From Labradors To Mastiffs: Unraveling The Appeal Of The Mastiff Lab Mix

This designer dog offspring is the result of mixing an English Mastiff with Labrador Retriever. In the last several years, designer breed dogs have gained popularity. The demand began in the 1990s, with the first hybrid dogs like Labradoodle and Goldendoodle. And since then, it has only gone up. Today, we will talk about the Mastiff Labrador mix puppy.

Like most mixed breeds, it is not recognized by Тhe American Kennel Club. Yet, at the same time, it is recognized by the Dog Registry of America, American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, and several other clubs.

Meet The Breed

Some people call it the Mastador, a cross between Mastiff and Labrador Retriever dog breeds. It is a large, lovable, and energetic puppy, one that has inherited some of the best qualities from both parent breeds. The name may also be spelled Mastidor.

Despite not being recognized by the American Kennel Club, these puppies have been around for a while. Sadly, they sometimes end up in shelters and rescues. So, try to adopt one before you opt for buying.

The result is a guard, hunting, and family companion dog. These dogs do best in a family home with a yard, but it is not necessary.

Let’s talk more about this designer breed.

Meet The Parents

As we said before, the Mastador breed is not recognized by the AKC. So, the only way to find out more about a Mastador puppy is to take a look at the parents. And we want to introduce them to you.

Mastiff

As we said before, this Mastiff mix is the result of crossing an English Mastiff with a Lab. Mastiffs are some of the biggest dogs in the canine world. Famous for their distinctive personality traits, they are of large size, which often looks scary and dangerous.

But in reality, Mastiffs, while guard dogs, are not aggressive. They are quite gentle, kind, and loving. Of course, it all depends on the dog owner. Sadly, many owners abuse their dogs and that is how they turn them into aggressive canines.

With that in mind, here are some personality traits of the Mastiff parent.

• Gentle and affectionate, you can say this dog breed is a gentle giant
• Famous for their loving and affectionate nature, Mastiff puppies form a strong bond with their family
• They are calm and relaxed, with a laid-back demeanor, preferring a relaxed and leisurely lifestyle
• Renowned for their protective instincts, which are often mistaken for aggressiveness. Mastiffs are simply loyal to their family and protect their territory
• They have a docile and patient temperament. They are usually tolerant and can handle various situations with composure, but when things go out of hand, they protect their ground
• Reserved with strangers due to their protective nature
• Independent thinkers that are not always eager to please or follow commands
• Watchful and alert, they are keen observers of their surrounding

Labrador Retriever

Now, let’s talk about the Labrador parent. Up to 2023, the Labrador Retriever was the most popular dog breed in the world. But in 2023, the French Bulldog took its place.

There is a lot to love about a Lab puppy. Famous for their outgoing and friendly personality, they are among the friendliest dogs around. And they are definitely the best family dog you can get. If you want to know more about the traits of your prospective Mastador dog, we have to talk about the personality traits of Labs.

• Friendly and sociable, they are eager to meet new people and get along well with strangers
• They are highly intelligent, among the smartest dogs in the world, and can pick up commands and cues easily and quickly
• Playful and energetic, they have a high energy level and love to spend time around people and other dogs
• They are famous for their gentle and patient demeanor, especially around children
• Labs are tolerant and have a natural affinity for being around children, which is why they are among the most popular family dogs
• They have a good-natured disposition, are adaptable, and can live in different situations
• Extremely food-motivated, they will do almost anything for a bit of food or treats
• Retrieving is in their nature, and their instinct kicks in all day, every day

Appearance

Now we need to talk about the Mastiff Lab mix. This family pet can grow as big as the Mastiff, or be the size of the Labrador. Now, we know Mastiffs are among the largest dogs, so expect a large size nevertheless.

Their size ranges begin at 50 pounds and can go as high as 130 pounds. If you can, check the weight and height of the parents, and that will give you a good idea of how big your Mastador breed grows.

Same as their parents, they have a double coat, with colors that can range from brown, black, chocolate, and yellow. Labs are available in three colors, but Mastiffs have coats ranging from fawn to brindle. Combine the two, and you have a large potential for different colors, including diluted versions of the original shade.

In most cases, their coat has one solid coat color, and it can be light-colored or dark-colored. In some cases, your dog might have the classic black mask and white chest, typical for a Mastiff dog.

Temperament

The Labrador Mastiff mix has a reputation as a sweet-natured mixed breed. It is all because of the two large dog parents. Both parents are large dogs, but they are kind, sweet, gentle, and affectionate with their family.

And while they are amazing with the family, they might be aloof around strangers. Here is another interesting fact. Mastador puppies are quite sensitive, and they can become fearful or shy when mishandled.

They will be polite around strangers but will be protective of their humans if they notice anyone or anything is threatening. Socialization helps a lot here, but you have to understand, you have a guard dog.

Speaking of their personality, they are intelligent and curious and will try to explore and learn new things. They are fast learners, courtesy of their Lab genes, but can be stubborn at times, due to their Mastiff genes.

Generally speaking, they love activities and challenging playtime. But they do not need as much exercise as their Labrador parent.

Because they are larger dogs, they do not need as much exercise and get tired quicker.

Training

Now, generally speaking, Mastiff mix puppies are easy to train. They need to be trained and socialized early on, to try and prevent some of the protective and guarding instincts. You do not want those instincts to turn your gentle giant into an aggressive big dog, right?

Speaking of training, these puppies are smart and tolerant. They have Lab genes after all. And that means that more often than not, they will be eager to please and work/train.

Positive reinforcement with food will do wonders here. Labs will do anything for food. They fixate on food/treats, and listen carefully to what you instruct them. The more you reward their positive behavior with food, the better they become.

Exercise Needs

As we said before, you have a big dog here. Larger dogs tend to get tired quicker and easier. So, do not put your canine through some rigorous workouts.

The Mastiff Lab mix needs regular exercise, but you want to keep it to a moderate level. For example, between 45 minutes and 60 minutes of physical exercise per day. Do not forget about mental stimulation. After all, the Lab is one of the smartest dogs in the world. And he needs exercise for his brain as well.

If you notice your Mastiff Lab mix dog gets tired more often, it might be time to cut down on exercise. If your mixed breed dog is more like the Mastiff, I do not recommend activities like running, hiking, jogging, or something similar. It puts a lot of toll on their ankle and joints.

Health

The one big reason why people are looking for mixed breeds more and more is their health. Generally speaking, a mixed breed is healthier than a purebred dog. Considering the fact that the parent breeds suffer from joint issues and knee issues, this mixed puppy is much healthier.

They are at risk of hip dysplasia, but not to the degree of their parents. Other potential issues include arthritis, osteoporosis, heart disease, progressive retinal atrophy, and bloating.

Grooming

You might think your puppy has a smooth short coat, and does not shed a lot. Sadly, these dogs have a double coat, which means a moderate amount of shedding. The good news is they do not require heavy grooming.

Moderate brushing, for example, once every 10 days is more than enough. It helps spread natural oil to the coat of your puppy and remove loose hairs.

Why Shouldn’t You Get One?

• They need early and firm training and socialization to cope with the protective nature
• As a large dog, the Mastador eats a lot, meaning an extra budget for dog food
• Because of their size, they need plenty of space

Why Should You Get One?

• Amazing family dogs, they tend to do well with children
• Not as high maintenance in terms of exercise compared to the Labrador parent
• Calm, protective, and gentle demeanor