At 150 pounds and still growing, Sherman is hard to miss around Beach Cliff. But while this 18-month-old brindle English Mastiff may look intimidating at first glance, his family will be the first to tell you that he is truly a gentle giant.

The family has called the Rocky River area home for nearly 20 years, drawn to the community’s beautiful surroundings, close proximity to Lake Erie and the MetroParks, and the ability to walk to dinner, restaurants and shopping. During the summer, they often joke that living here feels like being on vacation.

Sherman joined the family in April 2025 after they lost their first English Mastiff, Rainier, in August 2024. After an extensive search and even a trip to a Mastiff picnic, they found a breeder in Pennsylvania they felt was the right fit. Sherman was born in February 2025 and soon made his way home to Rocky River.

His name carries on a special family tradition. Sherman’s predecessor, Rainier, was named after Mount Rainier, a mountain his owner had climbed during his younger years. When choosing a name for their new pup, the family looked to another mountain from that list, Mount Sherman in Colorado.

Sherman comes from some impressive bloodlines. His father weighs 240 pounds and is a Grand Champion in the show-dog world, while his mother weighs 200 pounds. Sherman is already 150 pounds at just 18 months old, but despite his remarkable size, it is his calm and gentle demeanor that stands out most.

In fact, Sherman is often the quiet one when other dogs bark or growl at him.

“He is a sweet dog to anyone who pays attention to him,” his family says.

Of course, being a Mastiff comes with a few entertaining side effects. When Sherman gets especially excited for a treat, he can produce slimy bubbles from the sides of his jowls, so his family has learned to keep a bar towel nearby, both at home and on walks.

Sherman’s favorite treats include frozen pupsicles and, on special occasions, a plain McDonald’s hamburger. He also loves his giant Lambchop stuffed animal and playing outside with deflated soccer balls. He knows how to sit on command and will happily offer each paw for a treat.

Around Beach Cliff, Sherman is becoming something of a local celebrity. He frequently visits the dog-friendly patios at Tommy’s and Wine Bar, where he is usually a big hit with the staff and patrons. He also enjoys the simple pleasure of a sniff-filled walk around the neighborhood, although his adventurous spirit has its limits. Loud noises, unfamiliar textures and growling dogs can make him a little nervous, and his curiosity usually gives way to a good rest before too long.

Some of Sherman’s favorite moments, though, happen right at home. He loves when the neighborhood kids peek over the fence to say hello, and his family especially enjoys cozy evenings together on the porch with Sherman right there beside them.

For this gentle giant, life in Beach Cliff seems to be just about perfect: a walk around the block, a few friendly faces, a treat or two, and plenty of time with the people he loves.