Mountain Mastiff Basics
Also referred to as the Bernese Mountain Mastiff, the Mountain Mastiff is a giant designer breed, but don’t let his size fool you; this dog is a huge love bug who will be devoted and protective, as well as sensitive and friendly.
If you’re searching for a dog who will love you forever and also serve as a guard dog, and if you want a companion who will get along with children and other pets, the Mountain Mastiff could be the ideal choice. Continue reading to learn more about this breed before bringing one of these incredible canines home with you.
The Mountain Mastiff is a cross between a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog and Mastiff.
Origin
The Mountain Mastiff is a designer dog breed whose origins aren’t exactly clear.
Pedigree
The Mountain Mastiff is a cross between a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog and Mastiff.
Food / Diet
Choose a high quality canine-appropriate food to nourish your Mountain Mastiff’s body. Stick with brands that use natural ingredients and avoid allergenic and artificial ingredients.
Because this is such a large breed, you’ll need to feed your dog a minimum of 4½-6 cups of a high quality dry food every day. This amount should be divided into two to four meals per day. If you’re also going to provide your pet with a high quality canned food for dogs, you should reduce the amount of dry food accordingly to prevent excess weight gain.
Because the Mountain Mastiff is a breed that is eager to please you, as well as intelligent, training should be quick and easy.
Training
Because the Mountain Mastiff is a breed that is eager to please you, as well as intelligent, training should be quick and easy. These dogs tend to listen well and obey commands. Of course, starting the training from puppyhood is always best.
Always approach training sessions with a positive attitude. Never behave harshly towards this sensitive dog. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement techniques that include praise, rewards, and treats, all while establishing yourself as the pack leader.
Weight
A extra large-sized breed, the Mountain Mastiff weighs between 150 and 200 pounds.
Temperament / Behavior
The Mountain Mastiff is a popular breed because these dogs are sensitive, docile, and kind. They are also even-tempered, so they are a wonderful choice for families who have children and other pets.
These devoted, loyal canines will be ready to protect you whenever necessary. They’re cautious around strangers, so they are effective guard dogs and watchdogs.
Common Health Problems
Because the Mountain Mastiff is a hybrid canine breed, it might be susceptible to the health problems that most often affect its parent breeds. However, there is no guarantee that your dog will actually inherit any of those problems, and there is no way to determine a dog’s long-term health. Just be aware of what conditions to watch out for so you can get your dog the necessary medical attention whenever symptoms arise.
Some of the health conditions that are commonly associated with the Mountain Mastiff’s parent breeds include bloat, joint dysplasia, Von Willebrand’s disease, kidney problems, cancer, seizures, eye ailments, portosystemic shunt (PSS), and panosteitis.
Life Expectancy
The Mountain Mastiff has an average lifespan of 7 to 12 years.
Exercise Requirements
These fairly active canines will require regular play sessions and a couple of walks every day. Other great ways to keep your dog active and at a healthy weight include off-leash playtime in a safe backyard and trips to the dog park. However, because these dogs don’t have a high endurance level, they shouldn’t perform vigorous activities for extended periods of time.
The Mountain Mastiff is a popular breed because these dogs are sensitive, docile, and kind.
Recognized Clubs
The Mountain Mastiff is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as it is considered to be a hybrid breed. However, this breed is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the Designer Breed Registry (DBR) the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
Coat
A Mountain Mastiff will have a rough, short, and dense coat that constantly sheds. Therefore, you will need to be diligent when it comes to grooming. Daily brushing will help keep the shedding under control while also maintaining the health and beauty of your pet’s fur.
If you don’t have the space at home to bathe your dog yourself, you can hire a professional groomer, but you should only bathe your dog when he gets too dirty.
Puppies
Just like all other puppies, the Mountain Mastiff puppy will need to be handled with care in order to prevent injuries. These sensitive dogs also need to be treated in a positive manner and with gentleness so they can become comfortable with their human family.
Training and socializing your puppy as soon as possible will allow him to grow up to be an even-tempered and confident canine who gets along with everyone he meets. Generally, though, these dogs are known for getting along with everyone, including other dogs, children, and other animals.
Photo credit: Facebook/MountainMastiff
