dog each time they get injected with a shot & we start our vaccinating at 8weeks old. So 3rd vaccination would be around 4months old and at that time your pup should be building a pretty strong immune system). You want to do vaccines every 3-4weeks apart at most never further apart than 4weeks.
When you go to do vaccinations make sure your pup is NOT on any medication/antibiotics and not ill at time of vaccine (including no temperature......most vets will avoid vaccinations when a pet is ill but unfortunately there are several vets today that don't even take the pup/dogs temp prior to vaccinating) because your are putting a live virus in your dog and could possibly open them to any diseases in the area at that time. Wait till your pet is 100% up to par then re-start if you want to vaccinate. A parvo/distemper shot DOES NOT guarantee your pup from parvo......a broken immune system will still effect your pup even if vaccinated! Keep their immune system strong....that's how you raise a long living healthy dog!! I recommend avoiding pet stores and dog parks for their first several months.
The English mastiff isn't only the world's most massive dog, they are also the oldest English breed. Caring for dogs are never easy, & if you want to take home a mastiff, though generally docile, slow moving and dedicated, the world's biggest breed entails responsibility & cost that matches its size (such as vetting, medications, food, toys, size of crate, spay/neuter cost, size of vehicle....etc. etc.).
Caring for preemie pups or a litter of pups click HERE for tips
History of the English Mastiff:
- Although the ancestors of this breed are said to have been brought to Britain by Venetian traders in 500 B.C., these dogs are believed to have existed thousands of years before. Mastiffs were portrayed in Egyptian art in 3000 B.C. and were also depicted by Caesar as fighting alongside British soldiers in 55 B.C. This breed is said to have arrived in America on the Mayflower and was later imported back to Britain when the breed was close to extinction because of World War II.
- The English mastiff is often called the gentle giant because of its laid-back and easygoing nature. They aren't barkers and are homebodies who take up a lot of space and don't require much exercise. Because of their size and protective nature, they still make ideal watchdogs and are often used for police and military work, search and rescue and pulling loads.
- Owning a mastiff means having to deal with the common health problems that come with the breed - including hip dysplasia, eye problems, obesity and bone cancer. They commonly wheeze, drool a lot and snore loudly. Although they don't shed much and require minimal grooming, bathing them can be a challenge because of their size. They respond moderately well to training but require a lot of patience because these dogs move slowly. Their mild temperament makes them child friendly; however, families with small children are not advised to have this breed for a pet by virtue of their size. English mastiffs have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.
- The average mastiff weighs as much as an average human male, around 140 to 200 lbs. Although not the tallest breed, they are the biggest breed in mass. These heavy-boned, muscular dogs come in apricot, fawn and brindle with wrinkled foreheads, wide-set eyes and heads said to be as big as those of polar bears.
Food "Suggestions":
These are suggestions, but remember EVERY dog is different any may take some time finding a good food for your new pup.
Foods with a star next to we have personally used/tried
Foods with a star next to we have personally used/tried
- AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal, Brown Rice & Oatmeal Formula Senior Dog Food
- Solid Gold Wolf King Large Breed Adult Dog Food
- *Blue Buffalo Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Adult Dog Food
- ***RAW Food***
- (best diet IMO, dogs drink less water, digest more of their food and stools are smaller and less frequent because they digest better)
- *Innova
- *Holistic Select
- EVO (grain-free)
- Nature's Variety (kibble and raw)
- The Honest Kitchen (dehydrated raw)
- Fromm
- Canidae
- Blue (organic option)
- Wellness
- NutriSource
- Karma Organic
- Breeder's Choice (Pinnacle, AvoDerm)
- Wysong
- Taste of the Wild
- Royal Canine
- *4 Health
- *Diamond Grain Free
Proper Care in feeding your new giant breed puppy:
Slow down, overfeeding a mastiff is a big no! This seems to be the toughest point for new giant breed owners. Everyone wants their puppy to be impressively huge, and there is a misconception that by feeding more, your puppy will grow to be a larger adult. genetics are genetics - your dog will grow to be the same size in the end, it's just a matter of how long it takes for them to get there and how healthy they are in the end.
Studies have shown that by feeding giant breed puppies approx 25% less calories and by feeding the proper ratios of protein, fat, calcium and phosphorus (all slightly reduced levels compared to normal puppy food) you can greatly reduce, if not eliminate their chances of developing certain diseases such as HOD, OCD, Pano, and environmentally caused hip dysplasia.
When a mastiff puppy is fed more calories or foods with high levels of protein and fat (most experts agree that an average of 23% protein and 12% fat are the ideal levels for growing giant breeds) it can cause their bones to grow faster than their muscles, which can lead to the painful and disfiguring diseases listed above. Proper feeding allows for more consistent, slower and proper growth.
Weight - so how much should you feed? A good general rule for mastiff puppies is you should be able to see the outline of the last rib or two when looking at their side while standing. For adults, you should be able to easily feel the ribs, but not see them other than possibly the last one. If you can see your dog's spine, the dog is underweight. Adjust your feeding amounts by about 1/2 cup at a time and watch for improvement.
Extra weight can lead to hip dysplasia and joint problems in giant breeds.
No regular puppy food, typical puppy formulas contain too much fat and protein for giant breeds like mastiffs, and are not properly balanced for special needs of giant breeds. Look for a good quality giant breed puppy formula. Like holistic select giant breed formulas. Also like solid gold wolf cub formula, innova large breed puppy and wellness large breed. You should watch your puppy carefully for any signs of irregular growth, including bowing or curving of the front legs or toes, swollen joints or legs, or hip or joint pain, and see your veterinarian promptly if you suspect problems.
How often to feed puppies from 7 weeks to 3 months should be fed three-four times per day. I like to feed three times a day up to 4 months. Studies show that more frequent feeding in smaller amounts can reduce the likelihood of developing bloat, so we feed smaller, more frequent meals throughout our dogs' life.
Many commercial pet foods contain junkie ingredients. salt, sugar, corn and by-products (the junk left over after the good meat is used elsewhere) are just as bad for your pet as they are for you. Especially during the crucial growth period, spring for a super-premium giant breed puppy food to give your pup the best chance at growing into a healthy adult. Giant breed puppy formulas are balanced with the proper levels of protein, fat, calcium and phosphorus for these fast growing giant breeds. Another good food is eagle pack holistic large/giant breed puppy formula. There is a list above of good choices.
Some breeders recommend fresh raw bones and raw foods (BARF) as an alternative to processed foods. If you choose to go this route, make sure you consult a vet that is familiar with the special needs of giant breed puppies to make sure you're feeding your puppy the correct ratio of ingredients. Although we don't feed exclusively raw foods, we do like to supplement with them as treats once in awhile.
Healthy treats as great as some super-premium foods are, they are still processed foods. We like to give our mastiffs healthy treats rather than packaged bones in order to add some fresh ingredients to their diets. Some are things we make for our mastiffs......... fresh grilled chicken breast slices, plain yogurt, green beans, broccoli, peas, strawberries, apples, oatmeal, bananas, cucumbers and celery. We also home make dog treats as well (recipe below). If your dog or puppy isn't used to getting these types of foods, start slowly so you don't upset their digestive systems - just a bite or two at a time. (want to get them to actually eat some veggies, put a tad bit of peanut butter on it)
Take care of their joints we've had the most success keeping our giant breeds feeling good & playing like puppies well into adulthood by choosing foods with glucosamine and condroitin for healthy joints, and by choosing super-premium foods rather than foods with junkie ingredients. Can also do vitamins & joint supplements but choosing a good food is just as good without adding more things to your dogs stomach which can result in an upset stomach, allergies etc.
Bloat prevention deep-chested breeds, like mastiffs, are highly susceptible to bloat (or torsion), a condition where the stomach fills with gas, twists, and kills the dog if untreated immediately. Nutrition and feeding practices play a huge role in the prevention of bloat. Food not at a good level, not resting after eating, stress etc. can all cause bloat. There is an old wise tail I have heard (but have never tried) of giving your dog you feel has symptoms of bloat a gas x pill or oil syringed orally to release the gas. I still highly recommend if your dog is having symptoms of bloat you get them into a vet asap as bloat can take anywhere from hours to minutes to kill your dog.
Cost & Expenses
Raising a giant breed puppy is not cheap. This list is not meant to scare anyone, but before purchasing an english mastiff you should be aware that there are significant costs associated with raising these breeds. Make sure a giant breed puppy fits into your budget before you bring one home.
These are our estimated costs (based on our experiences) associated with raising a mastiff puppy for the first year. As the cost of puppies varies depending on the breeder and location, this is just an estimate:
Puppies:
(estimate on cost of puppies first year)
Cost of Puppy: $900-$2,000 (pet) $1,800-$3500 (show)
Puppy Vaccinations & Vet Check-up: $200
Fecal Exam/Deworming: $35
(all our pups are de-wormed a minimum of 3 times, last dose 10days prior to 8weeks health check up then given a fecal exam)
Microchip: $50 (all our pups are micro-chipped)
1st year of Heartworm Prevention Medication: $100-$150+
1 Misc. Vet Visit for Illness or Injury, plus Medication: $150+ (ear infection, food allergy etc.)
Spay/Neuter & License: $150-$400 (depending on age & best to wait till 18-24 months of age)
Super-Premium Food total estimate yearly: $1,200-$1,500
Toys: $100+ (don't over do it with toys right off, alternate so your new puppy doesn't bore easily and become a furniture chewer)
Treats, Bones: $100+ (ALWAYS reward & praise good behavior)
Collars, Leash & ID Tag: $50-$100 (depends on type, leather etc.)
Grooming Supplies: $35-$50
Obedience Classes: $150-$300
Large Dog Bed: $50-$100
Size XXL Kennel: $150-$300+
Misc. Supplies & Repairs: $100+
(Poop Scoop, Bulk Paper Towels, Carpet Cleaner, New Shoes, Remote Control Replacement)
As you can see, a mastiff puppy can easily cost over $2,500 during the first year alone (most of which will be spent in the first few months) plus the initial cost of the puppy. This can bring the grand total of puppy costs to $3,000 - $5,000.
There are certain "static" costs associated with owning any dog - vaccinations and vet exams typically cost the same amount for a Chihuahua as they do for a Great Dane or Mastiff. However, once you step beyond that point, everything costs more when you're dealing with a giant breed dog. They chew larger bones, destroy bigger toys faster, sleep in bigger beds and crates, wear larger collars, eat a lot more food, and require larger doses of medications. The cost of treating illness or injury and surgeries tend to be more expensive for giant breeds as well.
Adults:
(Estimate annually cost of adults)
Vet Check, Vaccinations & Heartworm Test: $150+
Heartworm Prevention Medication: $200-$300
1 Misc. Vet Visit with Meds or Tests: $150-$300+
Toys, Treats and Bones: $150
New Bed: $100
Super Premium Food: $1,000-$1200
Advanced Obedience Class: $150+
Supplements or Medications*: $250-$1500
*For example, Valley Fever, a fungal disease that is common in the southwest US, is extremely expensive to treat in giant breed dogs. Spending $100+ per month or per prescription on medications for giant breeds is not uncommon
- they are the size of human adults and as such, medications tend to cost as much.
Estimated annual cost of an adult mastiff if no medications or supplements are needed: $1500-$2000.
These are our estimated costs (based on our experiences) associated with raising a mastiff puppy for the first year. As the cost of puppies varies depending on the breeder and location, this is just an estimate:
Puppies:
(estimate on cost of puppies first year)
Cost of Puppy: $900-$2,000 (pet) $1,800-$3500 (show)
Puppy Vaccinations & Vet Check-up: $200
Fecal Exam/Deworming: $35
(all our pups are de-wormed a minimum of 3 times, last dose 10days prior to 8weeks health check up then given a fecal exam)
Microchip: $50 (all our pups are micro-chipped)
1st year of Heartworm Prevention Medication: $100-$150+
1 Misc. Vet Visit for Illness or Injury, plus Medication: $150+ (ear infection, food allergy etc.)
Spay/Neuter & License: $150-$400 (depending on age & best to wait till 18-24 months of age)
Super-Premium Food total estimate yearly: $1,200-$1,500
Toys: $100+ (don't over do it with toys right off, alternate so your new puppy doesn't bore easily and become a furniture chewer)
Treats, Bones: $100+ (ALWAYS reward & praise good behavior)
Collars, Leash & ID Tag: $50-$100 (depends on type, leather etc.)
Grooming Supplies: $35-$50
Obedience Classes: $150-$300
Large Dog Bed: $50-$100
Size XXL Kennel: $150-$300+
Misc. Supplies & Repairs: $100+
(Poop Scoop, Bulk Paper Towels, Carpet Cleaner, New Shoes, Remote Control Replacement)
As you can see, a mastiff puppy can easily cost over $2,500 during the first year alone (most of which will be spent in the first few months) plus the initial cost of the puppy. This can bring the grand total of puppy costs to $3,000 - $5,000.
There are certain "static" costs associated with owning any dog - vaccinations and vet exams typically cost the same amount for a Chihuahua as they do for a Great Dane or Mastiff. However, once you step beyond that point, everything costs more when you're dealing with a giant breed dog. They chew larger bones, destroy bigger toys faster, sleep in bigger beds and crates, wear larger collars, eat a lot more food, and require larger doses of medications. The cost of treating illness or injury and surgeries tend to be more expensive for giant breeds as well.
Adults:
(Estimate annually cost of adults)
Vet Check, Vaccinations & Heartworm Test: $150+
Heartworm Prevention Medication: $200-$300
1 Misc. Vet Visit with Meds or Tests: $150-$300+
Toys, Treats and Bones: $150
New Bed: $100
Super Premium Food: $1,000-$1200
Advanced Obedience Class: $150+
Supplements or Medications*: $250-$1500
*For example, Valley Fever, a fungal disease that is common in the southwest US, is extremely expensive to treat in giant breed dogs. Spending $100+ per month or per prescription on medications for giant breeds is not uncommon
- they are the size of human adults and as such, medications tend to cost as much.
Estimated annual cost of an adult mastiff if no medications or supplements are needed: $1500-$2000.
Pet Insurance
There are several types of pet insurance. We use AKC with our dogs & have extra security by keeping $3,000+ at our local vets
Choosing the right one, depends on the plan you want, pricing etc. (I have 10+dogs in my home so reason I do this to always be prepared)
Here is a good link to get you started & prices on things & health conditions a mastiff can have
& why looking into an insurance is def something to considered.
Care Credit is also a good source to have if you ever do find yourself with a high vet bill.
Cost of Surgeries
Choosing the right one, depends on the plan you want, pricing etc. (I have 10+dogs in my home so reason I do this to always be prepared)
Here is a good link to get you started & prices on things & health conditions a mastiff can have
& why looking into an insurance is def something to considered.
Care Credit is also a good source to have if you ever do find yourself with a high vet bill.
Cost of Surgeries
Looking to Get into Breeding Mastiffs
Helpful link to learn more about the history
History
You first want to establish the "type" of mastiff you want to breed
Wanting a show worthy pup, but of good standard is going to be hard to find as you have the daney mastiffs (tall & more lean) that show better, than the standard old english typy mastiffs which can at most times be to much for the show ring as several judges over look them.
Research Pedigree's, Google Breeders name
If your pup has several different kennel names it is considered an out-cross pedigree which in that case you would want to find a suitable mate with very tight lines to pair up with (in result finding good matches will be around $1,800-$3,000 in stud service finding a good stud for your female, don't settle for less your pups will be of less quality as we have learned from the past & beginning of our breeding). Doesn't mean you won't have a great loyal companion, but consistency in the lines also helps you learn the health history of your dog as well as knowing what your producing.
Your need to research the cost of raising a litter and estimating at least the cost of vetting, feeding & properly caring for a litter of 10+
Also checking in with vets that have experience not only with a giant breeds, but also in c-sections as some vets can reduce the mothers milk by c-sectioning your female in result you are left to buy bottles & formula to supplement feed. Proper size whelping box......some use a plastic pool when in all reality that will last as far as whelping the litter the first day. You want to make sure mom has plenty of room so she isn't sitting, laying or crushing the puppies.
Mastiffs are one of the hardest dogs to breed from the actual mating day all the way till pups reach 2-3weeks of age.
Any questions feel free to email anytime & we will help find answers best we can with you.
Showing
AKC Dog Shows are about $31.95 per day (so a 4 day show would be about $130) most shows in OH at least.
Professional Handler $75-$200+ (depends if your attending show & bringing your dog or having the handler do it, specialty shows etc.
& how many days they handle). Some handlers will take you for your money, so best if you can attend a few shows watch the judges and other dogs and get a feel for it. Also attend a few shows with the professional handler before sending off alone (make sure they are putting the effort out with your dog, some will throw your dog off if showing others of the same breed/sex because they have it set in mind already who they want to win)......BE CAREFUL everyone is out to win and everyone is out for themselves. Best if owner handled, you are truly the only one that is going to give 110% with your dog in the show ring. If you can't handle drama......showing is def not for you. Drama is where ever you go, we don't go to shows to make friends (not against it, but not sticking around any drama), we go to compete against other mastiffs in surrounding areas & let our dogs show off & have a good time. If your just getting into showing and someone is rude to you, shrug it off, smile and move on. You gotta have fun in the show ring as well as your dog so don't throw your own dog off by allowing others to bring your day down.
Handler Classes (one here in Columbus OH is $80 for a 1 day, 6 week course) at Beechwold Veterinary Hospital, by Joe Canton 614-263-1317
We use a private class, which is one on one to learn more & have all the attention (you learn more quickly in a private class) Its $175 here in Pataskala, OH for 6 private classes then advance classes 4 additional classes for $100 and def well worth it (I was showing here at a few shows for about a year before doing classes and just 1 class I learned more from from her, than anyone had taught me from shows/other breeders). If your local and would like more info for Sammi she is a handler and was a judge.
(As I said most are out for themselves so be careful & most importantly have fun!!)
Don't forget Travel Expenses (hotel, gas, food, etc.)
You can find other handlers & different locations on AKC's website as well as googling
Professional Handler $75-$200+ (depends if your attending show & bringing your dog or having the handler do it, specialty shows etc.
& how many days they handle). Some handlers will take you for your money, so best if you can attend a few shows watch the judges and other dogs and get a feel for it. Also attend a few shows with the professional handler before sending off alone (make sure they are putting the effort out with your dog, some will throw your dog off if showing others of the same breed/sex because they have it set in mind already who they want to win)......BE CAREFUL everyone is out to win and everyone is out for themselves. Best if owner handled, you are truly the only one that is going to give 110% with your dog in the show ring. If you can't handle drama......showing is def not for you. Drama is where ever you go, we don't go to shows to make friends (not against it, but not sticking around any drama), we go to compete against other mastiffs in surrounding areas & let our dogs show off & have a good time. If your just getting into showing and someone is rude to you, shrug it off, smile and move on. You gotta have fun in the show ring as well as your dog so don't throw your own dog off by allowing others to bring your day down.
Handler Classes (one here in Columbus OH is $80 for a 1 day, 6 week course) at Beechwold Veterinary Hospital, by Joe Canton 614-263-1317
We use a private class, which is one on one to learn more & have all the attention (you learn more quickly in a private class) Its $175 here in Pataskala, OH for 6 private classes then advance classes 4 additional classes for $100 and def well worth it (I was showing here at a few shows for about a year before doing classes and just 1 class I learned more from from her, than anyone had taught me from shows/other breeders). If your local and would like more info for Sammi she is a handler and was a judge.
(As I said most are out for themselves so be careful & most importantly have fun!!)
Don't forget Travel Expenses (hotel, gas, food, etc.)
You can find other handlers & different locations on AKC's website as well as googling