The Doodle that everyone is obsessed with is the Mastipoo AKA Mastidoodle. These adorable puppies are on our radars for an excellent reason. They are the perfect blend of the Mastiff and Standard Poodle to give you one of the best companion dogs.
As excited as we are about these Doodles, there are a few things you should know about them. Let’s take a look at the Mastipoo pros and cons to see if they are the right fit for you.
Pros Of A Mastipoo (Mastidoodle)
The first thing we will do is talk about all of the beautiful aspects of this larger breed dog, the Mastidoodle. We will tell you all about these dogs and why they might be perfect for your home. You might even see pros that you never considered.
Temperament
If you have ever met a Mastipoo, it is easy to see why everyone loves these dogs. From a young age they are kind-hearted dogs that have the most docile natures. There isn’t a person out there who wouldn’t think that these laid-back dogs aren’t the best. Mastipoos are not smaller dogs but are gentle giants perfect for anyone.
Hypoallergenic
Most people looking for a Doodle are interested in their hypoallergenic coats. The Mastipoo luckily has that same quality that most people love. Your Doodle won’t shed much, if at all. So your Mastipoo is a hypoallergenic dog that can hop right into bed with you without fearing the clean-up if you have a large bed, that is.
Intelligent
A Mastiff and a Poodle are a very intelligent dog that doesn’t get much credit. People see the aloof Mastiff and think they are all brawn and no brains. And Poodles are viewed as the stereotypical prissy designer dog. But you couldn’t be further from the truth with these purebred dogs. Both dog breeds came about for a purpose, and they perform beautifully.
So it only makes sense that the Mastipoo is also intelligent. You will find that your Mastipoo puppy is easy to encourage with a few treats and praise. What more could you ask for in the perfect family dog?
Loyal And Watchdog
Mastipoos might seem like big goofs, but they take their jobs seriously. They are loyal to a fault, and that makes them perfect watchdogs. But do Mastipoo dogs bark a lot? Most Mastipoos don’t bark much and won’t yap at the mailman as a “danger.” Instead, you will notice that your Mastipoo looks over the house as a guard dog would and has a presence that means business. If you hear these loud, determined barks, you know they mean business.
Kids
Is Mastipoo a good family friendly dog? Your Mastidoodle will see your kids as their pack, and they will protect them as such. But they are also very playful active dogs that enjoy games with children. You might even find that your Mastipoos are extra cautious around small children as not to hurt them. And we think this is absolutely adorable.
Different Colors
Most of the Mastipoos you see will be black or brown. But there is an entire rainbow of colors you can get depending on the parent breeds used. You see, Mastipoos vary by breeder. Some breeders use the American Mastiff, and others might use a Tibetan, Neopolitan, or even an English Mastiff. Mastiffs come in so many color varieties, as do Poodles. So there is no end to the color combinations you could get.
Size Variations
You can’t talk about Mastipoo pros and cons without talking about their standard sizes. Most people who want a Mastidoodle are fond of large dogs. These Doodles typically weigh between 60-90 pounds, but some can get as large as 120 pounds. They are commonly the size of a Cocker Spaniel and not as big as a Saint Bernard.
But did you also know that they also come in a mini version? Mini Mastipoos aren’t very common and can cost thousands of dollars. But they are possible. The way this cross comes about is if you breed a smaller-than-average Mastiff with a Mini Poodle.
The result is a Mastipoo that weighs less than 35 pounds. The reason these minis aren’t everywhere is that finding a Mastiff under 100 pounds is very rare. But if you can find a healthy breeder, go for it!
Cheaper Than Other Doodles
Last on the list of Mastipoo pros and cons is that they are cheaper than most other Doodles. You can expect most breeders to charge between $350-$650, but rarer colors and sizes can cost as much as $1,200. That’s still a lot cheaper than most Doodles breeds.
Why are they cheaper? These dogs are more affordable because they aren’t as popular as other Doodle breeds. So there aren’t unusually long waiting lists, and breeders can keep up with demand better. They are still quality bred dogs with all of the same standards we usually have. So you won’t have to worry that these dogs won’t be as healthy as others.
Cons Of A Mastipoo
Now that you’ve seen the good let’s take a peek at the bad. To figure out if a dog is best for your lifestyle, you want to get the full scope of what you can expect. Should I buy a Mastipoo? Let’s see if you can tolerate even the downside of the breed.
Grooming
Hair is Mastipoo pros and cons. On the one hand, they are hypoallergenic and great for people with allergies or eczema. But their coats are also very high maintenance. You will spend a great deal of time brushing your Mastidoodle to keep them tangle-free.
That’s not all. You will also spend a decent amount of money to keep the hair washed and trimmed. On average, your Mastipoo will need a haircut every 6-8 weeks. And since your Doodle is so large, you will spend more than average to manage this. Are Mastipoos high maintenance? When it comes to their hair, yes.
Lots Of Space And Exercise
Another con of owning the Mastidoodle is that they need lots of space. These dogs don’t fare well in apartments or tiny houses, and they need a decent-sized backyard. However, you can bypass this problem by getting a Mini Mastipoo.
However, exercise is the same no matter what size Doodle you get. These dogs need at least an hour of exercise daily to keep them fit and strong. Without a brisk long walk, playing fetch, or other high-intensity games, your Mastipoo will be at risk of obesity and boredom.
Drooling
When you picture a Mastiff, you most likely imagine the long jowls with a bit of drool coming down. You might think that getting a mixed breed will bypass this type of problem. But it’s not a guarantee. While it’s true that the Mastipoo isn’t known to have long jowls, it can happen. And since genetics with a hybrid breed isn’t a sure thing, you have a 50/50 chance.
Anxiety
Mastipoos are brilliant dogs, but the downside to this is that they also need lots of attention. If you work long hours or enjoy long trips, a Mastipoo might not be for you. A Mastidoodle that doesn’t get the exercise and attention they need throughout the day a young dog might develop anxiety or destructive behaviors. Digging, running away, chewing the furniture, and marking in the house are all signs that your Doodle is anxious.
To combat this, you will need to spend as much time with them as possible. If the house is empty for most of the day, you might consider taking your pup to dog daycare for enrichment. But it isn’t only about the company. Your Mastidoodle will also need plenty of toys, puzzles, and chew things to keep them busy throughout the day.
Health And Lifespan
Do Mastipoos have health problems? There are no breed-specific diseases. But some breeds are more prone to illness than others. A few common health issues Mastipoos have are:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Eye diseases
- Addison’s disease
- Thyroid problems
- And entropion
To prevent a lot of these illnesses, a quality breeder works wonders. A reputable breeder will perform rigorous health screening to ensure all of their puppies are healthy. They would never breed parents with high chances of passing on these genetic traits into the Doodle lines.
The other part of keeping your Mastidoodle healthy is what you do at home. Quality food, vet check-ups, and exercise all do wonders at keeping your pup happy and healthy. If you are lucky, your Mastidoodle life expectancy is longer than the average 8-10 years.
Overall Costs
And finally, the last con we have is that the Mastidoodle is an expensive dog to keep. The cost of food alone is enough for anyone to change their minds. With large dogs, everything costs just a little more: grooming, feeding, travel, medical. And that’s just the bare minimum. You will also have the cost of replacement toys, chews, and daycare if you need one. Some say their Mastipoos price as much as a toddler every year. While we think the Mastidoodle is worth the cost, it is crucial to consider.
So What Do You Think?
After reading Mastipoo pros and cons, are they the right pet for you? We think these dogs are fantastic for the right family. They are sweet, gentle, and a joy to be around. Your Mastidoodle will be your best friend and companion. You couldn’t ask for a better Doodle than right here.
Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. so you can pin it to your Doodle Board!
