In a recent YouTube video, renowned dog trainer Will Atherton, who boasts over 900,000 followers on both TikTok and YouTube, shared a deeply personal and heartbreaking revelation. After the loss of his beloved English mastiff, Eileen, earlier this year, Atherton revealed that he will never own another mastiff breed again.
Atherton, known for his insightful dog training tips and advice, has had a long history with mastiffs, owning several throughout his life. However, this experience has been marked by a profound sadness as he’s witnessed the devastating impact of health complications on these majestic dogs.
He shared that Eileen, despite being from one of the world’s top breeders, tragically passed away at a young age due to a suspected aggressive cancer. This followed the loss of his previous mastiffs, including a Bullmastiff who succumbed to cancer at just four years old and an Italian Cane Corso who died at a mere four months old.
Atherton’s emotional decision stems from the unbearable pain of losing these dogs at such young ages. He explained, “I don’t think I can go through having another dog that is riddled with the health problems that most of the mastiff breeds are.”
Atherton’s heart-wrenching account shines a light on the often overlooked health challenges facing mastiff breeds. According to Canna Pet, the most common cause of death in mastiffs is canine cancer, followed by gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat. GDV is a life-threatening condition where the stomach dilates and twists, leading to serious complications.
Despite his decision, Atherton still owns a mastiff mix, but acknowledges that it will likely be the last mastiff he has. He emphasizes that his choice stems from the desire to protect himself and his family from the immense emotional toll of losing beloved pets at such young ages. He believes that other breeds, such as Labradors, offer a healthier and more robust alternative.
Atherton’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of understanding breed-specific health risks and the complex emotional journeys involved in pet ownership. It encourages potential owners to carefully consider their lifestyle and emotional capacity before choosing a breed, particularly those known for their unique health challenges.
