Crufts breeder reccommends this controversial dog to any first-time owner

With all eyes on , one breeder at the world-renowned dog show insists a controversial breed is actually misunderstood and makes a perfect pet even for a first-time owner. Ownership of Mastiffs has plumeted in recent years following ongoing controversy surrounding XL bullies, which were ultimately banned just over a year ago.

XL bullies, the popularity of which peaked a few years ago, have long been linked with Mastiffs. However, XL bullies are a hybrid breed not officially recognised by the UK Kennel Club, while the Mastiff, a dog with origins dating back around 3,000 years, has a long-established history.

“This is a Mastiff,” Adam, who owns Winnie, Grace, and Elka, says as he points at his three impressive dogs, who are all cuddling on top of each other in their enclosure at the event According to Adam, the classic English breed, known for its large and powerful build as a guard dog, has seen a decline in popularity following the bully ban.

Mastiffs are among the largest dogs at the show, and typically have a short coat, a long low-set tail, large feet, massive jaws and droopy face.

While the mastiff’s sheer strength could easily crush any intruder that dares cross its territory, Adam says the reality is quite different: “They have such a steady temperament.”

Adam also denies you need loads of space to accommodate the friendly giant. “You need that much space,” he says as he once again points to his cosied up trio inside their little Crufts enclosure.

“As long as you exercise them and you do everything you do this is what they’ll do in your home,” the mastiff expert says as he emphasises the breed’s laid-back nature. Although he recommends limiting exercise during the first six months of a mastiff’s life, as their bones are still developing. 

As adults, mastiffs can reach impressive sizes, with some weighing as much as 68-90 kilograms and standing up to 76 centimeters tall at the shoulder. However, they don’t fully mature until they’re about three years old, so it’s important to be mindful of their physical development during their early years.

“You can probably walk for 20 minutes, half an hour, maybe, make sure it’s on a lead so you’ve got control and they’re not running off,” Adam says. After spending a few minutes in the presence of these huge goofballs, any dog lover would easily fall for their adorable demure.

Nevertheless, the Mastiff breed in the UK has declined in popularity and is now considered a vulnerable breed by The Kennel Club. “Last year, there were only 69 of these (registered),” Adam says. A stark contrast from the hundreds of mastiffs registered in previous years.

“I think a lot of it is [because of these] misconceptions,” he says, as he again highlighted the significant rise of reported XL bullies attacks and fatalities in recent years. An XL bully is a cross between multiple breeds, including American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, English Bulldogs, Presa Canarios and Cane Corsos. 

While it is possible they also carry some mastiff DNA, . “Mastiffs are like the blueprint,” he says. Mastiffs are in fact the grounding breed for many species, such as St. Bernard, English Bulldogs, Rottweiler, Great Danes, Bull Terrier, Shar Pei, and even the Belgian Malinois.

“Exercise the dog properly, socialize, go for a walk” are the simple steps one should take to parent a cool and collected mastiff, Adam says. He is so confident in his dogs that he would even recommend them to first-time dog owners “above any other breeds”.

“It’s not like Malinois, for example, where Malinois have got a lot higher prey drive, mastiffs just get bored very quick,” he says. Mastiffs aren’t aggressive by nature, Adam says. While Mastiffs are considered large and powerful dogs with the potential for serious bites, according to UK statistics, they are not typically listed as “dangerous” breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act, meaning they are not automatically banned, as per the .

Adam says that while Mastiffs are “very good natured”, They don’t attack intruders, he says, but will alarm their owners and threaten with a bark, which, given their imposing stature, would be enough to make any thief think twice about their intentions.

“Every dog owner, if you’re passionate about a breed, it’s your responsibility to [be educated],” Adam urges, as he recommends anyone interested in acquiring any breed to do research beforehand.