Of course, the mastiff is perfectly capable of serving as a working dog. Mastiffs make excellent guardians, and can be used if trained properly in search and rescue. Many consider buying a mastiff to enter in dog shows.

With the correct training and conditioning, Mastiffs can excel at carting, tracking, obedience, conformation showing, and weight pulling.

You have to determine exactly why you have decided on a Mastiff? Your final choice will be different depending on whether you want a companion, a co-worker, or a show dog.

Whether to buy a puppy or an adult dog depends a great deal on how much time and energy you want to put into training. Look out for mastiff puppies for sale. Choosing a mastiff puppy would mean you are responsible for training and socializing him, so if that does not appeal, a puppy is the wrong choice. You should be looking for a more mature mastiff, one already trained and socialized.

However, if you buy an adult dog, you often don't know how the dog was raised, how healthy it is, or how good its bloodlines are. Was the dog properly socialized as a puppy so it now reacts well to other dogs and animals? Was the dog shown love and affection during training, or anger and hitting?

If you would prefer a mature animal, but cannot ascertain the circumstances of his training, then you should look for a puppy and be prepared to put the necessary time and energy into socializing it yourself.

Mastiffs can be expensive, especially if you want a show dog. Expect to pay more if the animal has a good pedigree, or if its parents have a history of success in dog shows. In addition, the purchase price may vary depending on whether you are buying a pet or a show dog. A pet will be less expensive and will come with a no-breeding clause.

Of course you could consider a Mastiff rescue dog, but in this case you might not be assured that he has been properly trained and socialized.

The expense does not finish on purchase, for as well as a hefty purchase price, you will find that Mastiffs are expensive to live with. They have hearty appetites, so the food bills will be heavier, and of course as they mature they will need bigger crates and beds. Mastiff can mean you may even have to consider bigger personal transport if you and the family do a lot of travelling. Consider whether you are prepared to spend the money not only to purchase your Mastiff, but also to house it properly, support it and keep it healthy into its old age.