English Mastiff Standard Dog Breed Information and Overview

The English Mastiff is an ancient breed that originated in England over 2,000 years ago.

This breed is known for its massive size, with males weighing up to 230 pounds and standing as tall as 30 inches at the shoulder.

English Mastiffs are often described as gentle giants, with a calm and laid-back temperament that makes them a great companion for families.

Despite their large size, English Mastiffs are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise, requiring only short, gentle walks each day to stay happy and healthy.

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The English Mastiff's physical characteristics are truly impressive. They have a large, powerful, well-knit frame that exudes grandeur and courage.

Their neck is slightly arched, moderately long, and very muscular, with a circumference that's about 2.5-5 cms (1-2 ins) less than their skull before the ears. This unique combination of features gives them a distinctive appearance.

Their body is a sight to behold, with a wide, deep chest and well-let-down forelegs. Their ribs are arched and well-rounded, and their false ribs are deep and well-set back to their hips.

Eyes should be of moderate size and wide apart. The stop between the eyes should be well marked but not too abrupt.

A darker hazel brown eye colour is generally preferred, with no visible haw. I've noticed that people with darker eye colours tend to have more depth and character in their features.

Loose eyelids are highly undesirable, as they can give the impression of fatigue or lack of alertness.

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The neck is a distinctive feature that can give a person's overall appearance a unique touch. It's slightly arched.

A moderately long neck can make a big difference in how someone carries themselves. It's very muscular, too.

Measuring about 2.5-5 cms (1-2 ins) less in circumference than the skull before the ears is a good way to gauge a neck's size.

The forequarters of a certain breed are quite impressive, with the shoulder and arm being slightly sloping, heavy, and muscular.

This muscular build is a result of strong and straight legs, which are set wide apart, with large bones that provide stability.

The elbows are square, indicating a sturdy and balanced structure.

Pasterns are upright, adding to the overall harmony of the forequarters.

The Mastiff's physical characteristics are truly impressive. Their large, powerful, well-knit frame commands attention and exudes courage.

A key aspect of their build is their chest, which is wide, deep, and well let down between their forelegs. This allows for a strong foundation and a comfortable stride.

Their ribs are arched and well rounded, providing a robust and sturdy structure. False ribs are deep and well set back to their hips, adding to their overall strength.

The Mastiff's back and loins are wide and muscular, with a flat and very wide back in females and a slightly arched back in males. This muscular build enables them to move with a level topline and great depth of flanks.

Their length of body, from point of shoulder to point of buttock, is greater than their height at the withers, giving them a distinctive and imposing appearance.

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The hindquarters of an animal are a crucial aspect of its physical characteristics, and it's essential to understand what makes a strong one.

A broad and wide muscular hindquarters is a must, with well-developed second thighs that provide the necessary strength for movement.

Hocks that are bent and wide apart are also a key feature of a strong hindquarters, and they should be squarely set when standing or walking.

Strength in the hindquarters is of paramount importance, and cow hocks in mature adults are completely unacceptable.

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The tail is a distinctive feature of this breed, and it's quite unique in its shape and movement. It's set on high, reaching to the hocks or a little below them.

The root of the tail is wide, while the end is tapered. This shape allows the tail to hang straight in repose, but it can form a curve when the dog is excited, with the end pointing upwards but not over the back.

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The English Mastiff is a gentle giant with a big personality to match its big body. It's affectionate and eager to please, often trying to be a lapdog.

This breed is generally compatible with other household pets, including cats and other dogs. However, its sheer size and strength can make it difficult for children or the elderly to manage.

A well-socialized English Mastiff treats normal strangers with polite aloofness, but will step between you and anyone or anything that seems threatening. This natural instinct makes them a fair protection dog.

Their calm and dignified nature means they're never shy or vicious, but they can become shy, fearful, or aggressive if mishandled. So, it's essential to treat them with kindness and respect.

English Mastiffs are slow to respond, but they're fairly easy to train. Early socialization is crucial to ensure they grow up to be well-rounded dogs. This involves exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences when they're young.

Meeting the parents and siblings can help evaluate a puppy's temperament and what they'll be like when they grow up. Enrolling them in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start to their socialization journey.

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The English Mastiff standard requires careful consideration of its health and care needs. The breed is prone to certain health issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia, which can get worse with age.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus, also known as bloat, is a life-threatening emergency that can occur in large dogs like the Mastiff. It's essential to recognize the symptoms and seek veterinary care immediately.

Mastiffs are also susceptible to elbow hygroma, a painless and fluid-filled swelling that can grow in size over time. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify this condition early on.

The breed is also prone to various eye problems, including ectropion, entropion, and cataracts. It's crucial to have your Mastiff's eyes checked regularly to prevent or detect these issues early on.

To keep your Mastiff healthy, it's essential to provide regular exercise, such as an hour of interactive playing or walking each day. This can help prevent health problems and keep your dog happy and active.

Here is a list of common health issues that can affect Mastiffs:

Mastiffs are prone to certain health issues, so it's essential to be aware of them. Responsible breeders screen for inherited conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia, which can worsen with age.

Bloating, also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus, is a serious condition that can occur in large dogs with deep chests. Gulping down food and water too quickly can lead to the stomach filling with gas and twisting, cutting off the blood supply.

Elbow hygroma is a common issue in mastiffs, causing a swollen, painless area filled with fluid that can grow in size over time. Early veterinary care can make treatment easier.

Cancer is the major cause of death in mastiffs, with common types including lymphoma, osteosarcoma, mast cell tumors, and hemangiosarcoma.

Eye problems are also prevalent in mastiffs, affecting their vision and quality of life. Common issues include ectropion, entropion, and cataracts.

Here are some common health issues that can affect mastiffs:

The Mastiff's size is the major challenge to its upkeep, requiring a large area for it to stretch out and sleep on soft bedding to prevent painful callouses and bursitis.

The Mastiff is an expensive dog to own, especially when it comes to food. It requires a large vehicle for travel and is not a good choice for fastidious housekeepers due to its constant drool.

The breed is not well-suited for warm climates, unless the dog can spend the warmer parts of the day in air-conditioned spaces. Its large body mass and short nasal passages make it susceptible to overheating.

The Mastiff requires about an hour of interactive playing or walking each day, and enjoys games of tug, swimming, nose work, and trick training. Very few Mastiffs compete in agility due to their size.

Coat care is minimal, consisting of weekly brushing and occasional bathing. Bathing of the forechest and forelimbs may be needed more often if the dog drools on itself.

The breed is not long-lived, averaging only 6-10 years. It is subject to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GSV), a life-threatening emergency that can require immediate veterinary intervention.

Feeding your Mastiff requires careful consideration, with adult dogs needing 6-8 cups of dry food each day, split into two meals to prevent bloating and stomach torsion.

Mastiffs are sloppy drinkers, and their water bowls can become contaminated with backwash, so it's essential to provide clean, fresh water at different points of the day.

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The English Mastiff's short coat requires regular brushing, typically once a week, to prevent matting and tangling.

Their coat comes in fawn, apricot, or brindle, with brindle Mastiffs having a fawn or apricot background color with dark stripes.

You'll want to brush their coat with a rubber hound glove, and daily during the spring and fall shedding season to keep flying hair under control.

Some Mastiffs shed year-round, while others do most of their shedding during the spring and fall.

A stripping blade can also help remove excess hair, especially during heavy shedding seasons.

It's essential to start grooming your Mastiff early, when they're still a puppy, to get them accustomed to being brushed and examined.

Handle their paws frequently, as dogs are often sensitive about their feet, and look inside their mouth to check for any signs of health issues.

Regular grooming sessions should be a positive experience filled with praise and rewards, making it easier for your Mastiff to tolerate veterinary exams and other handling as an adult.

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Keep an eye out for sores, rashes, or signs of infection like redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, nose, mouth, eyes, and feet.

Their eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge, and you should check for any signs of irritation or infection in their ears and eyes often.

Mastiffs are known to salivate quite a bit, so keep drool rags handy, especially after they shake their heads.

Their ears and facial skin folds, if present, should be kept clean and dry to prevent irritation and infection.

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The English Mastiff breed is a massive one, with some individuals weighing in at 220 pounds or more. They're considered the largest breed in the world.

Their size is just one aspect that sets them apart, however. The breed's temperament is known for being good-natured and docile, although they'll fiercely protect their family if necessary.

Here are some key breed characteristics to keep in mind:

English Mastiffs are known for being calm, affectionate, and protective, making them excellent companions for the right family.

The English Mastiff is a breed that originated in medieval England. It's a working breed, which means it was originally bred for a job, rather than just being a companion animal.

This breed is known for its massive size, with adults reaching a height of 27.5–30 inches (70–76 cm) and weighing between 120–230 pounds (54–104 kg).

The average lifespan of an English Mastiff is 6–10 years, which is relatively short compared to some other breeds.

Here's a summary of the breed's vital statistics and facts:

The English Mastiff has a rich history, with records of the breed being brought to America in the late 1800s.

The English Mastiff is a massive breed, weighing in at 120-230 pounds and standing 27.5-30 inches tall. Their size can be intimidating, but with proper training and socialization, they make excellent companions.

One of the most notable things about English Mastiffs is their lifespan, which is relatively short at 6-10 years. This is largely due to their size, which can lead to health issues.

English Mastiffs are known for their calm and gentle nature, making them a great breed for families with children. However, their size means they can unintentionally bowl children over, so it's essential to supervise interactions.

Their coat comes in a variety of colors, including fawn, apricot, and brindle, all with a dark mask on the muzzle, ears, and nose. They are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming.

Here are some key statistics about the English Mastiff breed:

English Mastiffs are highly loyal to their families and make excellent protective members of the household. However, they do require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions.

A reputable breeder will screen their breeding stock for health problems, so you can be confident in the puppy's overall health.

Backyard breeders, on the other hand, may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, which can lead to puppies with health issues.

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Reputable breeders will also socialize their puppies from a young age, which helps them develop into well-adjusted dogs.

This socialization can make a big difference in the puppy's behavior and temperament, making them a joy to live with.

A reputable breeder will provide you with lifetime support, which is essential for a happy and healthy relationship with your dog.

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