150-200 lbs
28-38"
Unknown
The Mountain Mastiff is a hybrid of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Mastiff. A very large dog, the average weight for the Mountain Mastiff is 150 to 200 pounds. Despite his large size, the Mountain Mastiff is affectionate, kind and loyal to her humans. Dogs of the hybrid make excellent guards; in addition to their size they are wary of strangers and will take on the role of protector when it seems necessary. The Mountain Mastiff is also skilled at tracking and in weight pulling. Dogs of the hybrid are bright, though due to their sensitive nature training should be done gently. Happiest when with their family, these loving dogs make excellent family pets.
The hybrid called the Mountain Mastiff is a new breed of dog without a detailed history. The two breeds that are bred to create the hybrid have long histories. The Bernese Mountain Dog is thought to have descended from the Molosser, which is a Mastiff type dog. Dogs of the breed were used for work on farms in Switzerland for more than 2000 years in the Alps. The Bernese Mountain Dog was bred for jobs like pulling carts and did well guarding property and offering protection for livestock. In addition to his work, he functioned as a companion. As industrialization began, the need for a dog to work on a farm decreased. Fortunately the Swiss took actions to preserve the breed. As with the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Mastiff descended from the Molosser. Appreciated for being strong and brave, Mastiff type dogs took on many jobs, from war dogs and hunters to guard dogs. It is thought that these dogs were first brought to the British Isles by Phoenician trading vessels between 2000 and 1500 BC. By the Roman invasion in 55 BC, Mastiffs were put to work as war dogs in the resistance against Rome. Julius Caesar was impressed by the size and bravery of the Mastiff and brought a pack to Rome to battle lions and gladiators. The breed was later used for bull and bear baiting along with pit fighting. Today’s Mastiffs are descendants of these fighting dogs, though due to a selective breeding program, the breed are now found to be docile giants. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1885.
Weighing from 150 to 200 pounds, the Mountain Mastiff is a very large dog. He will have a powerful, strong body, flat head and eyes that are almond-shaped. A dog of the hybrid will inherit traits from both parents. The head of the Mastiff is large and his eyes are dark and set well apart. His ears will be small in proportion and he will display distinctive wrinkles. His muzzle will be short and dark with a wide, dark nose. His lips are loose and will hang down his jaw. The Bernese Mountain Dog will typically have a three-colored coat and large brown eyes. As a result of his Mastiff ancestry, the head of your hybrid will be large. His body will be large and well-muscled. The Mountain Mastiff coat may be short like that of the Mastiff or medium length like that of the Bernese Mountain Dog.
The Mountain Mastiff will require a moderate amount of grooming. Regardless of the coat he inherits, he will be easy to brush. As the hybrid will shed a lot, daily brushing will be a necessity. The Mountain Mastiff will only require bathing when very dirty, which is a good thing because as a result of his size, bathing him yourself can be a challenge. As with all dogs, his nails should be clipped as needed and his teeth should be brushed several times per week. In addition, you will want to check his ears once a week, wiping them as necessary. If your Mountain Mastiff is a drooler like his parent the Mastiff, check his skin for irritation on a regular basis and gently clean and dry the skin when needed.
While the Mountain Mastiff is large and strong, he is loving, kind and sensitive. Like the Mastiff, he is gentle and his even temperment will allow him to do well with children and other animals. Dogs of the hybrid will be loyal to their humans and courageous, providing protection when they believe it is necessary. The Mountain Mastiff will have a natural wariness of strangers, though eager to please his humans. As a result of his sensitive nature, training should be done in a knowledgable, positive way so as that he does not feel poorly or become fearful, shy and ultimately aggressive. His sensitivity will also lead him to be upset should his humans be arguing while he is present.
The Mountain Mastiff is a relatively active dog. As a result of his size, he will require a few daily walks along with some time to play with his humans. Trips to the dog park will also be fun for the Mountain Mastiff. Dogs of the hybrid are not high in energy and will typically have a low level of endurance, meaning it is important that you don’t expect your Mountain Mastiff to participate in vigorous or lengthy activity. Because of the large size of the Mountain Mastiff, access to a large yard will be important and the hybrid will not do well in a small apartment.
Written by a Australian Shepherd lover Ilyssa Bozza
Published: 10/30/2017, edited: 02/24/2021
More articles by Ilyssa Bozza
