Mastiff

Size: Extra-Large
Other Names: English Mastiff
Country of Origin: England
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Working
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Working
United Kennel Club (UKC): Guardian Dog
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Utility
The Kennel Club (KC): Working Dogs
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Working Dogs
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Utility

Height:

Male: about 30 inches; Female: about 27½ inches

Weight:

Male: 100-200+ pounds; Female: 100-160+ pounds

Color(s):

Apricot-fawn, silver-fawn, fawn, or dark fawn-brindle; always with black on the muzzle, ears, and nose and around the eyes

Coat:

Short, close-lying

Description:

The English Mastiff is descended from the ancient Alaunt and Molosser, and is recognized as the oldest British breed.  It was used in the blood sports of bear-baiting, bull-baiting, dog fighting, and lion-baiting.  Throughout its long history, the Mastiff has contributed to the development of a number of dog breeds.

Temperament:

The Mastiff is innately good natured, calm, easygoing, and surprisingly gentle.  It is a well-mannered house pet, but needs sufficient room for exercise and activity.  The Mastiff is an extremely loyal breed, exceptionally devoted to its family, and good with children.  A combination of dignity and courage, he is an extremely capable guard dog.  If an unfamiliar person approaches near his perceived territory or his master, the Mastiff will immediately position himself between his master or territory, and the stranger.  If the approaching person does not back down, the Mastiff will take immediate defensive action.

Training:

Socialize early and keep the rules clear.  A giant that is allowed to lean on people becomes hard to live with.

Care & Grooming:

The Mastiff is a particularly large dog, demanding correct diet and exercise.  Mastiff puppies require a carefully watched diet due to their very rapid growth.  Excessive running is not recommended for the first two years of his life, however regular exercise must be maintained throughout his life in order to discourage slothful behavior, and to prevent a number of health problems.  It is recommended the Mastiff be given a soft surface on which to sleep, in order to prevent the development of calluses, arthritis, and hygroma, which is an acute inflammatory swelling.  Due to the breed's large size, puppies may potentially be smothered or crushed by the mother during nursing.  A whelping box, along with careful monitoring can prevent such accidents.

Shedding:

Low to moderate.

Health:

Mastiffs may develop hip and elbow dysplasia, gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), and heart disease.  This giant breed should grow slowly, stay lean, and not be exercised hard after meals.

Lifespan:

6–10 years

Litter Size:

5–10 puppies