Mastiff

Posted on 22. May, 2009 by admin in Dog Breeds, Dog Breeds M, Huge Dog Breeds, Working Dogs

The Mastiff ancestors were probably brought to England by the Roman invaders. Renowned as a fierce war dog, the Mastiff has been used as a fighter by European knights and Spanish conquistadors as well as a valorous helper to hunt lion, wolf, bear and deer.

Nowadays, the Mastiff breed, also called the English Mastiff or Old English Mastiff is a gentle giant. Very massive, powerful and fearless the Mastiff gives the impression of nobility and integrity.

Breed Group

Working

Size

27 – 30 inches tall (at shoulder)

Weight

150 – 190 lbs. One of the heaviest breeds, male can exceed 200 lbs.

Color(s)

The color of the coat comes in fawn, brown, beige, apricot, or brindle.

Coat

The Mastiff has a double coat. The outer coat is short, coarse, and straight, while the close-lying under coat is dense.

Life Expectancy

About 8 – 12 years.

Personality

The Mastiff is a good natured, calm, and intelligent breed. They are extremely loyal and very possessive of home and family. This breed loves to please and needs plenty of human companionship and affection. The Mastiff is an Mastiff is a good natured, calm breedoutstanding family dog usually extremely patient with older considerate children and other pets they have been raised with.

Care

As the Mastiff is prone to GDV (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus) feed two or three small meals a day, instead of a large one. They are also subject to CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia), hypothyroidism, heart disease, bone cancer and cardiomyopathy. Prone to heatstroke he needs extra care in warm climates.

The smooth, short-haired coat of the Mastiff is easy to groom, occasional brushing with a firm bristle brush will suffice. Bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary. This breed is a medium shedder.

Training

The Mastiff requires a dominant handler and is not recommended for the inexperienced owner. They do not respond well to heavy-handed methods and does best with firmness, fairness, patience and consistency.

Due to his large size early socialization and obedience are essential for this breed. Protection and guard training is needless for this naturally protective breed. Some of the Mastiff’s talents include: guarding, military and police work, search and rescue and weight pulling.

Activity

The Mastiff is relatively inactive indoors and inclined to be quite lazy, they will do okay in an apartment dwelling if it is sufficiently stimulated and exercised. Daily walks up to an hour will be ok and they should always be leashed in public. He does, however, require regular play session in a safely fenced large yard to keep them happy.

Tags: dog breed, dog breeds, mastiff, mastiff dog, working dog

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