The Mastiff is a big - strain dog with a immense heart . At first glance , they may appear to be intimidating , but under their giant body is an affectionate , gentle personality . They do well with everyone in the family , but take special care around young children , as Mastiffs may accidentally topple them over . They do n’t tend to in full interpret their enormous size .
Origin and History
An ancient dog known as Molossus is the ancestor of the Mastiff we recognize and love today . They are known to have been in existence up to 5,000 years ago . draft of Mastiff - similar dogs are found throughout criminal record in Babylonian , Greek , and Egyptian history . They were used as guard dogs as well as for amusement purpose and were once used to campaign lions .
Kublai Khanowned a dog house with more than 5,000 Mastiffs used both for war and hunt purposes . Hannibalbrought Mastiffs with him when he crossed the Alps to land warfare to Rome . Along this journey , they pair with local dogs , likely the ancestors of modern Saint Bernards and Rottweilers .
The Mastiff get in the United States during the Colonial earned run average . They were one of the early breeds to be registered by theAmerican Kennel Club ( AKC)in 1885 . Shortly thereafter , in 1929 , theMastiff Club of Americawas formed to watch over the breed .
Breed Characteristics
The Mastiff belong beyond the verbal description of being large . They ’re a gargantuan breed with a gentle tendency and an chemical attraction for all members of the home .
Appearance
The Mastiff has a short , straight outercoat with a dense undercoat . satisfactory colors include apricot , fawn , or brindle . Brindle Mastiffs are a mixture of both colors with dark stripes . Some member of the breed have a minuscule , white patch on their chest .
This breed is commonly advert to as a mammoth due to their big size . Male Mastiffs should be 30 inches tall at the shoulder , while distaff mastiff should be 27.5 inch tall . Although other strain may be similar in height , the Mastiff outweighs other large breeds by up to 100 pounds . They can weigh up to 220 pounds or more , so get ready for a Clifford - similar lap dog .
Temperament
Do n’t let their enceinte sizing fool you ; mastiff are more like jumbo teddy bears than anything else . They do protect their menage if necessary , but choose love over hostility . mastiff are gentle in nature and do n’t even like conflict between family members . If you and your spouse get down to fence , do n’t be surprised if your Mastiff walk in to hold on it .
Mastiffs adore tyke , but may not be best in homes with young child as they may incidentally tap them over . As such , they do best in plate with older minor . It ’s also of import to keep in mind they should never be ridden . They are large , but irrespective of your child ’s size , let them to ride on the back of your Canis familiaris could pass to injuries to both the child and the hotdog .
Training
Obedience trainingshould start the moment your puppy arrives home , whether they ’re an adult or a pup . The younger your dog is when you begin direct , the well-heeled it will be , especially considering this breed is fast - growing . They are comparatively easy to groom with incontrovertible reenforcement , but are n’t recommended for first - fourth dimension owners , part because it is significant to expend efficient grooming prior to Mastiff extend to adult sizing .
Socialization is important in any breed , but specially in large breeds . Lack ofsocializationin any dog can lead to destructive behavior , aggressiveness , and inability to interact with other mass and beast . The Mastiff is peculiarly large , and if not expose to societal situations , stranger , other ducky , and unfamiliar surroundings , they can acquaint a more significant terror than much smaller breeds . A Mastiff that is properly socialized and trained is a loving , well - round family companion .
Exercise Requirements
Between 20 and 30 minutes of exercise twice each Clarence Shepard Day Jr. is sufficient for the Mastiff . Due to their large size , their joints and body will thank you for not take them along for your daily lope , but adaily walkis satisfactory as long as you maintain hydration and keep an eye on energy levels . The best walking time is in the early dawn and late evening to prevent overheating .
Health
Mastiffs are prone to a few of the usual wellness problems encountered with most large breeds , include :
Lifespan
Most Mastiffs exist between 6 and 8 years on medium , with some living up to 12 years former .
Grooming
keep your Mastiff ’s coat is as simple as brushing it once a solar day with arubber curry . Shower or bathe them only when perfectly essential . Check your Mastiff ’s ears hebdomadally for any olfactory sensation or inflammation . If these are present , this might indicate an contagion is present or is worsening . If the ears appear to be healthy , wipe the out ear with pH - balanced ear clean to prevent infection , do sure you do not to enter the privileged ear .
Fun Facts about the Breed
The Mastiff really is one of a kind . insure out these fun facts !
Purchasing or Adopting a Mastiff
If you ’re looking for a Mastiff pup , a good place to start is theMastiff Club of America . The clubhouse has a breeder directory available as well as helpful tips on how to find responsible breeder with quality heel . The AKC Marketplace also has a stock breeder search . anticipate to pay around $ 1,000 to $ 1,500 , although show dogs from champion lines can be as much as $ 5,000 .
Rescue Organizations
If you ’re searching for a saving dog , and you are n’t put on a purebred , you’re able to begin by go over the directories on PetFinder and Save - a - Rescue . you could also search the following breed - specific rescues :
Is this the Breed for You?
The Mastiff is an first-class fellow traveler for an experienced dog proprietor who does n’t mind a giant dog and can cover their drool around the house . They are n’t suitable for those who live in an apartment , do n’t have a batch of infinite for them to cast , or for first - time weenie owners . If you have experience caring for magnanimous dogs and are look for a large strain with a big mettle , this could be the wienerwurst for you .
