You have your heart set on getting a dog but aren’t sure where to get one? One option would be to adopt a Mastiff. There are a few rescue organizations from which you can acquire fully grown Mastiffs of different types. These dogs are usually abandoned because their owners have found that they do not have the means or time to care for their pets. There are times, however, that the Mastiffs come from abusive homes. This situation, in turn has caused behavioral problems in these pets, but some of these dogs can be retrained to become gentle, loyal protectors.
1. Why You Should Always Adopt
What are the benefits of acquiring your dog through Mastiff adoption agencies? For one thing, they do not cost as much as getting them from a breeder would. Secondly, previously owned Mastiffs would most likely already be house-trained, as well as relatively healthy. Thirdly, particularly ferocious animals are not given to potential owners so potential destruction of household items and injury to family members are lessened. Lastly, adopting through rescue organizations allows you to do a good deed for your canine friends who otherwise might have nowhere to go.
You can check the internet for more information on Mastiff adoption agencies near your home. Some of them may have a website with helpful information on the adoption process, as well as data about Mastiffs that are available for adoption.
You may also opt to check your local animal shelter for Mastiff strays. On the other hand, if you are only looking to volunteer your time to help these animals, a lot of Mastiff adoption agencies have volunteer programs that would greatly appreciate your help.
2. Breeding Mastiff Puppies
Maybe you’ve fallen in love with them. Or maybe you are thinking of turning your love of Mastiffs into a profit-earning venture. Whatever the case may be, here are some things you should know before breeding Mastiff puppies.
Breeding Mastiff puppies is not an easy endeavour. First of all, you will need a healthy Mastiff stud and a healthy Mastiff female. Mastiffs only breed when they are 1 ½ years to 6 years old. Typically, a female Mastiff gives birth to 3 to 8 puppies at a time. It is not uncommon for the female Mastiff to experience post-pregnancy complications like mastitis. As for the puppies, one of their biggest health concerns is worms. This means that they may occasionally require deworming and trips to the veterinarian.
The limited supply and relatively high demand for Mastiff puppies keeps the prices of these puppies expensive. Don’t expect to make a lot of money, however, especially if you are just starting out. Breeding Mastiff puppies requires a hefty capital. From obtaining high quality Mastiffs to use as breeding stock, to paying for food, medicine and tests to ensure the puppies’ and the dogs’ health, the bills can run quite high.
Ethics also play a part when it comes to breeding Mastiff puppies. Because of the high cost of operation, gaining profit ethically in this line of business can be a challenge. Do not be impatient when it comes to turning a profit. Sometimes, having healthy, happy Mastiff puppies is a good enough reward.
3. Caring For Your Mastiff
It is very common knowledge that a Mastiff will need extra care and special attention in due to its particular needs, and the fact that each dog breed’s health is susceptible to a variety of things. Here are a few of the more common concerns for Mastiff health:
Bloating – bloating happens when your dog drinks or eats too fast, resulting in its stomach becoming bloated with gas or air. This is especially serious because bloating can happen quickly and would need immediate emergency care. Bloating can be fatal because the stomach can twist or flip upside down, resulting in the blood supply to the stomach being cut off. You can prevent bloating by feeding your down with small portions in trying to keep them from gulping their food. If you have more than one dog, you may want to avoid feeding them together, as their competitiveness will result in faster and more aggressive eating.
PRA or Progressive Retinal Athropy – Mastiffs are susceptible to a few hereditary eye problems, such as glaucoma, cataracts and the more common PRA, which can lead to blindness. Unfortunately, there is no cure but a DNA test will help determine if your puppy is susceptible to this affliction. Dogs who have PRA should not be bred.
Bursas or Swelling – Bursas are more common around the knee and elbow joints, resulting from fluid filled pockets that develop into a full blown rough pad. Mastiffs are prone to bursas because of their sheer size, and their habit of using their elbows and knees to raise themselves off the ground. Bursas should be treated on a case-to-case basis, since surgery poses several risks. If your Mastiff is not experiencing any pain or discomfort from the bursa, it is advised to just leave them alone.
4. Mastiff Vaccinations
Baby Mastiffs’ are born with strong and solid built just like their parents. Even though they look healthy they need extra care and nourishment. They need to be fed with the right foods that their stomach can take. They should not be introduced immediately to low protein foods or to the tripe and biscuit diet. They need a balance meal that contains all the vitamins and minerals that they need in order to grow bigger. Aside from feeding, you should also think about Mastiff vaccination to assure their health and wellness. As soon as you get your baby Mastiff from the breeder, he needs to be brought to the animal clinic around your area to have his first consultation and Mastiff vaccination. Mastiff vaccination would only take few minutes but its benefits to your pet will definitely last. It will provide good defenses to your pets body in order to avoid getting sick. It is just a one time injection but it can provide continuous protection to your pet’s health.
Although Mastiff vaccination promises total protection, don’t forget to take your pet to the vet for his regular check-up. In order to improve his built and make him tougher to take life’s challenges his health should be always monitored. The vet or his doctor is the only person that can help you about this. He will be the person who you can rely-on on almost everything that concerns your pet. Mastiff vaccination is just one of the various services that he can offer. He is surely the best person who can provide guides on how you can feed, care and be a responsible master for your Mastiff.
5. Feeding Mastiffs
Tripe and biscuit diet is the usual meal served to Mastiffs but you should not settle on that. There are good selection of manufactured dog foods and food supplement in the market that you can consider when feeding Mastiffs. Generally, Mastiffs don’t need high protein diet so always read the dog foods that you are going to buy. If they are already manufactured with additional supplements, the regular supply of vitamins is no longer necessary. The food is already a complete meal for your pet to stay healthy and fat.
Although some Mastiffs are contented with tripe and biscuits, you can also introduce your pet to other foods especially if they are in special conditions like pregnancy, down with illness or old age. They need more vitamins and minerals so that their body can adapt to the changes that they are experiencing or about to happen. Feeding Mastiffs regularly and with more nutritious meal can give greater guarantee of healthier condition and longer life span.
If this is your first day to take care of your new Mastiff, you should consider the tips given to you by his breeder. Follow the feeding Mastiff diet and pattern that he has at first to avoid bloating and vomiting. If you are not satisfied about it, you can increase it or replace it by better foods little by little. The adjustments and changes should not be gradual so that the stomach of your puppy can be comfortable to the new foods that you are introducing.
6. Grooming Mastiffs
Keeping your Mastiffs clean and well taken cared of is an essential task to ensure it doesn’t get sick. This particular breed of man’s best friend isn’t particularly hard to keep clean especially if they are properly trained as they normally do not grow too thick of a fur that can get dirty real fast. Grooming Mastiffs is a simple exercise which will only take you as a dog owner at the most around thirty minutes to complete.
Dogs as we all know are considered to be one of the most domesticated animals that man can coexist with. They display exemplary loyalty to their owners and can even be trained to do certain tasks or tricks. When it comes to keeping them clean though, it can be a tedious as most dogs including Mastiffs hate to get in the water. Proper training though can help you discipline them. The process of Grooming Mastiffs other dogs must start while they are puppies. This won’t be too hard as one would imagine as Mastiffs are easy to pick up on any training they get. You must also not forget to get the proper tools for this such as combs, dog shampoos and other accessories necessary for Grooming Mastiffs. It always takes time to be able for them to fully learn everything but once they do, you’ll guaranteed never to have any trouble when giving them a bath or grooming them for a contest or a simple walk in the park from the time they learn until into adulthood.
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