The
Old English Mastiff is one of the heaviest
breeds; a male Mastiff can exceed 200 pounds.
This dog is very massive, powerful and muscular.
The head is heavy and square with a short
muzzle. There is a black mask around the
eyes and nose no matter what
the general coat color. The eyes are small,
dark, and hazel. The small ears should also
be dark-colored. The teeth should meet in
a scissors or slightly undershot bite. The
tail is set quite high, tapers to the tip,
and reaches to the hocks. The short coat
comes in golden fawn, light fawn, brindle,
silver, tiger, and apricot and is easy to
groom. In the eighteenth century it was
described as follows: "As
a lion is to a cat, so is a mastiff compared
to a dog."
Temperament
Originally
valued for their abilities as a fierce guard
and fighting dog, today's Mastiff is a gentle
giant. It is a self-confident, watchful,
and patient dog who is gentle-natured towards
his family. Intelligent and dignified. It
rarely barks, but it is in its nature to
defend its territory and family. Calm, steady
and docile, this dog is normally excellent
with children, (not recommend for toddlers
though, because of their great size). Good
natured, but very large and heavy. Responds
well to gentle, patient training. This breed
loves to please and needs lots of companionship.
The Mastiff's dominance varies widely depending
on the lineage. They can be aloof with strangers
or fairly friendly. Do not hit a Mastiff
or you are asking for it! A born guard dog,
brave and loyal. When strangers visit, it
is likely to refuse to let them in unless
they are accepted by its handler. The Mastiff
generally holds intruders at bay rather
than attacking. Protection training is unnecessary
for this naturally protective breed. It
is very possessive of home, family and car.
It may be combative with other dogs if not
very well socialized as a puppy, so extra
effort should be given to socialize a Mastiff
puppy. If properly socialized it will get
along well with other dogs. The Mastiff
tends to drool, wheeze and snore loudly.
They can be somewhat difficult to train.
Height,
Weight
Height:
Dogs from 30 inches (76cm)
Bitches from 27 inches (69cm)
Weight: Dogs about 160 pounds (72kg)
Bitches about 150 pounds (68kg)
Health
Problems
Beware
of hip dysplasia. As these dogs are prone
to bloat, feed two or three small meals
a day, instead of one large one. Also prone
to CHD, gastric torsion, ectropion, PPM,
vaginal hyperplasia, elbow dysplasia and
PRA. Occasionally seen is cardiomyopathy.
Living
Conditions
The
Mastiff will do okay in an apartment if
it is sufficiently exercised. They are relatively
inactive indoors and a small yard will do.
Exercise
Mastiffs
are inclined to be lazy but they will keep
fitter and happier if given regular exercise.
Like all dogs, the American Mastiff should
be taken on daily regular walks to help
release it's mental and physical energy.
It's in a dogs nature to walk. They should
always be leashed in public.
Life
Expectancy
About
10-12 years.
Grooming
The
smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom.
Brush with a firm bristle brush and wipe
over with a piece of toweling or chamois
for a gleaming finish. Bathe or dry shampoo
when necessary. This breed is an average
shedder.
Origin
Found
in Britain as early as the Roman invasion,
the Noble Old English Mastiff was probably
brought to that island by Phoenician traders
as early as the 6th century BC. Since then,
the Mastiff has been used as an arena gladiator
by the Romans, in the bloody sport of bull,
bear and dog combat, and as a sheep guardian,
bodyguard, protector, and companion. A Mastiff
came to America on the Mayflower and subsequently
other dogs were imported. By the end
of World War II, Mastiffs were almost extinct
in England. However, with fresh imports
from the United States and Canada, the breed
is once again well established in today's
England. Some of the Mastiff's talents include:
watchdogging, guarding, police work, military
work, search & rescue, and weight pulling.
