
The Mastiff German Mix is a unique and lovable breed that's a cross between a Mastiff and a German Shepherd. They're a relatively new breed, but they're gaining popularity fast.
Mastiff German Mixes are known for their loyal and protective nature, inherited from their Mastiff parent. They make great family pets, but they do require early socialization to ensure they get along with strangers.
These dogs are also highly intelligent, thanks to their German Shepherd heritage. They thrive on mental and physical stimulation, so they need regular exercise and training to keep them happy and healthy.
With proper care and attention, Mastiff German Mixes can live up to 10-12 years, which is impressive for a large breed.
German Shepherd Mix
The German Shepherd Mix is a unique breed that combines the best qualities of both German Shepherds and Mastiffs. German Shepherd Mastiff hybrids are known to be gentle giants, despite their large size.
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They can display aggressive behaviors if not properly socialized and trained, so it's essential to start training as soon as you bring the puppy home. This breed thrives on attention and interaction.
One of the most fascinating facts about German Shepherd Mastiff Mixes is their ability to hold small creatures in their mouths without harming them, a trait known as having "soft mouths." This makes them an excellent choice for families with small pets.
However, they can get bored if left alone for extended periods, leading to destructive behavior like barking, digging, or creating chaos. If you're away from home frequently, a German Shepherd Mastiff Mix may not be the best fit.
German Shepherd Mastiff hybrids are natural-born couch potatoes, preferring to lounge around rather than engage in high-energy activities. They're perfect for families who want a relaxed and laid-back pet.
Their calm demeanor and gentle nature make them an excellent choice for families with children. They're also extremely kind and obedient, making them a fantastic family friend.
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Health and Nutrition
The German Shepherd Mastiff mix is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, so it's essential to control their weight through a proper diet to lower the risk.
This large breed needs a higher calorie dry kibble to support their rapid growth rate, especially as puppies. The Mastiff will consume, on average, eight cups of food a day.
Feeding your German Shepherd Mastiff mix a well-balanced diet is crucial for their health, and it's best to feed them the best quality food you can afford. Not only will it provide a well-balanced diet, but it will also be super tasty.
Probiotics and wild Alaskan salmon oil should also be included in your mixed-breed dog's diet to support the health of their joints, skin, and coat.
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Care
To keep your German Shepherd Mastiff mix healthy and happy, you'll want to focus on their diet and feeding habits.
Knowing your dog's size, age, and exercise level is crucial, as their nutritional needs will change over time.
Larger dogs, like your German Shepherd Mastiff mix, may need to eat more, with a daily intake of 3 to 4 cups of premium dog food.
You can try giving them the best dry dog food for large dogs and see if they like it.
Before making any changes to their food, it's essential to consult with your veterinarian to ensure the best approach for your pet.
Providing probiotics and wild Alaskan salmon oil can also support your dog's joint, skin, and coat health.
Common Health Issues
The German Shepherd Mastiff mix is prone to several health issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia, which can be a result of their large size and weight.
A proper diet can help control your dog's weight and lower the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia.
Hip and elbow dysplasia can cause mobility issues later in life, so it's essential to take precautions to prevent this problem.
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Regular veterinary health checks are crucial to keep your German Shepherd Mastiff mix healthy.
Both the Mastiff and the German Shepherd are at risk for degenerative myelopathy, a progressive disease of the spinal cord.
The Mastiff breed is also linked to dilated cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition.
You can help prevent health issues by getting a puppy from a reputable breeder who provides a guarantee on the fitness and quality of the puppies.
Nutrition
The German Shepherd Mastiff mix needs a higher calorie diet to support its rapid growth rate, especially as a puppy. This is because Mastiffs eat more than German Shepherds, consuming around eight cups of food a day on average.
You should feed your Mastiff the best quality food you can afford, as it will provide a well-balanced diet and potentially keep them healthy for longer. Not only will it be super tasty, but it will also help prevent life-threatening conditions like bloat.
Bloat is a condition that can be fatal in just a few minutes, so it's essential to educate yourself on how to prevent it. This includes knowing the correct mealtimes and feeding schedule for your dog.
Larger dogs like the German Shepherd Mastiff mix may need to eat more, depending on their size, age, and degree of exercise. Knowing your dog's dimensions and weight is crucial in determining their nutritional needs.
A good rule of thumb is to feed your German Shepherd Mastiff mix 3 to 4 cups of premium dog food per day. You can try giving them the best dry dog food for large dogs to see if they like it, and stick to a formula that works for them.
Don't forget to include probiotics and wild Alaskan salmon oil in your dog's diet, as these vitamins will support the health of their joints, skin, and coat.
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Puppy Prices
A Mastiff puppy is marginally more expensive than a German Shepherd puppy, with only $500 between them.
Working with a reputable breeder will cost slightly more than a puppy mill, but you can be sure that they will be much healthier and happier.
You also need to factor in all the other costs associated with these guys, and not just their initial puppy cost.
Being the giant breed, the Mastiff is the more expensive breed to look after.
His food bills, veterinary fees, and everything else are a huge commitment to take on.
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Puppy and Parent
As a mastiff German owner, it's essential to provide a safe and comfortable space for your pregnant dog to give birth.
You'll likely need to set up a whelping box for your dog, which can be a crucial part of the birthing process.
In the wild, female wolves instinctively dig out a den to give birth and care for their puppies.
A whelping box should be large enough for your dog to move around comfortably, but not so large that it's overwhelming.
Your pregnant dog's instinct to dig will be triggered by the whelping box, just like it would be in the wild.
The whelping box should be well-ventilated and easy to clean, as it will be used frequently during the birthing process.
Breed Comparison and Facts
Mastiff German breeds are known for their unique characteristics, but how do they compare to other breeds? Let's take a look at some key differences.
The English Mastiff stands at an impressive 27-30 inches tall and weighs 120-130 pounds, making it a large breed. The German Shepherd, on the other hand, is slightly smaller, ranging from 22-26 inches in height and weighing 50-90 pounds.
Here's a comparison of the two breeds:
Both breeds have average health and a lifespan of 6-10 years, with the English Mastiff being slightly shorter-lived.
Appearance
The German Shepherd Mastiff mix is an enormous dog, weighing between 36 and 91 kg and reaching a height of between 60 and 70 cm.
Their coat can be black, red, brown, gray, or a combination of these colors, such as sandy silver or brindle.
This hybrid dog may have a short, thick coat or a scruffy, fluffy appearance, depending on which parent it resembles.

Both purebred parents have a double coat, which helps regulate their temperature during the seasons.
The English Mastiff typically weighs between 120 and 230 pounds, making it the heaviest of all dog breeds.
In comparison, the German Shepherd weighs between 50 and 90 pounds.
The Mastiff's coat is usually short and tight, while the German Shepherd's coat can be either long or short.
The English Mastiff can have a brindle coat, apricot coat, or fawn-colored coat, and usually has a darker facial mask.
The German Shepherd commonly has a distinctive black and tan colored coat with a darker face.
Both breeds have their unique characteristics, making them beautiful in their own ways.
Personality
The German Shepherd Mastiff Mix is a gentle giant, but it's not without its quirks. They can be prone to stubbornness, so be prepared for some head-butting when it comes to training.
Mastiff dogs are known for having "soft mouths", which means they can hold kittens and other small creatures in their mouths without harming them. This is a testament to their gentle nature.
If you're considering bringing a Mastiff Shepherd into your home, be aware that they can get bored if left alone for extended periods. This can lead to barking, digging, or other destructive behavior.
On the other hand, Mastiff Shepherds are extremely kind and obedient, making them a great family pet. They're calm dogs for a breed of their size and form.
In fact, Mastiff Shepherds are so loyal and devoted that they'll protect their owners with their lives. However, this also means they can be wary of strangers and may require some socialization to get along with other animals.
To sum it up, here are some key personality traits to keep in mind when considering a German Shepherd Mastiff Mix:
- Gentle and kind, but can be stubborn at times
- Prone to boredom if left alone for extended periods
- Extremely loyal and devoted to their owners
- May require socialization to get along with other animals
Origin and History
The Great Dane has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. Originally, the term Great Dane was used to describe large and powerful dogs, regardless of their breed.
The collective term Great Dane was first used in 1878 by a committee of judges and breeders in Berlin, who summarized several dog species under this name. This marked the beginning of the breed's development.
The genetic origin of the Great Dane is a combination of Bullenbeisser dogs and Hatzrüden and Saupackern, which were used as hunting dogs. These breeds had features of both the greyhound and the English mastiff.
The first binding standards for the Great Dane breed were set in 1880.
Breed Comparison
If you're considering bringing a new furry friend into your family, it's essential to choose a breed that's a good fit for your lifestyle. The English Mastiff and German Shepherd are two popular breeds that may seem like vastly different options.
The English Mastiff stands tall at 27-30 inches in height, making it a majestic sight to behold. Its weight ranges from 120-130 pounds, which can be a significant consideration for some owners. In contrast, the German Shepherd is slightly shorter, ranging from 22-26 inches in height, but still packs a punch with its 50-90 pound weight.
Both breeds share similar temperaments, with the English Mastiff being courageous, dignified, and good-natured, while the German Shepherd is intelligent, courageous, and confident. However, the English Mastiff's low energy level makes it a great choice for those who don't require a high-maintenance pet. On the other hand, the German Shepherd's medium energy level means it needs regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
In terms of health, both breeds have average health ratings, which is a positive sign. Lifespan-wise, both breeds can live for 6-10 years, which is a relatively long time for a dog. As for price, you can expect to pay at least $1,000 for either breed, making them a significant investment.
Here's a comparison of the two breeds:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Great Dane a German Mastiff?
Yes, the Great Dane is also known as the German Mastiff. This nickname reflects its origins in Germany, where it was developed from a cross between the Irish Wolfhound and the Old English Mastiff.
How big do mastiff German shepherds get?
German Shepherd Mastiff Mixes typically weigh 75-160 pounds and stand 24-28 inches tall, making them a large breed despite their mixed heritage. Their size can vary, but they're generally smaller than purebred German Shepherds and Mastiffs.
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