If you love the loyalty and protectiveness of a mastiff but can’t handle all the slobber, you’ll be happy to know there are some mastiff breeds and mixes that don’t drool as much. Keep reading to discover the mastiffs you can welcome into your home without needing a mop handy at all times.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: The Tibetan Mastiff, Boston Terrier Mastiff mix, and English Mastiff/Great Dane mix tend to drool less than other mastiff breeds.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the reasons why mastiffs drool so much in the first place. Then we’ll go over the specific mastiff breeds and mixes that tend to drool less, along with tips for managing drool even in the dampest of pups.

Why Do Mastiffs Drool So Much?

Mastiffs are known for being big droolers. Their constant drooling can leave quite a mess if you’re not prepared. But why do these gentle giants slobber more than other breeds? Here’s an explanation behind the Mastiff’s copious drool.

Loose Jowls and Flews

A major reason Mastiffs drool so profusely is because of their loose lips and jowls, known as “flews” in dog parlance. Mastiffs have lots of loose skin around their mouths and cheeks. When they bark or pant, their flews flap around, flinging spatters of drool everywhere.

This droopy skin also collects pools of slobber underneath it which then drip constantly from their mouths.

Thick Saliva

Mastiffs also naturally produce more viscous, thick saliva compared to other dogs. Their salivary glands go into overdrive generating ample slimy spit to keep their mouths lubricated. This excessive slimy drool then overflows from their mouths and drips down in long strands.

Excitement and Anxiety

Additionally, Mastiffs tend to drool more when they get riled up, whether from happiness, anxiety, stress or overheating. Triggers like mealtimes, car rides, visitors at the door, or hot weather cause Mastiffs’ mouths to kick saliva production into high gear.

All that extra spit builds up and has to go somewhere � namely, outside their mouths. Over 30% of Mastiffs also naturally drool more due to their excitement and jowly cheeks [1].

In the end, copious drooling is just part of owning a Mastiff. Keep towels and rags around to wipe their mouths and soak up the slobber. Waterproof covers can protect furniture and car seats. And don’t forget the umbrella when out walking in case shake sends a spray of drool flying!

With preparation for their dripping jaws, Mastiffs make wonderful companions, wet kisses and all.

Mastiff Breeds That Don’t Drool as Much

Tibetan Mastiff

With its double coat built for cold weather and lion-like mane, the Tibetan Mastiff is one of the most majestic mastiff breeds. A fun fact about this breed is that unlike many other mastiffs, Tibetan Mastiffs are not notorious droolers.

Their extra lip flap helps protect them from the harsh temperatures of the Himalayas rather than to help channel slobber. Still, with the right stimuli like food or playtime you may see some drool, but likely not streams of it.

The Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient breed that has proven its worth for thousands of years as a flock guardian in the high pastures of Tibet. Today these intelligent, loyal giants can be a devoted family companion if properly trained and exercised.

Reputable breeders like TibetanMastiffInfo.com can help match you with a Tibetan Mastiff that will suit your family’s lifestyle.

Boston Terrier Mastiff Mix

By crossing an English or Bull Mastiff with the compact Boston Terrier, breeders have created a loveable moderate-shedding pooch that combines the best attributes from each: the Boston Mastiff. Boston Terriers are actually one of the least drooly breeds according to veterinarians, so you can expect their cross with a Mastiff to be far less slobbery than a purebred Mastiff.

These mixed breed dogs can vary widely in size depending on their parents, but generally weigh 40-110 lbs. They can live in apartments but need at least 30 minutes of daily exercise. Their short muzzle means they cannot tolerate extreme heat or cold. Life expectancy is 9-13 years.

Adopting a Boston Mastiff mix can be a bit of a genetic gamble in terms of looks and temperament, but they usually end up with endearing features like floppy ears, stocky legs, and squishy wrinkles on their forehead.

English Mastiff/Great Dane Mix

By combining two of the largest dog breeds, the English Mastiff/Great Dane mix definitely makes a huge impression! However, these gentle giants are not as drooly as you might expect. The Great Dane seems to dilute the extreme jowls and loose flews that give Mastiffs their slobbery reputation.

The tradeoff is this crossbreed inherits the Great Dane’s brindle coat and can reach weights over 200 pounds!

This is still a very large animal that requires plenty of space, training, socialization, and exercise. They do best with experienced dog owners prepared to meet their needs. On the plus side, they make loyal watch dogs and snuggly companions.

Their shorter lifespan of 7-10 years can be a consideration as well. Overall these designer dogs can be marvelous pets in the right homes.

For those seeking a loveable low-drool mastiff, reputable breeders and shelters can help match you with the right dog for your family’s lifestyle and experience level. Responsible pet ownership takes work but brings joys money can’t buy.😊

Tips for Managing Drool

Wipe Their Mouths

Keeping your mastiff’s mouth wiped clean can help minimize messy drool strands hanging from their jowls (according to the American Kennel Club). Use a soft towel or cloth specifically reserved for this purpose.

Gently wipe their lips and chin after meals, playtime, walks, or car rides when drooling tends to increase. This simple habit keeps their fur tidy and your floors drool-free.

Give Them Chew Toys

Chewing stimulates saliva production, so having lots of safe, durable chew toys on hand curbs boredom chewing and subsequent drooling sprees. Rotate different textured options like knotted rope toys, rubber Kongs stuffed with treats, and durable nylon bones.

The chewing action absorbs excess drool while keeping your mastiff happily entertained for hours.

Give Them Space When Excited

It’s endearing when your mastiff greets you at the door with vigorous tail wags and sloppy kisses. But all that excitement triggers major drool mode! Let them calm down before giving affection. This gives their oral glands a chance to slow saliva production.

It also avoids wiping drool off your clothes or wiping puddles off the floor. A little patience prevents a big, wet mess.

Consider Medication If Needed

For excessive drooling that becomes a nuisance or health hazard, consult your veterinarian. They can prescribe anticholinergic medication to reduce saliva production. Common options are scopolamine transdermal patches and oral tablets like glycopyrrolate or atropine sulfate.

Though usually safe, medication can cause side effects, so veterinary supervision is essential. This strategy helps manage problematic drool if basic approaches prove inadequate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are female mastiffs less drooly than males?

There is some truth to the belief that female mastiffs tend to drool less than males. On average, intact males produce more saliva and drool more than neutered males or females. This is likely due to hormonal differences.

However, there is variation between individual dogs, and some females can be quite drooly too.

Here are some key factors that influence drooling in mastiffs:

  • Sex hormones: Intact males have higher testosterone levels which can increase saliva production.
  • Age: Mastiff puppies and younger dogs tend to drool less.
  • Exercise: Drooling increases with panting and activity.
  • Excitement: Mastiffs often drool more when eager or aroused.
  • Health: Illness, medication side effects, and other issues can cause excess drooling.

So while female mastiffs may drool less on average, individual variation in age, neuter status, health and temperament also play a role. Proper training and socialization is important for minimizing drooling in all mastiffs.

Do mastiff puppies drool less?

Yes, mastiff puppies tend to drool much less than adult mastiffs. As mastiffs mature, their jowls and facial folds continue to develop, and saliva production increases. Most owners notice the drooling becomes much more profuse between 1-2 years of age as the dog reaches physical maturity.

Some key reasons why mastiff puppies drool less include:

  • Smaller jowls and facial folds produce less saliva.
  • Their salivary glands are still developing.
  • They pant and exercise less vigorously.
  • They have less heavy facial hair which can soak up drool.
  • Teething stimulates saliva production less.

However, drooling will still increase at times such as during teething, with panting, when excited for food, or if unwell. Gentle wiping of the jowls can help keep puppies clean. Providing ample fresh water and toys to chew on can also minimize drool issues.

Enjoy the “dry” puppy months while they last!

What causes excessive drooling?

While some drooling is normal for a mastiff, excessive drooling can indicate an underlying health issue. Here are some common causes of abnormal drooling to look out for:

  • Oral health problems – dental disease, mouth injuries, ulcers, or foreign objects lodged in the mouth.
  • Nausea/motion sickness – car sickness or illness can trigger excessive drooling.
  • Heat stress – heavy panting in hot weather produces more saliva.
  • Medications – some drugs have increased drooling as a side effect.
  • Toxins – ingestion of toxins or poisonous substances.
  • Neurological issues – problems affecting the nerves like rabies, distemper, or nerve damage.

Excess drooling can also occur with excitement, anxiety, or normal aging. But if the drooling becomes significantly worse, take your mastiff to the vet for an exam. Tests like bloodwork, oral exam, and imaging can help identify underlying causes. Treatment will depend on the specific diagnosis.

Some ways to manage excessive drooling include:

  • Gently wiping the jowls and applying cornstarch powder
  • Providing ample fresh water
  • Using an Elizabethan collar to prevent self-trauma
  • Prescription medication if due to nausea
  • Treating any health problems identified
  • Changing medications if drooling is a side effect

With prompt vet care and some extra TLC, most mastiffs with excess drooling issues can be helped. Patience, cleaning supplies and lots of towels are a must when living with a slobbery mastiff!

Conclusion

While drooling is part of owning a mastiff for most breeds, there are some variations that tend to slobber less. The Tibetan Mastiff, Boston Terrier mixes, and Great Dane crosses are your best bets for a drier home.

With a little drool management, you can welcome one of these loyal gentle giants into your home, no mop required!

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