Dogs

» Joy Butler - dane/mastiff

In response to dane/mastiff posted by hah2:
Typically, the larger the dog, the shorter the life span. To give you an idea, I will quote from the dog age chart. A 15 lb dog at age 10 would be comparable to a human age 56, but a dog over 90 lbs at age 10 would be comparable to a human age 78.

» veritas71 - check out this site, has a lot of large breeds, including mastif

check out this site, has a lot of large breeds, including mastiff/dane mixes. they also talk about how to make your large dog live to be 14-18 years of age, not the standard 7-9.

http://www.gentlegiantsrescue.com

this is also a good resource:

http://www.petfinder.com/

-- posted by veritas71

» bquick - my bud

i actually owned a great dane and english mastiff mix and he was the SWEETEST dog ever i lovd him to death and i just lost him to the dog food recall they came out with. i am actually looking for another one...

-- posted by bquick

» Joy Butler - my bud

In response to my bud posted by bquick:

I'm so sorry to hear that. The pet food fiasco is such a tragedy!

» lolasmom - my bud

In response to my bud posted by bquick:

I am so so sorry to hear of your loss. I have a sweet, gentle 3 year old Dane/Mastiff mix female from Darlene's lovely Chesty and Lizzie she is THE most wonderful, loving, affectionate, laidback couch potato family dog you could ever ask for. I disagree with the person that said this Dastiff mix is dangerous. Lola has been bitten on the face by a pug and by a chihuaha and she just stands there sweetly. She is very gentle and somehwat of a baby/chicken, yet a lovely watchdog bark and alertness. She allows anyone to look in her mouth, touch her paws, the vet loves how relaxed she is about exams and grooming and she does not protect her foodbowl or growl. She is now 120 pounds and while people guess the Dane part of her first (the merle coloring helps) they know there is something else in her as she is shorter and wider (esp in the head and tail) than a dane and now the brindle from her Daddy is starting to be visible behind the silver of the merle, so its very unusual. Good luck finding another Dastiff. Please let me know where/when you do.

-- posted by lolasmom

» Joy Butler - my bud

In response to my bud posted by lolasmom:

Lola sounds like a wonderful dog. Some big dogs are like that. They will take a lot off little dogs. My German Shepherd did not like strange dogs but he'd take anything from my little dogs. We have three huge puppy mixes (35 lbs at 3 months) at the shelter right now and they're so calm and laid back in contrast to the smaller puppies.

» lolasmom - dane/mastiff

In response to dane/mastiff posted by hah2:

I sure hope the lifespan is Loooong! My rottie diesd at 6 years old after a battle with cancer on top of previous hip dysplasia, mange, etc. I felt she was overinbred to start and then hed too much of a toxic load from being over medically-treated (vaccinations, dips, pesticide-laden preventatives orally & externally) in her early months.

So far Lola is a very healthy 3 years+. We cook for her (organic chicken & other meats + veggies - no grains, some dairy, added vitamins & fish oil); she snacks on carrots, apples and bones; via our holistic vet (Dr. Marty Goldstein recently on Oprah), we only vaccinate her with the most needed, risk/reward analyzed vaccines and only when her antibody level titers indicate she needs protection (not annual shots, but rather annual blood tests to check titers). We use nautral herbal sprays and shampoo. We keep an organic, not Chemlawned yard and never use toxins/pesticides in our home. She is very loved and seems happy, she vacations with us, sleeps with us, etc. I hope all this plus her mixed breededness will help her overcome the large pure breed short lifespan. We shall see.

-- posted by lolasmom

» Joy Butler - dane/mastiff

In response to dane/mastiff posted by lolasmom:
She sounds VERY well cared for! And I'm sure she's happy. Studies have even shown that living happily can enhance the immune system which would likely increase lifespan. Exercise and maintaining proper weight is important too. You are both very fortunate to have each other.

» llcoolbean - looking for dane/mastiff mix

In response to my bud posted by bquick:

hi,
i just lost my dane/mastiff mix two days ago. i'm devastated. i'm not ready for another dog yet but she was the best dog i have ever known. so sweet & gentle. lazy and a bit clumbsy sometimes. i know i'll eventually want to get another after some time. does anyone here know of any other resources for dane mastiff mixes?
many thanks,
j.g.

-- posted by llcoolbean

» Joy Butler - looking for dane/mastiff mix

In response to looking for dane/mastiff mix posted by llcoolbean:

I'm sorry for your loss. I'm sure the pain is devastating but no one can take away your wonderful memories. In time you will be able to open your heart and home to another dog. Each dog is an individual and your local shelter is full of wonderful dogs.