Mastiff
- Related Topics:
- bearbaiting
- working dog
- bullmastiff
What is a mastiff?
Should mastiffs be included in breed-specific legislation ("pit bull bans")?
Mastiff, breed of large working dog used as a guard and fighting dog in England for more than 2,000 years. Dogs of this type are found in European and Asian records dating back to 3000 bce. Sometimes called the Molossian breeds for a common ancestor, numerous heavily built large dog breeds incorporate the name Mastiff. They often, like the large Cane Corso, functioned as war dogs or guardians. The Roman invaders of England sent the English Mastiff to compete in the arenas of ancient Rome, where the dog was pitted against bears, lions, tigers, bulls, other dogs, as well as gladiators. The breed also fought in the later bullbaiting and bearbaiting rings of England.
- Also called: English Mastiff
- Area of origin: Medieval England
- Breed group: Working
- Height at withers: 27.5–30 inches (70–76 cm)
- Weight: 120–230 pounds (54–104 kg)
- Life span: 6-10 years
- Did you know?: Although a Mastiff is believed to have been one of two dogs that accompanied the 102 Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower on their trip to New England in 1620, it was not until the late 1800s that Mastiffs began to be imported to America in substantial numbers. An eight-year-old Mastiff named Zorba set a world record in 1989 for being the world’s largest dog, weighing a whopping 343 pounds (155.6 kg).
A powerful but characteristically gentle dog, the Mastiff has a broad head, drooping ears, a broad short muzzle, and a short coarse coat. Color, as specified by the breed standard, is apricot, silver fawn, or brindled fawn and black. Ears and muzzle are dark. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1885.
The slightly smaller Bullmastiff, a cross between the Mastiff and the Bulldog, was developed in 19th-century England; it was used chiefly to discourage poaching on estates and game preserves and was known as the “gamekeeper’s night-dog.” The Bullmastiff is a tan, reddish brown, or brindled dog, with black on the face and ears. It is frequently used as a police dog and guard.
Care and upkeep
The Mastiff’s size is the major challenge to its upkeep. It requires a large area in which to stretch out and sleep—preferably on soft bedding, which helps the Mastiff (as well as other dogs) avoid painful callouses and bursitis (inflammation of the cushioning sacs [called bursas or bursae] between tendons, joints, and tissues). It also requires a large vehicle in which to travel. The Mastiff is an expensive dog to own, especially with respect to food. The breed is not a good choice for fastidious housekeepers, as its drool is a constant feature.
The Mastiff is a poor choice for warm climates, unless the dog can spend the warmer parts of the day in air-conditioned spaces. The dog’s large body mass combined with its fairly short nasal passages make the Mastiff susceptible to overheating at temperatures tolerated by most other breeds. Although it is not excessively active, it still requires about an hour of interactive playing or walking each day. It enjoys games of tug, swimming, nose work, and trick training. Very few Mastiffs compete in agility, as their size makes such movements extremely difficult. Coat care is minimal, consisting of weekly brushing and occasional bathing. Bathing of the forechest and forelimbs may be needed more often if the dog drools on itself.
The breed is not long-lived, averaging only 6–10 years. It is subject to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GSV), a life-threatening emergency involving the bloating and blockage of the stomach that can require immediate (and often costly) veterinary intervention. Many owners elect to have the stomach surgically attached to the abdominal wall to prevent this. Like all large breeds, Mastiff puppies should be fed a large-breed puppy food that slows the rate of growth, which has been shown to lower the risk of hip dysplasia.
Temperament
The Mastiff has a big personality to match its big body. It is affectionate and eager (if slow) to please and may try to be a lapdog. It is friendly and demonstrative toward family members but aloof toward strangers. It is generally compatible with other household pets, including cats and other dogs. Upon reaching adulthood, its play periods are generally short in duration.
The breed is fairly easy to train, but usually it responds in slow motion. Although its temperament makes it an excellent choice for people of all ages, its sheer size and strength can make it too difficult for children or seniors to manage, and its low energy level and sheer bulk make it a poor choice for families seeking a hiking or jogging companion. It is an intimidating watchdog with a deep bark and can be a fair protection dog. It does not bark without reason.
These are well established and widely accepted generalizations about the breed. Individual dogs may differ in behavior and temperament.