The English Mastiff originated in England and is most known as being the heaviest breed of dog in the world. While many breeds are taller, English Mastiffs are by far heavier. These dogs are known by a variety of names including English Mastiffs, Mastiffs and Old English Mastiffs. English Mastiffs have been around for a very long time and have even been found depicted in Egyptian monuments as long ago as 3,000 BC. After observing how ferociously these dogs fought alongside British soldiers in 55 BC, Caesar brought several of them to Rome where they were used to fight with lions, bulls, bears, other dogs and human gladiators. They also became quite popular among the locals in England and were often used as companions and guard dogs. It is thought that Mastiffs were brought to America on the Mayflower and were later imported frequently. The breed nearly became extinct after World War II, but due to the efforts of various breeders, it is well-established in England once again.
The Mastiff is a giant dog with heavy bones, also they are very strong and powerful. Its double coat has a dense, soft undercoat and a flat, straight, harsh outer coat. It coat needs minimal care, although this dog tends to shed and drool a lot. This dog cannot bear heat.<br><br> As stated above, English Mastiffs are extremely heavy dogs that can weigh anywhere from 120 to an amazing 250 pounds fully grown. Their coat is short and can come in various colors including fawn, apricot, silver or brindle with a black mask. These are very muscular dogs with massive heads, medium-length drop ears and long tails.
Personality
Although the English Mastiff is an extremely large and powerful dog, it is naturally gentle with its human family members. In fact, it is often called the gentle giant among dog fanciers. It’s good with kids but may not be a suitable companion because of its size. It’s very protective and has innate guardian instincts. These dogs are also very distrusting of strangers, which makes them fantastic guard and protection dogs. While English Mastiffs were once used as fighting dogs in Roman arenas, today these gentle giants make loyal and protective companions and family dogs. However, if you choose to bring an English Mastiff into your home, you will want to make sure and provide it with plenty of space to exercise.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Mastiffs |
| Function: | Working |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Working |
| Life Span: | 10-12 Years |
| Nicknames: | English Mastiff, Old English Mastiff |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Mastiff Build Information
The Mastiff is a giant dog with heavy bones, also they are very strong and powerful. Its double coat has a dense, soft undercoat and a flat, straight, harsh outer coat. It coat needs minimal care, although this dog tends to shed and drool a lot. This dog cannot bear heat.<br><br> As stated above, English Mastiffs are extremely heavy dogs that can weigh anywhere from 120 to an amazing 250 pounds fully grown. Their coat is short and can come in various colors including fawn, apricot, silver or brindle with a black mask. These are very muscular dogs with massive heads, medium-length drop ears and long tails.
| Size: | Giant |
| Length (Male): | 27-33 in. |
| Length (Female): | 22-24 in. |
| Weight: | > 65 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 1 – 3 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
Although the English Mastiff is an extremely large and powerful dog, it is naturally gentle with its human family members. In fact, it is often called the gentle giant among dog fanciers. It’s good with kids but may not be a suitable companion because of its size. It’s very protective and has innate guardian instincts. These dogs are also very distrusting of strangers, which makes them fantastic guard and protection dogs. While English Mastiffs were once used as fighting dogs in Roman arenas, today these gentle giants make loyal and protective companions and family dogs. However, if you choose to bring an English Mastiff into your home, you will want to make sure and provide it with plenty of space to exercise.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Quiet |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Submissive |
| Energy Level: | Moderately Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | Yes |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
The English Mastiff is a breed of dog that requires very little grooming other than an occasional bathing when necessary. However, you will also want to check your pet’s ears regularly for any excessive wax buildup, foul odors or redness. Additionally, if the nails grow overly long, you can clip the tips with a pliers-type nail clipper.
| Colors: | Apricot, Fawn, Gold, Red-Black Brindle, Silver, Tan Brindle |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Dense |
Mastiff Common Health Conditions
Due to their large size, the English Mastiff is prone to many different health issues including hip and elbow dysplasia, arthritis, patellar luxation and osteosarcoma. Other common health problems seen in the breed include bloat, gastric torsion, obesity, cardiomyopathy, hypothyroidism and progressive retinal atrophy.
Mastiff Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
English Mastiffs appeared in several movies including Marmaduke, Hotel for Dogs, Transformers, The Sandlot and She’s Out of My League. English Mastiffs tend to be quite inactive, which can lead to obesity and other health issues. Mastiffs often become so attached to their owners that they can suffer from severe separation anxiety when left alone. A healthy Mastiff can live anywhere from nine to 12 years. Although it may look large and scary, the Mastiff is a gentle giant breed. It’s sweet-natured, mellow and gentle. It’s friendly towards other dogs but reserved with strangers.
| Training: | Hard |
| Hunting Companion: | No |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | No |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | Yes |
| Police Performer: | Yes |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | No |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | No |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
