The Mastiff is generally a large sized dog, but despite its menacing size, it is basically a gentle giant at heart. It is the benign and benevolent personality of a Mastiff that makes it a great companion and addition to any household. If you have children around, you may have some doubts about getting such a big and fearsome dog, but depending on the age of your children, a Mastiff may make a great playmate for your kids.
The Mastiff is generally wonderful with children. To the Mastiff, children are more like puppies which it tends to treat gently. Being a patient and protective animal, you can very well trust it to look after even small children. However, as the swing of a Mastiff's tail is quite forceful, it is better not to leave a large Mastiff with small children.
The Mastiff does not swing its tail to hurt children; it is only out of excitement and when being playful that it wags it tail. And when it wags its tail, whatever comes in the way, be it your coffee table or your small child, will sure to fall. So you just have to bear this point in mind when you leave your children with a Mastiff.
Even if your Mastiff is not used to the presence of children, it can learn quickly how to deal with them, even if it is not a fully grown dog. The best way to grow a Mastiff if you have kids at home is to grow Mastiff puppies with your baby children. This way they will develop a lasting bond with each other.
The Mastiff need not growl or make menacing noises or faces to scare off an intruder or burglar; all it has to do is relax and keep an eye on the children to make sure that they are not exposed to any possible danger. Being a protective dog by nature, the Mastiff is always ready to protect its family and children from any harm.
There are some Mastiffs that are placid in the presence of children while others are high energy animals that enjoy playing with them. It all depends on how the Mastiff socializes with children when young. And remember that though the Mastiff treats children with an angel's touch, there is always a limit.
Though the Mastiff will never hurt children, the dominant male may sometimes want to prove that it wishes to be treated with more respect. In such situations, it will not hurt the child, but it may grab the child's arm or hand to imply that it does not like being pushed around and treated like toy, especially if the children go overboard when playing with it.
And if your kids are terrible with the Mastiff, the Mastiff may retaliate and harm them. It is, therefore, important that you ensure that you not only bring up the Mastiff to like children, but that your children are dog friendly, so that they can exist together peaceably.
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