6 Month English Mastiff Care and Maintenance Guide

At six months old, your English Mastiff is likely to be around 30-40 pounds and still growing rapidly. They need regular exercise to maintain their health and prevent obesity.

A daily walk of at least 30 minutes is essential to keep them active and engaged. This will also help with housebreaking and prevent destructive behavior.

English Mastiffs are prone to joint problems, so it's crucial to introduce gentle exercise routines to avoid putting too much strain on their joints.

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At six months old, your English Mastiff puppy will likely weigh between 60 to 110 pounds, with males being on the heavier end of that range. This is a critical time for growth, and it's essential to monitor their weight and overall health.

A male English Mastiff can weigh up to 80-110 pounds at six months, while females typically weigh between 60-90 pounds. This is just an estimate, and every puppy grows at their own pace.

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To estimate your English Mastiff's full-grown size, consider their current age, paw size, gender, and parents. If they're already two years old, they're likely close to their final size, but if they're just six months old, they have a lot of growing left to do.

Here's a rough guide to estimating your English Mastiff's adult size based on their current age:

Keep in mind that every puppy grows at their own pace, and these are just general guidelines.

English mastiffs are strong protectors with big hearts, fiercely loyal to their owners but can be initially wary of strangers.

With early training and socialization, English mastiffs make perfect family pets, great with kids and adaptable to households with cats or dogs. Their easy-going nature makes them a great addition to any family.

Their adaptability extends to learning new skills and mastering various jobs, from guarding to canine therapy.

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English mastiffs are strong protectors with big hearts, making them fiercely loyal to their owners. Their affectionate and playful nature also makes them great companions.

They are initially wary of strangers, so it's essential to socialize them properly from an early age. This will help them become confident and calm in new situations.

Mastiffs are adaptable breed, good at learning new skills and mastering various jobs, from guarding to canine therapy. Their intelligence and trainability make them a joy to work with.

Their expressive nature makes them easy to bond with, and they love to show affection to their owners - even when they're feeling sleepy.

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Fear periods are a natural part of a puppy's development, occurring at 8-10 weeks, 6-8 months, and between 12-18 months.

These periods can be intense, but allowing your puppy to move through them in the comfort of their first home, with their dam and siblings, can improve their long-term confidence and stability.

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Picking up your Mastiff puppy too early, before the 8-10 week fear period, can actually do more harm than good.

Recognizing fear periods and minimizing their impact is crucial for raising a well-adjusted big dog.

Your goal as a puppy owner should be to come out the other end with a confident and stable companion.

Raising a mastiff puppy requires patience, commitment, and a sense of humor.

They grow faster, but mature much slower than other breeds of dogs, making it challenging for new owners.

This unique growth pattern can be overwhelming for new owners who may not be prepared for the needs of this giant breed dog.

Raising a mastiff puppy is particularly challenging for new owners due to their slow maturity rate.

Shipping puppies is not recommended, as it can be stressful for the puppies and may not be the best way to start their life with you.

New owners may feel frustrated, like a recent Great Dane puppy owner who expressed her frustration with the challenges of raising her new puppy.

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As your English Mastiff reaches six months, it's essential to be aware of potential health issues that may arise. English mastiffs aren't more prone to disease than other breeds, but their size can lead to certain health concerns.

Regular check-ups with your veterinarian are crucial to identify any issues early on, which can help treat problems sooner rather than later. Your vet can monitor your mastiff's health and catch any potential issues before they become major problems.

Some common health issues that may affect your English Mastiff include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, osteosarcoma, gastric torsion (bloat), ligament rupture, and cardiomyopathy. It's essential to be aware of these potential health concerns and work closely with your veterinarian to prevent or manage them.

Here are some common health issues that may affect your English Mastiff:

English Mastiffs are a large breed, and like any large breed, they can face certain health issues due to their size. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help identify any problems early on.

Related reading: English Mastiff Large

Hip dysplasia is a common health concern for English Mastiffs, just like many other breeds. Elbow dysplasia is another issue that can affect them.

Osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, is a significant health concern for English Mastiffs. Gastric torsion, also known as bloat, can be a life-threatening issue if left untreated.

Ligament rupture is another potential health issue that can affect English Mastiffs. Cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle, is also a concern for this breed.

Here are some of the health issues that English Mastiffs may face:

Panosteitis, also known as Pano, is a painful condition that affects large and giant breed puppies due to rapid bone growth.

The early symptoms of Pano can be quite noticeable, including limping or a reluctance to walk or play.

Inflammation and pain often worsen in the front legs than the rear, and this condition can come and go until around 12-18 months old.

Switching to plain kibble can be an effective way to improve a puppy's condition if they're experiencing Pano.

Maintaining healthy ears is pretty simple, even with breeds like Mastiffs whose ears lay flat on the head.

Preventing ear infections is key, and one primary method is to keep ears clean.

A food trial can help determine if an allergy is causing constant inflammation, as it did for Sulley.

Eliminating common allergens from a dog's diet, like raw chicken, can lead to healed ears.

Sulley's experience shows that it's been nearly 4 years since he had an ear infection or even an ear dirty enough to warrant more than a preventative clean.

English Mastiffs are relatively low maintenance, but they do need regular grooming to stay in tip-top shape. Brushing them every couple of days will keep their double-layer coat under control.

Investing in a lint roller is a good idea, as English Mastiffs shed frequently. You'll also need to keep a washcloth handy to clean up after their slobbery messes.

Regular nail trimming and eye and ear cleaning are also essential for your English Mastiff's health and hygiene.

Large and giant breed puppies are unique in the dog world, and feeding them requires special consideration to prevent excessive growth. Overnutrition plays a central role in this issue.

To formulate a proper diet for a large or giant breed puppy, you need to consider four key factors: lower fat, lower calcium, lower phosphorus, and lower vitamin D content compared to regular puppy diets.

Diets formulated for large and giant breed puppies differ from regular puppy diets in these four ways.

You should feed a large breed puppy formula until 8-10 months for large breed puppies and 6-8 months for giant breed puppies. Feeding puppy food to these big puppies is a hotly debated topic.

The most important rule to follow when feeding your giant breed puppy is to feed the puppy you have in front of you, rather than following the label on the back of the bag or the formula on an app.

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Here are some key differences between feeding a large breed puppy and a giant breed puppy:

Start your puppy with 3 small meals a day and observe their growth and weight gain. You may need to adjust the amount of food to achieve slow and balanced growth.

If you choose to feed a fresh, raw, natural diet to your puppy, you MUST balance the raw diet from day 1. Consider starting with a pre-balanced commercial raw food until you get more comfortable.

Additional reading: English Mastiff Food

Grooming your English Mastiff is relatively low maintenance, but it does require some regular attention. They need a brushing every couple of days to stay in tip-top shape.

English Mastiffs have a double-layer coat that sheds frequently, so be prepared to pick up after them with a lint roller. You might also want to keep a washcloth handy to wipe down floors, furniture, and your favorite clothes.

Their nails need regular trimming, and their eyes and ears require cleaning. Don't forget to invest in dog shampoo, nail clippers, and a toothbrush, which will cost around $150 on average.

Grooming appointments every month or two can add up to around $300 per year if you prefer to leave your pooch in the hands of a professional.

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Pet Supplies are a must-have for any dog owner. You'll want to budget for the basics, including a leash and harness, which can cost anywhere from $40 to $60.

A dog bed is also essential, and prices range from $30 to $110. I've seen my friends' dogs sleep in the most adorable beds, and it's worth investing in a good one.

For bigger breeds like English Mastiffs, you'll need to shop for XXL supplies, including toys and treats. This can be a bit more expensive, but it's worth it for the cuddles and kisses you'll get in return.

Here's a rough estimate of the costs you can expect:

If you're interested in a subscription service, BarkBox offers a monthly delivery of treats and toys for just $23 per box. They also have a Super Chewer upgrade for $29 per month, which includes more durable toys and meaty chews.

When traveling with your pet, a good pet carrier is essential. For giant breed puppies, look for a sturdy bag that can accommodate their size.

Some pet carriers, like the Sturdibag XL, can handle puppies up to 25 pounds. However, if your puppy is already over this weight limit, like Sulley the Mastiff who weighed 26 pounds, you'll need a carrier that can accommodate their size.

Flying with a young puppy can be challenging, especially for giant breeds. If possible, wait until your puppy is at least 10 weeks old before flying, as some airlines have weight restrictions.

A good pet carrier should allow your puppy to stand and turn around comfortably. The Sturdibag XL, for example, gave Sulley enough space to stand and turn around in the crate.

Nina Ottoson Toys are terrific for brain-stimulating activity for dogs. They're perfect for puppies or dryer mouth large breed dogs.

These toys are great for puppies because they're constantly observing and interpreting the world and people around them. They're like sponges, soaking up new experiences and learning.

However, if you have a wet-mouth breed like an adult Mastiff, these toys can get very messy. So, it's essential to consider your dog's mouth type before introducing Nina Ottoson Toys.

To make the most of these toys, grab a new collar and leash (or Kurgo harness), lots of delicious treats, and have fun exploring with your puppy!

Puppies go through a natural stage of teething, where they bite everything in sight, including their owners. This is not a sign of aggression, but rather a way for them to explore their surroundings and test boundaries.

Puppies bite hard, and it's up to their owners and caregivers to teach them that biting humans is not acceptable. Consistency and commitment are key to curbing a puppy's mouthiness.

Providing a physically and mentally stimulating environment can help reduce teething relief-seeking behavior. This can include plenty of toys, exercise, and playtime.

Teething is a normal stage of puppy development, and it will pass with time. With patience and the right approach, you can help your puppy learn that biting humans is not okay.

Expand your knowledge: English Mastiff Bite Strength