-
Activity Level:
moderate
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Shedding Level:
moderate
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Grooming Level:
low
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Trainability:
moderate
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Good for Novice Owners:
moderate
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Adaptability:
moderate
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Kid/Pet Friendly:
often
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Prey Drive:
low
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Watchdog:
very alert
- Average Size: Giant
- Average Lifespan: 6-10 years
English Mastiff Mix Dog Breed Information
Overview
Temperament
Adaptability
Health
Owner Experience
Grooming
Activity Level
Size
Life Span
An English Mastiff Mix is a cross between an English Mastiff and another dog breed. Because a mix can take on any combination of traits from their parents, it’s important to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the mix.
If an English Mastiff Mix takes after their Mastiff parent, they will grow into a giant dog breed with a protective instinct. These dogs tend to be gentle giants with their families and are affectionate with them.
English Mastiffs tend to be intelligent and reliable dogs that are devoted to their families. With their families and people they know, they are loving, affectionate, gentle, and sweet. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs in the family, and other pets in the family.
Because of their protective nature, it is important to properly train and socialize an English Mastiff Mix. They will be naturally suspicious of strangers, but will warm up once introduced as long as they are well-socialized.
Although the breeder should have started some training and socialization, it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home. The other parent breed will also introduce potential traits and quirks, so it’s important to ask the breeder about them.
English Mastiffs are moderately adaptable dogs. Although they are a better fit for homes with room to run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough attention and exercise.
These big dogs also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They are very sensitive to heat, but can handle colder climates well. If the other parent is also moderately adaptable, then you should be able to expect the same in an English Mastiff Mix.
But, the other parent breed will introduce their own potential quirks and traits that could affect adaptability. So, you want to make sure you have a conversation with the breeder about them.
Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? Although they can be, it’s not a guarantee and reputable, good breeding practices make a big difference. Just as a mix could inherit none of the health conditions common to their parent breeds, they could also inherit all of them or some combination of them.
From the English Mastiff side, potential health concerns to be aware of in an English Mastiff Mix include progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, luxating patella, and cystinuria. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies, so make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents.
Because the English Mastiff is one of the dogs breeds at risk for bloat, the same is true for an English Mastiff Mix. The risk may be reduced depending on the other parent breed, but you will still want to be aware of bloat in dogs. The more you know, the more you can reduce the risk and the sooner you can get help if it starts to occur.
Although English Mastiffs are intelligent and pick up on things quickly, they can be stubborn. That, plus their protective instinct and size, can be a challenge for first-time dog owners. Puppy training classes are recommended for them.
The other parent breed could make an English Mastiff Mix easier or more difficult to train. So, you want to ask the breeder about them and be prepared to enroll in obedience classes or enlist the help of a professional trainer.
An English Mastiff Mix could inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or one that is a mix of both of them. Should they inherit the Mastiff coat, they will shed moderately year-round and heavier as seasons change. They will require weekly brushing, regular checking and cleaning of facial folds, and a bath as needed.
In addition to coat care, you will also need to take care of your English Mastiff Mix’s nails, ears, and teeth. Cutting your dog’s nails once or twice monthly is usually enough to keep them from growing too long. Weekly ear checks with careful ear cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections.
Because gum disease in dogs is serious and can lead to other health issues, it’s important to start practicing good dental care early and keep it up throughout your dog’s life. This can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Brushing daily or using an enzyme toothpaste in addition to regular cleanings at the vet is ideal dental care for dogs.
English Mastiffs tend to sit in a low to moderate energy range. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for them. Even after puppies finish growing and their bones are done developing, you will still need to take it easy with an English Mastiff as they tire and overheat easily.
If the other parent breed also sits in a low to moderate range, then you should be able to expect something similar in an English Mastiff Mix. However, if the other parent breed is a high-energy dog, then you will need to be prepared for the potential of a high-energy English Mastiff Mix.
Fully-grown English Mastiffs tend to stand 27-36 inches tall and weigh 120-220+ pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother.
So, make sure you ask the breeder about them. It’s not a guarantee, but you can meet the mother to get an idea of what size to expect in a fully-grown English Mastiff Mix.
An English Mastiff generally lives for 6-10 years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar life span in an English Mastiff Mix.