The Tan English Mastiff is a gentle giant, with a short, easy-to-maintain coat that's perfect for busy owners.
This breed requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, so be prepared to brush your Tan English Mastiff at least twice a week.
Tan English Mastiffs are known for their calm and gentle nature, making them a great choice for families with children.
They can be quite large, with males weighing up to 230 pounds and standing as tall as 30 inches at the shoulder.
Breed Information
The Tan English Mastiff is a beloved breed, and understanding its vital statistics can help you provide the best possible care.
They typically stand between 27.5–30 inches (70–76 cm) tall and weigh between 120–230 pounds (54–104 kg).
The Tan English Mastiff's life span is relatively short, ranging from 6–10 years.
Here's a quick summary of the breed's vital statistics:
Breed Data
The Mastiff breed is a fascinating one, and understanding its vital statistics can help you decide if it's the right fit for you. Here are some key facts to consider:
The Mastiff's height ranges from 27.5 to 30 inches (70-76 cm), making them a large breed.
Their weight can vary significantly, from 120 to 230 pounds (54-104 kg), which is impressive for a single breed.
You can expect a Mastiff's life span to be relatively short, ranging from 6 to 10 years.
One interesting fact about Mastiffs is that they originated in medieval England.
History
During World War II, Mastiff breeding in the British Isles came to a near standstill due to meat rationing.
The war had a devastating impact on the breed, with puppies succumbing to canine distemper, a disease for which no vaccine was developed until 1950.
Only one puppy, Nydia of Frithend, survived to maturity, and her sire had to be declared a Mastiff by the Kennel Club due to unknown parentage.
Nydia's bloodline was key to the breed's revival in the late 1950s, as she was the only female Mastiff to reach maturity from the surviving stock.
All Mastiffs in the late 1950s were descended from Nydia and 14 other Mastiffs, with each all-male bloodline tracing back to Ch. Crown Prince.
In 1959, a Dogue de Bordeaux, Fidelle de Fenelon, was imported from France to the U.S. and registered as a Mastiff, expanding the breed's gene pool.
By the late 1950s, the breed had been gradually restored in Great Britain and had become the 28th most popular breed in the U.S.
English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is a massive breed, standing between 27.5 and 30 inches tall and weighing between 120 and 230 pounds.
These gentle giants have a relatively short lifespan of 6-10 years, which is why it's essential to make every day count.
Their slow growth rate means they reach skeletal maturity over two years, compared to 12 months for most other breeds.
As a result, English Mastiffs are prone to hip dysplasia, joint issues, and osteoporosis, often caused by obesity.
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You should be able to feel their ribs and backbone, and if you can't, they're likely overweight, which can decrease their lifespan by 2-6 years.
Here are some key statistics about the English Mastiff breed:
The breed's history is fascinating, with a single bitch puppy named Nydia of Frithend being the foundation of the modern English Mastiff breed in the UK.
This breed has been around for centuries, with a direct descendant of the ancient Molosser dog breed facing gladiators and lions in the past.
Health
The tan English Mastiff is a large and majestic breed, but like all large breeds, it's prone to certain health issues.
Hip dysplasia is a major concern for Mastiffs, and it's essential to have your dog tested for it before purchasing a purebred.
Regular exercise is crucial to prevent slothful behavior and various health problems, but excessive running is not recommended, especially in the first two years of life.
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A soft surface is recommended for the dog to sleep on to prevent the development of calluses, arthritis, and hygroma.
Mastiffs are also susceptible to gastric torsion, a life-threatening emergency that can occur when the stomach twists and blocks blood flow.
To prevent this, experts recommend feeding your Mastiff two or three times a day instead of one large meal.
As with all large breeds, Mastiff puppies should be fed a large-breed puppy food that slows the rate of growth, which has been shown to lower the risk of hip dysplasia.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GSV) is another life-threatening emergency that can occur in Mastiffs, and it's essential to monitor your dog's eating habits and adjust them accordingly.
Mastiffs are also prone to other health issues, such as obesity, osteosarcoma, and cystinuria, so it's crucial to keep a close eye on your dog's weight and overall health.
A UK study found a life expectancy of 9 years for the breed, but with proper care and attention, many Mastiffs can live up to 10 years or more.
If you're considering bringing a Mastiff into your family, it's essential to discuss heritable conditions and other specific wellness issues with a reputable breeder.
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Appearance and Standards
The English Mastiff is a massive dog breed, with a broad skull and head that's generally square in appearance. They're the largest dog breed in terms of mass, although they can be slightly lighter than Saint Bernards.
Their body is large, with great depth and breadth, especially between the forelegs, which are set wide apart. This gives them a sturdy and robust appearance.
The AKC standard height for English Mastiffs is 30 inches at the shoulder for males and 27.5 inches for females. Males typically weigh between 150-250 pounds, while females weigh between 120-200 pounds.
Their coat can be short and close-lying, but some Mastiffs may have a long-haired coat due to a recessive gene. This is known as a "Fluffy" coat, and it's not considered a fault by the AKC.
English Mastiffs come in a variety of colors, including apricot-fawn, silver-fawn, fawn, and dark fawn-brindle. They always have black on their muzzle, ears, and nose, and around their eyes.
Their brindle markings should be heavy, even, and clear, but they can also be light, uneven, or patchy. Some Mastiffs may have a black mask, while others may have a brown or blue mask.
The genetic basis for their coat color variability has been studied, but there's still more to be learned. The possible combinations of genes that determine their coat color are complex, but they can include fawn, apricot, black, and brindle.
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Is a Mastiff Right for You?
Mastiffs are naturally protective of their families and can make excellent watchdogs, but they're not generally aggressive unless provoked.
Their temperament is often described as gentle and docile, especially around children, and they're known to be patient and tolerant of playful behavior.
However, their size and strength can be intimidating, making them a challenge for children or the elderly to manage.
Mastiffs are also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise, content with short play periods and a relatively inactive lifestyle.
They're not ideal for families who want a hiking or jogging companion, but they can be perfect for those who want a loyal and loving companion to snuggle up with on the couch.
Despite their intimidating size, Mastiffs are known to be loving and affectionate, often seeking out human interaction and attention.
Their loyalty and devotion to their families are unmatched, making them a beloved breed for many dog owners.
AKC Resources
If you're interested in learning more about the history and development of the tan English Mastiff, I recommend exploring the AKC Library & Archives. You can find an overview of their collections, which include a wealth of information on dog breeds.
The AKC Library & Archives also houses Breed Club Archives, which can be a valuable resource for researching the tan English Mastiff's origins and characteristics.
If you're looking for specific information on the breed, you can search the Library Catalog, which allows you to browse and search their collection of books, articles, and other materials.
If you're interested in visiting the AKC Library & Archives in person or would like to donate to their collection, you can find more information on their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rarest color of English mastiffs?
The rarest color of English Mastiffs is black, which is so uncommon that its genetic basis is still unknown.
What is the best color for a Mastiff?
The most popular color for Mastiffs is Fawn, which can vary from light grayish-brown to light yellowish tan. If you're interested in learning more about this breed, we have a wealth of information on their characteristics and needs.
Sources
- Mastiff Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- World Animal Foundation - 7 Mastiff dog breeds exuding strength, grace, and love (worldanimalfoundation.org)
- PetMD - Mastiff (petmd.com)
- A-Z Animals - Mastiff (a-z-animals.com)
- WebMD - All About Mastiffs (webmd.com)
- The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals - Mastiff (pdsa.org.uk)
- Vetstreet - Mastiff (vetstreet.com)
- United Kennel Club - Mastiff (ukcdogs.com)
- The Kennel Club - Mastiff (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- Mastiff Club of America - Mastiff History (mastiff.org)
- National Center for Biotechnology Information - PubMed Central - Mastiff breed mortality: A study of owner experience, dog age and longevity (nih.gov)
- standard (fci.be)
- standard (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- the original (mastiffclub.com)
- "Dog Coat Color Genetics" (usask.ca)
- English Mastiff (curlie.org)
- breed standard (mastiff.org)
- Mastiff Breeds: Meet These Large, Beautiful, and Protective ... (akc.org)
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