Mastiffs - Puppies - Pictures

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Mastiffs - Puppies - Is Owning Costly?

Mastiffs are said to be hard to own. They are not recommended for novices since they require a lot of care and are costly to own. One should take into consideration if they are ready to supply a Mastiff with premium foods. The owner of the heaviest dogs in the world, an English Mastiff that weighed about 286 pounds stated that his dog consumed about 100 pounds of meat weekly plus other fluid products. It goes without saying that not every Mastiff grows to such size and needs so much foods. Yet, Mastiff foods are rather costly.

Expenses also involve vaccination bills. Mastiffs are giant dogs and need a greater amount of medicine than other breeds. Responsible Mastiff owners test their dogs for various diseases, specifically, for hip and elbow dysplasia, and eye conditions. Ectropion, one of the most frequently seen health disorders in English Mastiffs, can be inherited which implies medical attention throughout the dog's life.

It should be mentioned that a quality Mastiff puppy costs a great deal. Mastiffs are not widely spread in some countries. It forces breeders to import dogs, which doubles the price of the future progeny. Moreover, Mastiff litters are not numerous due to some delivery problems.

Mastiffs - Puppies - Aggression: A Myth Or Reality?

It is a widespread belief that large breeds of dog cannot do without biting, growling, and other demonstration of their strength. It is true that Mastiff ancestors would serve as war dogs and fight lions and bears. Caporal, a Dogue de Bordeaux, was famous for fighting scores of other giant dogs. This dog, that always turned out to be the winner, must have been rather vicious, endurable, and strong. In fact, all the Mastiffs of old days were characterized by boundless aggressiveness and strive for exercising their physical abilities.

One should remember though that the Mastiff's cruelty to enemy went hand in hand with true devotion to his master. An English Mastiff from Lyme Hall saved his master's life during the Agincourt battle in 1415. That female later became the foundation bitch of the famous breeding line. Owners of Mastiffs, the descendants of that dog, must have been very proud of such kinship.

Nowadays, Mastiffs are no longer used in cruel sports. Aggression is considered a fault of any Mastiff and is cogent ground for excluding such a dog from breeding. Overall sound Mastiffs should be balanced, loyal, and susceptible to training.

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