Could a Greyhound Mastiff Mix Be Your Dream Dog?
Although a relatively rare mix until recent years, the Greyhound Mastiff Mix has seen steady growth in popularity. Both breeds have a loyal following among their owners.
However, like every mix, these dogs are better suited to some households than others. We’ll take a closer look at who is not a good candidate to have one of these mixes, as well as who is. Other factors we’ll look at include what to expect.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Greyhound Mastiff Mix
- It Maybe huge, exceeding 200 pounds a possible problem in apartment or condo communities with size restrictions
- Might be difficult to walk on a leash because of their size and strength, as well as their desire to run
- Bonded to their owners and likely to have separation anxiety if left alone too much
Reasons Why You Should Get a Greyhound Mastiff Mix
- Has a great energy level for runners and joggers
- A naturally gentle mix because of the parent breeds
- Usually excellent with children of all ages
- Affectionate and always wanting to be around their families as much as possible
Appearance, Personality, Coat and Colors, Lifespan, and Traits of a Greyhound Mastiff Mix
The Greyhound Mastiff Mix has a unique appearance, being a cross between one of the most slender athletic breeds and one of the bulkiest.
Most of these dogs will have a size somewhere between the parent breeds’ size. The appearance is easy to describe as alert and athletic. These are otherwise quiet dogs that have been built for speed, and they excel at running.
These dogs have an average height of 24-30 in. Taller dogs usually get more of their height from the Greyhound side. Your Greyhound Mastiff may weigh 57 to 160 lbs. or more. Some of the heaviest that take more after Mastiffs may, rarely, exceed 200 lbs.
This designer breed is easily described as loving and affectionate. Although Greyhounds have a history as hunters and Mastiffs as guard dogs, they are both devoted family dogs. These breeds pass on their best traits to this mix.
These dogs are protective, but not to the extent that they are hostile with people outside your home. When out in the yard, you can be sure they’re watching everything going on to see if there are any intruders, from strangers to the neighbor’s cat.
Once these dogs have accepted a new person, they will treat them as part of the “pack.” These dogs are also good with most other dogs but don’t accept being pushed around. Because of the dog’s partial hound heritage, chasing small animals happens sometimes.
One thing that is constant with this mix is a short, smooth coat because of the parent breeds’ coats.
These dogs never have double or long coats unless there is an additional breed in the mix. Weekly brushing accounts for most of the grooming needs.
The Greyhound Mastiff Mix may come in these colors:
- Brown
- Tan
- Black
- Brindle
- Grey
- Fawn
- Blue
- Red
- White
If you live in areas with cold winters, these dogs will likely enjoy wearing coats. Like dogs with a single layer of short, fine hair, there is less protection from the cold. Most of these dogs adjust to wearing a coat very well.
The lifespan of these dogs varies because of differences in the parent breeds’ lifespans. Greyhounds have average lifespans of 10-12, while Mastiffs have lifespans of about 6-10. One of these dogs could live well into its teens with the proper care.
Good care includes:
- Regular veterinary visits for shots and checkups
- Spaying or neutering if not being used for responsible breeding
- Feeding a high-quality diet and providing exercise
One of the strongest traits that this mix has is the ability to run very fast. Even if these mixes do not run as fast as purebred racing dogs, they still have a very impressive speed. If you need a running companion, this dog might be it!
Greyhound Mastiff Mix Puppies for Sale
Greyhound Mastiffs have increased in popularity in recent years. One of the reasons is the decreased chance of health issues.
There are fewer breeders who produce mixes because of their inability to compete in racing or shows. However, that doesn’t mean that you won’t find such breeders. Some breeders are more concerned with pet-quality dogs than pedigrees.
However, not everyone in the breeding business has dogs’ best interests at heart. Because there are some deceptive, non-professional breeders, you will want to know how to avoid the bad ones. Here are a few tips:
- You will want to look for breeders who encourage people to visit with their dogs to make a better choice about a puppy
- Although some breeders who raise dogs in their homes do not allow drop-ins, appointments should be available
- Breeders who ship their dogs to new owners sight unseen or only meet with them way from their kennels are best avoided
- A smart choice is to avoid breeders who sell “rare” white, blue-eyed dogs, as many of these dogs are deaf
- Avoiding breeders who advertise miniatures is also a good idea, as these puppies may cone from runts bred to runts
Sometimes designer crosses find their way into shelters or rescues. These dogs are often hard to find in such settings because staff may label them as being other breeds. Many organizations list their dogs on pet-finding sites you can browse.
Adopting a dog from a municipal shelter, also called a pound, is an excellent way to possibly save a life. Pound dogs may come from the street or abuse and neglect situations. Such dogs are ready for new homes where they will be treated well.
Non-profit shelters or rescues are also great places to find dogs. Most of these organizations provide vetting, including spaying or neutering before placement. These groups will work hard to match their dogs with the best homes.
Grooming Your Greyhound Mastiff Mix
Although the Greyhound Mastiff has a short coat, there are a few modest grooming needs that are good to keep in mind.
The Greyhound and Mastiff have short, low-maintenance coats. Neither of the parent breeds shed very much, although the shedding may increase during early spring and early fall. You probably won’t have to worry about vast clumps of fur being all over the house.
A soft or rubber brush will help you groom your dog effectively every week. Grooming mitts can also help you groom your dog effectively. Making sure the brush or mitt gets all the way through the hair will help rid your dog of loose hairs.
These dogs usually require bathing every two to three months because they don’t usually have strong “doggie” odor problems. Diluted shampoo and conditioner designed for dogs will clean these dogs’ coats without causing severe irritation.
Brushing your dog’s teeth at least three times a week and an oral rinse for dogs in between are always recommended. When cleaning your dog’s teeth, it is always best to use products designed specifically for dogs.
Your vet should check your dog’s teeth at least yearly for signs of gum infections or to scale any accumulated tartar. Dogs’ teeth can develop cavities and abscesses just as ours can, so you will want to watch this closely.
Ear-cleaning and nail-trimming are also regular grooming activities that you will need to perform. You’ll need to make sure your dog isn’t shaking his head or scratching his ears a lot, which may signal infections.
When using flea and tick products, you’ll need to be careful about what your use on your dog’s skin. Any dog that is partially Greyhound will likely have sensitive skin. Cedar-based repellants are safe options to consider for your dog.
Greyhound Mastiff Mix Health Problems
The Greyhound Mastiff Mix is a healthier crossbreed than many. One of the reasons for developing this crossbreed is to help correct known Mastiff problems.
Bloat is a problem that may affect dogs in this size range. Broad, deep chests allow gas to build up in a way that might make the stomach twist. These situations require life-saving surgery and are often fatal.
Cruciate ligament ruptures are also somewhat likely to happen in this mix. One of the problems associated with these ligament tears is that they often require surgery. Such injuries may occur from running too hard or playing too rough.
Another condition that may surface in these dogs is osteosarcoma, a bone cancer that affects large breeds. This type of cancer is aggressive, sometimes requiring the amputation of an affected limb. The prognosis is guarded, even with treatment.
Greyhound Mastiff Mix Food Requirements
Feeding a Greyhound Mastiff Mix is often challenging because of unique feeding needs. On the one hand, you should expect your dog to consume a lot of food. However, the dog should also have a dry and wet food mixture for the best nutritional balance.
Mastiffs have big appetites, eating the equivalent of 6-10 cups of food daily. Because some of the mixes may approach the Mastiff side in size, they require a lot of food.
Puppies and nursing mothers will have greater feeding requirements. Until puppies reach adult size, between 18 to 24 months, puppy food is necessary for the proper nutrients. Most adult dogs require a little less food after spaying and neutering.
High-quality kibble without fillers or artificial ingredients is best for these gentle giants. If your dog needs a little extra encouragement to eat kibble, some warm water may help. You can gradually reduce the amount of water to encourage chewing the kibble.
Safe raw meats, especially turkey needs and vegetables, are great additions to your dog’s food. Raw marrow bones once or twice a week are great for your dog’s teeth. Your dog’s water and food dishes are best kept elevated to prevent bloating.
Greyhound Mastiff Mix Exercise Requirements
The Greyhound Mastiff Mix is not a very high-energy dog, despite inheriting half its ancestry from a dog used for racing. Age plays a leading role in energy levels.
An hour-long walk or two 30-minute walks are sufficient for these dogs’ needs. Some of the health problems that these dogs could face stem from a lack of exercise.
In addition to walking or running, there are other activities that can help stimulate your dog’s mind that is worthy of consideration.
Interactive toys and puzzles are excellent ways to keep your dog mentally stimulated. Some of these types of toys provide food rewards, making them ideal when your dog is alone in the house.
Greyhound Mastiff Mix Training
The Greyhound Mastiff Mix presents unique training challenges. Conventional obedience training does not work as well for these dogs.
Dogs need a healthy respect for their owners as leaders. When dogs feel as though they are in the hands of competent leaders, they feel more secure. You’ll see less problem behavior.
Positive reinforcement methods that involve rewards and praise will help increase this confidence. These methods are helpful for simple commands, as well as walks.
Greyhound Mastiff Mix and Families
The Greyhound Mastiff Mix is an excellent family dog for your family’s biggest to smallest members. The parent breeds’ personalities differ slightly, but both are ideal family dogs.
Caution around older people and babies or toddlers is necessary, though. These dogs might knock someone over accidentally because of their size. Walking the dog is a task best left to those able to deal with a large dog’s demands.
Greyhound Mastiff Mix and other pets
Greyhound Mastiff Mixes are usually great with other pets if properly introduced. The naturally mellow personality makes a great difference.
However, animals who are new to each other should never be left unsupervised. Pets who have just met require some adjustment time to adapt. Most pets will accept each other, but it is important not to rush everything.
