Please Start typing Breeds.

English Mastiff

Breed Profile

The English Mastiff (also known as the ‘Mastiff’) is a British breed which descended from the Alaunt and other Molossers several thousand years ago. It is believed that ‘Mastiff’ stems from the Anglo-Saxon word ‘masty’, meaning ‘powerful’. The Mastiff’s ancient origins are with the Molossians, an early Hellenic tribe known for its powerful guard dogs. In Roman times, the Mastiff was employed as a war dog and fighter, pit in the Arena against gladiators, bears, and even elephants. By the Middle Ages, the Mastiff was known to be a popular guard dog and hunter.

Temperament

The Mastiff is known to be docile, noble, courageous and generous

Color & Coat

Coat: Its double coat consists of a dense undercoat and a straight, coarse, outer coat of moderately short length.

Color: English Mastiff comes in apricot-fawn, silver-fawn, fawn, or dark fawn-brindle colors.

Living Environment

The English Mastiff is a particularly large dog which requires a well balanced diet and a daily dose of exercise. They will fare well within an apartment. They are relatively idle indoors and will make do with a small yard. They make good companions for children. It is also very friendly toward other pets and rather reserved toward strangers.

Health

It is not recommended that the Mastiff indulges in excessive running for the first two years of the dog’s life, in order not to damage the growth plates in the joints of this heavy and fast-growing dog which in some weeks may gain over 5 lb. Nevertheless, it is paramount that the Mastiff exercises on a regular basis to discourage indolent behaviour and a number of health issues. Health problems of importance include hip dysplasia and gastric torsion and minor issues include obesity, osteosarcoma, and cystinuria.