Boerboel, new mastiff puppy

[Red Letters]

I would HIGHLY recommend getting with a trainer that specializes in training guard/protection dogs. We worked with one for awhile and there is so much more to training dogs than I was aware of. One of the big takeaways was if you aren’t training the dog the dog is training you and that can’t happen with a dog like that.
The guy we used could read the dogs mind and I sware those dogs could read his, he had complete control and dominance over every dog there including grown dogs that were there for their first lesson.

 

[FOS373]

We have had 3 Danes and now an English Mastiff. Don’t let the Mastifff’s size and somewhat lazy temperment fool you, they are smart and athletic, when they want to be. beyond what others have said, I think socializing them with people and other dogs is very good. Since they are so large, it is hard having them play with “regular” size dogs - especially when the zoomies kick in.

 

[MattB]

One of the big takeaways was if you aren’t training the dog the dog is training you and that can’t happen with a dog like that.

That is so very true. Different dog breeds require different levels of training/owner discipline, and I think the mastiff breeds are at another level than most gun dogs. While I don't fully subscribe to the notion, this speaks to the quote of "there are no bad dogs, only bad owners". Some owners are just bad people and will train dogs to bad things, but there are others who are not consistent or disciplined with their training and end up having a strong, confident dog that is unclear as to who is boss.

 

[Fartrell Cluggins]

That is a gorgeous dog. You can tell by the head structure and feet that he's going to be a big one. I love the giant breeds.

 

[sILlogger]

Good looking pup!

 

[Agross]

After our previous dog (83lb plott hound) passed away in December at age 12, we were not in the market for another dog this soon. But when your offered a free puppy from a rescued litter how do you pass it up. This is Winston the Boerboel. He’s also known as a South African mastiff and we are estimating he will be around 150lbs full grown. So far He’s very laid back and eager and excited to meet anyone and everyone. We have been trying to socialize him as much as possible because these are bred to be guard dogs and can get aggressive. Does anyone have experience with giant breed dogs? Any dos and don’t s compared to other breeds?

How’s that pup doing

 

[Jbxl20]

Doing great, And getting BIG! Already over 40lbs. Awesome personality, listens and has been easy to train although he’s stubborn sometimes. We have been getting him together with other dogs on a regular basis and they all get along well. So far no complaints!

 

[G_Tacoma]

He’s gorgeous, looks like a great dog!

 

[Jbxl20]

He’s gorgeous, looks like a great dog!

Thanks, he definitely gets lots of compliments. He loves coming along to drop the kids off at the babysitter. So far, loves the other kids and doesn’t get bothered by the running, yelling screaming and poking.