Mastiff Dog Breed Information: Profile, History, Care & Review

The massive Mastiff is heavy boned with strong musculature, being slightly longer than tall. Great strength is combined with endurance. Power and strength are evident in this dog’s gait, which has good reach and drive. The double coat consists of a dense undercoat and a straight, coarse, outer coat of moderately short length. The expression is alert but kindly. The general impression is one among grandeur and dignity.

The Mastiff is one of the foremost ancient kinds 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. Although this is often a purebred dog, you’ll find them in shelters and rescues. Remember to adopt it! Don’t shop if this is often the breed for you.

Mastiff Dog Information:

Breed Name	Mastiff
Other Names	English Mastiff, Old English Mastiff
Breed Group	Guardian Dog (UKC)
Type	Working (Purebred)
Size	Giant
Weight	Male: 150-250 pounds (68-113 kg) Female: 120-180 pounds (54-82 kg)
Height	Male: 30 inches (76 cm) Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm)
Area of Origin	United Kingdom
Life Range	10-12 years
Colors	Apricot Brindle Fawn
Level of Energy	Laid Back
Bark Tendency	Moderate
Exercise	Casually
Overall Grooming	Low Maintenance

Mastiff Dog History:

The Mastiff (also referred to as the ‘English Mastiff’) is a British breed that descended from the Alaunt and other Molossers several thousand years ago. ‘Mastiff’ likely derives from the Anglo-Saxon word ‘masty,’ meaning ‘powerful.’ The Mastiff’s ancient origins are with the Molossians, an early Hellenic tribe known for its powerful guard dogs.

In Roman times, the Mastiff was employed as a war dog and fighter, pit within the Arena against gladiators, bears, and even elephants. By the center Ages, the Mastiff was a well-liked guard dog and hunter. Unfortunately, it had been still forced to fight, matched up against bears, bulls, and lions in popular gambling dens. Many Mastiffs today descend from the Lyme Hall Mastiffs, a line beginning with Sir Peers Legh’s Mastiff, who protected him after he was wounded at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 (a glass window in Lyme Hall depicts Sir Legh and his Mastiff to the present day).

The Mastiff may have arrived in America on the Mayflower; it had certainly arrived by the 1800s. Mastiffs decreased in popularity in England after bull-baiting, bear-baiting, and lion-baiting were outlawed, but grew in popularity within the U.S throughout the 20th century, remaining a well-liked pet and guardian today. The charming character of the Mastiff has helped it find its way into popular culture. Famous fictional Mastiffs include ‘Hercules’ from ‘The Sandlot’ and ‘Kazak’ from Kurt Vonnegut’s ‘The Sirens of Titan.’

Mastiff Dog Photos:

The Mastiff Club of America (MCOA) provides in-depth information on breed health. Responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions like seasonal allergies, eye anomalies, heart disease, cancer, eye and hip dysplasia, von Willebrand’s disease, degenerative myelopathy, and epilepsy. Hygromas—harmless natural “cushions” that protect the elbow joints when the Mastiff is lying on hard surfaces—are common. Don’t allow the vet to empty them. Finally, Mastiffs can experience bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach suddenly distends and often twists also. Owners should educate themselves on what symptoms indicate this is often occurring and what to do should it occur.

• Major concerns: CHD, gastric torsion
• Minor concerns: elbow dysplasia, osteosarcoma, cystinuria
• Occasionally seen: cardiomyopathy, allergies, vaginal hyperplasia, cruciate ligament rupture, hypothyroidism, OCD, entropion, PRA, PPM
• Suggested tests: hip, elbow, eye, cardiac, (cystinuria), thyroid, DNA for PRA
  Note: obesity is often a problem

Nutrition For Mastiff Dog:

For rapidly growing giant breeds like the Mastiff, proper nutrition is critical through puppyhood and up to 2 years aged. Slow and steady growth is perfect. If fed a densely caloric diet lacking an appropriate calcium/phosphorous ratio, Mastiff puppies and young adults are susceptible to skeletal disorders. Most breed experts recommend that puppies start on an adult pet food formulation with a protein percentage no above 26 percent, and a calcium/phosphorous ratio of approx.1.2:1. Feeding scheduled meals are suggested, instead of free-feeding, to avoid excessive weight gain.

How to Take Care of Mastiff Dog:

Mastiffs are house dogs. They will adapt to any environment, city, or country, but they are doing best in a home with a fenced yard. Their exercise needs are moderate. An adult Mastiff is going to be satisfied with a few of 20- to 30-minute walks daily.

Because of their great size, they are not good jogging companions. They overheat easily, and their joints are often damaged from the stress of running. Walks are best scheduled for cool mornings and evenings. During the day, bring along the water just in case they get hot.

Puppies are more active and wish free play in a fenced yard, but until they reach physical maturity at 18 months aged, it is important to limit jumping, long walks, and another exercise that would damage their still-developing bones, muscles, and tendons. Let young puppies play, walk, or rest at their own pace.

Mastiff Grooming, Bathing & Coat:

The Mastiff does require regular bathing and grooming. This gentle dog is often bathed weekly up to every six to eight weeks, depending on his activity level and lifestyle. With this short and densely coated breed, regular bathing is important to minimize shedding and to keep up healthy skin and coat.

Before bathing, it’s recommended to go over the dog’s entire body with a high-velocity dryer to facilitate the removal of any loose coat, and to loosen any dirt and debris from this dense coat. If you are doing not have access to a high-velocity dryer, a slicker brush would be the next best option. Lightly card the coat to assist accelerate shedding also. Now, it’s bath time!

Mastiff Dog Exercise:

Bred to be guardians of “hearth and residential,” Mastiffs have comparatively low exercise requirements and may live happily in an apartment. They benefit physically and psychologically from free play and daily walks—a mile or two for adult Mastiffs. However, owners must take care not to overtax growing puppies and young adults: Don’t allow them to run up and downstairs, jump from heights, or engage in long walks. Begin with no more than half a block for a 2- to 3-month-old puppy. Additionally, Mastiffs are notorious for plopping down during walks once they are tired or overheated. Therefore, a rule of thumb is not to walk them farther than you’ll carry them back!

Mastiff Dog Personality:

The Mastiff may be a dignified yet good-natured animal. He’s loving and affectionate toward his family, and his calm demeanor makes him a good companion for older children. However, the breed isn’t recommended for toddlers due to its great size.

The Mastiff’s watchdog roots are likely to manifest themselves when visitors come to the house. The dog tends to be suspicious of strangers and protective of his family and perceived territory. Even so, the Mastiff barks infrequently.