Mastiff Temperament


© T. Darlene Cheek

Once you've had a Mastiff in your life, your world will never be the same without one! The time will come, however, when your Mastiff passes on, and if you're like me and Dave, you'll go right out and find yourself another one. If you're new to the Mastiff breed and interviewing breeders, most will tell you that all Mastiffs are the same - loving, loyal, devoted. AKC breed standard describes the Mastiff temperament as...

"A combination of grandeur and good nature, courage and docility. Dignity, rather than gaiety, is the Mastiff's correct demeanor."

"The Mastiff is a gentle friend to man by nature, always serving as man's watchdog and loyal companion. This is a dog who likes being around people. He needs their company and bonds close with his family."

This is all true, but if you've met one Mastiff, you haven't met them all! We learned that once Chesty reached his teenage years. I had to begin a search to find out what in the world was wrong with his attitude! I discovered that he's just a teensy bit jealous and was "food guarding" from Macy. Draco had never done this, and Macy wouldn't dream of it! That's why I thought this would be a good article, so that I can tell you all about the three Mastiffs that I've lived with instead of just repeating over and over again that they're wonderful in every way. Just like people, they've got personalities of their own.

Draco

Draco was mine and Dave's first child, and an absolute joy to live with! When we drove out to the breeder's house, we were excited expectant parents. Looking at the litter of beautiful, sweet puppies made us want to take them ALL home with us! We held each one, only to keep coming back to Draco. Something about the way he looked at us just melted our hearts!

On the drive home, Draco sat on my chest and licked my cheeks non-stop until I was a slobbery mess... I was in love! As a puppy, he was eager to please, fairly easy to train, and just a big ol' bundle of puppy lovin'.

He was very well socialized and accepted all friends, family, and neighors as his own. He was also very protective. He had his likes and dislikes in people, though. Anyone who raised their voice at me was put on notice! And some folks, he just plain didn't like from the moment he met them. He actually charged a guy Dave worked with, and we firmly believe he would've eaten this guy just because he didn't like the way he looked! Once, we had a friend visiting who was a bit loud. Draco watched him the whole time he was at our house. This guy took a wrong step towards one of the kids, and Draco nipped his leg. He didn't hurt him, but it was a stern warning!

 

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Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: View all related messages

3.   Jul 20, 2006 12:01 PM
I think it's funny that people say things like this- I wonder if these people own a mastiff? We have a 2 year old male English Mastiff. My 3 year old daughter can walk him. He is loving to ALL type ...

-- posted by kasasam


2.   Jan 29, 2006 8:41 AM
In response to Acceptable dog behaviour posted by OhSoLittleMouse:

This Mastiffs behavour is wrong , You can let a mastiff d ...


-- posted by smmastiff


1.   Sep 3, 2005 5:41 AM
Although the writer is definitely enthusiastic about Mastiffs, it was concerning to me how unacceptable dog behaviour was so flippently written about.

Food guarding, nipping at house guests etc. ab ...


-- posted by OhSoLittleMouse





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