
Breed Profile
Australian Shepherd
- WEIGHT: 40 to 65 lbs
- HEIGHT: 18 to 23 inches
- COLOR(S): Blue merle, red merle, all red, tan speckles, black
- BREED GROUP: Herding
Breed Profile
Mastiff
WEIGHT: 175 to 190 lbs
HEIGHT: 28 to 30 inches
COLOR(S): Reddish brown, apricot, or brindle, all with dark muzzle, ears and nose.
GROOMING NEEDS:
EXERCISE NEEDS:
GOOD WITH DOGS:
WATCHDOG ABILITY:
DESCRIPTION
TEMPERAMENT
It is a self-confident, watchful, and patient dog. It is gentle-natured towards its family. It is in its nature to defend its territory and family. It rarely barks; it is calm and docile. This breed needs lots of companionship; it loves to please. This dog makes an excellent companion to children (not recommend for toddlers though, because of its great size). It is very large and heavy. The Mastiff is very intelligent, responds well to gentle, patient training. It is very possessive of home, family and car; protection training is unnecessary for this naturally protective breed. The dog generally holds intruders at bay rather than attacking. Extra effort should be given to socialize a Mastiff puppy; it may be combative with other dogs if not very well socialized. The Mastiff's dominance varies widely depending on the lineage; it can be aloof with strangers or fairly friendly. Some of the Mastiff's talents include: watchdogging, guarding, police work, military work, search & rescue, and weight pulling. This breed tends to drool, wheeze and snore loudly.
GROOMING
Outer coat short and straight, undercoat dense and close lying. The coat is easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush and wipe over with a piece of toweling or chamois for a gleaming finish. Bathe or dry shampoo when necessary. The Mastiff is an average shedder.
HEALTH
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and bloat. Bloat is a health concern to most dogs, being the biggest killer of dogs second to cancer, but Mastiffs are particularly susceptible to it because of their deep chests. Bloat is also known as twisted stomach or gastric torsion. Other, smaller health concerns include obesity, cancer, osteosarcoma, and cystinuria.
EXERCISE
Regular but not over tiring exercise will keep the Mastiff in shape and develop their muscles. Controlled exercise must be given to a puppy until they are fully developed.
TRAINING
Firm but gentle training is essential to keep the Mastiff under control. Remember consistency, lots of love, and plenty of understanding. Early human contact should be given to Mastiff puppies so that they are good around children and fast moving animals when they get older. If puppies are not socialized, they may resort to fear-biting if something fast or unusual happens around them.
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