ABOUT THE MASTIFF BREED

Think long and carefully before committing yourself to a mastiff. Certainly they are a magnificent animal to look at but owning one may be not quite as easy as one would expect. It is surprising how many people do not realise what a large animal that cuddly puppy is going to grow into. They take up a lot of space, need a suitable car to be transported in and of course cost a lot to feed. The vet's bills alone can be astronomical - there have been times when we have felt that we are funding our local vet's pension scheme and his new car. It is certainly well worth while getting good insurance cover.

Here's our Bouncer discovering his own shadow.

We think anyone who has had a mastiff will say that one of the major drawbacks is the ability to drool. If there were an Olympic Event for Slinging the Drool they would win hands down. The ceilings, walls, visitors, furniture - nothing is safe from a mastiff participating in his favourite sport. Another amazing skill they have is snoring - this they are brilliant at and don't necessarily have to be asleep to do it.

Generally speaking what Mastiffs like most in life is to be with their owners, preferably sat on their feet. We don't, and never will, keep our dogs outside in kennels. Mastiffs are 'people dogs' and extremely close and loyal to their own family.

We are always pleased to welcome visitors so that they can see mastiffs in a home environment. It is also a good idea to try to attend a few club shows, the Fun Day or something similar to get an overall impression of the breed and talk to owners.

WARNING: Mastiffs are seriously addictive. Once you have had one nothing else quite measures up.

Email: spirithill@easynet.co.uk