Mutts Matter: Regal Coby

Hey, guys! My name is Coby, and I’m checking in to introduce my new, fabulous self. I’m a three-and-a-half year old strikingly handsome Boerboel Mastiff who weighs about 125 pounds. I have a heart of gold, a playful spirit, and a strong loyalty to my family and home. My foster dad, Matt, describes me as a happy-go-lucky, playful pup who just wants to love and be loved.

Like many rescue dogs, I didn’t come from the best home life, but I’m resilient and thankful for my second chance. I was surrendered directly to Mutts Matter by a young couple who had gotten in over their heads and hadn’t thought through the responsibilities of dog ownership. They could not afford to take care of me, give me proper medical care, or even food and attention on a regular basis. 

I was pretty underweight when I came into the rescue, and was treated for heartworm and some ear and eye infections. I had pressure sores on my elbows and ankles from being crated too long with no padding, and was most likely kept in a garage on the hard concrete for long periods of time. Big pups like me need soft beds and crate pads to lay on to support us when we take some time off of our feet. I don’t know whether my former family didn’t understand this, or just didn’t care, but I don’t have to worry about that anymore.

I’m doing great in my foster home. I’m happy, I’ve gained weight, my sores have healed, and I love hanging out with the two other dogs and cats who live here. I’m particularly fond of my pup sibling, Chloe. She’s a Dogue de Bordeaux and weighs even more than I do! We love to wrestle, and I’m always up for playtime. I’m the more submissive pup, and will flop on my back when we play. I look up to Chloe as my big sis, and love having a pup companion.  Watch this video of us playing!

I’m really attached to my foster day, and follow him everywhere. I’ll even follow him into the bathroom when he takes a shower, then shut the door behind me, then open it, and do that a couple of times until I’m sure everything is OK. I only do this in the bathroom, and it makes him laugh. He lets me snuggle up with him on the couch at night, and sometimes sneak into bed too. It’s so awesome to finally know the comfort of a soft bed and a loving home.

For the most part, I’m a well-behaved pup. I love to go on walks and do great on social outings to new and familiar places. I’m crate-trained, respectful of food and toys, good with other dogs and cats, and have a general good nature. The one issue my new family needs to be aware of is my protective tendencies in the home. Mastiffs were bred to be guard dogs and I believe it’s my responsibility to protect my house and family. If a stranger comes into my home that I’m not familiar with, or have not been properly introduced to, I will instinctively bark at and may nip at them.

Fortunately, my behavior can be easily addressed with some simple adjustments. When someone comes to my foster home, Matt will put me out back with just the screen door shut before he lets our guest in. He allows me time to sniff the visitors through the screen to get familiar with their scent and, within minutes, I’m begging to come in to greet them. Once I realize they are OK and a welcomed guest, I’m as friendly as can be. It works every time, but with a dog my size, it’s something that needs to be managed.

I need an experienced handler who has big-dog experience and the patience to work with me on introducing newcomers to my home. I would do best in a calm home that doesn’t have a lot of visitors. I’m gentle and great with kids, but since young children are typically more active and social with friends coming and going, that’s probably not the best fit for me. I love to be outside and am currently living out in the country, so a home with a large fenced yard would be ideal. I’m pretty active for a big pup, and need my daily walks and playtime.

Now that I know how good life can be, I’m ready to find my new family to love. If you are looking for a giant teddy bear of a dog, who will love and protect you, I’m your guy. 

To learn more about Coby, go to the Mutts Matter Adoption Page and fill out an application, or you can contact Suzanne at suzanne@muttsmatterrescue.com.