English Mastiff Facts and Care Guide

The English Mastiff is a gentle giant, but it's essential to understand their needs to provide the best care. They can weigh up to 230 pounds.

English Mastiffs are prone to health issues like hip dysplasia and joint problems due to their massive size. Regular exercise is crucial to maintain their joint health.

Feeding an English Mastiff requires careful consideration, as they can eat up to 12 pounds of food per day. A high-quality, nutrient-rich diet is necessary to prevent obesity and related health issues.

English Mastiffs are known for their calm and gentle nature, making them great family pets.

English Mastiffs are an ancient breed, with origins dating back around 3,000 years. They were originally used as war dogs, but today are known for their gentle nature.

Mastiffs are a giant breed, with males weighing between 160-230 pounds. They have a short, dense coat that comes in various colors.

Here are some key breed characteristics:

English Mastiffs have a lifespan of 6 to 12 years, although some individuals may live longer with proper care and genetics.

The English Mastiff is a massive breed, weighing between 120-320 pounds. They're not for everyone, but if you have plenty of room and a gentle soul, they can make amazing pets.

These gentle giants have a calm and protective nature, making them a great choice for families. They're also known for their even temperament, which is a result of their ancient heritage dating back to roughly 3,000 years ago.

English Mastiffs are not high-maintenance when it comes to grooming, as their short coat requires minimal upkeep. Regular brushing can help manage shedding and keep their coat healthy.

Their size may be intimidating, but they're not as fierce as you might think. In fact, they're known for their good-natured docility and love being around people. They'll even make themselves at home in a city condo or a country estate, as long as they have their family nearby.

Here's a rough guide to the Mastiff breeds and their sizes:

Remember, Mastiffs are a big responsibility, but if you're up for the challenge, they'll reward you with endless love and companionship.

The English Mastiff breed has a rich and fascinating history that spans thousands of years. They originated from the Molossus, a breed dating back to ancient Greece.

Their ancestors were used as war dogs and guards, and were prized for their size and courage. The breed was used to guard flocks from predators in the mountains of Asia.

Mastiffs were also used for entertainment, being pitted against lions and other fierce animals. Archaeologists have uncovered bas-reliefs dating back to the seventh century BCE of Mastiff-type dogs fighting lions.

The breed was highly valued and was even kept by Kublai Khan, who had a kennel with 5,000 Mastiffs used for hunting and war. The breed was also used by Hannibal when he crossed the Alps.

During their trek, the war dogs crossbred with local dogs, and their offspring became the foundation for the Saint Bernard, the Rottweiler, and other breeds. The Pug is even described as a Mastiff in miniature.

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The modern Mastiff was developed in England, where they guarded estates and patrolled the grounds at night. The breed almost ended after 1835, when bear-baiting, bull-baiting, and dog-fighting were outlawed.

However, the rise of dog shows in the mid-19th century helped bring about the Mastiff's revival. A pair of Mastiff puppies imported from Canada after World War II helped bring the breed back from the brink of extinction.

Today, the Mastiff's gentle nature and massive size make them a much-loved companion worldwide.

Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies.

They screen their breeding stock for health problems, socializing their puppies from a young age, and provide lifetime support.

Backyard breeders, on the other hand, prioritize making a profit over producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs.

Puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have health problems and behavioral issues.

Reputable breeders take the time to socialize their puppies properly, which is crucial for their development and future well-being.

This dedication to socialization sets them apart from irresponsible breeders who neglect this essential step.

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English Puppies can be a bit tricky to find, especially if you're looking for a purebred English Mastiff.

You're more likely to find one through a rescue organization, which is a great way to give a loving home to a dog in need.

However, if you're set on getting a purebred, you'll need to find a reputable breeder.

Make sure to do your research and only work with a breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs.

It's also essential to request testing for common health issues, such as hip or elbow dysplasia, before adopting a puppy.

If a breeder seems shady or unwilling to share health results, it's best to move on to a different breeder.

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The English Mastiff is a massive breed, with a minimum height of 30 inches at the shoulder for males and 27.5 inches for females.

Their weight can vary greatly, ranging from 130 pounds to 220 pounds or more.

These dogs can come in a range of sizes, but some English Mastiffs can tip the scales at an astonishing 343 pounds, like Aicama Zorba, the longest dog in the world, who measured 8 feet 3 inches from nose to tail.

Mastiffs are truly massive dogs, and their size is one of their most distinctive features. The minimum height for a male Mastiff at the shoulder is 30 inches.

Females are slightly smaller, with a minimum height of 27.5 inches. Their weight can range from 130 pounds to 220 pounds or more.

Some Mastiffs can be smaller or larger than average, but these sizes give you a general idea of what to expect.

The English Mastiff's coat color is quite striking, coming in fawn, apricot, or brindle. Brindle Mastiffs have a fawn or apricot background color with dark stripes.

Their coat is short and straight, with a dense undercoat that sheds heavily a couple of times a year. You may want to brush them daily during spring and fall to keep flying hair under control.

A rubber hound glove is perfect for weekly brushing, but be prepared for more frequent brushing during shedding season. Some Mastiffs shed year-round, while others do most of their shedding during spring and fall.

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It's essential to get your Mastiff accustomed to being brushed and examined from an early age, making grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards. This will lay the groundwork for easy veterinary exams and other handling when they're an adult.

You should also check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection on their skin, nose, mouth, eyes, and feet during weekly exams. This will help you spot potential health problems early on.

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The English Mastiff is a gentle giant with a heart of gold. They're friendly, loyal, and good-natured, making them a fantastic family pet.

These canines will step in to protect you if they feel there's a threat, but they dislike conflict, especially within the family unit. They're not aggressive by nature, but they will defend their loved ones if necessary.

English Mastiffs are sensitive dogs and dislike rough play, so it's essential to teach children how to interact with them gently. They're patient with kids, but it's crucial to supervise interactions between little ones and these massive dogs.

Their imposing stature is enough to scare off uninvited visitors, but they're also fiercely loyal to their family and will guard them with their lives.

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English Mastiffs are generally hardy dogs, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. Their large size means they won't live as long as smaller breeds, but regular care can help mitigate potential problems.

Some common health issues in English Mastiffs include Von Willebrand's disease, eye anomalies, and allergies. Bloat, elbow/hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and degenerative myelopathy are also potential concerns.

To keep your English Mastiff healthy, regular grooming is essential. Brush their fur every few days to prevent matting, and use a comb to remove dead fur. You may only need to bathe them occasionally, but be prepared for regular nail trimming and tooth brushing.

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The English Mastiff's health is a significant concern due to their large size, which affects their lifespan. They typically don't live as long as other breeds, but they're generally hardy dogs.

One of the health issues English Mastiffs are prone to is Von Willebrand's disease, a condition that affects their blood clotting ability.

Eye anomalies are another common issue, which can lead to vision problems.

Allergies are also a concern for English Mastiffs, and they may require special care to manage their symptoms.

Bloat is a serious condition that can be life-threatening, and English Mastiffs are at higher risk.

Elbow and hip dysplasia can cause mobility issues and pain for English Mastiffs.

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that can cause seizures, and English Mastiffs are more susceptible.

Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive condition that affects the spinal cord, leading to mobility issues and other complications.

Here's a list of some of the health issues English Mastiffs are prone to:

To keep your English Mastiff healthy and happy, you need to pay attention to their diet. Feed them high-quality dog food with the correct calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, ideally 2:1, and no more than 26% protein.

It's essential to break their meals into two to three small meals a day to prevent bloat, a common issue in this breed. Overfeeding can also lead to strain on their bones and joints.

Regular grooming is a breeze, thanks to their short, dense coat that only sheds heavily a couple of times a year. Brushing their fur every few days should keep them looking great.

Unless they've gotten dirty, a simple wipe-down with a wet washcloth should suffice. However, if they're extremely dirty, a bath may be necessary.

Trimming their nails regularly and brushing their teeth frequently will keep them in good shape. Don't forget to keep spare cloths handy to wipe away their drool.

To determine the right amount of food for your adult Mastiff, consider their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. A highly active dog will need more food than a couch potato dog.

Mastiffs are sloppy drinkers, so rinse their bowls daily to prevent bacterial growth. Measuring their food and feeding them twice a day will also help keep them in shape.

To check if your Mastiff is overweight, look for a visible waist and feel their ribs without pressing hard. If you can't feel their ribs, they need less food and more exercise.

Brush your Mastiff's coat weekly with a rubber hound glove, and daily during the spring and fall shedding season to keep flying hair under control.

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Living with an English Mastiff can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to understand their unique needs and characteristics. They require only about half an hour of exercise a day, which should be low-impact to avoid joint damage.

You'll want to keep a close eye on your English Mastiff's exercise routine, especially when they're a puppy. Too much exercise can overtax their joints, leading to damage. Puppies should avoid running, long walks, and jumping up and down until they're about two years old.

English Mastiffs are generally great with children, but they're best suited for homes with older kids. They can accidentally knock a toddler down with a swipe of their tail, so it's crucial to supervise interactions between children and dogs.

English Mastiffs are relatively low-key when it comes to exercise, requiring only about 30 minutes of activity a day.

This can be as simple as short walks around the block or some playtime in the backyard, which is perfect for keeping their joints healthy.

You'll need to be extra careful when exercising your puppy, as too much activity can put a strain on their developing joints.

For young English Mastiffs, it's recommended to avoid activities like running, long walks, or jumping up and down until they're at least two years old.

They're not built for long-distance running, so don't expect them to keep up with you on a marathon walk.

In fact, English Mastiffs are notorious for sitting down when they're feeling hot or tired, so it's best to avoid long walks altogether.

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Living with an English Mastiff can be a wonderful experience, especially if you have children. English Mastiffs love children, but it's essential to teach your child how to interact with them safely.

Mastiffs are large and active dogs, so they can accidentally knock a toddler down with a swipe of their tail. This is why it's best suited to homes with older children.

Children should never approach any dog while sleeping or eating, or try to take the dog's food away. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child.

English Mastiffs generally tolerate other pets, including dogs and cats, especially if they've been raised with them. They have a friendly nature and don't become jealous of other pets, thanks to their size and confidence.