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How Fast Can Mastiffs Run? (Truth & Improvement Tips)

  • Other Dog Breeds
  • Posted 1 year ago

When we look at mastiffs and their huge size, a lot of questions start to pop up inside our head, like are they dangerous, do they eat a lot, can they run fast, etc.

People usually pet a mastiff to protect their lands as mastiffs can be good guard dogs. In fact, breeds like English mastiffs were bred for war and guarding.

People usually don’t expect mastiffs to run fast because of their huge size. But can they run fast? And, if they can, then how fast can they run?

Well, you’ll find your answer here in this post!

How Fast Can Mastiffs Run?

Sadly, mastiffs are slow dogs, they like to spend most of their time sleeping, chewing something, waiting for food, walking, and sometimes swimming.

They don’t enjoy running fast, but if they have to run fast, they can run as fast as 40 km Per Hour or about 25 Miles Per Hour.

Due to their enormous size, mastiffs struggle to move fast. Their joints aren’t capable of fast running. They get exhausted as well after some amount of running.

So if you are looking for a dog that can compete with a tiger in terms of speed, mastiffs shouldn’t be the one for you.

40 km per hour is still very fast. In fact, the fastest human Usain Bolt reached a top speed of 44.72 KM per hour at the summer Olympics. It means mastiffs can surely run faster than you.

Tips To Make Your Mastiff Run Faster

If you have a mastiff and you want to improve its speed, here are a few things you can do.

  • Increase Water Intake

Water is essential for a pet’s health! Without enough water, your mastiff’s body will not work properly, it will get tired easily, and it won’t be able to run faster.

An adult mastiff requires about 1 ounce (1/8 of a cup) of fluids per pound of body weight.

For instance, if your mastiff’s weight is around 100 pounds, then they should drink roughly 100 fluid ounces in a day.

  • Keep Your Dog Active

Make your dog exercise at least 40 minutes daily. It can be jogging, walking, swimming, playing, etc.

Keeping your dog active is important as it is beneficial for both mental and physical health.

If you don’t keep your dog active, it would become lazy, and I guess you don’t want to see your dog spending the whole day on the sofa.

  • Limit Or Remove Sugary Foods

According to studies, sugar-rich foods are terrible for dogs. High-sugar foods can give numerous health issues to your dog. Such as upset stomach, obesity, metabolic changes, and diabetes.

Most importantly, your dog will become slow and lazy if you keep giving it delicious yet dangerous sugary foods.

  • Sleep Is Important

Mastiffs need at least 16 hours of sleep every day. Without enough sleep, it would be nearly impossible for them to run fast.

Like water, sleep is crucial too. Let your canine sleep as much as he wants to. Once their sleep is completed, they would feel more fresh and active.

  • Use Their Favorite Toy To Motivate Them

Most mastiffs, as I said, don’t enjoy running a lot. However, you can convert this boring activity into a fun one by using the toy they love the most.

Show your dog that you are stuffing their favorite toy in your pocket, once they notice it, they’ll start following you.

Soon your dog will start associating run time with playtime. Give them a nice treat once they finish the running session.

Your aim should be to make this boring activity more comfortable for your dog.

  • Cheer Them

Dogs can find out how you are feeling by looking at your expressions. Cheer them whenever they complete the task. That way, they will enjoy themselves more and take participation with much more enthusiasm.

Does Food Play A Part?

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Yes, in fact, it’s the most important part. You have to make sure that your mastiff is getting enough protein, especially, if your mastiff is under 18 months.

Protein is an essential macronutrient, without enough protein, your dog’s body will not develop fully and won’t function well.

Lack of protein can affect your dog’s hair, teeth, skin, and muscle development. Without strong muscles, running fast would be impossible for them.

The best way to fulfill your dog’s protein and other important nutrient needs is to give your canine companion a meat diet. Meats are high in protein and amino acids.

Furthermore, never give them sugary food, and avoid fatty food as well.

Foods that are high in fat are very dangerous for dogs as they can increase the chances of pancreatitis. And, I’ve already mentioned why sugary foods are bad for dogs above.

At What Age They Are The Fastest

Mastiffs usually have a short life span (6 to 10 years). Mastiffs are at their peak when they are 3 years old.

It means that a 3-year-old mastiff can run faster than a 7-year-old and 1-year-old mastiff.

Can Running Affect Their Health?

A limited amount of running is good for the mastiff’s health. If you push your mastiff too much, it can backfire.

Mastiffs are heavy dogs, their joints could hurt if they run for too long, and their body can overheat as well.

It’s better to let them run at their own pace at first, you can gradually improve their running with training and other exercises.

Some QnA

Are Mastiffs Lazy?

Tbh, they are a little bit lazy, but they do like to play with their owners, go on a nice walk, and swim.

The main issue is that they sleep a lot and only play when someone is pushing them to play.

Are Mastiffs Slow?

Yes, they are slow compared to other breeds such as Greyhounds, Siberian Husky, Welsh Sheepdog, Border Collie, etc. But they still can clock at 40 kilometers per hour.

If you are looking for a fast dog that can help you stay fit, then mastiffs may not be the ideal choice for you, but if you want a giant teddy-like dog who can protect you and your family members, they will be the best for you.

Do Mastiffs Eat A Lot?

Yes, they eat mostly muscle meat, organ meat, and bones daily. Adult mastiffs can eat up to 7 pounds of food in a day.

So if you are on a limited budget, it’s better not to go for a mastiff as they are costly and their hunger never goes away. Plus, they are enormous, and they need big space, which means you should have a large house or apartment.

 

I hope you gained some knowledge through this post.

Thanks for reading!

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