Mastiff Dog Breed Information:
The Mastiff is one of the most ancient types of dog breeds. Their ancestor, the Molossus, was known 5,000 years ago. Back then, they were ferocious war dogs, very different from the benevolent behemoth that the breed is today. Mastiffs are sometimes called Old English Mastiffs.
Mastiff Dog Group: Working Dogs.
Mastiff Height: 27 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder.
Mastiff Weight: 130 to 220 pounds.
Mastiff Life Span: 6 to 10 years.
More About This Dog Breed:
Without exercise and stimulation, Mastiffs can become bored and destructive. Mastiffs drool and are prone to gassiness, but other than that, they are fairly clean. If their drool would bother you in any way, this may not be a breed for you. Mastiffs can do quite well in apartments and homes with small yards if they are exercised properly, but they are not really recommended for smaller dwellings because of their size. The ideal living environment for a Mastiff is a house with a large yard. Mastiffs need daily exercise, but take into account the age of the dog and the temperature. Mastiffs can overheat easily.
Mastiff History:
The Mastiffdescends from one of the most ancient types of dogs, the Molosser, which probably originated in the mountains of Asia, perhaps in Tibet or northern India. They would most likely have been used to guard flocks from predators in those cold, high passes.
These Molossers were solidly built with heavy bones, a short muzzle, a short, well-muscled neck, and hanging ears. Their ancestry can be seen not only in the Mastiff but also in the Tibetan Mastiff, Saint Bernard, Rottweiler, Dogue de Bordeaux, and many other modern breeds.
Mastiff Size:
The minimum height for a male Mastiff is 30 inches at the shoulder; for females, it's 27.5 inches. Weight ranges from 130 pounds to 220 pounds or more.
Mastiff Personality:
The proper Mastiff should be a combination of grandeur and good nature, courage and docility. They're always dignified, never shy or vicious. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization.
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Mastiff Health:
Mastiffs are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Mastiffs will get any or all of these diseases:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).
Hip Dysplasia.
Seizures.
Cystinuria.
Gastric Torsion (Bloat).
Cancer.
Mastiff Care:
Mastiffs are housedogs. They can adapt to any environment, city or country, but they do best in a home with a fenced yard. Their exercise needs are moderate. An adult Mastiff will be satisfied with a couple of 20- to 30-minute walks daily. Mastiff puppies are nosy, curious, and into everything. Crate training is highly recommended. Mastiffs of all ages are chewers and will chew on anything that smells good or looks interesting. Obedience training is a must for this giant breed.
Mastiff Feeding:
You must speak to your vet about your individual dog's dietary needs. The generally recommended daily amount for an adult Mastiff is 6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Mastiff Coat Color And Grooming:
The Mastiff has a short, straight outer coat with a dense, shorter undercoat. The coat comes in fawn, apricot, or brindle. Brindle Mastiffs have a fawn or apricot background color with dark stripes. The muzzle, nose, ears, and eye rims are dark, the blacker the better. They may have a small patch of white on the chest. Brush your Mastiff's coat weekly with a rubber hound glove. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet.
Mastiff with Children And Other Pets:
Mastiffs love children. That said, they are large, active dogs and can accidentally knock a toddler down with a swipe of the tail. In general, Mastiffs will tolerate other dogs and cats, especially if they've been raised with them.