English Mastiff, one of the best known types of Mastiff and one of the highest ranking when it comes to guard dog duty. The English Mastiff certainly has “presence” and will guarantee that any strangers that encounter it will think again about trespassing on its territory.
You may explain an English Mastiff as Large, Huge, Giant, and nothing less then ‘Really Big’. If fact it can be speculated that the Mastiff get’s his breed name from the Anglo-Saxon word for powerful – “masty”. The English Mastiff is known as the “heaviest dog in the world”. One of the oldest breeds of Britain, their ancient roots extends back to the Alaunt and the Molosser.
During the early years of this majestic breed – extending as far back as the sixth century BC – the mastiff was used for all types of battle scenarios. The Mastiff was used in many legendary blood sports including, lion-baiting, bull-baiting and bear-bating as well as head to head dog fights.
It has been said that the English Mastiff breed is the paradox of the k9s; being that is Loyal and calm, yet ferocious and fearless; loving and caring, yet an aggressively on guard. An English mastiff will instinctively position itself between his owner and stranger if the person approaching is unknown to the family’s “territory”. If the stranger approaching will not back down, The Mastiff will take further defense, and quickly subdue the stranger. You now see why the Mastiff is Ranked high as a Guard dogs. Loyal and courageous you will feel protected as an English Mastiff owner. When it comes to Children the Mastiff is very gentle.
The presence of an English Mastiff has an impact on all she/he meets. With the average male Mastiff standing 20 inches from ground to shoulder and females a little bit shorter standing at about 27.5 on average. It’s quite common to see a male English Mastiff Scaling in weight from 160 to 235 pounds, with the opposing gender being a bit smaller, weighing in at 140 to 190 pounds or greater.
Like any other pure bread dog, you should be aware the English Mastiff has its own genetic health issues. These rage from dysplasia to Bloating, and they can easily become obese. However you can simply manage the weight of the English Mastiff by feeding your dog two to three rationed meals a day. This breed is also known for a higher degree of bone cancer susceptibility, and kidney stones. However with proper care, your English Mastiff can remain happy and healthy and live to average age nine to eleven years old.
The responsibly of the Mastiff health is solely on the owner (or owning family). With a well balanced diet and abundance of ‘play time’ exercise your mastiff will may even live beyond its ‘average years’. Be forwarded that the mastiff can like humans enjoy being lazy, and quite comfortably lounge around the house. A good owner will even coax the dog off the couch and take him/her for a run in the park.
Because the English Mastiff breed has short hair, grooming is strait forward. Brushing him daily with a bristle type or one of those rubber glove types will do fine. The purpose of this is to remove the dust, dirt, dead hair and skin; if not removed could lead bad order and skin problems. It is highly encouraged that all Mastiff owners make this a daily habit.
If you schedule your brushings at the same time every day, your Mastiff may even remind you that it’s brush time with a gentle nudge. The English Mastiff is one of the most affectionate of breeds and really loves the attention and feeling of a good brushing. This is also a good time to bond.
The English Mastiff is not just the biggest dog, but has a huge heart; one that he is just waiting to give to you for a Mastiff lifetime.
