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I have an American Mastiff, they are 7/8 English Mastiff and 1/8 Anatolian Mastiff. There are rules for owning any mastiff or large dog that I recommend following:

Unless you are a breeder, have all animals neutered before 6 months. And think very carefully about breeding. My dog is so large that many people wanted to breed their dogs with him—what kind of puppies would result, with that kind of irresponsibility? My breeder required, by contract, that all her dogs be neutered before 6 months.

Never ever allow the puppy to put his teeth on human skin. Never. Anything the puppy does, the grown dog will do.

Do not roughhouse with a puppy or ever play tug of war with a dog that will outweigh you. The first time it wins, it becomes the alpha in the household. I am a small woman, and I own a 213 pound dog. He is gentle, but we don’t play except for “fetch” and practicing sit, roll over, lay down, speak, etc. No roughhousing, ever. Do not tease a dog, it makes them mean. Dogs understand revenge.

Be sure the dog is healthy. A sick dog can be cranky; preventive care is crucial. Big dogs cost more at the vet, so don’t get one if you can’t afford to take care of it.

Don’t yell at or hit a puppy whose only desire is to please you. It isn’t necessary. A stern “Shame!” is all that is required. Take a class if you need to, don’t be ignorant about training. Big dogs have looooooong memories.

Remember that you own a dog. YOU own a DOG. They have emotions, they are intelligent, but they are NOT HUMAN. Any dog with a shy, aggressive, sneaky, or incurably dominant temperament is going to bite sooner or later, a human or another animal, or both. There are some dogs that should not live, and dog temperaments are inherited to a large degree. My breeder guaranteed her dogs’ temperaments for life.

Know the dog breed, and know the breeder. Many mutts or crosses will net you a great, healthy, intelligent dog, so if you know what you’re doing, fine. Careful breeding lets you know what to expect from your dog, historically. Pet stores have the worst of the worst breeders supplying them. Any decent dog from a pet store is an accident.

Control your dog at all times. Control your dog at all times.

Love your dog, in an appropriate way. They are loyal, friendly, human-centered creatures for the most part, and will please and surprise you with their desire to do whatever you want. They are not your children, they are not your best friend, and they are utterly dependent on you for their quality of life. Groom your dog, give him/her treats, provide a bed, good food, water, rewards for doing what you want, medical care, and discipline. Enjoy your dog, talk to him/her, keep him/her with you whenever possible, train your dog, cherish the touch of your dog, and remember that if you loved God half as faithfully as your dog loves you, you would be a saint.