Also known as Bernese Mountain Mastiff, the Mountain Mastiff is a mix of two dogs Bernese Mountain Dog and a Mastiff. It originated in America and is recognized with the American and Dog Registry of America, Inc. The other clubs and registered which accept this hybrid are Canine Hybrid Club International Designer Canine Registry and Designer Breed Registry.
The Mountain Mastiff has a sound temperament and makes wonderful pets. It needs ample space to stretch out and move around in but is not overly active. It would not be wrong to say this animal is a classic example of a gentle giant!
Mountain Mastiff History
It is believed that the Mountain Mastiff originated in the late 1990s in the US. It has a short history compared to his parents to consider his parental breed’s background. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a massive dog breed that is thought to be the descendant of the Molosser dog. It is a dog from the Swiss Alps used for work on farms some 2000 years ago. The official breed standards were set in 1912.
In comparison, the Mastiff is an immense dog breed descended from the Molosser Mastiff type dog. It may also contain ancient Alaunt and Pugnaces Britanniae and Alpine Mastiff in its progeny. These dogs served various purposes like hunters, guard dogs, companions, and war dogs. They were also used in cruel sports like bull baiting and pit fighting, but later these sports were banned, and the dog evolved into a timid and gentle one who starts to continue as family companions.
Mountain Mastiff Characteristics
Mountain Mastiff mixes the characteristics of both its parents with slight variations. It has a large body with great depth and breadth, and that is slightly longer than it is tall. The head is flat on the top, and the ears are medium-sized and flop down while the bushy tail is carried low. The muzzle is squarish and tapered, housing a jaw for its scissors bite teeth.
How Big to Mountain Mastiff Get
The average height of both male and female Mountain Mastiff is between 28-38 inches, while their weight is around 150-200 lbs. Therefore, the length of the body taken from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttock is greater than the height.
How Long Does Mountain Mastiff Live
Sadly, Mountain Mastiffs don’t live as long as they are large breeds. The average life span of this dog is around 9-12 years.
How Much Does a Mountain Mastiff Cost
Mountain Mastiff usually costs between $500 and $800, depending on the breeder and availability. That being said, some pedigree canines can go for upward of $1,000 and even cost up to $2,000 in some cases. The breeder that you go through dictates part of the fluctuation in pricing.
Mountain Mastiff Temperament/Personality
Mountain Mastiff is combined with toughness and courage and has learned to be decisive and dauntless. However, it needs a firm owner and is not suitable for those who don’t have prior experience handling pups. This big furry animal doesn’t do well with aggressive training and thrives on positive reinforcement.
Massive and strong from the outside, it has a soft heart and has a playful nature inside. It loves to be on trips with you and never miss a chance to enjoy your company. Although it may not harm kids if socialized and trained from an early age, you still need to be very careful about their supervision owing to their bigger size.
Caring for Mountain Mastiff
The Mountain Mastiff is an active dog breed and needs mental and physical stimulation daily to prevent destructive behavior. In addition, it is a heavy and large breed, so we recommend using an Orthopedic Dog Bed to help prevent joint problems. The rest of the care aspects are under this heading!
Mountain Mastiff Nutrition
The Mountain Mastiff is a large hybrid. Even still, it doesn’t require that much food unless its activity level is quite high. Feed around 2.5-3 cups of good quality Dog Food each day. You can also see some Dog Food Brands to select the best food for your pup.
How to Groom a Mountain Mastiff
Owing to its massive size, the Mountain Mastiff needs a professional groomer. It is best if the same person is grooming them since their puppyhood, so they don’t hesitate to brush and bathe. Bathing is not suggested unless necessary because bathing may strip the natural skin oils and lead to dermatitis.
Mountain Mastiff Activity Levels
Despite its size, the Mountain Mastiff is a medium-energy dog that will require about 50-60 minutes of daily exercise. Avoid vigorous activities during adolescence, contributing to improper formation of the joints or skeletal system. In addition, these dogs require more room and are better suited to a home with a yard.
Caring for Mountain Mastiff
Besides diet grooming and exercise, you must train and socialize your Mountain Mastiff from a very early age. It is not a quick training dog but will certainly do better if you use gentle, consistent, and positive training methods. Use Dog Training Treats and Jerky Treats For Dogs to get the best results. Early socialization and training are important to ensure you get a well-rounded grown-up canine. Furthermore, it is prone to skin irritation, so keeping on top of the skincare is essential. Finally, it thrives in colder environments so that it will be more active during wintertime.
Mountain Mastiff Health
Mountain Mastiff is generally healthy, but like all breeds, it is prone to certain health conditions from parent breeds. Not all hybrids will get any or all of these diseases, but it’s important to know them if you’re considering this breed. The health issues associated with this hybrid are Bloat, Kidney Problems, Von Willebrand’s Disease, Seizures, Hip And Elbow Dysplasia, and Eye Problems.
Breeds Similar to Mountain Mastiff
- English Bull-Walker
- German Longhaired Pointer
- Black and Tan Coonhound
- Border Collie Bull Staffy
- English Bullweiler
Best Dog Food For Mountain Mastiff
The best dog food for Mountain Mastiff is Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice Formula All Life Stages Dry Dog Food, 40-lb bag. This product is made from real chicken, which helps provide proteins for lean and strong muscle development. It also has dried chicory root fibers to help cleanse the digestive system.
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are included in this product to help maintain healthy skin and coat.
- It obtains antioxidants from blueberries and coconut to help strengthen the immune system.
- There are prebiotic fibers that help to boost the digestive system.
Best Puppy Food For Mountain Mastiff
The best puppy food for Mountain Mastiff is Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Chicken Meal & Oat Recipe Dry Dog Food. This product includes chicken and oatmeal, which provide not only a wholesome meal but also a balanced one. It is 100% natural and does not include added flavors or preservatives.
- It consists of calcium to strengthen the teeth and bones.
- It obtains DHA from fish oil to help develop healthy eyes and brain.
- Vitamin E and C help boost the immune system.
Best Dog Crate For Mountain Mastiff
The best dog crate for Mountain Mastiff is MidWest iCrate Fold & Carry Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate. This crate is safe and secure as it has a latch key to lock the door of the crate. There are double doors on this crate for easy entry and exit.
- This crate includes a divider panel to help with growth.
- The crate can be cleaned with the help of water and mild cleaners.
- It offers a 1-year warranty.
Best Dog Bed For Mountain Mastiff
The best dog bed for Mountain Mastiff is FurHaven Quilted Orthopedic Sofa Cat & Dog Bed w/ Removable Cover. This bed is extremely comfortable and luxurious as it is made from high-quality egg crate foam. This bed allows proper ventilation and releases pressure on joints.
- This bed is machine washable.
- There are soft foam bolsters on three sides to help support the body better.
- The bed is open on one side for older dogs to climb in easily.
Best Dog Harness For Mountain Mastiff
The best dog harness for Mountain Mastiff is Chai’s Choice Outdoor Adventure 3M Polyester Reflective Dual Clip Dog Harness. This harness is extremely comfortable as it has sponge padding and is great for regular use. It is available in several colors and sizes.
- There is a 3M reflective material on the harness which makes it visible during the night-time.
- This harness fits around the body, which helps to prevent choking and harming the windpipe.
- This harness should be washed by hand.
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