Are you on the hunt for a gentle giant that is both affectionate and protective? Well, meet the Labrador Mastiff mix, a hybrid between a Labrador Retriever and a Mastiff. While their large size may make them seem frightening, they have a soft spot for humans with proper training. The attractive cross inherits some of the best traits from both parents which makes it an ideal family dog.
We know the kind of excitement that mixed breeds create in the world of pet ownership. Whether it is the Bullmastiff or the English Mastiff mixed with a Lab, what will it look like? How big will it be? Is it the right choice for me? All these questions that leave you excited about owning this mix is what we will be answering today.
In this article, we have collected all the info you need to know about the Labrador mix Mastiff before you decide to buy or adopt. From their dietary and grooming needs to training and exercise requirements, health issues, price, and lifespan, it is very comprehensive.
Table of Contents
What do you call a Mastiff Labrador mix?
The Labrador English Mastiff mix is commonly known as the Mastador (sometimes spelled as Mastidor). Other names include Mastadore, Mastidoor, Mastiff Labrador mix, Lab Mastiff mix, as well as Mastiff and Labrador Retriever dog.
Because the Mastidor is a designer dog, it is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a breed. However, it can be registered with organizations such as ACHC, DBR, DRA, DDKC, and the IDCR.
History of the Breed
Like most hybrids that we know of today, the Mastiff Lab mix’s history is not well-known but could have existed naturally for years. Designers, however, may have started breeding the Labrador Retriever and the Mastiff deliberately in the 1990s. They aimed at reducing the health problems found in both parents for a healthier family pooch.
The demand for Mastidoors has increased since their debut. To understand these lovable dogs better, we have a brief review of their parents below.
Parents
The Labrador Retriever – Labradors stand out as the most popular dogs, especially in America. These purebreds are native to Canada and were bred to help their masters flush out birds during hunting as well as to retrieve them wherever they fell. Labs are very intelligent, and their dog IQ ranks them at position 7 of the world’s smartest pooches.
Owners of the Labrador Retriever love them being sweet-tempered and loyal with a gentle and tender disposition. This makes them ideal for both experienced and novice dog enthusiasts and they offer unmatched companionship. Labs also get along with other pooches easily and they are highly energetic which means they love to play with you. They were recognized by the AKC in
Typically, a full-grown Lab is 21 to 25 inches tall and weighs between 55 and 80 lbs. based on their sex and health. There are two types of Labs both with a double coat (soft inside & coarse outside) and come in a variety of colors plus a long thick and wagging tail. Labrador retrievers have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. They are prone to health issues such as hip & elbow dysplasia, and bloat.
The English Mastiff – The history of these fighting and guard dogs dates back to 3000BC but they were used as working dogs in England for more than 2000 years. Their name is believed to come from a French word, Mastin, which means watchdog. Due to their unparalleled loyalty, these working dogs ended them up in people’s homes and couches as pets and companions.
In terms of dog IQ, Mastiffs are one of the smartest dog breeds out there which makes them highly trainable. However, they have a stubborn streak and can ignore taking orders which makes some people call them dumb. These dogs are short-haired. The Mastiff was accepted by the AKC as a breed in 1885. You can also check the Mastiff Pitbull mix.
These large pups stand 28 to 36 inches tall at the shoulders and the weight is between 120 and 230 lbs. Mastiffs have a lifespan of 9 to 11 years and commonly suffer from major health issues such as bloat and canine hip dysplasia. Minor issues include elbow dysplasia, cystinuria, and osteosarcoma.
Appearance
So, what does a Lab Mastiff mix look like?
As you would expect from any cross, predicting the Lab Mastiff mix size can be tricky because you never know which parent they may favor most. However, we expect your pup to be very large when they mature with a height of between 28 and 36 inches tall. The weight of a Mastidor is anywhere from 100 to 200 lbs. You would expect this when one of the parents is among the largest dogs available.
The coat of the Mastiff Lab mix will be fairly short and smooth like that of the mastiff parent. This mix comes in a wide range of colors including brown, black, brindle, and tan. The Mastador will take after the Lab parent’s broad head with a muscular stature that highlights its guarding abilities. Their ears will be big and droopy.
Check out the image below of a brindle Labrador Mastiff mix.
Temperament and Characteristics
Any dog’s temperament is determined by varying factors including genetics, socialization, and training.
Mastidors are treasured for their sweet-natured personality despite their large build which may seem frightening. Add loyalty to the mix and you will have the perfect companion you ever dreamed of. These large pups are brave, smart, and friendly. Of course, this attachment to their human companions makes them susceptible to separation anxiety. Therefore, your Mastadore will not like to be left alone for long periods.
Although these dogs are polite, they can be aloof to people they do not recognize. It is also worth noting that Mastidors’ protectiveness can escalate especially if what is threatening their family persists. As such you will need to start their socialization early to help them control their protective traits. Never let anyone, a family member or friend, treat these hybrids roughly, not even kids.
Ease of Training
The Mastiff and Labrador Retriever dog inherits intelligence from both parents making them very smart. While this makes it easy for them to receive commands, their Mastiff parent’s stubbornness might make them refuse to follow. To curb or minimize this, make sure you introduce training from when they are pups.
Another way to make training your Mastador easy is by using positive reinforcement and a clicker. This will make them responsive plus they love food so you can throw some healthy treats during training sessions. As mentioned, this crossbreed can be stubborn and aloof, so avoid being harsh and rude.
Exercise
You can tell that these pooches are high energy with an athletic nature inherited from their Lab parent. Therefore, they will need plenty of exercises each day to burn off the excess energy through running, hiking, and playing. They are the offspring of two working dog breed parents so, you need to exercise them vigorously for at least 60 minutes a day.
If they take after their Lab parent, they will love swimming so you can take them to the local dog’s pool often.
Nutritional Requirements
The Mastiff Labrador mix is an active pooch which means they will consume a lot of food (1500 calories per day), approx. 3 cups per day. Due to their large size, they should eat high-quality dog food that is formulated for large breeds. Since these dogs are prone to bloat, divide the 3 cups into smaller portions throughout the day. Do not overfeed them as they tend to gain weight and it can cause joint problems.
The dietary requirements of any pooch, including the Mastidor, depend on a number of factors including age, energy, weight, and health. If you are not sure about how much food or which type is best, consult with your dog’s vet.
Health Issues
The Lab Mastiff mix is generally healthier than its both purebred parents which is what the breeders hoped to achieve. However, they are still predisposed to certain health issues their parents have. Common health problems in Mastidoors include elbow dysplasia, canine hip dysplasia, cataracts, obesity, bloat, pulmonic stenosis, and retinal dysplasia.
To ensure your canine buddy remains healthy and strong, do not skip the scheduled vet visits. Make sure that they eat premium food, drink enough clean water, and exercise sufficiently.
It is good to mention that Mastidors are susceptible to impacted anal glands. This occurs when your pooch is unable to empty its glands through excretion. Take your doggie to the vet if you notice they are licking the anal area or scooting.
Life Expectancy
The lifespan of a Labrador Mastiff cross is between 10 and 12 years.
How to Care for them
First, you need to keep up with the regular veterinary visits of your Mastidor as this helps determine health issues early if any. Next, train and exercise them often and make sure they eat healthful dog food.
Grooming your Labrador Mastiff mix is crucial to caring for them. Your cross will fall between the Lab parent’s double coat that sheds much and an easy-maintenance short coat of the Mastiff parent. Therefore, you will need to purchase a quality vacuum cleaner that integrates with upholstery to help pick up your dog’s hair on the floor and couches as well.
Only bathe them when necessary.
Since the Mastiff Labrador mix has droopy ears, check them every day for debris, pests, and dirt and clean them properly as instructed by your vet. Clip their nails regularly or seek help from a professional and remember to check their mouth as well. Oral health is crucial for your Mastidor so make sure you brush your pooch’s teeth at least twice or thrice a week.
Cost
The cost of a Lab Mastiff mix puppy is approx. $800 and $2,000. The price depends on a number of factors including the rarity of the breed, the breeder’s location and reputation, the dog’s age, and more. When you visit the breeder at their workplace, ask to see the parents of the pup as well as their health records.
Where to Adopt
If you consider adopting a Labrador mix with Mastiff, you can talk to the workers at your local shelter or ask rescue organizations for Labs and Mastiffs. You might be lucky, and it is cheaper to adopt.
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