firebladejr Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 Hi folks, I've been researching some of the mastiff breeds for a long while now, and have narrowed my choice down to 2 breeds (maybe 3). I've owned dogs for around 20 years and my experience ranges from tiny dogs through to Staffies, and over the last 12+ years, APBT's. I absolutely love APBT's, I think they are a fantastic breed. My reason for moving more toward a mastiff is focussed around 2 main points, stimulus threshold and exercise requirements. I've found that almost anything would've got my APBT's all excited, eg if I click the lock on the back door, the dogs go ballistic and run around the yard super-excited. If we have people over, they do behave, but if a neice or nephew starts playing with a toy then the dogs want to join in almost straight away. APBT's aren't a breed that can do with 30mins of exercise a day either... mine seemed to be happiest when they were exercised to exhaustion. What i'm looking for in a mastiff is a large dog that is a little more docile and not so easy to get excited (the toy example). I also do most of my exercise on my own (gym membership and road cycling) so prefer can't bring the dog with me. I can walk it for half an hr a day, but much more than that will be difficult at times. I also like that the mastiff's are a little more predispositioned towards guarding property and family. My pits would guard the house, but if someone talks to them in a sweet voice, they'll lick them to death. So this brings me to my two preferences... the Bullmastiff or the Dogue De Bordeaux. Both similar, from similar pasts, with similar personalities. If anyone has experience with both, what would you describe as the key differences? Which would you recommend and why? A 3rd contender could possibly be the Boerboel.. I love Boerboels, but feel that the exercise requirements would be greater than the other two breeds. Many thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melinda10786 Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 I only have experience with one - bullmastiffs. My family have had them for over 25 years, and they are just so laid back and a great family dog.. My parents first male would go everywhere with my dad, which included going onto the army base and joining in on their exercise runs, but was also quite happy with just a lap around the block if he couldn't go out. They are fantastic with kids, which is why my parents got one to begin with. They can get excited, but considering I own two cocker spaniels, their excitement level is quite low. Their current one is happy with just a walk around the block in the morning and then spends his time with my dad in his shed, or just sleeping on his bed. My dad says Hunter would easily sleep for about 20 hours a day. They can be a little aloof with strangers, and socialisation and obedience (as with any dog) is very important. They don't need a great deal of exercise from personal experience, and love being part of the family. Hunter has his "wenches" (my mum, sister in law and me), and my dad and brother are the ones he can play with and be rough with. A half an hour walk would probably be enough every day, but there's no reason why they couldn't go for more when they are older. You could also do some training at home for mental stimulation, they are quite smart and pick up on things very quickly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blakbelgian Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 I have no experience with either breed but have met a gorgeous Bullmastiff. My preference would be Bullmastiff. Good luck in choosing. BB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeckoTree Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 (edited) I have a bit of experience with a Bull Mastiff my grand parents dog not owned by me though none exp of either the DDB or Boerboel, so I can only talk of BM. She was a great natural guard dog, very healthy, very loyal, did love exercise but not a complete nut about it, a very laid back and casual type of dog. J. Edited June 12, 2012 by GeckoTree Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mantis Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 Kenny was a Neapolitan Mastiff X APBT & the most laid back, lazyy bugger you could ever meet. He would never bite anyone as he loved humans, but if someone threatened me, he would push in & grab hold of them & wouldn't let go until I told him to leave it, as my ex boyfriend found out. So my biased opinion would be a Neapolitan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Podengo Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 I worked for some people that bred Bullmastiffs, and used to regularly have some Dogues (and Bullmastiffs) in the boarding kennels. I would pick a well-bred, well-socialized bullmastiff any day - I just LOVE their personalities. Happy go lucky, goofy, best friends with every person/dog/other animal... But knew when to look scary! Used to get some dodgy ones in though... really nasty with other dogs. Never really clicked with any of the Dogues, I guess they just aren't particularly friendly with strangers (not aggressive or anything, but quite disinterested). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 We have boarded both breeds & i would go Bullmastiff all the way . Personality,loyal,friendly ,laid back & go with the flow . Dogues we have never had an issue but i just prefer the character of the BM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clyde Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 I love Dogues and love what I hear about them from their owners but have only ever personally known really hyper ones Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salukifan Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 If minimising drool is a factor, I'd go Bull Mastiff over Dogue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alyra Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 Have you considered Shar Pei at all? They are very loyal, are a bit guard dog around their house, and don't require a lot of exercise in general. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oscar (AmBull) Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 You have just named the two breeds I hope to own one day- and can relate to the extreme excitement with my own dog! I love mastiffs. As a child we had a bullmastiff, they can tend to be a little more playful/excitable than a dogue but on the whole both breeds are laid back. Most mastiffs are quite scary looking so they are a deterrent in themselves- however when it came to crunch time I am not sure that either would do much. I do not envy your decision, good luck and GREAT choices Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadWoofter Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 I've always had rescue dogs, but both of these breeds are on my 'one day' list. I've researched both extensively, and the Mastiff would be my first choice, nad the DDB the second. If my personal circumstances changed then I'd swap 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
booge Posted June 15, 2012 Share Posted June 15, 2012 Do Bullmastiffs have any issues with skin allergies? Having a Boxer with skin problems, I'd rather avoid breeds prone to it! Plus a decent guard dog that doesn't require extensive exercise would be great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clyde Posted June 15, 2012 Share Posted June 15, 2012 Are you in town or rural? If rural consider a Maremma. Great guard dogs, no real health issues and minimal exercise needs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tashnchief Posted June 16, 2012 Share Posted June 16, 2012 My suggestion to you would be to try and meet all three breeds. They all have similarities in a lot of areas and each have their differences which can be the very reason you like or dislike the breed. I own DDB's but I am very familiar with the other two breeds. I would personally choose my DDB's over the two others everyday of the week, the Boerboel would be my second choice. Colours would be one of the most obvious differences. Whilst the DDB does come in a black mask the majority is still the red face where as the Bullmastiff always has the black mask. DDB should never be brindle and will only ever come in a form of red/fawn. Boerboel's generally are black mask with red/fawn, they can also be brindle also the colour 'irish' is becoming quite prevalent. ( very beautiful mixture of fawn, white and grey) Temperament wise I think the DDB is the softest of the 3. Boerboel definitely has the strongest temperament and whilst they can make exceptional family pets they need a firm and experienced hand. The Bullmastiff's I've had contact with tend to be all round friendly with great guarding instinct. The DDB can quite often be a little aloof and timid with strangers however loyal guardians of their family and great instinctual guarders. All 3 breeds are pretty much prone to the same types of health issues. DDB's do drool more than the others they also tend to have a naturally oily coat than the BM. Boerboels have been described as BM on steriods! The biggest thing to be mindful of once you have made your choice is finding a reputable breeder. BM is probably the cheapest of the 3 and the Boerboel being the most expensive. There are plenty of unscrupulous breeders out there ( particularly in the DDB at the moment). So do you homework and research the breed and the breeder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nekhbet Posted June 16, 2012 Share Posted June 16, 2012 I've found that almost anything would've got my APBT's all excited, eg if I click the lock on the back door, the dogs go ballistic and run around the yard super-excited. If we have people over, they do behave, but if a neice or nephew starts playing with a toy then the dogs want to join in almost straight away.APBT's aren't a breed that can do with 30mins of exercise a day either... mine seemed to be happiest when they were exercised to exhaustion. But this comes down to your raising and training, not only the dogs innate stimulus threshold. I had a dogue for 6 years, he was sharp as a tack and fast when he wanted to be - hell he grew up with a working line Malinois. I love dogues, I wish I could clone my Skoota as he was the best all rounder. I have 3 working line Malinois now which run rings around most other breeds, I dont have hyperactivity problems. Work on stimulus control, wearing them out through their mind working not just exercise like a good run. Boerboel - No, probably not the best foray into mastiffs but I do agree with Tasnchief, the only way to know for sure is to go meet the dogs, play with some adults and see which lines suit you. Also listen for breeders happy to tell you the BAD points, not just 'oh no, great with kids, bombproof, no probs etc.'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ravensmyst00 Posted June 16, 2012 Share Posted June 16, 2012 Do Bullmastiffs have any issues with skin allergies? Having a Boxer with skin problems, I'd rather avoid breeds prone to it! Plus a decent guard dog that doesn't require extensive exercise would be great. Yes Bullmastiffs can suffer from skin allergies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
booge Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 Can suffer allergies or is it very common? I know vets rubs their hands together with glee when a boxer comes through the door! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bullmastiffmum Posted June 18, 2012 Share Posted June 18, 2012 Only my first experience with a bullmastiff Previously i have owned 2 rottweilers, male and female, they were beautiful dogs but on the intense side.... When i lost them both to cancer, but at the ages of 11 and 12, i opted to do some research and came acrss the bullmastiff. I am soooo in love!!! My boy is now 4 1/2 yrs old and he is the best dog ever!! We have had a few issues.... Hips ,arthritis, sensitve skin....quirky behaviours but would do it all again and again and cant wait for another bullmastiff in the future sweet gentle nature, quirky in every way, happy and easy to train, happy to explore or snuggle on the couch Good luck with your decision Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ravensmyst00 Posted June 18, 2012 Share Posted June 18, 2012 Booge - sent you a pm. As for skin issues - they are common enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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