Mastidoodle

by Mary Simpson

Published: January 9th, 2018

About Mastidoodle

Weight

65-100 lb

Height

18-28 inches

Lifespan

9-12 years

Group

Not Applicable

Best Suited For

families with kids and other pets, homes with a fenced yard, those looking for a low- or non-shedding dog

Temperament

energetic, playful, friendly, alert

Comparable Breeds

Poodle, Mastiff

Mastidoodle Basics

The easygoing Mastidoodle is a fun-loving mix of the loyal, intelligent Standard Poodle and the gentle giant Mastiff. His love of kids and other animals makes him a great family pet who wants nothing more than to hang out with his human pack. A great walking or running companion, this big boy is obedient and well-mannered – an ideal pooch for those who love a big dog.

The Mastidoodle brings together the loyal Poodle and the gentle Mastiff for an easygoing family dog.

Origin

The Mastidoodle is considered a Designer Dog and was likely introduced back in the 1980’s when this practice first began. These dogs are the result of mixing and matching different pure-breeds to produce puppies that carried the desired traits of both parent breeds – typically a healthier, smaller, hypo-allergenic or gentler form of a popular breed.

Pedigree

The Mastidoodle comes from two different purebred dogs and as a result, isn’t eligible to join the American Kennel Club (AKC). However, both parent breeds are long-time members; the Mastiff joined the AKC’s “working” group back in 1885 followed shortly after by the Poodle who joined the AKCs “non-sporting” group in 1887.

Food/Diet

The Mastidoodle is a large, somewhat active dog who will need a nutrient-rich kibble specifically formulated for a dog of his age, size and activity level. Because he has a tendency to become obese, always choose a food that is low in fillers (carbs) that may cause him to over-eat to feel full. The Poodle side of this dog means he may experience digestive issues including bloat so look for a low-fat food and plan to schedule 2 to 3 feedings per day versus allowing him to free-feed.

The sweet-natured Mastidoodle gets along well with kids and other animals.

Training

Your Mastidoodle comes from two intelligent breeds that make him quick to pick up commands and fairly easy to train. However, this pooch does become bored and distracted easily so patience will be needed along with interesting incentives to keep him engaged and learning. As with most breeds, a firm consistent approach that is rewards-based will net you the results you are looking for.

Weight

When fully grown, the Mastisdoodle’s weight will reflect whichever of his parent breeds is more prominent. As a result, he could weigh as little as 55 pounds or as much as 100 pounds if he leans more toward the Mastiff.

Temperament/Behavior

The Mastidoodle is a sweet-natured, gentle giant of a dog that once socialized gets along well with kids, other animals and new faces. This smart boy can become easily bored and distracted making him a handful to train and destructive when left on his own for long periods. A family where a member works from home, puzzle toys and interactive playtime can help alleviate this. His protective nature makes him quick to bark to warn owners of a stranger turning him into an ideal non-aggressive watchdog.

Common Health Problems

Designer dogs have typically been bred to eliminate many of the health issues that can plague their pure-bred parents. While the Mastidoodle is a healthy dog, it’s important to know what your new pup could inherit and in this instance, he can be prone to digestive and joint issues from the Poodle as well as a kidney disease called Addison’s, epilepsy and seizures.

Life Expectancy

Your Mastidoodle is a relatively healthy dog that will typically live between 9 and 12 years which is typical for most large dogs.

Exercise Requirements

The Mastidoodle comes from two large athletic dogs and while he isn’t considered high-energy, he will need long daily walks or runs to keep him fit and healthy. Because this dog can become bored and restless, mental stimulation is important and mixing up his walking regimen with interactive backyard playtime and dog parks can be just the ticket.

Your Mastidoodle comes from two intelligent breeds that make him quick to pick up commands and fairly easy to train.

Recognized Clubs

Also known as the Mastipoo, Mastiffpoo and Mastiffdoodle, the Mastidoodle is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) however he is a member of the Designer Breed Registry (DBR and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).

Coat

The Mastidoodle will typically have the shorter, denser and curly coat of the Poodle which means he will be a low- to moderate-shedder and require moderate maintenance including brushing 1 to 2 times per week to keep his coat looking its best. Because of his Poodle DNA, his curly and often corded coat will require regular trips to the groomers and as a floppy eared dog he will be prone to ear infections, so owners should plan to inspect and clean his ears weekly.

Puppies

The cute little Mastidoodle puppy will quickly grow into a large pooch that can be a handful if he hasn’t been properly socialized. Start training this pup while he is still young, ensure he is comfortable with new faces and other animals and that he understands you are his pack leader. Because he may be prone to joint issues later in life, leash training and exercise should be careful to not over-tax tiny limbs.

Photo credit: Nick Chase 68/Shutterstock; Ysbrand Cosijn/Shutterstock

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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It’s every cat parent’s worst nightmare—your cat escaping while work is being done at the house. Luckily for Winchester plumber Scott McKendry and his client, a recent alleged escape attempt had a happy ending. However, a Ring doorbell video of the plumber’s attempt to retrieve the cat has gone viral and inspired more than a few laughs! When arriving to work at a client’s house, McKendry was given strict instructions not to let the cat, Bertie, outside under any circumstances. You can imagine the fear and concern when he walked outside and discovered the cat casually strolling down the road. He quickly acted, catching the escapee and attempting to bring him back indoors. Unfortunately, the cat was less than enthusiastic about this plan. Unable to juggle both the unimpressed cat and the door handle, the plumber is forced to ask for help. It appears that all is well, with the cat safely home, when, in a hilarious turn of events, the door is opened to reveal Bertie already inside. That’s right! The entire ordeal centered around a completely different cat – Bertie’s doppelganger.

UK Dog Is Recovering After 130+ Coins Were Removed From His Stomach

Missing any cash? An owner from Swindon in the UK did and was shocked when he discovered how his money went missing. The vets were equally shocked because they discovered that Charlie, the little  Bichon Frise, had eaten 133 coins, equalling more than £18!The mischievous little Bichon was taken to Thameswood Vets in Swindon, after the owners became concerned for his health, thinking he was ill. Their doubts proved true. A quick ultrasound revealed an obvious obstruction in the pet’s tummy. At first, the vet thought it was a piece of plastic, and scheduled an operation to remove the obstruction. But the surgery left him shocked. "It was a surprise for everybody,"  said vet Matheus Nerone, who carried out the surgery. Because once the stomach was opened, a “hoard” of 133 coins was discovered, adding up to £18 and 20 pence. "We opened his stomach and found 133 coins inside him," Dr. Nerone explained. "We did find some pieces of plastic there as well - but the owners had no idea that he had eaten the coins."Everyone was left scratching their head, wondering how on earth did Charlie ingest so many coins. "I don't think they had been there that long - maybe the night or two nights before he came in - because of the size of the obstruction there.” the Dr. said. "He felt sick so if he had eaten those coins a few days ago, he would have been sick before then."Of course, the doctor revealed that it is not uncommon for dogs to  ingest all sorts of things, especially loose change. "It does happen but usually they stop after having a couple of them [coins] - but 133 coins is an impressive amount!"Luckily, the surgery went well, and mischievous little Charlie is now making a good recovery. Thanks to the owner’s keen eye, a real tragedy was prevented, as Charlie could have been in big trouble without quick attention. "Many coins contain zinc which can be poisonous and lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and a lack of appetite," Dr. Nerone clarified. "We are monitoring his blood, but we are hopeful that everything's going to be fine."So next time you’re missing some change, consider all the possibilities!

Does Your Dog Have What it Takes to Be a B.A.R.K. Ranger?

Is your dog your favorite adventure buddy? Do you dream of exploring America’s National Parks system with your furry best friend by your side? While many parks have limitations on where dogs are allowed, the popularity of pet-friendly travel is on the rise. In response, the U.S. National Park Service introduced a program to teach dog parents how to travel with their pups responsibly – the B.A.R.K. Ranger Program. But does your dog have what it takes to be a B.A.R.K. Ranger? What is involved in earning that title anyway? In this article, we will break down the B.A.R.K. principles and why they are so important for responsible outdoor travel. We will also share tips for helping your dog become a certified B.A.R.K. ranger. What Does the Acronym “B.A.R.K.” Stand For? Let’s start at the beginning—what exactly is the B.A.R.K. Ranger program, and what does the acronym “B.A.R.K.” stand for? Recognizing that a growing number of dog parents wanted to bring their pups with them when visiting the parks, the U.S. National Park Service recognized a need for education on how to travel with dogs responsibly. This means focusing on the importance of respecting the environment, local wildlife, and other visitors to the park. This program is a partnership between the National Park Service (NPS) and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). It is part of the Healthy Parks Healthy People Initiative, which is focused on the idea that “parks can be gateways to good health – for people and the planet.” The B.A.R.K. acronym stands for: B – Bag your pet’s wasteA – Always leash your petR – Respect wildlife K – Know where you can goThe concept is similar to the traditional Leave No Trace principles but focuses on how a dog may impact the environment and the overall park experience. What Are the Qualifications to Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger? The good news is that the requirements to become a B.A.R.K. Ranger are very broad. The program is open to dogs of all ages, breeds, sizes, and activity levels. From the senior chihuahua who prefers to be carried along the trail while still enjoying the fresh air to the high-energy Border Collie who could hike for days without stopping, all are welcome! So, does your dog meet the qualifications? As long as they are dog – YES!What is the Process of Getting Your Dog’s B.A.R.K. Ranger Certification? This is where the conversation becomes a little more complicated. While the B.A.R.K. Ranger program is a National Park Service program, the exact requirements to be named a B.A.R.K. Ranger vary from park to park. This allows each park to customize the program to best suit its area and the needs of those who visit each park specifically. At some parks, you will be asked to take a booklet and fill it out. Once you have completed the booklet, you will receive your commemorative leash tag. At other parks, a program is offered that you will attend to learn more about the B.A.R.K. principles and how they can be applied in your travels. Finally, some parks make it incredibly easy. They ask those interested to learn about the B.A.R.K. principles at home before coming to the park. Upon arrival, the dog's parents are asked if they understand and agree with them. They then take a pledge to follow these principles before their dog is given the coveted title.

Auf Wiedersehen Wiener Dog - Will Germany Ban Dachshunds?

Germany’s beloved dog breed, the dachshund, could soon be banned under a new law that prohibits the breeding of dogs with “skeletal anomalies”.The draft of the bill, published in February, is currently being reviewed by the authorities and was introduced as a part of the Animal Protection Act. The new bill aims to strengthen existing laws on “torture breeding” and to regulate the online animal trade. The draft of the protection law said it could ban the reproduction of breeds prone to particular health problems, such as spinal problems linked with short legs and long back which are characteristic of the dachshund breed.According to the German Kennel Club (VDH), the bill could be interpreted as a ban on breeding dogs with any major size deviation from the original wolf type. In addition to dachshunds, other dog breeds like the German shepherd, miniature schnauzer, beagle, and Jack Russell terrier could be affected by the bill. The breeding restrictions could also be applied to flat-faced breeds like the English bulldog, pug, and French bulldog.“Some of the disease characteristics listed in the draft law are too vague and undefined,” said Leif Kopernik, the chief executive of the VDH. “Whether too small or too large, if the Animal Welfare Act were to be implemented in its current form, many popular and healthy breeds could be banned from breeding,” he said, according to the New York Times. The VDH has launched a petition to save “our favorite dogs” saying the proposed bill would leave too much room for interpretation in deciding what can be considered a genetic defect. The German Kennel Club agrees that many of the proposed changes, such as stricter regulations for online animal trade and taking action against illegal puppy trade are good measures that make sense. “However, the animal protection law contains requirements that could mean the end of many healthy dog breeds in Germany,” said VDH on its website.Although the proposed changes could affect several dog breeds, the dachshund is at the center of the discussion. Often called dackel by Germans, the dachshund has been the country’s national symbol for many years. The breed has been around for several centuries and was bred specifically for digging and clawing into underground dens to hunt for badgers. These sausage-shaped dogs have strong claws and sharp teeth which proved extremely useful when hunting. According to Sandra Karthauser, a breeder of rough-haired dachshunds from Munster, there is no evidence that dachshunds are sick due to their appearance. However, she admits that certain breed lines might be predisposed to herniated discs and other health issues.“But to ban the whole breed because of this, that doesn’t make sense to me. Then you can also ban Labradors because some suffer from hip dysplasia along with other breeds that might suffer from debilitating diseases and ailments,”  she added.Germany’s agricultural ministry refuted that the new bill would ban particular dog breeds, including the dachshund. “We aren’t seeking to ban the dachshund. What we are aiming at with this reform is a ban on torture breeding.”The goal of this new regulation is to forbid breeding practices that cause long-term suffering to the dogs. “We want to consistently protect animals from pain, suffering, and damage,” said the ministry adding that the new bill is still being reviewed. Germany’s dachshund lovers and breeders hope the breeding ban won’t happen now or in the future. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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