jogging

Justin: Can a Bullmastiff or Mastiff mix be a jogging companion or at least a trail partner? I really like the look and personality of the dogs, but I'm looking for a good running companion dog that would also be capable to accompany me when I go rock climbing. Has anyone had a Bullmastiff to let me know if Bullmastiffs and Mastiff mixes are good at running/jogging? Thanks, anything would help, especially personal stories. Photo Credit: Konstantin Zamkov/Flickr CC Answers and Views: Answer by Holly Yes, it's possible to have a Bullmastiff as a jogging companion but not until they are fully grown (2 years old at least). These dogs and other very large dogs should not have extra stress on their joint while they are still growing. They are a lower energy breed, they will enjoy a 20-40 minute jog if they are used to it, but there are other breeds that are much higher in energy that would be better for you if you are a hardcore jogger. Answer by Charlie Bigger dogs like the Mastiffs usually don't live long (5-8 years usually) and are prone to joint problems, heart issues, as well as hip dysplasia. These dogs are meant to be working dogs, but I wouldn't take them rock climbing or anything that physical. They need walks like all other dogs, but they aren't built for such strenuous activity for their entire lives. Answer by Miss Cellany You’re asking can you take a Bullmastiff dog that was built for guarding and attacking and use it for running long distance and scrambling over rocks and uneven terrain. You could but it would be very hard on the dog and totally ill-advised to do so if you care about your dog’s well being. Ignore looks – you should be picking a dog based on its personality, behavior and energy levels – and these should fit your lifestyle. If you’re an active person who wants to take their dog along on these activities pick a high energy athletic breed (most herding breeds and hunting breeds are good). Also, I will point out that large dogs are less athletic than medium dogs since they’re carrying that extra weight. Dogs evolved to be medium size – the larger you make them the weaker they get and the less able they are to run long distance. Pick a medium-sized breed bred for running to be a good running companion dog. A herding dog is good for scrambling over rough terrain as they tend to be very agile (border collies being the most agile of the lot). Labradors and retrievers aren’t particularly agile and are heavy – I recommend a lighter breed that you can carry should they get injured on a hike/jog. GSD is too large to carry and also have bad hips and back legs – they cannot walk or run for long distances without risking injury or inflammation. My recommendations would be Border Collie, Cattle Dog, Kelpie, Malinois, Springer Spaniel, Brittany, German shorthaired / wire haired pointer or Portuguese / Spanish Water Dog. These are all smart trainable breeds that are agile, high energy, and medium-sized. Answer by ginbark If your Bullmastiff is conditioned right, healthy, sound, the weather is nice and you run on soft ground and bring water almost any dog can go jogging. As with anyone albeit dog or person, the distance and time need to be worked on, dogs' feet and muscles get sore too. If your dog is young, healthy and it is cool it should be able to run at least 1/2 to 1 mile to start with but you need to watch your dog carefully. Short-snouted dogs overheat faster than normal snouted dogs. If you jog to a shaded area and let the dog rest, have a small amount of water and possibly wet him down he should be fine but only you and your dog can judge how fit he is and how hot it is to run. My 7lb MinPins easily jog next to a bike for a mile at a trot. My large breed dogs can do 2 miles at a trot and gallop but I watch them very carefully and none have bad hips or other problems. There are different looking DDB too, some have very short snouts and some a little longer. Your vet should probably do a health check and x-ray both hips and elbows b4 you start tho. Who would win in a fight Presa Canario or Bullmastiff? Is Bullmastiff a good dog breed to have with children? Do Bullmastiff dogs drool a lot? If you want my suggestion, I'd look on petfinder.com for a Bullmastiff mix, possibly mixed with a more active breed (Lab, a Golden Retriever, or Australian shepherd). DO NOT GET THIS DOG BRED FOR YOU. Just poke around in shelters and things like that to see if you can find both the breed you want and the partner you need. Answer by mickie Bullmastiff is not a good choice for running… it's rough on their joints. These are breeds who already often have joint issues, I wouldn't put the added strain on them, and never before they are fully mature…they aren't athletic dogs but guarding ones. If you want a jogging companion, it's probably better to check out the sporting breeds or even some of the herding breeds that love to go all day, possibly even a Husky if you can deal with one of them. Know better? Give your own answer to this question!