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Meet Hercules, an English Mastiff, the giant breed that has stolen the hearts of many. Hercules is a massive dog, weighing around 230 pounds and standing over 30 inches tall.
His massive size is a result of his breed's origins, dating back to the 16th century when English Mastiffs were used for guarding and fighting. Their large size was a key asset in these roles.
Hercules' gentle giant reputation is well-deserved, as he is known to be a loving and affectionate companion. His calm demeanor makes him an ideal family pet.
Here's an interesting read: Giant Mastiffs
Size and Breed
Hercules, the English Mastiff, has a 38-inch neck, making him quite the giant.
This impressive size is not uncommon for the breed, as English Mastiffs can grow to be quite large.
Hercules' weight of 282 pounds is also notable, far exceeding the breed's standard 200lb limit.
Kell, another English Mastiff, has a 32-inch neck, which is still quite large, but smaller than Hercules' neck.
In comparison, a 32-inch waist size is a standard measurement for many men.
Consider reading: English Mastiff Large
Training and Behavior
Teaching a dog to stay behind an invisible line requires patience and practice. This was demonstrated with 2-year-old English Mastiff Hercules, who learned to stay behind a boundary in just a couple of minutes.
Creating scenarios that allow the dog to succeed is key to teaching good behavior. In Hercules' case, his guardian used lunch meat as a high-value item to encourage him to stay behind the line.
Hercules' size and personality make him a commanding presence, but he never learned to respect human personal space. His guardian needed to teach him to keep his distance, especially when she was eating.
Ignoring unwanted behavior and redirecting the dog's attention can be an effective way to address issues. This was the approach taken with Hercules, who was initially trying to jump up on his trainer.
Teaching a dog to respect people's personal space is crucial for a harmonious household. By creating scenarios that encourage good behavior, guardians can help their dogs learn to stay behind boundaries and respect human space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest Mastiff ever recorded?
The largest Mastiff ever recorded was Aicama Zorba, an Old English Mastiff that weighed 343 pounds and measured 8 feet 3 inches from nose to tail. This record was set in 1987 by Guinness World Records.
Which is bigger Cane Corso or English Mastiff?
While Cane Corsos are large dogs, they are generally smaller than English Mastiffs, standing 24-28 inches tall and weighing 90-130 pounds. In comparison, English Mastiffs can grow up to 30 inches tall and weigh 230 pounds or more.
Sources
- https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/hercules-biggest-dog/
- https://www.disboards.com/threads/worlds-largest-dog.1432176/
- https://dailyupload.wordpress.com/2007/04/25/hercules-the-worlds-biggest-dog-ever/
- https://www.doggoneproblems.com/hagrid-hercules-stay-behind-boundary/
- https://largest.org/animals/dogs/
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