Self-confident and watchful, these dogs are patient and considered excellent with children. Intelligent, calm, even-tempered and docile. They respond well to firm, but gentle, patient training. They love to please and need a lot of human leadership. Socialize them well to prevent them from becoming aloof with strangers.
A born guard dog, the Mastiff rarely barks, but it is in its nature to defend its territory and family, and is more a silent guard rather than a barker. This breed is famous for its courage and will not back down against any foe. Mastiffs make excellent guard dogs and will not permit intruders to enter a home. Most Mastiffs will not attack unless severely provoked.
The Mastiff is known for its excellence with children, with whom it forms very close bonds. Adult members of this breed are incredibly gentle with children and very tolerant of rough play. Very young Mastiffs may not be the best housemates for toddlers, as they bowl them accidentally as a result of youthful exuberance.
Mastiffs are generally tolerant of other dogs. Most Mastiffs can be socialized to be polite and accepting of strange dogs, and the majority of breed members do just fine in multi-dog homes. Due to their gentle nature, Mastiffs can make good companions for much smaller dogs.
English Mastiffs have surprisingly low exercise requirements. This dog is known for being a couch potato and will laze around the house for hour after hour. Ideally, Mastiffs receive a long rigorous walk on a daily basis, but this breed certainly doesn’t want to run anywhere (except maybe the food bowl). Mastiffs enjoy having at least a small yard to walk freely in, but don’t require one and make surprisingly good apartment dogs.
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