Discover the Oldest English Mastiff Breed

The English Mastiff is a breed that's been around for thousands of years, and it's amazing to think about how it's evolved over time. The earliest recorded mention of a Mastiff-like dog dates back to 55 BC.

The English Mastiff is an ancient breed that's been a popular companion for royalty and working-class families alike. They were often used for guarding and protection due to their massive size and intimidating appearance.

One of the most interesting things about the English Mastiff is its origins in ancient Rome and Greece. The Romans and Greeks are known to have bred large dogs for guarding and fighting, and it's likely that the English Mastiff was influenced by these early breeds.

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The English Mastiff is an enormous dog breed, weighing between 120 and 230 pounds and standing at least 27 ½ inches tall for females and 30 inches for males.

They have a thick and chunky build, described as massive in appearance from any angle, with a muscular, powerful, and strong physique that can pull heavily laden carts.

Their slow metabolism and love of napping can lead to weight gain, so it's essential to monitor their diet and exercise.

The Mastiff is a large and sturdy breed, with a height range of 27 to 30 inches.

Their weight can vary significantly, ranging from 120 to 230 pounds, which can make them a bit unwieldy in tight spaces.

Despite their size, Mastiffs have a relatively low exercise need, making them a great fit for families with smaller living spaces.

Their energy level is also quite low, with a tendency to be lazy, which can be a relief for those who don't want to engage in high-energy activities.

Mastiffs are known for their high drool amount, which can be a bit of a challenge for owners who aren't prepared for it.

Here are some key physical characteristics of the Mastiff breed:

The English Mastiff is a giant dog breed, weighing between 120 and 230 pounds, with some individuals reaching an astonishing 343 pounds.

Females typically measure a minimum of 27 ½ inches, while males measure a minimum of 30 inches, making them the largest dog breed.

For more insights, see: English Mastiff Largest Dog

These dogs are thick and chunky, with a muscular build that's powerful enough to pull heavily laden carts.

A Mastiff's body fat can be a concern, as they often find themselves overweight due to their slow metabolism and love of napping.

Their barrel chest and sturdy neck are designed to carry their big head, which is often adorned with a long, droopy jawline and a pair of long, drop-down V-shaped ears.

The breed's medium-sized dark eyes are always alert and kind, giving them a sweet and quizzical look, completed by their eyebrow wrinkles and often rolly and wrinkled face.

The English Mastiff is a loyal and gentle breed, making them an excellent family pet. They are courageous yet docile, which is a unique combination that's hard to find in other breeds.

Their size can be intimidating, but they're generally good-natured and get along with cats and other dogs, especially if introduced at a young age.

Mastiffs are intelligent and sensitive, so they respond best to kindness, consistency, and positive reinforcement during training.

They're not suitable for harsh corrections or harsh words, so it's essential to use gentle and patient training methods.

Supervise interactions between mastiffs and young children, as their large size can be a concern.

With responsible breeding, many mastiffs end up being pretty nice dogs, as they're bred to prioritize temperament.

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To keep your Oldest English Mastiff happy and healthy, regular exercise is a must. Aim for 45 minutes of exercise every day, even if your furry friend tries to convince you otherwise.

Mastiffs learn best through short training sessions filled with positivity, praise, and treats. This approach will help them stay engaged and avoid boredom.

Grooming needs are minimal, but don't forget to brush their short coat a couple of times a week, and more so during shedding seasons. This will help keep their coat clean and tidy.

Grooming is an essential part of caring for your English Mastiff, and the good news is that it's relatively simple.

Their short coat only needs brushing once every week throughout the year to keep them clean and tidy. You should look to brush them twice a week during the shedding seasons to keep their shedding manageable.

Bathe them once every 8 to 12 weeks to prevent damaging their natural coat oils. A gentle formula made with natural ingredients will get the job done.

Nail clipping is as and when they need it – clipping on the floor is a good indicator that they're too long.

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The English Mastiff is a gentle giant that requires regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They need around 45 minutes of exercise every day, which can be broken up into shorter sessions to keep them entertained and stimulated.

To keep your Mastiff's coat clean and tidy, brush them once a week throughout the year. During shedding seasons, you may need to brush them twice a week to manage their shedding.

For more insights, see: My English Bulldog Is Shedding Excessively

Feeding your Mastiff is crucial, as they can be prone to overeating. They typically eat around eight cups of food every day, and it's essential to follow the package instructions to avoid overfeeding. A high-quality kibble specifically designed for large or giant breed dogs is a must, as it will help control their rapid bone growth and prevent skeletal problems.

Mastiffs are relatively easy to groom, with a short coat that only needs brushing once a week. However, they do shed moderately throughout the year, and you may need to brush them more frequently during shedding seasons.

Regular nail trims, teeth cleanings, and ear cleaning are essential for your Mastiff's overall health. You should also keep an eye out for any changes in their body that might need veterinary attention.

To keep your Mastiff's joints healthy, it's essential to keep their weight under control. If you notice they're gaining weight, switch them to a weight management kibble and increase their exercise routine.

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The English Mastiff has a rich and fascinating history that spans thousands of years.

They originated from the British Isles, brought there by Phoenician traders around 1000 BC.

Their ancestors were already in Britain by the time the Roman Empire landed in 55 BC, where they were admired for their strength.

The Romans even took some back to Rome to fight against lions and other wild animals in the Colosseum.

The breed was used for dog-fighting, bear-baiting, and bull-baiting for centuries, but their sweet personalities eventually made them popular companions during the Industrial Revolution.

One of the first dogs to come to the New World on the Mayflower, the English Mastiff was a beloved breed in America.

They were even used to pull munition carts on the front line during WWI and WWII.

The breed was nearly extinct in the 20th century, with only 14 remaining, but American breeders helped restore the breed by exporting their specimens to England.

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Mastiffs are a fascinating breed, and there's a lot to learn about them.

The term "mastiff" actually refers to several different types of dogs, including the English mastiff, Italian mastiff, French mastiff, Tibetan mastiff, and Neapolitan mastiff.

One of the most interesting facts about mastiffs is that they can grow to be incredibly large. In fact, the Guinness Record for the longest and heaviest dog goes to an Old English mastiff named Aicama Zorba of La-Susa, who measured a whopping 8 feet 3 inches from nose to tail.

The bullmastiff was bred by crossing the English mastiff with a bulldog, making it a unique and interesting breed in its own right.

Mastiffs have been featured in popular culture, including movies like The Sandlot, Hotel for Dogs, and Rocky, where the dog Butkus is a bullmastiff.

Here are some notable types of mastiffs:

Training and socialization are crucial for an Oldest English Mastiff. This breed needs to be socialized from a young age to grow into a polite and confident dog.

Firm but fair training is key, and owners need to establish a clear hierarchy in the family. This breed can be stubborn, but with persistence and the right motivation, they can be trainable. Treats and food can be effective motivators, but be prepared for some resistance.

Leash training is also essential, as a Mastiff can quickly become the one taking you for a walk. Crate training is recommended, and make sure the crate is big enough for your dog to move around comfortably.

Training is a crucial aspect of owning a Mastiff, and it's essential to start early. Firm but fair training is key, as is persistence.

If you let him off once, he'll try his luck time and time again. This breed is much happier in a family where there is an established hierarchy rather than wondering who the boss is.

Early training and the right direction can make all the difference. He isn't stupid, despite his dopey and clumsy demeanor.

Socialization from a young age is vital. Exposing him to new and unfamiliar situations, people, dogs, and other animals will increase his confidence and teach him to be a polite dog.

Leash training is also crucial, especially considering his large size. If he isn't leash trained, it'll be him taking you for a walk, not the other way around.

Crate training is a good idea, and make sure your crate is big enough.

The Mastiff breed is a wonderful companion, but like all giant dog breeds, they have a shorter lifespan, typically living between 6 to 10 years.

Regular low-impact exercise is crucial to extend their lifespan, so make sure to take your Mastiff on daily walks and playtime.

Gastric torsion is a serious condition that can be life-threatening, often caused by eating too quickly before or after exercise, so be mindful of your dog's eating habits.

Hip and elbow dysplasia are common issues in large and giant breeds, caused by rapid bone growth that can lead to uneven joint development.

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Eye conditions like entropion, progressive retinal atrophy, and cataracts can affect the breed, so keep an eye out for any signs of vision problems.

Pulmonic stenosis is a cardiac condition that can cause your Mastiff to faint during exercise or tire easily, so schedule regular check-ups with your vet.

CCL tears are common in giant breeds, especially if they're spayed or neutered too early, so consider their age and health when making this decision.

As family pets, English Mastiffs are a joy to have around. They are courageous dogs who will guard their families with their life.

Their size can be intimidating, but with proper socialization, they'll happily coexist with other dogs and family pets. In fact, they're excellent family dogs and tolerate both ear and tail pulls.

English Mastiffs are not high-energy dogs, so they don't require a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy. A moderate amount of exercise throughout the day will keep them satisfied, and they can even live in an apartment setting if provided with enough physical activity.

They're not the best choice for inexperienced owners, as they need strong and experienced owners who can handle their size and strength. However, with the right care and attention, they'll make loyal and loving companions.

Here are some fun facts about English Mastiffs as family pets:

Overall, English Mastiffs make wonderful family pets for those who are willing to provide the care and attention they need.