Mastiffs are naturally gentle giants. If socialized properly they get along with the family, strangers, children, and other animals. Mastiffs are indoor dogs and require the love and attention of their human companions. It is a great feeling when your Mastiff shows its love by plopping its big head in your lap and looking up at you with those “puppy dog eyes.”
An adult Mastiff will bark if something new is in its territory but won’t continue to bark unless it feels that it or its family is threatened. Mastiffs tend to stand between a family member and a stranger to show protectiveness. A Mastiff is able to distinguish between a stranger and someone who is a real threat to the family. Mastiffs are so gentle in nature that you may never know just how protective it is until a dangerous situation arises.
Shyness is a genetic fault in Mastiffs. Because shyness can be inherited it is very important to socialize your Mastiff at a very early age. When socializing, praise your dog whenever it is friendly, confident, and shows no shyness. A Mastiff that is overly shy can be an uneasy and unhappy dog.
A well-socialized Mastiff will never bite unless hurt, frightened, or threatened. A well-trained Mastiff will only bite as a last resort. If an intruder enters your home a Mastiff will tend to corner that person and try to hold them there until you get home. The Mastiff may snarl and bark if the person tries to get away but will usually only bite in self-defense.
General Information
Mastiffs, like any other type of dog, have undesirable habits. Mastiffs love to chew things but with proper training they learn quickly which toys are theirs and which items are off limits. Toys must be very durable and able to withstand a lot of abuse. Mastiffs also love to dig and no one knows why this is. Mastiffs do slobber especially right after drinking or eating. They can also drool if they are agitated or fearful. The tighter the lips the less they will drool. Mastiffs snore a lot due to a long, soft palate in the mouth. Snoring in the Mastiff is inherited.