English Mastiff: Facts, Characteristics & Care
| Height: | 18-24 inches |
| Weight: | 120-170 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 6-10 Years |
| Colors: | With a black mask, fawn, brindle, and apricot |
| For: | Dog owners who are experienced and looking for a large, powerful but laidback dog breed. |
| Temperament: | Trustworthy and docile with those they trust. Patient and courageous. |
Although the English Mastiff is a huge dog, they are not as intimidating as they look. This powerful breed is the largest dog breed. The average adult male can weigh 170 pounds. However, it is possible that they will grow larger.
These patient dogs, despite their size, are calm and docile around their families. However, they can protect you from outsiders. You should be confident that a Mastiff can listen to commands, as their natural instinct is to guard their homes.
This breed, also known as the Mastiff or Old English Mastiff is quite a commitment to training and a large expense in food. This site will provide all the information you need about this noble breed.
English Mastiff Puppies — Before You Bring One Home
Although these puppies may be larger than the average, they are still cute. You should make sure you are able to provide the necessary care for your English Mastiff pup to become a happy, healthy adult dog.
When it comes to nutrition and exercise, Mastiffs are different from smaller breeds. It takes time and dedication to ensure your puppy grows up properly.
Although English Mastiffs can be gentle and friendly with their family, they are cautious of strangers. They will protect their patch if they feel threatened. They won’t be discouraged by the fact that they are actually being threatened by the mail carrier. This breed requires early socialization. You must be confident in your ability to control a dog that can reach 170 pounds at full growth.
Three Little-Known Facts about the English Mastiff
1. Nearly extinct was the English Mastiff
English Mastiffs were used as war dogs during the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 and in both World Wars. The British population of English Mastiffs fell to a bare minimum after World War II. The breed was in danger of extinction as only 14 dogs survived. Breeders in the United States of America exported some of the dogs and began rebuilding the breed. The English Mastiff is now ranked among the top 30 most popular dog breeds in America.
2. The 345-pound English Mastiff was the largest.
Aicama Zorba from La-Susa was a male English Mastiff who held the Guinness World Records title of the heaviest and longest dog. He weighed 345 pounds and stood 37 inches at his shoulder. His height was 8 feet 3 inches from the nose to the tail tip. This is one big dog!
3. Mastiff has a special meaning.
This breed is an old one, and the Latin word mansuetus, which means “mastiff”, refers to mild, gentle, and tame. This describes the English Mastiff’s personality when they are surrounded by their loved ones!
Temperament and Intelligence of the English Mastiff
An English Mastiff is a gentle, patient, and friendly dog. They are large dogs, but they are a gentle and loving family member. The other side of this coin is that an English Mastiff is known for being a fierce protector if they are approached by strangers. They are large and intimidating, and their deep bark is why they have been so successful as guard dogs.
English Mastiff owners need to ensure that their dogs can be socialized and trained to accept both humans and dogs. It would be irresponsible to keep a Mastiff if you don’t take the time to train them. Mastiffs can quickly grow to be twice as large as the average person. It is important to train your dog with training aids.
English Mastiffs are loyal and will do anything to please their owners. They may ignore you or prefer to do their thing!
These dogs are good for families
English Mastiffs are gentle and protective and can be a great family pets if they are well-socialized from a young age. It is important to teach a Mastiff how to interact with other dogs and to understand verbal commands.
They are sociable and laid-back family dogs. However, they may not be able to keep up with long play sessions. They will collapse and admit defeat when they are tired. Because of their large size, it is important to take care of older and younger family members. They can be very chilled, but they can also knock over people if they’re not careful.
They love to interact with children, provided they are taught to respect large breeds and allow Mastiffs to take a break after the game.
Is this breed compatible with other pets?
Although the English Mastiff is able to get along with other pets, it’s important to socialize with them early. Cats and small pets are unlikely to register with them as they don’t have a high prey drive. Despite this, it is important to take your time and introduce them slowly.
If the Mastiff is not socialized at an early age, their protective instinct can spread to other dogs. A Mastiff can decide to protect their territory and everyone around them will be aware of it. It is important to sign up for puppy training classes and get your Mastiff used to interact with a variety of dogs.
As long as they are trained properly, they can live happily in a multi-dog household. If your Mastiff has been living alone and is not socialized, you might need professional training before adding another dog to the household.
What to know when you own an English mastiff
Dog ownership is at a different level when you own a large breed such as the English Mastiff. It’s crucial to prioritize training and proper nutrition for large dogs. These are just a few of the details you will need to know.
Food & Diet Requirements
Giant breeds require more specific nutrition than any other dog. Your English Mastiff puppy’s growth rate should not be too fast so it is important to not overfeed them. Standard puppy food is often too rich in protein. An adult formula with around 26% protein is better.
To reduce the chance of your puppy developing skeletal problems as they grow older, it is important to control the ratio of calcium and phosphorous. You should not allow them to gain too much weight. Instead of allowing your dog to eat whatever they like, make sure you stick to regular meals.
A nutritional plan for your puppy will be most helpful if it is designed by a veterinarian. English Mastiffs require more research than other breeds and a different approach to nutrition.
Exercise
It’s important to not over-exert your puppy as they mature. It’s tempting to take your Mastiff puppy for long walks or playtime, but it’s not the best thing for them.
Slow and steady are the keys here. Puppy up to 6 months old should not be allowed to walk more than half a mile. You shouldn’t allow them to jump or climb upstairs at a rapid pace.
English Mastiffs do not require as much exercise as they might believe as they age. In winter, they can walk up to 2 miles per week, while in summer, they can walk as little as 1.2 miles each day. The Mastiff is known for refusing to move when they feel they have had enough exercise. This can happen halfway through a walk. It’s better to take shorter walks and to spend more time in your backyard or at the local dog park.
Training
English Mastiffs require special training! Because English Mastiffs are such a large breed, proper training and socialization are crucial for them. It is not possible to leave training for Mastiffs until they are older. Puppy training classes can help your Mastiff get used to being around other dogs and people. This will prevent them from becoming territorial and protective as they age. A professional trainer can help you improve your skills and find the best methods for your Mastiff.
English Mastiffs are stubborn and can get tired of repeating the same commands. It will be nearly impossible to get them back on track again.
Although mastiffs are large, they can be extremely sensitive. Mastiffs can detect subtle signals in your body language, and expressions you may not be aware of. It is a bad idea to raise your voice in front of them. This can cause emotional distress and could even lead to your dog’s death. This breed is well-suited for positive reinforcement. You can also use short sessions to keep your dog interested.
Grooming
It is easy to groom an English Mastiff. For most of the year, their short coat needs to be brushed once a week. You may have to brush their hair daily as they shed their hair once or twice per year.
During their brushing sessions, make sure to check your dog’s ears, nails, and teeth.
English Mastiffs do drool quite a bit! It is possible to find that they need to be wiped frequently, or you can let their drool do the talking!
Health and Conditions
English Mastiffs are generally healthy, but you should be aware of certain health conditions. We have provided a short list of conditions that any reputable breeder can provide, although more information is available.
Minor Conditions
- Allergies to seasonal foods
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
Severe Conditions
- Bloat (gastric torsion).
- Entropion
- Ectropion
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Hypothyroidism
- Retinal dysplasia
Male vs. Male vs.
The English Mastiff requires more attention than other breeds but you may be attracted to the idea of owning one. Perhaps you are even talking to a breeder about how many female and male pups they have before you make a reservation.
We recommend that you meet a litter before you make a decision on whether you want a male pup or a female. A female puppy might charm you more than a male, even though you thought you would choose a male. You won’t regret choosing your pup for its personality and not its sexuality.
Although males may be heavier than their female counterparts, in reality, both sexes are equally heavy. You’ll need to make sure your dog can handle a dog that is more than you!
If you are concerned about sex-related behavior, you can rest assured that it will cease when your puppy is spayed/neutered at the appropriate age.
Last Thoughts
This comprehensive introduction to the English Mastiff should give you all you need to know about this beautiful breed. Although they are gentle and loving with their families, don’t let that fool you. They can also be very affectionate towards their pets. An English Mastiff fully grown and determined to protect their territory and family can be intimidating and quite impressive.
This breed requires proper training and socialization at an early age. You won’t regret spending time with them as puppies. As they age, these large dogs require a lot of attention to their exercise and diet. It’s a good idea to consult your veterinarian to ensure that you are doing everything right.
The English Mastiff, like many other giant breeds of dogs, doesn’t live as long as smaller breeds. However, if you choose to bring one into your home, you can be sure that it will make a gentle and loving addition to your family.