The chances are that you’ve considered adopting a Mastiff Shepherd cross for its reputation historically as a staunch guardian and for its heft. Or, you’re looking for a guard dog that needs very little subsistence and upkeep to remain healthy and happy. Read on for more information describing care, basic facts, and grooming about the large-sized Mastiff Shepherd.
Table of Contents
Mastiff Shepherd Overview?
A “Mastiff Shepherd” is a unique designer dog hybrid that is usually the product of a GSD and a Mastiff. Because of the large variety of Mastiffs, their physical appearance may vary significantly from one German Shepherd Mastiff mix full-grown dog to another.
Typically, standard defining features include a vast abdomen, large paws, a broad and robust muzzle with folded ears. Because German Shepherd Mastiff mix sizes can vary significantly, you can expect your Mastiff Shepherd to stand between 1.9 – 3 ft (0.6 – 0.9 m).
In terms of German Shepherd Mastiff mix weight, most adults will weigh between 80 – 200 lbs (36 – 91 kg). The English Mastiff German Shepherd mix tends to measure on the larger and more complex side.
Depending on the Mastiff breed, you can expect your Mastiff Shepherd’s coat colors to vary among shades of red, black, brown, and gray. Brindle coat colors are also a possibility; usually, this will happen if you have an English or Neapolitan Mastiff German Shepherd mix.
Mastiff Shepherd Life Span
Mastiffs have an even shorter average life expectancy than do German Shepherds. Their average life span ranges from six to 10 years.
What is the Price of Mastiff Shepherd?
A German Shepherd Mastiff mix puppy can cost between US$350 – $1100. English and French Mastiff German Shepherd mixes are normally the more rare breeds.
Mastiff Shepherd Health Issues
There are different health problems associated with Mastiff Shepherds. Most of the issues are a result of the hybrid’s large size.
Joint problems
Hip and elbow dysplasia are the most common Mastiff Shepherd joint problems you can expect. These joint problems commonly affect large-sized dogs. Insufficient exercise and a poor diet may worsen the joints, which can negatively impact your Mastiff Shepherd’s quality of life. German Shepherd Mastiff mix weight is a significant factor that affects the severity and onset of joint issues.
Mastiff Shepherds are more vulnerable to contracting these problems; the more prominent and more massive they are. Symptoms include weakness in the hind or front leg areas, avoiding exercise, and displays of aggressive behavior from your Mastiff Shepherd when touching the affected joints.
Cherry eye
While not always a painful health issue for Mastiff Shepherds, cherry eye can be unsightly and unpleasant aesthetically. Cherry eye happens when a dog’s third eyelid prolapses and leaves a visible red lump near the corner of your dog’s eye. In severe cases, Mastiff Shepherds may experience inflammation, swelling, irritation, and dryness in the affected eye, which may lead to infection.
Bloat
Bloat is a digestive issue known to affect Mastiff Shepherds. It happens when your dog’s stomach twists on both ends and causes discomfort, indigestion and may lead to premature death if left untreated.
This problem can also lead to malnutrition and sudden, unexpected death if left untreated. Symptoms include frothy saliva, excessive salivation, a noticeable bulge in your Mastiff’s abdomen, coughing, fatigue, and a lack of energy during exercise or play.
Essential Tips About Care of Your Mastiff Shepherd
This next part details grooming, care and exercise habits you will need to develop to keep a healthy and happy Mastiff Shepherd.
Exercise
Despite a German Shepherd Mastiff mix size, it is a relatively docile dog that does not need much exercise. Though, because of genetics, this dog can become cumbersome and overweight if not exercised daily.
Expect to spend a minimum of 30 – 45 minutes briskly walking your Mastiff Shepherd every day to keep it flexible and healthy. 1 – 2 hours of gentle-intensity exercise is the ideal amount of time you should set aside to exercise and play with your Mastiff Shepherd.
Coat
A Mastiff Shepherd’s coat will typically be a thick density but is of short-medium length. Tibetan Mastiff mixed with German Shepherd breeds will usually have longer length coats.
However, it should be noted that Mastiff Shepherds are habitual shedders and will need regular coat grooming. Having a vacuum cleaner to clean up loose fur is helpful.
Typically, you will need a slicker brush, undercoat rake, and metal comb to groom your Mastiff Shepherd properly. Use long brush strokes to even out its coat and be prepared to groom this dog 2 – 3 times a week.
There are different types of health issues related to the Mastiff Shepherd.
- Hip dysplasia.
- Elbow dysplasia.
- Cardiac issues.
- Autoimmune thyroiditis.
- Cystinuria.
- Eye issues.
What is the Mastiff Personality and Temperament?
Remember that canine intelligence test the German Shepherd so excelled at? The mastiff doesn’t fare quite so well on that same test, coming in at number 76. But this is partial because Mastiffs have a different type of canine intelligence. These dogs are quite quick to pick up new commands and reliable about reforming the behaviors on cue.
They have a more laid-back temperament in general and also tend to be more sensitive emotionally to any criticism, real or perceived. Mastiffs generally love people and want to be wherever you are, doing whatever you are doing.
Gentle
It is important to socialize a German Shepherd Mastiff mix puppy early on to train out any aggressive performance instantly. But usually, Mastiff Shepherds are very docile, relatively quiet dogs and can be safely left with children unsupervised. The Mastiff parent genes give this dog a more laid back, patient, and sweet personality.
Loyal
Loyalty constitutes a significant part of a German Shepherd Mastiff mixed temperament. Mastiff Shepherds are loyal and very shielding of their owners and may seem distant or hostile in worst cases towards strangers.
They are the offspring of two historically-known guardian parents, which means they need little training to become sufficient protection and guard dogs. However, if raised and socialized correctly, Mastiff Shepherds can be great guardian partners for small or large families.
German Shepherd vs. Mastiff: Which Dog Breed Is the Best Choice for You?
When comparing the German Shepherd vs. Mastiff, some apparent similarities and differences emerge. Which one of these popular and beautiful big dog breeds is likely to be the best fit for you and your family?
Mastiff Vs. German Shepherd: Which Is Best for Families With Kids?
While the German Shepherd is a more popular purebred dog than the Mastiff overall, the Mastiff is a better choice for families with kids in some ways. Both the GSD and the Mastiff will guard you and your family with care and vigilance. But the Mastiff will need less of your time for work, exercise, and play, which may ease some of the regular workloads for busy families with small kids.
