English mastiffs are strong dogs known for their loyalty and size. They can weigh as much as two hundred pounds, and may be up to thirty inches tall at the shoulders. They're extremely devoted pets, and can become very lonely if their owners don't have the time and dedication to take good care of them. They may also have trouble getting along with unfamiliar animals, and can have health problems later in life. Because many pet owners don't take the time to do their research before adopting a dog, many animals find their way to English mastiff rescues. If you're thinking about adopting an English mastiff, checking out an animal from a rescue could be an excellent idea. You should remember that dogs from English mastiff rescues are likely to require more care and patience than a puppy from a high quality breeder. However, there are lots of advantages for the owner willing to supply the love and care these animals need.

There are a number of reasons you might find one of these great dogs at an English mastiff rescue. One of the most common is their size. A mastiff puppy might not seem like it will grow into an enormous guard dog, and many people don't understand what they're getting into when they adopt one of these animals. Another problem that often occurs is poor training. Since mastiffs are so large, they must be well trained as puppies, or they'll quickly become a real problem. While shelter and rescue dogs may have training issues, they can be taught to behave properly. You'll need to be patient, consistent, and possibly willing to consult with a professional to help teach your dog what to do and what not to do.

Another reason you might see a mastiff at a rescue or shelter is lack of attention. Mastiffs are well known for their loyalty and their level of attachment to their owners. This results in these loving dogs experiencing severe loneliness when they're apart from their masters for long periods of time. When adopted by people who don't understand the kind of commitment a mastiff needs, or who need to be away a lot, they're heartbroken. They can spend the entire time their masters are away howling mournfully, which makes them a noise problem, in addition to both dog and owner being unhappy. Other pets can also result in problems with English mastiffs, since they do poorly with animals they haven't been raised with from puppyhood.

However, all these problems are solvable, especially if you understand what it takes to keep a mastiff healthy and happy. These loving, loyal dogs will give you their all, and are excellent guards, too. A mastiff from an English mastiff rescue or a shelter can be a lot less expensive than a puppy from a breeder, and you'll be giving a home to a dog that really needs it. If you're thinking about purchasing an English mastiff, consider a rescue animal instead.