Mastiff
 Questions
About Mastiffs? Click Here for the Kennel.com
Forum!
 Description:
The Mastiff (sometimes called the Old English
Mastiff or simply English Mastiff) is descended
from the large, mastiff-type dogs brought to Britain
as early as the 6th century BC, by Phoenician
traders. The dogs were crossed with local fighting
dogs and were used for hunting, and as fighters
against bears, lions, bulls, and eventually dogs.
However Mastiffs were most prized as a family
guardian, courageous, yet devoted to their family;
they maintained this popularity for over 2000
years in Britain, only to be reduced in numbers
close to extinction after World War II and a breed
census confirmed that there were only 8 dogs of
breeding age left. With the help of a Canadian
breeder who sent over puppies, the Mastiff was
restored, and has again attained a high level
of popularity.
Height:
The height of a Mastiff is 30" (76.2cm)
for dogs and 27.5" (69.8cm) for bitches.
Weight:
The Mastiff weighs 175 - 190 lbs (78.1
- 84.8 kg).
Coat Type: The
Mastiff has a short dense undercoat with a moderately
coarse outer coat. The Mastiff does not require
much grooming.
Color: The basic
description of the color of the Mastiff's coat
is 'fawn, apricot, or brindle' - according to
the AKC Standard.
Temperament:
The Mastiff is a courageous and intelligent dog,
yet gentle and biddable. It makes a wonderful
companion in a setting with a good deal of space.
As with all dogs that are giants at maturity,
training should begin early during puppy hood.
Health Problems:
Because of its deep chest cavity, the Mastiff
is at risk for gastric torsion (bloat). Epilepsy
is highly suspected to have a genetic component
in this breed. As with many large breeds, hip
dysplasia may be a problem, and the life expectancy
is short. They also tend to salivate and snore.
Special Interest:
The Mastiff is listed in the Guinness
Book of Records as being the heaviest breed
in general (tied with the Saint Bernard).
Classifications:
AKC: Group 3 - Working Dogs
ANKC: Group 6 - Utility
CKC: Group 3 - Working Dogs
FCI: Group 2 Section 2 Molossoid breeds
KC: Non-Sporting - Working Group
NZKC: Utility
UKC: Guardian Dog
|
