English Mastiff Guarding: A Comprehensive Guide to Ownership

The English Mastiff is a gentle giant, but don't let its size fool you - they're natural guard dogs with a strong instinct to protect their family and territory.

Originating from England, this breed has been used for centuries as a guarding dog, and it's no wonder why - with their massive size and intimidating presence, they can be a formidable deterrent to any potential intruder.

To own an English Mastiff as a guard dog, you'll need to consider their exercise needs - they require regular walks and playtime to stay happy and healthy, and a securely fenced yard to prevent escape.

English Mastiffs are also prone to overheating, so be sure to provide plenty of shade and water in hot weather.

The English Mastiff has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. They were developed in England and descended from ancient Alaunt and Molosser dogs.

Their ancestors were used as livestock guardian dogs, protecting livestock against large predators like wolves, bears, and leopards. The Romans even used mosaics at the entrance of their houses to warn visitors and intruders of the presence of these guardian dogs.

In ancient Greece, Orthrus was a famous example of a livestock guardian dog that guarded Geryon's red cattle. This breed was known for its strength and protective instincts.

The English Mastiff was bred for a very important purpose: to guard and protect. They were used in ancient Rome for fighting in the arena and in Britain for guarding estates and castles.

The breed nearly became extinct after World War II, following the outlawing of bull-baiting and bear-baiting in 1835. However, they were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885, with a dog named Bayard being the first of his breed to be recognized.

English Mastiffs are a massive and powerful breed, weighing between 73-100 kg. They were originally bred to guard and protect estates and castles in Britain, and as such, they possess a calm, self-assured temperament.

Their coat is short and requires low grooming intensity. This makes them a great choice for those who don't want to spend hours a day grooming their dog.

Expand your knowledge: Grooming an English Bulldog

English Mastiffs are generally medium trainability and activity level, which means they need regular exercise but can adapt to a variety of living situations.

Here are some key characteristics of the English Mastiff breed:

English Mastiffs are also known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them a great choice for families with children. They are calm and self-assured, and are not typically aggressive towards humans or other animals.

English Mastiffs are extremely easy to train once you figure out what motivates them. To do this, you need to be creative and exciting to peak and keep their interest.

Your goal as the trainer is to be more interesting than the grass, smell, or sound that your dog is focused on. This requires patience and understanding of their unique personality.

Mastiffs are extremely sensitive and have a natural wariness of strangers, so early training and socialization are essential. This will help them become confident and calm in new situations.

Worth a look: Photos of Mastiffs

Mastiffs can be described as stubborn and difficult to train, but the truth is they're actually quite easy to train once you figure out what motivates them.

Their motivation is often related to being creative and exciting, so owners need to be more interesting than the grass, smell, or sound that might distract them.

Early training and socialization are essential due to their natural wariness of strangers.

Harsh training methods like shock or prong collars, yelling, or hitting are never necessary with a Mastiff and should be avoided.

Positive reinforcement and encouragement are all that's needed to motivate a Mastiff.

Being the person your Mastiff wants to be around is key to having a lifelong friend.

The lifespan of a Mastiff is a concerning topic, with an average life expectancy of 6-10 years.

Mastiffs are prone to health issues that cut their lives short, including osteosarcoma, hip dysplasia, and Wobbler syndrome.

Health testing and delayed altering can help, but sadly, these measures don't guarantee a longer lifespan for Mastiffs.

While there are exceptions, such as Gunner from The Sandlot Movie who lived to be 13, these instances are rare and not the norm.

Unfortunately, many Mastiffs don't live past 10 years, despite heroic efforts to keep them strong and healthy.

Consider reading: Kinds of Mastiffs

In England, the laws regarding guard dogs are clearly outlined in the 1975 Guard Dogs Act.

This act specifies the requirements for kennels, ensuring that guard dogs are kept in safe and humane conditions.

The act also mandates the display of guard dog warning signs at the entrance to commercial premises, alerting visitors to the presence of guard dogs.

By understanding the laws and regulations surrounding guard dogs, you can ensure that you're providing a safe and responsible environment for both humans and animals.

Genetics plays a crucial role in controlling many aspects of a dog's behavior. Understanding the genetic foundation of a breed is essential for effective dog training and addressing behavioral issues.

Mastiffs, for example, were originally bred for specific purposes, and their genetics reflect this. This is why it's essential to know the history and genetics of a breed before attempting any kind of dog training or addressing behavioral issues.

If you don't understand the genetic makeup of a breed, you can't possibly expect to understand what drives them to do what they do. This is a critical aspect of dog ownership that can't be overlooked.

Knowing the genetics that make up the foundation of a breed can help you improve any aspect of your life with your dog. It's not just about understanding their behavior; it's about building a stronger bond with your pet.

In England, the main legislation relating to the use of guard dogs on commercial premises is contained within the 1975 Guard Dogs Act.

This act specifies the requirements of kennels and the need to display guard dog warning signs at the entrance to sites.

Understanding the purpose behind which a breed originated gives you a strategic advantage when it comes to training and behavior.

The English Mastiff's history as a guarding breed means they have a strong instinct to protect their family and territory, making them naturally defensive.

Their large size and intimidating appearance can be an effective deterrent, but it's essential to remember that their primary goal is to safeguard, not to be confrontational.

A well-trained English Mastiff can be an excellent addition to a family, but it's crucial to consider their needs and limitations, especially in terms of space and exercise.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, but they still need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.