While contemplating getting a Mastiff in your family, the first thing you might want to know is the barking tendencies of Mastiff dogs. It’s because some breeds of dogs bark a lot which later on becomes a bothersome situation for the dog owner.
So foreseeing such a situation, you certainly will get hit with a common question: do Mastiffs bark a lot or not. Therefore, let us proceed to learn the explanations on this topic.
Do Mastiffs Bark A Lot?
Mastiffs do not tend to bark excessively as other breeds of dogs. So unless a Mastiff gets a valid reason such as stress, fear, attention, or boredom, he will not bark. In fact, Mastiffs are very well-mannered dogs. By born they have a calm and quiet nature, so Mastiffs make little to no sound.
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As there are quite many breeds among Mastiff dogs, so naturally you would want to know the level of barking of each breed of Mastiff dogs. So, this section has incorporated explanations concerning the barking tendency of the most popular Mastiff breeds.
Tibetan Mastiff:
Tibetan Mastiffs are quiet-natured dogs, so usually they are not seen to bark excessively. However, these giant lion-like Tibetan Mastiffs can be serious barkers if they are left outside to stay, especially at night.
Because Tibetan Mastiffs are companion dogs and live well inside the home.
Bullmastiff:
Bullmastiffs are known as the “silent watchdog” and the name is already indicating that Bullmastiffs don’t bark a lot, they rather stay composed. With proper obedience training, Bullmastiffs don’t even bark at outsiders.
English Mastiff:
The muscular, strong, and massive-sized English Mastiffs are not barkers at all, which simply means English Mastiffs don’t have the tendency of excessive barking.
Even though English Mastiffs are born to be guard dogs, they barely bark. It’s just in the characteristics of English Mastiffs to protect their families and territory by being silent guard dogs instead of barkers.
Neapolitan Mastiff:
Although Neapolitan Mastiffs have a rough-tough appearance that may make people think that they are barkers but in reality, Neapolitan Mastiffs are quite the opposite.
Neapolitan Mastiffs don’t bark incessantly, also they bark hardly a few times in a day. Most of the time, they stay relaxed and quiet. But since they are wary of outsiders, upon seeing them they may bark.
French Mastiff:
French Mastiffs are the quietest ones. Let alone barking, they will not even make a single sound throughout the whole day.
And this simply indicates that the French Mastiffs don’t bark, growl, or scream, they instead stay on the calm side minding their own business. But if there are any serious physical/emotional issues, they may bark.
Italian Mastiff:
Italian Mastiffs or Cane Corso bark a lot less than other breeds. They are very calm and composed-minded dogs that will stay in the home quietly without making noise. However, if Italian Mastiffs are left alone frequently or they get bored too often, they can bark excessively.
Also, Italian Mastiffs are intrinsically guard dogs, so whenever they will meet strangers or if they lack socialization, they will bark quite a lot at anything and anyone.
Pyrenean Mastiff:
Typically, Pyrenean Mastiffs don’t bark too much in the daytime, they tend to bark at night. However, some Pyrenean Mastiffs can become real barkers at nighttime.
They can bark excessively throughout the whole night if they feel the presence of threat/danger. Also, know that there’s always a reason behind Pyrenean Mastiff barking.
Do Mastiff Puppies Bark?
Mastiff puppies do not own the inclination towards unreasonable and exorbitant barking habits like other breeds of dogs which plainly explains that even the Mastiff puppies don’t bark too much.
Mastiff puppies are seen occasionally to bark only when they are playing with other puppies or enjoying any activities. Such playful bark is a normal trait in all breeds of puppies.
However, if Mastiff puppies are suffering through any issues such as separation anxiety, fear, loneliness or if they are just being territorial, Mastiff puppies will bark relatively more than usual.
Why Does My Mastiff Bark?
By now, you must have got to know that Mastiffs are not barkers, so if your Mastiff suddenly has started barking intensely more often than before then it can be an alarming issue.
Therefore, to give you a deep insight into both the good and bad reasons behind your Mastiff barking, here the main 5 reasons are described below.
To Show Playfulness:
Playful barking is the most normal reason that can make your Mastiff barking.
Whether you have a Mastiff pup or an older one, while playing and goofing around with other dogs/puppies, your Mastiff will bark quite much more than usual.
Consider it a very natural characteristic of all dogs/puppies. Because while playing they get excited and bark at each other to show excitement.
To Seek Attention:
To seek the attention of the master, Mastiff dogs can bark and it’s another potential reason behind Mastiff’s barking habit.
When your Mastiff dog is wanting treats/foods, or demanding to play with you, or asking to go out and play, he will bark incessantly to get your attention. So that his demands and wishes can get fulfilled.
Sometimes, if boredom triggers your Mastiff, he will bark non-stop in a loud voice until he gets your attention or his mind is distracted.
Loneliness:
When your Mastiff is left in solitude for long periods at home or if most of the time he is in confinement outside, he will suffer from loneliness. And gradually loneliness will turn into separation anxiety making him a real barker.
Therefore, loneliness is one of the major causes that will bring out the excessive barking nature in your Mastiff. And often he will be seen barking in a high-pitched voice for long periods.
To Communicate:
Barking is a common means for dogs to communicate with each other. And your Mastiff is no exception.
So you will surely notice your Mastiff barking to respond to other dogs’ barking, especially if he sees a new dog in the neighborhood and at night. Sometimes he may whine along with barking while communicating with other dogs.
To Warn:
Mastiffs are born guard dogs, so naturally, they stay cautious from outsiders and other animals that don’t belong to the family.
So when your Mastiff will see any person or animal cross the territory of your home, he will bark too much. Also, when he will notice any potential danger around your or other family members, he will bark to warn you.
Moreover, to protect himself from any danger or to protect his territory, your Mastiff will bark loudly in an authoritative and sharp voice
How Do I Get My Mastiff Stop Barking?
Incessant barking of your Mastiff can create trouble for both you and your neighborhood. So to help staving off your Mastiff from barking, here 5 effective methods have been explained.
Basic Obedience Training:
Basic obedience training is the first effective method that would make your Mastiff listen to your commands and stop barking.
Either by yourself or by a professional dog trainer you must train your Mastiff with basic command words such as “stop”, “quiet”, etc. from his puppyhood. So that whenever he will start barking, you can command him with these cue words and make him stop barking.
Exercise:
Unused energy can make your Mastiff bark extremely as he will take barking as a means of releasing unused energy. So providing your Mastiff with regular exercise sessions will help him to release his pent-up energy and will make him calm down.
Because exercise will make your Mastiff’s body tired and mind stimulated, therefore, with a tired body and energized mind your Mastiff will not bark too much.
Mind Stimulating Games/Toys:
When you will be leaving your Mastiff alone at home for a long time, leave mind-stimulating games or toys with him to keep his mind occupied so that he doesn’t feel bored and bark.
Companion toys, chew toys/treats, treat finding games, tug toys, etc. will keep his mind distracted, therefore, he will bark less.
Ignore Him:
Ignore your Mastiff barking if he is barking loudly just to get your attention and for no other good reason. Ignoring will make him stop barking after some time as he will understand that constant barking will provide him with no attention.
Eliminate Triggering Object:
If your Mastiff is barking persistently looking at anything, remove that eliminating object from his life. Eventually, he will stop barking.
Do Mastiffs Bark A Lot When In Heat?
Mastiffs do bark quite a lot when in heat, especially the female Mastiffs will bark more than the male ones.
It’s because when female Mastiffs are in heat, they sometimes feel comfortable, experience mild pain or cramps, and feel different emotions. And when they are in any of these situations, they bark a lot.
Are Mastiffs Easy To Train?
Mastiffs are much easier to train if you patiently provide them with persistent training lessons. Also, if you start training your Mastiff from his puppyhood, they get adapted to training relatively easily.
However, you better not force your Mastiff for training if he is acting stubborn.
Can Mastiffs Be Aggressive?
Mastiffs can turn into aggressive creatures if they are not well-socialized, improperly trained, or if someone makes an inappropriate approach towards them.
Besides, if Mastiffs sense danger or notice someone hurting their masters or family member, they become ferociously aggressive to protect their home and the family members.
Final Thoughts:
Mastiffs don’t bark a lot because they don’t inhabit the excessive barking nature like other dogs. As a result, except for any strong reasons such as mental/physical discomfort, stress, and others, Mastiffs don’t bark usually. Most times in a day, Mastiffs will lazily lie down making no sound.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why Are Mastiffs So Expensive?