Are you insane??? Ahhh, you are - well, you are in good company :) The following links should help you out when searching for that wonderful, beautiful, handsome, playful, stately, grand, gentle giant we call the King of Dogdom - the Mastiff. But a word of warning here - once a Mastiff calls you Mum or Dad, you are hooked! For not many other breeds will be able to claim your heart so thoroughly, not many other breeds will be able to impress you quite so emphatically, not many other breeds will cause you to open a separate bank account strictly for your Mastiff!
Still interested? Then read on. Mastiffs have a very loyal and loving pack of devoted followers behind them. You will be able to recognize us by the drool left on our clothes and unnoticed by us (yes, ALL Mastiffs drool - some are a trickle but many are free-flowing!), the hair left on our clothes, again unnoticed by us (yes, ALL Mastiffs shed quite a bit!), our sometimes bruised bodies (yes, Mastiffs are VERY large and sometimes accidentally step on you), and our willingness to pull photos out of our purses or wallets to show you pictures of our kids (yes, the photos of the humans are left at home - otherwise there would not be enough room for the Mastiff photos!).
Are you still interested? The Mastiff is a beautiful, regal, and striking dog, and many people want one for that reason alone, but you must look past the surface to the dog beneath. The Mastiff is not an 'attack' dog - they are not 'fighting' dogs. They are devoted family members, who need to be with their family, included in activities, and NEVER, EVER, banished to the yard or the chain out back! The Mastiff has a gentle soul, and a harsh word will never be forgotten by him. A strong hand is needed, but never a heavy one. The Mastiff is quite willing to please and does his best when he knows he is a loved, respected, and valued member of his family. A Mastiff is a true family dog and should only be treated as such. He is not a status symbol, he is not to be used and abused. He is a true 'gentle giant' and he will live up to his name, given the proper care and guidance from those that truly love him.
"What the Lion is to the Cat the Mastiff is to the Dog, the noblest of the family; he stands alone, and all others sink before him. His courage does not exceed his temper and generosity, and in attachment he equals the kindest of his race. His docility is perfect; the teazing of the smaller kinds will hardly provoke him to resent, and I have seen him down with his paw the Terrier or cur that has bit him, without offering further injury. In a family he will permit the children to play with him, and suffer all their little pranks without offence."
From Cynographia Britannica (1800) by Sydenham Edwards
This is just some information to get you started. If, after reading everything you can find on Mastiffs, you still think one would be right for you, then I suggest you visit many dog shows. You will be able to speak with both breeders & handlers - those that know the breed best - and be able to get an idea of just how much of everything 'doggie' a Mastiff really is! A Mastiff, even a smallish one, is still a huge dog. He will be your lifelong friend and a devoted and loyal family member, but he will need you to dedicate yourself to his welfare. If you still think you are ready to share your life with a Mastiff, then start contacting reputable breeders or rescue organizations. Most breeders and rescues will grill you - just to ensure that their beloved babies will go to the right home. Whatever you do - please never, ever, buy a puppy from a pet store, a back yard breeder, or a broker. If you do, you & your new pup may very well suffer some heartbreak :(
