Big dogs

[Zeusophobia]

I've lately been looking into getting a bullmastiff and keeping it as an indoor/outdoor dog. Keeping a doggy door so it has the option to go in and out as it pleases, training it to crap outside ect.

My father on the otherhand insists that a 10-12 lb indoor only dog is the ONLY dog that will do well in Florida. He says that the hot Florida weather is going to torture the dog and it's going to get fleas every other day.

I was thinking the dog would come inside on its own if it were too hot outside, and if it were 90 degrees the dog isn't going to melt when it goes out for 10 seconds to take a dump. When it gets flees, I'll take it to the groomer or vet or whoever treats fleas, simple as that.

What's everyones thoughts on this?

 

[sparks19]

Well there are preventative measures for fleas. You can stop them before you get them.

As long as you keep water available at all times the dog should be fine. If it can come in the house whenever it needs to then he/she likely will.

 

[Saje]

I'm not a fan of doggy doors and I can't even imagine how big it would have to be for a bullmastiff! How would you keep it secure!!?? What if other dogs got in? Or other animals? Or criminals?

I'm sure a mastiff would do fine if you took good care of it but I would bring it inside when you weren't home.

 

[PixieSticksandTricks]

Bullmastiffs don't do well in high temps from what I have read. I wouldn't own one in florida that or any other Mastiff really.

 

[bubbatd]

Can't you both hit a happy medium ?? I would put any dog on flea once a month ... especially in a hot climate. I wouldn't want an indoor only dog. There's a big difference between a 10# and a 110# .!!!

 

[JennSLK]

There are dog doors you can get that have a megnate. The dog wears a thing on it's collar and when it gets close to the door it releases the magnate. Keeps other animals out.

Dont think you would have to worry about strangers with a mastiff. LOL

 

[sparks19]

There are dog doors you can get that have a megnate. The dog wears a thing on it's collar and when it gets close to the door it releases the magnate. Keeps other animals out.

Dont think you would have to worry about strangers with a mastiff. LOL

REally never heard of that before. I have often wondered how people keep their doggy doors secure. That is neat

 

[rottiegirl]

Dont think you would have to worry about strangers with a mastiff. LOL
__________________

That is exactly what I was thinking. lol.

 

[Fran27]

I've heard of those collars things too. The idea is pretty good, I would just be worried if it breaks down.

Mostly though, I just don't like doggy doors. I hate the idea that my dog might be in the yard when I'm not home, plus I have no idea how people housetrain their dogs with one.

 

[sparks19]

I've heard of those collars things too. The idea is pretty good, I would just be worried if it breaks down.

Mostly though, I just don't like doggy doors. I hate the idea that my dog might be in the yard when I'm not home, plus I have no idea how people housetrain their dogs with one.

some friends of ours had one. they lived in an area that you dind't have to worry about your dog being out when you were alone. or have to worry about someone breaking in.

their dogs were perfectly housetrained and when TEddy stayed with them he picked up on the doggy door very quickly

 

[Mordy]

If you want a big dog that does well in Florida weather, get a retired racing greyhound.

 

[Fran27]

Just my opinion Sparks, I would install the door after the dog is housetrained is all. It's really hard to housetrain a dog when you're not with them everytime they do their business outside.

 

[Giny]

T
Dont think you would have to worry about strangers with a mastiff. LOL

You wouldn’t think, would you?! Ah, but don’t underestimate the mind of a criminal. If he wants in he will find a way, mastiff or no mastiff. That’s why I don’t care too much on owning a dog for the purpose of protecting a home or care much about doggie doors where dogs are allowed out anytime they want, especially when nobody is home. It brings to mine of a very sad incident that happened in a town I lived a while ago. A family not far from where I lived owned 2 big dogs, an Old Sheep Dog and a Doberman. Burglars wanted to break into their home so they shot both dogs through the window. Owners came home to a very sad site with one dog dead and the other barley alive and a burglarized home. Even the doggie doors with the magnetic entrances aren’t secure if they are able to get a hold of the collar, which means the death of a dog who’s wearing the device. I prefer to have a built in home security installed and keep my dog safe as a companion and not protecting my home, whether it was 10 lbs or 150 lbs dog.

 

[AusCatDogs_4Ever]

Originally Posted by JennSLK
There are dog doors you can get that have a megnate. The dog wears a thing on it's collar and when it gets close to the door it releases the magnate. Keeps other animals out.

Dont think you would have to worry about strangers with a mastiff. LOL

That is so neat! I havn't heard of them either, I had already planned on installing a doggie door for Charlie when I move out (the backyard will be secured) so he can go in and out as he pleases. I thought about other animals coming inside as well but I thought I could just lock it up at night, but that collar thing sounds great! I will have to look it up sometime.

 

[Renee750il]

If you want a big dog that does well in Florida weather, get a retired racing greyhound.

Excellent suggestion, Mordy!

The molosser breeds that do well in hot weather are typically dogs that ARE NOT for anyone but the very experienced owner or someone with a special temperament . . .

 

[Xena]

I've lately been looking into getting a bullmastiff and keeping it as an indoor/outdoor dog. Keeping a doggy door so it has the option to go in and out as it pleases, training it to crap outside ect.

My father on the otherhand insists that a 10-12 lb indoor only dog is the ONLY dog that will do well in Florida. He says that the hot Florida weather is going to torture the dog and it's going to get fleas every other day.

I was thinking the dog would come inside on its own if it were too hot outside, and if it were 90 degrees the dog isn't going to melt when it goes out for 10 seconds to take a dump. When it gets flees, I'll take it to the groomer or vet or whoever treats fleas, simple as that.

What's everyones thoughts on this?

Hello.
Im an owner of a Bullmastiff myself and have known this breed 8 years now, but they aren't suitable for everyone especially first time dog owners, they require training, socialisation and a good handler as their a very strong breed.
Bullmastiffs are loyal lovable dogs that thrive on their owners attention and need to be mentally and physically stimulated.
They can't stand the cold or heat, they also have health problems etc.
If you haven't already done so, I would advise you to do a research before you decide that this breed is for you.

 

[orbit86]

my cousin has his siberian husky down in FL. and she is fine

 

[Saje]

my cousin has his siberian husky down in FL. and she is fine

I don't know what 'fine' means but it's usually not good enough. I'd never have a snow dog in Florida.