Mastiff friendly cars.

[julie]

We are going to need a bigger car when we get our mastiff. We've been checking out various cars and have been having problems getting accurate dimensions. We live in a small village so don't want a really big car as it would be too long for some of the parking spaces. Can anyone recommend a suitable type of car.

[iceteanova]

We have a Citroën C8. In the car, we have 3 children, 2 Mastiffs and a Bordeauxdog

Greetings Henny

[LS]

You do say if you need space for children which could make a difference.
We have always gone for an estate with a level floor, avoiding hatch backs that have a lip which can catch the dogs feet. Mastiffs can be very awkward about getting in and out, so training is important, don't encourage a very young puppy to struggle in, once their front feet can reach the inside gently help them up, not so much as when they are full grown they look at you requesting your help!
Four wheel drive also are very high and not the best available.
I would have a good look around as to what is available perhaps go to a breed show and scour the car park, at one time Volvo were very popular but they are large.
If you are going to show extra space is needed for all the extras ie ice bucket water grooming equipment etc and somewhere safe to keep your packed lunch. Thera are available a number of products to cover the rear area and it is always a good idea to cover any exposed upholstry to try and control the "Pet Nectar" and hair!
Post pics of your pup when it takes over your life

[Chris]

We use a Zafira, enough room when the rear seats are up for one Mastiff with the seats down foom for a couple, make sure you get a dog guard to fit behind the driver/front passenger seat in case of ( heaven forbid) accident.
Chris

[Les]

After years of wrecking the 'family car' by taking my gang swimming/ to the beach etc/ in it we have now opted for an additional car that we just use for the dogs!! 10 year old Ford Explorer 4X4, great value for money at less than a grand, loads of room for two mastiffs (and an Akita) in the back without having to fold any seats down so the family can get in as well (and I've just picked up a Ford Explorer fitted dog guard off ebay so all safe...I've found in the past that if you buy an 'all size fits all' dog guard as soon as the dogs lean on it in the back they just collpse under the pressure, more trouble than they are worth!!!!!!)
In comparison to most 4x4;s its very low at the back and also has a 'step down' bumper so pretty Mastiff friendly
Best thing I've bought in a long time!!! dogs love it and I dont even need to try to keep it clean!!
Not too good for long journeys though as it only does 17mpg but you cant have it all I guess!!!

[julie]

Thanks for the info. We have no kids but may end up with two mastiffs. We are hoping to go to a mastiff show in Feb so we'll ask about cars there as well.