Appearance of the Mastidoodle
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The Mastidoodle's most remarkable feature is its stature, reaching staggering heights of 63 to 76 cm. Although not as robustly built as the Mastiff, Mastidoodles are still well muscled and can weigh between 30 and 45 kg. They have large heads and skulls, thick necks and strong, sturdy limbs. They have large ears that hang close to the face and medium-sized dark noses. Their eyes are generally dark brown and circular, set deep into the skull. The Mastidoodle's coat is generally quite dense and curly, resembling its Poodle relative more than the Mastiff. There are a number of potential coat colors, including cream, fawn, brown, red, gray and black, with some individuals having more than one solid coat color. |
Temperament of the Mastidoodle
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Balanced and confident, it takes a lot to unnerve a Mastidoodle, and these dogs are very tolerant in most situations. Although some people may initially be intimidated by their size, they are gentle souls who like to be close to their families and are generally very affectionate. Good watchdogs, the Mastidoodle is always alert and will be the first to know of new arrivals at home, letting out a series of deep barks to let everyone know. Generally, this is a show of bravery, and most members of the breed are not hostile, settling in as soon as they see that the new guest has been accepted. Owners of Mastidoodles may face a potential problem of separation anxiety and boredom. They require constant attention and don't like to be left alone for too long. Owners can try to prevent the development of vices by ensuring that dogs are well trained and not at risk of boredom. Failure to do so can mean returning home to tidy up or repair damaged furniture and doors after each outing. |
Needs and activities of the Mastidoodle
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The Standard Poodle is an active, agile and athletic breed, while the Mastiff is only moderately active. The Mastidoodle is likely to fall somewhere in the middle as far as activity levels are concerned. The Mastidoodle can enjoy activities such as tug-of-war, long walks, short runs and recreation in dog parks. They are suitable for all homes and lifestyles, as long as they have plenty of space to play and rest. They may not be suitable for small apartments due to lack of space. |
Maintenance of the Mastidoodle
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The Standard Poodle is considered one of the high-maintenance dog breeds when it comes to grooming. Most Mastidoodles tend to retain the thick, dense wavy coat of the Standard Poodle. So they may be hypoallergenic and low-sweat. But don't expect grooming to be cheap or easy. The Mastidoodle will need to be groomed approximately every 6 to 12 weeks, depending on where you live and the climate. During the summer months, some Mastidoodles may need to be groomed every 4 weeks to keep them cool. In addition to grooming, Mastidoodles should have their teeth brushed every week, their nails trimmed every six weeks, and their ears cleaned and checked for signs of infection. |