| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
Contents
The English Mastiff is probably one of the largest dogs in the world, but it is calm, friendly, and really attached to its owner.
The English Mastiff comes from England, as its name indicates. However, it is pretty difficult to know where the true ancestors of this giant came from. Some believe that it was imported by the Celts, but others think it was imported by the Phoenicians. What is certain is that it was thanks to trading that this dog arrived in English lands.
When the Romans discovered this breed, they took it to Rome. For their great size, they used the English Mastiff to fight the beasts in the arenas.
As time went by, Romans also discovered that it was an extraordinary guard dog. It is said that during the Hundred Years’ War, a female of this breed protected the wounded body of a warrior, Sir Peer Legh, for several days until rescuers arrived.
From that episode that took place in the Middle Ages, the English Mastiff began to gain popularity as one of the favorite dogs of the nobility. Even Elizabeth I had some specimens of this canine breed.
English Mastiff: A True Giant
Slightly smaller than other “giant dogs”, such as the Irish Greyhound or the Great Dane, but much more robust, with a body mass greater than that of the St. Bernard, the English Mastiff is a magnificent dog.
This giant easily exceeds 220 lb (100 kg) in weight. The record belongs to a perfectly fit specimen of 331 lb (150 kg). But you have nothing to fear, the English Mastiff is a friendly and calm giant. It is very difficult to find in countries with high temperatures, but if you spot it, it will surely not go unnoticed.
It is difficult to think of a more robust dog than the English Mastiff as it has a huge head and a look that, when not warm, is almost indifferent. Needless to say, it is one of the largest dogs in the world.
The English Mastiff is the perfect guard dog. It is powerful and territorial. It is not a dog that barks unless there is a reason to do so. This breed can be considered as the king of the canids since it is the noblest one, and the other breeds should only bow down to it.
English Mastiff: Temperament
The English Mastiff is a lovely giant. Although a bit lazy, this one knows how to be unstoppable when he has to defend the things it really wants. It’s hard not to be scared when you see this heavyweight colossus in action.
Fortunately, this breed is too kind. It stands out for its balanced and calm nature. It is really hard to make it angry, as it knows its size and strength and the damage it could cause.
It is essential to establish a trusting and affectionate relationship with it. The English Mastiff is intelligent and it will immediately bring great joy to those who give it the proper attention.
Of course, an English Mastiff’s affection may be hard for its family to handle given that it is like a giant teddy bear weighing over 220 lb that jumps into the arms of its loved ones to play and celebrate. In addition, this dog breed is widely used in pet therapy, due to its innate gentleness and its capacity to transmit calmness and security to others.
English Mastiff: Physical Characteristics
English Mastiff may be found in several coat colors:
- Apricot-fawn,
- Fawn,
- Brindle,
- Silver fawn,
- Silver brindle,
- Dark fawn-brindle.
Like all other dogs of this body size, the English Mastiff needs to rest frequently, so it sleeps a lot. This is a breed that needs a balanced diet and regular exercise. It is not recommended that Mastiffs run too much during the first two years of age so as to avoid damaging the cartilage in their legs during the growth stage.
As a puppy, this breed grows at an accelerated rate. It can gain between 4-5 lbs (2-3 kg) per week. Regular exercise is vital so that your English Mastiff does not become lazy and does not suffer from some diseases that are common in this breed.
It is not a restless dog: a good walk would be enough. As for its coat, it should be brushed a couple of times a week. However, during the moulting period, it should be brushed every day.
English Mastiff: Use
No doubt it is a watchdog and companion dog. Its large size makes it a formidable adversary and no one would dare challenge a dog determined to protect its owner and home. It is extremely territorial.
The English Mastiff prefers to take care of its family closely, rather than watch over them from the garden. Its greatest desire is to be with the people it loves, whether inside the house, under a table or lying on the sofa.
This breed will only bark if it deems it necessary. It will also act according to its own assessment of the seriousness of the situation… And nothing will stop it.
English Mastiff: Health
Unfortunately, the Mastiff has to deal with the same characteristic of all giant dogs: poor longevity. They are unlikely to live beyond 12 years, but these are twelve years of utter love and great fun. It will always act like a puppy, which also explains its calm nature.
The English Mastiff is also prone to health problems related to its weight. If it does not engage in daily physical activity, it may develop various diseases. Some tips are: take your dog for daily walks, prevent it from exercising during the first months of life and make it sleep on a soft surface to avoid the formation of calluses, arthritis and swelling caused by inflammation.
English Mastiff puppies should be in suitable, fenced-in areas until they are weaned. The most common health problems for the English Mastiff are hip dysplasia and gastric torsion.
Elbow dysplasia, thyroid problems and progressive retinal atrophy are other conditions to take into account when adopting an English Mastiff puppy. Its eyes and ears should be cleaned with special drops and specific cleaning solutions.
English Mastiff: Relationship with its Owner
The ideal English Mastiff owner must know how to handle more than 220 lb, which is no easy task. The owner must create a bond of understanding and respect with its pet in order to be able to train it.
The English Mastiff needs an owner who takes care of it. Although it is not a demanding dog, its health needs special attention from the first days of life until the end. The English Mastiff’s owner will have to act as its leader and create a solid and lasting relationship with it. In this way, your pet will provide the owner with many years full of joy and happiness.
English Mastiff: Relationship with Children
Although its size can be intimidating, the English Mastiff knows how to interact with the smallest members of the family. It is a breed that promises sweetness and love.
It will never be aggressive with them. On the contrary, it will always protect them and let them play with it at any game.
It is recommended to supervise this dog during children’s play, as it can unintentionally hurt them due to its great weight and size.
Keep in mind that no matter how loving this giant is, children may be afraid of it anyway.
English Mastiff: Relationship with Other Dogs
As for its relationship with other dogs, you have nothing to worry about. The English Mastiff knows who is the strongest, so it will never be aggressive with another dog. The worst thing it can do is ignore the other animal or play with it, especially if it is a puppy.
This breed knows how to be careful; therefore, it moves smoothly with dogs that are much smaller than it, though it’s hard to stop a ton of muscle and hair.
The English Mastiff also adapts well to life with other domestic animals. If they are well-tempered, it immediately becomes protective of them. On the contrary, if it lives isolated and is not trained and socialized from puppyhood, it can be quite distrustful, both with other animals and with strangers.
English Mastiff: Price, Breeders, and Puppies For Sale
The English Mastiff is a dog with extraordinary qualities, and breeders do an excellent job with mating, making sure to select specimens of great strength and resistance to the pathologies that unfortunately affect this breed.
The English Mastiff is one of the species that was in danger of extinction during the mid-20th century. It is not an easy breed to find in all parts of the world.
When it comes to its price, an English Mastiff puppy may cost 1400 dollars, about 1200 English pounds. Its high price is due to factors such as weight, low quantity of specimens, and a careful selection. It is essential that you buy a dog from a reliable breeder so that you can be sure that your puppy has been:
- Bred for good health and temperament;
- Well-selected (this means that its parents were chosen without genetic diseases);
- Properly socialized, so that it is not too fearful or too aggressive;
- Vaccinated and well-groomed.
Now that we have clarified all the most important aspects, you can go in search of your new 4-legged friend, who is surely waiting for you.
You may be interested in reading another article related to other dog breeds such as:
- Sussex Spaniel
- Japanese Spitz
- Alabai
- Dalmatian
- Caucasian Shepherd
- Bullmastiff
- Newfoundland
- Irish Wolfhound
- Havanese
- Scottish Deerhound
